Ryndam, March 22, 2015, 7 Night Western Caribbean from Tampa, FL
Ryndam Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western
7 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)
Sail date: March 22, 2015
Ship: Ryndam
Cabin type: Inside
Cabin number: 414
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 9 years ago
Review summary
This was my first time on Holland America. I wanted to try a cruise line that has a long, dependable reputation for elegant service. I was not disappointed for the most part.
Although I had an inside cabin, it was the largest and most comfortable of any ship I have been on (10+ cruises under my belt). Twin beds were very comfortable and wide enough. Lights for the cabin were right behind the bed so that was convenient. Bathroom was bigger than any of the other ships on which I have traveled. Two people could actually stand at the sink at the same time! Food was not as plentiful as expected nor was the quality any better than most of the ships I have been on. Lido deck food was just as good as the dining room food. If you want room service, be aware that it may take an hour to get your food. Additionally, you may get the wrong order so you may have to reorder or eat what you get. Sometimes, they get the order wrong and you get extra food you did not expect, but which is delectable.
Shipboard activities were great and you can actually get into the pools, not just your toe in. There was plenty of room and the pools were bigger than any other ship I have been on. If you are in a more mature age group (over 50/60 onward), you will appreciate that the pool areas were not dominated by a party crowd and music on deck was more fitting for a more mature crowd. Caribbean music abounded, but not blaring hip-hop.
Entertainment by the house entertainers was better than I had experienced with other cruise lines. Again, it seemed that the entertainment, genre and songs were geared to a more mature audience (upper 40's onward).
I am anticipating going on Holland America again soon. Unfortunately, it won't be on the Ryndam, because it has been sold. However, I am sure that the other Holland America ships will be just as pleasant.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Take advantage of the peaceful Lower Promenade deck where there are wooden loungers in the style of the early 1900's voyages transatlantic. Pads were available for the chairs and you could catch a nap or catch up on reading. No other ship I have been on had this feature with loungers on the side
Ports of call
Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras
Santo Tomas De Castilla, Guatemala
1 Comment
glomarrone 9 years ago
I especially enjoyed this review since I have not cruised on this ship.
Thanks for posting your first review here on the Website. I hope that another HAL cruise is in your future since this one went so well. HAL is my favorite cruise ine. I will reach 4 star level on my next cruise.