Doing it Dutch

Item: Ryndam
Rating: 4
Author: ItaVero

Ryndam Cruise Review to Mexico

ItaVero

Contributor Level: Captain

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 15

Helpful Votes: 353

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

7 Night Mexico Sea Of Cortez (San Diego Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 14, 2002

Ship: Ryndam

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

This was our very first cruise with Holland America. Enjoyed it - a smaller ship and quite different from what we'd been used to. Not better or worse - just different. She was only six or so years old - and in great condition. I understand she's undergone major renovations since.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Dining was elegant - wait staff excellent - everyone up and down the line from water boy to waiter to sommelier to maître 'd checked in nightly.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Elegant and adult (not at all risqué, but sophisticated and mature).

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Excellent, professional and varied.

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Service was top notch from the buffet to MDR to cocktail lounges, guest services, theater - all good.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

An older - more conventional design than we've sailed since. We enjoyed it.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Cabin was fine - steward and assistant steward were great.

Ship tip

The Ryndam was built in the mid 1990s - when cruise ships still looked a little like ships (sweeping pointed bow, elegant lines, and nautical stacks). Cool. I understand she underwent major renovations in 2004.

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