Incredible itinerary on a very tired ship

Statendam Cruise Review to South Pacific

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 38

Overall rating:

3.2 out of 5
Statendam

30 Night Hawaii & Pacific Islands (San Diego Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 16, 2013

Ship: Statendam

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: Forgot

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

It was near the top of our bucket list - a cruise to French Polynesia. We thought the trip would be extra special because it spanned the holidays with an overnight on Oahu for Christmas and then Tahiti for New Years. Without exception the ports and islands we stopped at were all enjoyable but the days we spent on Fanning Island and Moorea will remain unforgettable as long as we live. It was unfortunate that what should have been a fulfilled fantasy was marred by events attributable to the condition of the ship. It was a bit disconcerting when the engines stopped not once but twice in the middle of the Pacific. Though both instances were short lived, it's an eerie feeling to hear the ship go silent and the ensuing darkness. Such events can generate a concern, especially so with so many sea days such a long way from land. Then midway through the cruise when leaving Papeete the ship was hit by a tropical downpour so intense that the scuppers were unable to handle the deluge. When the ship keeled to port during a tight turn to starboard the rainwater went down the forward elevator shaft and stairwell. Several of the suites were inundated for which the occupants were given minimal compensation according to a columnist featured in our local newspaper who was onboard in one of the affected suites. The forward elevators were temporarily out of service but heaters, fans and dehumidifier were operational all the way back to San Diego. But it was the lack of water hot enough for a shower in our cabin during the initial days out of San Diego that negatively impacted our  experience. For 3-1/2 days our complaints were listened to but not heard as no corrective action was taken. We were told that the ship was full so there was nowhere else to go. On the afternoon of the fourth day we were moved from our inside stateroom to an ocean view only six cabins forward of ours. In reality then, the ship was not full so why did it take so long to address our situation? We submitted the onboard survey and the post-cruise survey on line which stated our displeasure but neither brought an apology, much less any form of compensation. We could easily have insisted that the daily "hotel service charges" be removed from our bill (US$690) but we were not inclined to penalize the hardworking crew members as the deficiency was not their fault.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Although the food was pretty good it was not on par with the food on the Westerdam in 2011

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
The usual fare except for a few of the lecturers.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
Quality overall not that great probably due to the time of year.

Children's Programs

N:A

Service and Staff

3 out of 5
Cabin stewards were great. Food servers were hit and miss. Guest services were cheerful but unable to ensure a solution to our hot water problem.

Ship Quality

1 out of 5
Fraught with mechanical problems

Cabin / Stateroom

1 out of 5
No hot water in cabin for almost four days

Ship tip

The Statendam is one of four older ships with the capacity for 1250 passengers which is a plus as far as we are concerned but her age is getting to be a real downside and we would not sail on her again. She is going to Australia at the end of 2015 to be a part of P&0.

Ports of call

San Diego, California

3 out of 5
Spent one night before the cruise.

Hilo, Hawaii

3 out of 5
Some historic sites in Old Town but very small. Had our camcorder stolen while here.

Lahaina, Maui

5 out of 5
Perfect size to stroll about.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

5 out of 5

Christmas Island (Kiritimati)

5 out of 5
Fanning Island - no electricity or running water. Most of the 1700 inhabitants are children who are polite and delightful.

Raiatea, French Polynesia

5 out of 5

Moorea, French Polynesia

5 out of 5
In our opinion this is the jewel of the archipelago.

Rangiroa, French Polynesia

5 out of 5
Every island is unique but a pleasure.

Nuku Hiva, Marquesas

5 out of 5
Next to Moorea this was our favourite.
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