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Holland America Line

MS Oosterdam

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Patricia Comm
# previous cruises: 2
Date of Trip: February 8, 2004
Itinerary: Caribbean - Eastern

Since we were instantly addicted to cruising on the Norwegian Dawn last year, we decided to go again this year, but opted for a more "formal" cruise on HAL. What a good choice ! Almost everything on this "hassle free" vacation was beyond expectations.

This is a most beautiful ship. The public areas are not crowded; they are somewhat subdued, filled with some nice pieces of art. I loved the crystal globe overhanging in the atrium. The fresh water pools are most refreshing. The casino is rather small, but we didn't play anyway. There is more kind of a "hotel" feel to this ship, compared to the Norwegian Dawn.

What can I say, the food was superb! I read lots of poor critics about food on the vista-class ships, an find them unfounded. The Lido, terrace grill and taco bar were excellent. I loved the sandwich stations. The main dining room food/choice was certainly above average. Room service was quick and I had the best club sandwich I ever tasted, on or off a ship. The Pinnacle Grill had nothing to envy to most nice steak houses; their clam chowder was extremely good (so was the volcano cake...)

We had a cabin with a large veranda. Did not feel cramped. Decor was a little bland, and the bathroom had a less "marine" feel than the one on the Nor. Dawn. It was a bit noisy during the rough seas we experienced on the first day at sea. The view from the balcony is priceless.

The illusionist was incredible, the comic/juggler was most funny, the rest of the shows were average.

We paid for a cruisepass to access the hydro pool. This was very relaxing. On the next-to-last day the air-jets broke...and on the last day it was closed for cleaning (or repairs ?) Because of this, they let us use the thermal suite, which was a curious but again most relaxing experience.

The destinations were fantastic: Tortola (BVI) is such a beautiful island! We also saw St-Marteen (don't miss the butterfly farm!) and ...Half Moon Cay, a PARADISE making it worth to take this cruise just to see it! We didn't care too much about Nassau. We wish we had stayed 2 days instead at Half Moon Cay (or Tortola). Scenics on this cruise were "out of this world", Especially the view of Saba from St-Marteen.

Very few children (not a ship for kids...try Disney for that); Lots of retired/elderly couples making for a calm, relaxed ambiance (we are in our 40s) which was EXACTLY what we were looking for. Met some very nice people who had tons of stories to tell...