Noordam

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Holland America Line
Noordam

SHIP OVERVIEW

Named for the Northern compass point, Noordam features museum-quality art — from 19th-century oils to contemporary photographs of music greats Dizzy Gillespie and B.B. King. Guests onboard can enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table programming. Explore the world’s wonders through BBC Earth Experiences. Take yoga or Pilates in Fitness Center. Savor the sounds of Music Walk™ and the delights of the specialty restaurants.

  • CRUISES
  • STATISTICS

STATISTICS

  • Year Built

    2006
  • Year Refurbished

    2015
  • Year Entered Present Fleet

    2006
  • Country of Registry

    Netherlands
  • Tonnage (GRT)

    82,318
  • PAX (basis 2)

    1,972
  • Max Pax (inc. Uppers)

    2,596
  • Passenger Decks

    11
  • Number of Crew

    811
  • Officers' Nationality

    European
  • Cruise/Hotel Staff Nationality

    International

STATEROOMS

  • Suites

    162
  • Balcony

    0
  • Oceanview

    165
  • Oceanview No Balcony

    0
  • Oceanview With Balcony

    0
  • Balconies

    497
  • Interior

    162
  • Accessible

    20
  • Total Number of Accommodations

    1000
  • SUITE
  • BALCONY
  • OCEANVIEW
  • INSIDE

Deck Plans

SHIP REVIEWS

OVERALL RATING

4.5

Star Star Star Star Star
Based on 53 reviews

SUBMIT YOUR REVIEW

Cruise reviews reflect the opinions of travel editors and cruisers/ readers and may not represent those of our company.

SUBMIT A REVIEW

My Cruise

DECEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Nice ship

CONS

Older ship showing signs of age

RECOMMENDED

Yes

The ship is very nicely maintained for its age. Once in a while an oder resembling a sewer like smell emanates from the toilet in the stateroom. It goes away with a few flushes.

SCORECARD

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  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Consider the age demographics of this cruise line

NOVEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Interesting itineraries

CONS

Caters to significantly elderly passengers

RECOMMENDED

No

The majority of passengers were elderly. Not just older, but significantly elderly. Significant number of passengers using mobility assist devices made tendering times excessively long in embarking and disembarking from tenders. Gangways onto ship extremely steep causing elderly to have difficulty in using them. On-board daily activities geared towards older passengers. Example: "adult coloring" and "paper folding" were offered daily. Evening entertainment very "amateur hour" with shows not appropriate for young children or people offended by semi-porno productions--several close to "X" rated Vegas style. This ship seemed to not handle rough seas as well as other ships I've been on in much rougher seas. I frequently felt I was going to be tossed out of bed with the ship rolling. Ship would travel very slowly (9 knots?) thus sea time between ports was excessive. Ship was very clean with friendly crew. As a solo passenger requesting a table for one expect a daily argument with the dining room maître di who will try his best to seat you at a table with other passengers. Food at all venues just okay, nothing outstanding.

SCORECARD

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Enjoyable cruise and crew

OCTOBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Service

CONS

End of trip disembarking

RECOMMENDED

Yes

We really enjoyed the ship and crew- things were clean and the food was great! The only issue was the disembark fiasco on the last day- until then, I would have rated it very highly- unfortunately the lack of organization and ensuing crowds, w/o ANY direction from the crew really was awful- and was our last impression of an otherwise wonderful trip

SCORECARD

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Staff

OCTOBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Excellent service, accommodating, knowledgeable

CONS

Not the Holland America I sailed on 8-10 years ago. There is a charge for certain high end foods which were previously included.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Pinnacle staff is outstanding: Ljupcho, Elizabeth, Arjay, Thembi, Gede, Ganda….all of them are professionals. Smiles on their faces from the moment they see you to when you leave. They couldn’t do enough for you. I consider them friends. The cabin stewards, Irma and Ricky, were beyond helpful and very pleasant.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
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  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Follow up

SEPTEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Everything was seamless, great staff.

CONS

RECOMMENDED

Yes

This was our first cruise so we can’t compare it but we can’t imagine a better experience. Staff was professional, curious and efficient. The food was great at e every venue. Plenty of activities all day if you chose to participate, if not you are welcomed to hang out at the spa, gymnasium or pool.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

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    Star Star Star Star Star

great time on Noordam

AUGUST

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

organized, friendly people, great food

CONS

none

RECOMMENDED

Yes

This was our first cruise so we had nothing to compare to, but we were very impressed with every aspect of our trip on Noordam. I suppose after 150 years, Holland America has perfected the organization required to manage nearly 2000 passengers. We were provided detailed information for every activity - embarkation, excursions, debarkation - so we always knew what to expect. Every member of the crew was friendly, and went out of their way to make us feel welcome. They were happy to tell their story - where they were from and how long they had worked for HAL. Our room stewards Andi & Salim were outstanding! We ate most meals at the buffet. There was a great variety for all tastes. We had one dinner in the main dining room, and one at the Pinnacle Grill. The steaks were cooked perfectly.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Wonderful Ship and Service

AUGUST

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Service and organization

CONS

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Margaret and Geo, Guest Services Associates in the Neptune Lounge were outstanding. They were very professional, friendly and helpful. We really appreciated all their assistance!

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star

Alaska trip

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Process was run well and very efficiently..

CONS

Would have liked the ship to get closer to the Hubbard Glacier for viewing.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Really enjoyed the entire trip.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
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Overall experience

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Beginning with travel agent odet. He did a great job had a lot of patience dealing with 4 woman going to Alaska. Holland America noordam was fabulous can’t say enough about the crew. They were 5 star. No cons to report.

CONS

Have no cons everything was 5 star.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Will definitely tell friends about travel land

SCORECARD

  • Staff

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    Star Star Star Star Star
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  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Inside Passage Cruise July 2023

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Everything!! The rooms were amazing, food was great, overall decor and presentation phenomenal! The staff though-that was the icing on the cake! This was by far the best staff we have experienced.

CONS

Nothing!

RECOMMENDED

Yes

We loved every part of this trip so much we hated leaving! Widhi was the kindest, hardworking steward. He knew everyone’s name and greeted us as if we had known each other for years and in the most professional way! Hazel-out omelette chef-and friend from the south (her from the south Philippines and us from south US) was always smiling and happy ready to provide us whatever we needed. Roldan was helpful, courteous, friendly, funny, professional, and hard working. Our dining staff was spot on! The captain didn’t seem like a distant voice but instead a part of the experience! Every single person we encountered just made our trip even more phenomenal!!

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
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  • Cabins/Staterooms

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  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

ALASKAN ADVENTURE

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Staff very friendly and efficient. Ship was very cleans and maintained. Excursions were great.

CONS

Ship seemed very crowded. Dress code in dining room not followed. Entertainment was not that good.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

This was our 17th HAL cruise and for some reason the ship seemed extremely crowded and it was a much rowdier crowd. There was no regard for the dress code with many people in the dining room for dinner in jeans, t-shirts and ball caps even on dressy nights. The staff and crew were very helpful and very friendly. We miss not having priority boarding for 4 star Mariners.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Alaska

JUNE

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Excellent selection of ports…all slightly different. Staff very attentive and personable. Ship right size, in immaculate condition.

CONS

On rare occasions, staff overbearing. App and internet took several days to figure out.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Enjoyable cruise.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

New zealand

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Staff was great

CONS

More entertainment

RECOMMENDED

Yes

For me I spent my time at pool and casino so I was ok with what I had to do.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Holland

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Excellent staff, nicely appointed, easy to navigate

CONS

Extra charges for food upgrades. Something I wasn't expecting

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Cabin attendants Didi & Vendi went over & above to make us comfortable. They fulfilled our every wish.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star

Sydney-Auckland

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Superior service, friendly staff, excellent entertainment, delicious food. Cleanliness

CONS

Older ship, so some areas are smaller than in newer ships.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Best staff on any previous cruise. Efficient, friendly, accommodating. Met all needs and handled changes smoothly. Gave a feeling of family. Great food.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star

Noordam

NOVEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Fun cruise, staff and food excellent

CONS

Getting the Niro Virus

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Fun crew, staff very nice, food excellent Stateroom very clean and comfortable Entertainment in main area sometimes disappointing

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

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  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Glacier Bay,Riverboat trip, Haines,Seward,Juneau,Ketchikan and all in between

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

the waiters, :Batara and Aditya and room personnel Yudi and Mat

CONS

The weather.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

The dining room personnel was outstanding. Ours were Batara and Aditya. Learned our names right away and never forgot them The whole dining room was worked efficiently.. our waiters were so helpful. I felt the dining room was VERY well trained. I told the person in charge how I felt about his working with them. Our room was cared for by Yudi and Mat. Yudi was outstanding and helpful. and could greet us from down the hall,too. This was an exciting but restful cruise. Congratulations to whoever made it so great. Even with the lousy weather!

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star

Best trip EVER!

JUNE

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

The staff was amazing. The food was delicious. We lacked for nothing on this trip. In talking to other more seasoned travelers who could compare one cruise over another this one was the top choice over and over.

CONS

This cruise is not a party barge. It is very much laid back and relaxed. The entertainment was not geared to a younger crowed but still there was plenty to enjoy.

RECOMMENDED

No

<div>We met many travelers for whom this was a repeat cruise. Cruisers really enjoy the pampering, the quiet and the prices. It was all a super value. I wouldn&#39;t send a group of coeds looking for FUN but our your people still found plenty to do that was enjoyable.</div>

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
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Relaxing

JUNE

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Dining room; staff, service, clean ship, on board activities

CONS

Buffet; cost of 1 excursion did not meet expectations ??

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Very impressed with cleanliness of ship and excellent service. I would highly recommend this ship!

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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  • Value

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Great Ship in need of a tune-up

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

The crew and staff were excellent

CONS

The ship is in dire need of a technology upgrade.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

<div>The crew was probably one of the friendliest and welcoming of any we&rsquo;ve experienced with Holland America and this makes our 5th HAL cruise. The ship we learned is going into drydock after the Summer 2019 season for refurbishing. No more having to check out DVDs to watch on little TVs.</div>

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star

Wonderful First Cruise

OCTOBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Staff courtesy and responsiveness. Art Program with Sam. Hawaiian Ambassadors. Bar events with Fritz.

CONS

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Thoroughly enjoyed the six days on Noordam from Vancouver to Honolulu. Beginning to plan next cruise.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star

Alaska Inside Passage - September 2018

OCTOBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Excellent staff, great selection of food, good facilities and cabins comfortable

CONS

Problem with toilet in cabin, entertainment not that great

RECOMMENDED

Yes

We had a really good time on the Noordam. The staff were so friendly. The cabins were spacious and kept very clean. Our balcony was great to sit out and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the inside passage. Food in both restaurants was excellent with a great variety of options. The standard of entertainment varied quite a lot with some excellent shows and some not so great. The ports we visited Juneau, Skagway and Ketichan were lovely scenic ports and the there was a good variety of shopping available. We also booked excursions via Alaska Shore Experts and they were great especially the whale watching from Juneau and the Yukon train and bus journey from Skagway, the scenery was absolutely amazing. We did not get to see Glacier Bay due to a medical emergency on board which meant the ship had to be diverted but we were really impressed with the care given to our fellow passenger who had to be transferred off the boat

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star

First Cruise

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Wonderful Experience

CONS

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Great staff on ship, made you feel like a guest

SCORECARD

  • Staff

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    Star Star Star Star Star

Alaska explorer

JUNE

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Itinerary, luggage service, food, smooth transition from place to place

CONS

Hotels can be overbooked, 13 days of going non-stop

RECOMMENDED

Yes

<div>The cruise tour met our expectations. HAL has done Alaska for years and they have it down. Luggage service is great and our luggage met us in our rooms when we arrived at the next stop. Accommodations met our expectations (we aren&rsquo;t jaded, but we do expect above average, comfortable, clean, maintained and well-kept). Guides were knowledgeable and knew about the history, geography and wildlife in their area). HAL has smaller ships which allow more intimate interactions with other guests, allowing for new friendships and acquaintances. Thank you for a wonderful trip!</div>

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star

Great service, ports, and experience!

MAY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

The service, dining in the vista dining room, the ports, cleanliness, and stateroom.

CONS

Some room service items, some of the buffet items, and the price of alcohol.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

<div>Overall this was a fantastic experience and I&rsquo;m happy I chose to travel with Holland America for mine and my moms first cruise.</div>

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star

Holland America is the best!

FEBRUARY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Food stewards, room stewards, the Turkish bath

CONS

No drawers in our stateroom

RECOMMENDED

Yes

We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise! It was everything we expected. Our food stewards were exceptional. Our room stewards helped us with birthday and anniversary surprises! The BBC program was awesome! The Tasman Sea was rough, but we took it is stride as part of our adventure! Security staff have embarkation and disembarkation down to a science at every port! We didn’t have to wait for anything, it even tenders! Food is great, beds are comfy, staff are awesome!!

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star

cruise

NOVEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

great service

CONS

food not up to level of past cruises

RECOMMENDED

No

good cruise but nothing special

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
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Australia/new Zealand

NOVEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Personnel were exceptional

CONS

Food and activities on board were lacking

RECOMMENDED

No

<div>The shows were not very good. The excursions were good.</div>

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star

Fabulous Cruise

AUGUST

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Excellent dining, Wonderful land and train excursions.

CONS

Wine was mostly foreign and overpriced. West mark in Anchorage is in bad need of repair.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Overall this was a fabulous cruise. Some of the problems that I experienced were from my own lack of knowledge. HAL had changed the names of some of the venues on the ship, but not the signs. This was a little confusing. The cruise line made every effort to make the trip enjoyable, especially glacier bay.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star

Sailing smoothly in Alaska's waters

AUGUST

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Tasteful food; great variety of meals; health conscious

CONS

RECOMMENDED

Yes

This is a well run ship. There are lots of things to do and the excursions are interesting. The crew is very courteous, always ready to help.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
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    Star Star Star Star Star
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  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Southbound Alaska Cruise 2017

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Embarkation/Disembarkation, Staff(room steward, restaurants), Food quality/diversity, The Dive(taco bar), Cleanliness, Spa/gym, Room Service, BB Kings, The Alaska film set to Music by the on board musicians.

CONS

Entertainment in main lounge was fair. In our Ocean view room the TV was outdated, the staff serving beverages were sometimes dry(not friendly) if you were ordering anything other than alcohol

RECOMMENDED

No

This Cruise was an excellent value. The ship still looked to be in great shape even though it is last to get the "class" make-over. Our cabin's TV was outdated but most other areas still looked classy and nice. The overall attitude on this Cruise was super from staff to other guests. When we visited the Lido market buffet, we always found something tasty, nutritious and good variety each day. The main dining room did a great job as well. We had OPEN dining and had no problems getting sat in a nice location, quickly. The staff was pleasant and the food tasted really good, I tried many plates offered. We also ate at Canaletto and Pinnacle Grill, one night each. I can't say enough of how wonderful all of what we ordered tasted and how much food we got, so much quantity and flavor! Again Super! "BB Kings" entertainment was really good, however the HAL singer/dancers entertainment was fair, a little cheesy? The Alaskan Film along with Live music by HAL musicians was fantastic! We also caught two, "out on theater", movies playing, enjoyed it. We had a couple small things in our cabin that needed HAL's attention and they jumped right on it and fixed it. My room steward was always around but not in our face, he did great and was friendly. We submitted one load of laundry to our room steward and I had my shoes shined, which he did both very timely and a great job. We also thought the gym/spa was good, almost like home. Easy to keep up with our daily routine.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

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Alaska Cruise

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Excellent food and service. Thoroughly enjoyed sailing with Holland America Cruise.

CONS

Would have enjoyed evangelical Bible studies.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

1. There was sewer smell many days on Deck 4. 2. Comedian's "off color" remarks in his set did not fit the family friendly atmosphere.

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Alaska Cruise

MAY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Enjoyed the trip with comfort and leisure

CONS

A bit too crowded during breakfast and lunch times

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Enjoyed the voyage and sight-seeing at ports of call. The scenic view of the inside passage was great on our return trip

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Great Australian/New Zealand Cruise

FEBRUARY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Price, service, excursions

CONS

RECOMMENDED

Yes

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience. Would recommend HAL to our friends and family. Thank you!

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Fabulous adventure in Alaska

AUGUST

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Easy to learn the layout of the ship. Not overwhelming at all.

CONS

None.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

We were pleasantly surprised by the ship and our room. Very nice. The staff was extremely helpful and very courteous. We would highly recommend the cruise line and the ship to anyone.

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Our first great experience with Holland

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Clean environment, frequent communication, good food, super service by all

CONS

Malfunction caused us to miss excursion

RECOMMENDED

Yes

This as our very first cruise. We were apprehensive in many ways. The Alaska cruise by Holland was a fantastic time and certainly opened our eyes to the potential of more cruises in our future travel plans. Common ation throughout the trip was frequent, clear, and on track giving us everything we needed to enjoy every facet. I

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Hosted sailing July 10, 2016, Vancouver to Seward

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Front desk was extremely helpful and so very patient!!

CONS

In Lido hard to find a cleared table. Appeared under stafffed.

RECOMMENDED

No

<div>Liked the ship and itinerary. Great ports and good info for visiting them via shore excursion or independently. Embarkation was as smooth as possible and disembarkation was easy for all. Would definitely recommend to clients.</div>

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First Time Cruisers

JULY

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PROS

CONS

RECOMMENDED

Yes

This was our first cruise so I really don't have anything to compare it to. This being our first time it was every thing we could hope for.

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awesome staff

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

staff was very attentive

CONS

few activities for kids

RECOMMENDED

Yes

truly enjoyable cruise, had a great time and appreciated the view from the spacious balcony compared to other cruise lines. the breakfast in bed was awesome

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Mrs.

JUNE

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

The trip was more than we expected.

CONS

Only the red eye flight from Vancouver to new York

RECOMMENDED

Yes

The land, Cruise and Vancouver trip was extremely well planned and everything went so smooth. One best part was that we did not have to worry about our luggage from the beginning to the vend. The cruise was one of the best I been before. I absolutely love it and enjoy.

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Noordam Cruise through Alaska

MAY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Like always, the ship was clean and the staff friendly

CONS

Disembarkation created confusion for some

RECOMMENDED

Yes

By and large, everything went smoothly, the food was excellent and the entertainment great. Since we had to leave the ship as early as possible in order to catch our flight, we opted to take our luggage ourselves and proceeded toward the exit which was already filled with people who were supposed to be in their cabins. Unfortunately, there was no officer or crew member in sight . Finally, some crew members appeared and we were able to leave the ship after lugging our suite cases to an other level which originally was not on the program.

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Alaska Cruise

MAY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

The state room was amazing and our location was perfect

CONS

The food was the same and got a bit tiring

RECOMMENDED

Yes

It was definately a trip worth taking. The staff was very attentive and they were always smiling! My only complaint is that the food was the same every day, even in the restaurants.

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HA Noordam Critic

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Stateroom service, Atria bar service (Leo Bon--superb)

CONS

Dining room service, food

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Dining room staff needs additional training. Food presentation better than quality of food. Entertainment in Vista Lounge not up to what it used to be.

SCORECARD

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Australia & New Zealand Cruise

FEBRUARY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Reasonable number of guests, unlike other big cruise ships

CONS

Embarkation time unreasonably long & not well organized

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Guests should have pre-assigned times to register for embarkation based on previously submitted preferred times. There was chaos at the port terminal when almost everyone arrived at the same time to embark!

SCORECARD

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Excellent Service with Noordam

AUGUST

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Steward were awesome and Lido staff were great too.

CONS

Unusual vibrations in our veranda from ship's engines.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Easy getting luggage on disembarkation. Really enjoyed the Lido cafeteria and dining room. Meeting new people. Really enjoyed the entertainment. Dislike paying for internet service.

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Overall Experience

JANUARY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Service, Staterooms, Cleanliness, Friendliness of Staff, Expertise,

CONS

None

RECOMMENDED

Yes

I was dismayed to see some passengers dressed inappropriately for the formal evenings to the extent that some were in shorts, tee shirts and flip flops. Though these people were not dining in the main dining room or specialty restaurants, they still looked out of place and disrespectful of fellow passengers. They should have at the very least be dressed in "smart casual". If they want to be dressed in this manner, then travel on Carnival!!

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Great Ship

JANUARY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Wonderful Food and Cabin Service

CONS

Spa rooms not properly functioning

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Overall a great ship. The Specialty restaurants were particularly good. Crew treated us very well. Nothing not to like

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Great ship

DECEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Wonderful service food and activities

CONS

Sauna and steam rooms not hot

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Great food especially in specialty restaurants. Very good entertainment

SCORECARD

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Excellent ship - excellent cruise

DECEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Food very good; service staff was fantastic; ship exceptionally clean; older ship feeling even though ship is only 8 years old; perfect size ship - not too big and not too small; Half Moon Cay was fantastic - one of the best beaches I've been to in the Caribbean and barbeque was also very good.

CONS

Dinner menu could have had more options and not so much gourmet style in every item.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Only comment had nothing to do with me other than I was with my friends, one of which required a wheelchair to get on the ship, and the amount of time it took to get a wheelchair was well over an hour; closer to 1-1/2 hours. They seemed to be short of staff and wheelchairs and way to many people requiring wheelchairs. This was very surprising for Holland America since they are known to cater to a much older crowd. Surprisingly this cruise had a large variety of ages, which was great - ages ranging from the 40's through the 90's and far more in the 50's and 60's ages.

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11 days on the Noordam

OCTOBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Crew, Food, Ports, Excursions, Great beds - very comfy.

CONS

none come to mind

RECOMMENDED

No

The crew was always smiling and happy to greet you. They learned your name in the dining room or at the Lido buffet on the first day and never forgot who you were. The ship was just the right size for exploration and for easily navigating. The casino was well run for a casino at sea. Tournaments were available for players. Excursions were great and plentiful. I would recommend, the ship, the crew, the ports and the food on this sailing.

SCORECARD

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Cruise: Rome-Venice July 12-23

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Almost all staff members aboard were extremely helpful and gracious, with two exceptions.The food was varied and good.The ship is in good condition.Our stateroom with verandah was particularly nice, due to the added view from the corner, unlike other verandahs.

CONS

Bathrooom tile surrounding the shower was in disrepair. Needs attention prior to next sailing!Land tours a bit too pricy. The staff members checking our IDs at the exit/re-entry post were not welcoming and need to be retrained! Som ecomnfusion regarding the baggage storage after the trip. P{perhaps a map could be prepared by the ship to help locate the exact spot after disembarking.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

<div>Thanks to my Travel Agent for her gracious attention and help to enable us to obtain a reasonable price. I appreciated the promotional offer to our cabin, which covered our tips and drinks as well as a few purchases on board. We did not use the land tours offered by Holland-America, since they were quite expensive. We managed to find satisfactory local taxis or city tours on arrival. The staff member offering advice on board was very helpful in answering questions related to each port. Since I was traveling with a friend abroad, we would have appreciated receiving copies of all e-mail correspondence. Frequently my friend did not receive a copy and, so, I had to keep forwarding your e-mails to her.</div>

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11 day Mediterranean explorer discovery

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

CONS

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Holland America Noordam is a great ship. My family had a superb cruise. The food was great, the service was excellent.There were great activitiest 3 year old and my 3 young grandkids enjoyed. The shore excursions were great.

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Barcelona to Rome 4/4/14

APRIL

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

A more upscale flavor than Norwegian, especially for the formal nights. Passengers dress up much more, which is nice, Who wants to wear a suit and tie and sit next to a bonehead in shorts and a t shirt. Saw more tuxes then we've seen in a long time. They also have a daily Catholic mass and weekly services for other faiths.

CONS

Entertainment lacking, both in quality and quantity. Given the demographics of the passengers, it should have changed accordingly once it repositioned. Food was good, but nothing special. Only one real specialty restaurant. The second shared space with the buffet. Strange for a ship this size and clientel. Food good but nothing special but they did an exceptional job in accomodating a special dietary need.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

This was our first time with HAL after a couple of similar trips w/Norwegian. Our experience was that they are very comparable. The Noordam has been around awhile but was exceptionally well maintained. I think they are a bit more expensive than Norwegian for a comparable cruise and while we couldn't see anything that was significantly better than Norwegian, we would certainly consider them for a future trip

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