New to HAL

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rosie

Guest
My DH and I just booked a cruise on the Noordam - January 18 2004 Tampa-Tampa 14 days. We are new to HAL, having cruised on NCL many times. Love the "Freestyle" concept. On the Noordam, I understand it is an "older" ship, are there any alternative dining choices? The HAL website is not very forthcoming with information about a particular ship so I am depending on seasoned HAL cruisers to give me some info, especially about the Noordam. I understand from posts I have read on this site and others that HAL passengers really feel like guests, not just freight taking up space ( not that I have felt that way about ANY cruise I have been on), just would like to hear from some other HAL "lovers" about how they feel especially about the Noordam. Thanks in advance for any and all input!!!!
 
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sail7seas

Guest
Noordam is indeed an older ship with some of the problems which, from time to time, are common on all older ships. She has a very loyal following and as long as you go with a reasonable expectation of fewer of the amenities and choices of the newer, larger ships, you should have a great time. Her show room is nothing like the new ones we have become accustomed to; her Lido has wonderful food but is not the most beautiful room. There are alot of people who think the value for the money is fabulous on Noordam. They think they get an awful lot for their money and continue to return to her.

Most people say they really enjoy the dining on Noordam and that the crew and service are fabulous.

She was the first HAL we cruised and we knew we loved the cruise line but that ship was not exactly everything we wanted....particularly as a veranda is very important to us and that ship does not have any.

Hope you have a great cruise.
 
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Gene&Kathy

Guest
My wife and I, and some of our relatives, were on a Med. cruise last year on the Noordam. We all loved the ship. While not as fancy as newer ships, the friendliness of the crew was unsurpassed on any of our other cruises. The quality of the food and attention to detail also was high. We have been on several other HAL ships and while all have been great, to date the Noordam has been the best in terms of overall quality and value for the money.
 
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