Overall Score
| BERLITZ'S RATING |
| |
Possible |
Achieved |
| |
| Ship |
500 |
430 |
| Accommodation |
200 |
163 |
| Food |
400 |
284 |
| Service |
400 |
280 |
| Entertainment |
100 |
77 |
| Cruise |
400 |
314 |
| |
Noordam (with 35 cabins more than close sisters Oosterdam, Westerdam, Zuiderdam) is one of the Vista-class of ships in the Holland America Line fleet, designed to appeal to multi-generational holidaymakers.
The twin working funnels are the result of the slightly unusual machinery configuration; the ship has, in effect, two engine rooms – one with three diesels, and one with two diesels and a gas turbine). A pod propulsion system is provided (see page 29 for explanation), powered by a diesel-electric system, with a small gas turbine located in the funnel for the reduction of emissions.
There is a complete walk-around exterior teak promenade deck, and teak “steamer” style sunloungers are provided. Additionally, there is a jogging track outdoors, located around the ship’s mast and the forward third of the ship. Exterior glass elevators, mounted midships on both port and starboard sides, provide fine ocean views from any one of 10 decks. There are two centrally located swimming pools outdoors, and one can be used in inclement weather due to its retractable sliding glass roof. Two whirlpool tubs, adjacent to the swimming pools, are abridged by a bar. A smaller (swimming) pool is available for children, and this incorporates a winding water slide that spans two decks in height. There is an additional whirlpool tub outdoors.
The intimate lobby spans three decks, and is topped by a beautiful, rotating, Waterford Crystal globe of the world. Adjacent are interior and glass wall elevators with exterior views. The interior decor is bright in many areas (in order to attract a younger clientele), and the ceilings are particularly noticeable. A large collection of artwork is a standard feature, and pieces reflect the former Dutch East Indies.
There are two whole entertainment/public room decks. Perhaps the most dramatic room aboard this ship is the showlounge, spanning four decks in the forward section of the ship. Other facilities include a winding shopping street with several boutique stores and logo shops, card room, an art gallery, photo gallery, and several small meetings rooms. The casino is large (one has to walk through it to get from the restaurant to the showlounge on one of the entertainments decks), and is equipped with all the gaming paraphernalia and slot machines you can think of.
Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a basketball court, volleyball court, golf simulator. “Explorations” is a combination coffee bar (coffees and other drinks are at extra cost), lounge, an extensive library and internet-connect center, all contained in one attractive, open “lifestyle” environment – it’s a popular area for relaxation and reading (although noise from the coffee machine can interrupt concentration).
For families with children, Club HAL’s KidZone provides a whole area dedicated to children’s facilities and extensive programming for different age groups (5–17), with one counselor for every 30 children. Free ice cream is provided at certain hours, plus hot hors d’oeuvres in all bars.
While this formula may not work well for the loyal repeat passengers used to the line’s smaller ships, Noordam offers a wide range of public rooms with a reasonably intimate atmosphere and the overall feel of the ship is quite homely and comforting, with fresh flowers everywhere, as well as some nicely showcased Dutch artifacts and museum pieces from the 16th and 17th centuries. Perhaps the ship’s best asset is its friendly and personable crew (most are from Indonesia and the Philippines).
The information desk in the lobby is small and somewhat removed from the main passenger flow on the two decks above it. Many pillars obstruct the passenger flow and lines of sight throughout the ship. There are no self-service launderettes (something families with children miss – although special laundry packages are available).
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
