What a disappointment |
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Reviewed By: Booth, Lancs on 26th May 2009
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| Cruise Line: Holland America Cruises |
Times cruised before: 6-10 |
| Cruise Ship: MS Rotterdam |
Sailed:
May,
2009 |
| Destination:
British Isles
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Age: 36-45 |
| Cabin: Inside |
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We have just booked a cruise on the Eurodam later this year and as the Rotterdam had docked local, we decided to take advantage of a days visit on board to sample the facilities HAL could provide. To be honest we were disappointed.
We found the Rotterdam to be dark and cramped and parts of it were quite worn and tired and reminded me of a cheap 80's hotel with all its dark reds, blues and gold. The Atrium was un-inspriring save a beautiful dutch clock situated in the middle. Chairs and upholstery were tired and looked like they could do with upgrading and dust could be seen everywhere. The buffet restaurant almost had a motorway cafe feel to it and the food (which HAL promotes highly) was pretty average and nothing to write home about.
I found the ship lacked any atmosphere but with all due respect we had called in on a port day and most facilities were closed. We were given three hours to tour the ship but after 30 minutes we were bored and I do not know whether it was me... but I could smell cigarette smoke in most parts of the ship.
The pool area was quite pleasant but other public deck areas were stark and again un-inspiring.HAL kindly treated us to a lunch in the main dining room which was very obliging of them but we were provided with herbed chicken and green salad (but alas no chicken ???) an average steak and an awful sloppy chocolate mouse that was like a school dinner dessert.(I know it was free but we were there to be impressed alongside many travel reps and in my opinion they missed an opportunity)
Staff were very pleasant for the short time we were there but overall we came away feeling quite let down by our experience. I know there will be many who will say 'how can you make a judgement after a few hours' and I could agree with you - but first impressions count. I am sure the ship has much to offer to many but we were told that the Rotterdam was THE flagship of the fleet... I was quite startled by this information.
I am hoping that our cruise on the Eurodam will be different by comparison... Please do not take this review too seriously as I am sure there are many that would quite rightfully say it is a fantastic ship..they are probably more in a postion to comment..but from what I saw..I would be reluctant to spend my money to travel on this ship.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| | Entertainment | n/a |
| | Shore Excursions | n/a |
| | Staff | n/a |
| | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities | n/a |
| | Cabins | n/a |
| | Overall Rating | n/a |
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