Noordam Reviews

Really enjoyed our cruise in Noordam. 1st time cruising with Holland and America and we were very happy with the ship. A relaxed atmosphere aboard Noordam, lovely bars and Lido buffet (didn't use any other restaurant). Quality and variety of food was brilliant. The crew were all charming and extremely friendly and helpful.

On board entertainment needs improving. A few of the acts were good, but some weren't. Excursions were silly prices. Much cheaper to go on your own. Staff as always on cruises were brilliant. Plenty of food and good quality and variety.

The staff are all amazing and friendly. The shop seems older in some parts than it should be from it's build date. Food is very good, talks were excellent but could have been more of them Overall we enjoyed it

Our cabin was very comfortable and we were very well looked after by our steward Martin. The food was of a very high standard especially in the dining room where my dietary requirements ( I m gluten intolerant) were well catered for and our usual waiter Gus was very attentive. Eating in the Lido Market was less enjoyable as it was always so busy although the food was as good. Although Iglu had been informed well in advance of our departure of my dietary requirements this had not been passed on to the airlines and no special meals were available for me. We did feel there was very little in the way of lectures, entertainment etc during the day - especially as we had2 extra days at sea. Erin and her entertainment staff did their best to organise extra activities at short notice but they were of limited attraction. We did enjoy the daily quizzes . We were poorly informed by Iglu before our departure about luggage weight restrictions on the Bullet Train and the internal flight between Xian and Hong Kong. There is no weight or limit to number of bags on the Bullet Train and the internal flight was 23 kgs . We were informed that we could only have one bag per person weighing no more than 20 kgs. But there is a limit on size of aerosol containers on the Bullet Train of which we were not informed. We felt we were very poorly advised by Iglu throughout the booking process and whenever we called to clarify an issue no one seemed to be able to answer our queries. On occasion we had to wait almost an hour for the telephone to be answered. We also felt abandoned in Tokyo in a very small hotel room with no food included and consider this an unnecessary add on . Perhaps it could be offered as an optional add on. The excursion offered by Holland American to Puerto Princessa in Philippines was very disappointing. It was called The Highlights of Puerto Princessa, we were taken from souvenir shop to Penal Farm , where again we were offered cheap souvenirs and a disgusting toilet. We were then taken to a war museum but unfortunately we couldn’t view any exhibits as there was a power cut! The last stop was at the Cathedral, which is beautiful , but again subjected to pressure to buy cheap souvenirs. If these were the Highlights we would not like to see the Lowlights!!

Good ship, great crew let down by entertainment. A show team with no singers was a first for us on a cruise, and we have done many cruises. They had a dance show team and that was it. Food was good quality and the cabin stewards and bar staff were exceptional. Clay and Catherine in particular deserve a mention. Did not make it in to two ports due to weather.

Business flight on Emirates was fabulous. Food was varied an excellent. I enjoyed the port lectures. Service was very good. We opted for the ‘Have it all ‘ package which although expensive , is worth having. Drinks on HA are expensive with 18% service charge. It was good having WiFi. Entertainment was disappointing, no West End shows. Quizzes were enjoyable but had an American bias.

The best cruise line we have sailed with! The crew are amazing and without exception gave exceptional service, the food was consistently good and unsung heroes such as the laundry team should also be mentioned

My first cruise with Holland America on Noordam. Overall a very rewarding experience. The crew and staff were superb. A happy bunch who found nothing was beyond them. cabin was kept clean and tidy every day. Food both in the restaurants and buffet was first class with a wide choice available. Perhaps entertainment was limited and the bars closed somewhat early but the public areas did not seem too crowded. My final judgment was that I’d certainly sail with Holland America again.

Better than we expected. Bed linen wasn’t the best, grey and had an odour…. . Food very good, plenty of it . Staff fantastic. Entertainment very good , although not much live music in the different bars. Crows Nest was dead… it’s a main lounge , no live music. Drinks very expensive, we had the prestige package, couldn’t get the good wine in every bar. Wouldn’t allow any drinks on board unless you paid corkage fee on embarkation. Never experienced this on any other cruise line. Apart from this we enjoyed it….

I’m sure Holland America must be one of the most efficient operations on the water. The ship, immaculate; service, impeccable; crew, efficient, friendly, courteous; food, delicious. The Up Close seminars hugely informative and delivered by a true pro.