Age: --- 36

How many cruises taken previously: --- 2

Traveller Type: --- married couple

Name of cruise line and ship: --- Holland America Line, Oosterdam

Cabin category and comments: --- VF guarantee upgraded to VC Balcony is very nice and there is good amount of storage in the cabins

Embarkation/Disembarkation Experience: --- Very smooth in San Diego, goes really fast at both embarkation and disembarkation

Food and Service: --- Good...We really enjoyed the open seating concept for dinner. Very flexible and we never had to wait to get in to dinner

Entertainment: --- Okay, not the best guest entertainers.

Shore Excursions: --- Great, best shore excursions I've ever done!

Onboard Activities: --- Fun, really enjoyed everything we participated in

Children’s Program: --- N/A

Overall impression of the Ship: --- Very nice ship

Any comments that you may have that would benefit future cruisers who are contemplating sailing on this ship? --- It is an older crowd, so it all depends what you are looking for.

Posted: 02/15/2007

Age: --- 65

How many cruises taken previously: --- 14

Traveller Type: --- Couple

Name of cruise line and ship: --- Holland America, Oosterdam

Cabin category and comments: --- Outside

Embarkation/Disembarkation Experience: --- Embarkation was delayed due to the ship being late to port. Disembarkation was excellent.

Food and Service: --- The food was superior to most of the other ships we have sailed on. There was a wide variety of meals with careful preparation and quality. As a matter of fact, the evening menu always included a Mexican selection as a delightful addition. The dining room staff was exceptional and friendly. The only drawback was Oosterdam instituting "free, anytime dining". We are very traditional cruisers and look forward to fixed time dining. I was able to get fixed dining after the first night at sea. But upon boarding, there was no way to change to the fixed dining room. Be persistent if you want this kind of dining. There are plenty of folks who do not show up in the dining room and that makes for more space available. In defense of HAL, most of the passengers found the anytime dining to be "just fine". Our past experience with other line's open dining put the passenger in a predicament trying to make reservations in several dining rooms...that was too complicated...not so on the Oosterdam.

Entertainment: --- The Oosterdam had wonderful talent. The juggler was a real hit with all of the passengers. He presented himself in a very ordinary and humorous way. First class magic was also part of the entertainment package along with a professional solo singer. These shows were worth the time and effort to attend. The Oosterdam had a very excellent stage band that made every show something special.

Shore Excursions: --- We normally do not go ashore. After traveling the Mexican Riviera several times, the ship is our first priority and we stay aboard.

Onboard Activities: --- There's plenty to do. Typically the ship has all the traditional stuff. Towel folding, card games, trivia, dancing, movies, large library, shops and more.

Children’s Program: --- N/A

Overall impression of the Ship: This is truly "first class" cruising. The ship was beautiful with color and design. Each deck has its own character and feel. The Lido deck (where you can find meals almost all day long) was the finest Lido deck we have ever seen. It offered the feeling of comfort and privacy. Yes, privacy. Somehow they made this area seem secluded, yet it was one of the busiest areas on the ship. Can't say enough about the Oosterdam Lido deck. The Vista Lounge (main show room) was so well designed that there are very few bad seats. The seating was comfortable, the sound system produced excellent full audio reproduction.

Any comments that you may have that would benefit future cruisers who are contemplating sailing on this ship? --- Arrive at the dock in San Diego somewhat early, around 11:00 am. This way the check-in line might be slightly shorter and faster. Most of the passengers arriving by air will get to San Diego after 12:00 and then things will get a bit more crowded. Eat as many meals in the formal dining areas as possible. The service is great and sure beats standing the line for eating cafeteria style even though the Lido dining room is the best we have seen on any other ship.

Posted: 01/15/2007