We didn't opt for the 'Have it all' package as we don't drink much and thought it expensive, especially for a 38 day trans-Pacific cruise!
But by the time you added up the cost of drinks, coffees, shore excursion discounts, speciality dining nights, wifi and gratuities that would have come with the package perhaps it was a false economy? All of these were stupidly expensive.
Gratuities for our cabin for the cruise was over $1000, added to our bill without prior knowledge (steep considering 18% gratuities was added to every drinks bill).
There were so many things that were charged extra throughout the ship. Yoga and spinning classes at $20, bridge visits, galley visits (over $100! I remember them being free), craft classes, several items on the menu every night as extras! People joked that they'd charge for toilet paper if they could.
The cruise ended up being so much more expensive than. Buyer beware.
A cruise from San Diego to Sydney across the Pacific, taking in the Hawaiian islands and the French Polynesian islands had been a long held dream. Holland, America’s Noordam did not disappoint. A spacious ship carrying 1600 passengers meant that there was plenty of space all around the entertainment, which had a very strong musical element was excellent throughout. The restaurants provided plenty of choice and gave excellent value for money. The destinations were exquisite with so many coral reefs around the islands to explore, I would say that the Noordam was the most friendly ship of all those we have traveled on across several cruise lines. A beautiful ship, and a wonderful experience.
We sailed on Noordam on a 35 night circumnavigation of Australia, followed by a 16 night cruise around New Zealand. Embarkation was great quick and no problems we were in our inside cabin on deck 7 straight away.
We sailed out of Sydney from White Bay so did not get to have a great view of the Opera House.
Our room steward introduced himself straight away and advised us there would only be a morning clean of the room, no turn down service due to Covid restrictions.
All in all the cruise was good, the ports were amazing. We did miss a couple of ports due to storms but weather will be weather!
Food was great for my husband who has no restrictions, how ever for me with a dairy intolerance it was tough. The first 3 weeks were littered with many issues. Wrong orders, salads with cheese in them, lost orders. several episodes of severe diarrhoea where I was unable to leave the cabin due to lactose contaminated food. After many discussions with guest services, Maitre'd restaurant managers it was all sorted out in the end and my food was good. I had informed Holland America about my food intolerance prior to sailing and on boarding. My second problem was the coffee shop I had 3 instances where I had symptoms after having a soya coffee, so much so I was starting to believe I was developing another intolerance but no! I witnessed the barista putting the soya milk into the same jug the cows milk had been in, problem solved. I spoke to the barista and the manager and explained how wrong this action had been and how they had caused me health issues and was reassured this would not happen again. After three weeks of food problems we were given a set table with a senior waiter and our own Maitre'd. The Chef came down to speak to me to ask what kind of foods and deserts I liked. He even took my recipe for dairy free pancakes and made them for me on numerous occasions.
Very much geared as expected to the US market, found they sent out conflicting emails, insisted on Covid testing (medically supervised) and then did not check it.
Staff on board (service desk) were very unfriendly & gave conflicting advice.
I emailed my concerns at the end of the cruise I’ve still not received a reply,
Fabulous cruise nearly perfect. Service dining drinks package and entertainment first class. Rooms fine but a little small. Emberk disembark could have been smoother and faster. Food excellent no problems. Bars and service superb.. shore excursions really good. Fantastic journey really interesting ports good advice from staff.
Got an upgrade to balcony from outside cabin. Bar staff exceptional. Breakfast and dinner superb. Wine waiter wow,,,, entertainment what dan I say superb would definitely go again. Have booked for this year hope you can live up to this.