WHAT makes a great cruise? Is it the ship, the delicious food, or
the exciting ports-of-call? Well, you’ll get all of the above, and more
on Holland America Line’s Noordam.
Cruise Weekly recently boarded the ship in Istanbul for an 11-night
‘Ancient Mysteries’ cruise of the sunny Greek Islands and scenic
ports along the Turkish coast.
Right from the start, the 833 crew made you feel most welcome –
they even threw a getting-to-know-you BBQ by the pool with free
beer and wine for all 1,700 passengers with tasty Turkish treats.
When we sailed through the Dardenelles, Noordam hoisted Aussie
and Kiwi flags from the bow to remember the Anzacs. A nice touch.
540 Australians were among the passengers on the cruise and
they were invited on to the bow to get the best views of where
some of the First World War battles took place.
Able to carry some 2,117 passengers, Noordam is the newest in
Holland America Line’s 15-ship fleet. Launched in 2006, she’s the
fourth and last of the Vista class ships and houses an impressive
collection of paintings, sculptures and antiques on its eleven decks,
and has beautiful decor throughout.
Eighty-five percent of all cabins are outside, with two thirds of
these also including private verandas with tables and chairs.
Deluxe verandah cabins are spacious with comfy new Eurotop
beds & ribbon-cut cotton sheets that are simply divine to sleep on.
There’s also a flat-screen TV with news and movie channels, a DVD
player with 1,000 movies from which to choose, sofa, desk, mini
bar, hair dryer. The modern bathroom, while small, is adequate.
On days at sea, there’s lots to do from beer and wine tastings to
martini mixology classes and even a pub crawl around the seven
bars on the ship. You can brush up on your computer skills with a
“Techspert”, learn how to cook, play trivia, have a foot massage in
the Greenhouse Spa, see a movie in the theatre or work out in the
Fitness Centre.
My favourite haunts were the Piano Bar for cocktails and cool
music, Explorations Cafe where you can surf the Internet and send
emails, and on deck 10, the Crow’s Nest for panoramic views.
Dinner is a scrumptious five-course affair with an extensive wine
list in the two-level Vista main dining room with early seating at
5.45pm, or a late 8pm seating. But HAL also offers ‘As You Wish’
dining where you can make an advance reservation, or just walk in.
Make sure you try the two speciality restaurants, Pinnacle Grill
for an elegant, sophisticated dining experience, well worth the
US$20pp surcharge, and Canaletto, serving exquisite Italian fare for
just US$10 per person.
The waiters are some of the friendliest I’ve met at sea, making
suggestions on what to order and recommending the right wine.
Nothing too much trouble. By the way, the wines were reasonably
priced with a bottle of nice red under US$40.
After dinner, head to the three-storey Vista Lounge for nightly
entertainment and shows, and The Club HAL kids program for 3-17
year olds is fully supervised.
Noordam has an 11-night ‘Ancient Mysteries’ Athens to Istanbul
cruise departing 26 April 2014, priced from $1,799pp for Interior
cabin, Oceanview $1,999pp and Verandah $2,199pp twin share.
Call 1300 987 322 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.au.
