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Named for the Northern compass point, Noordam dazzles with museum-quality art and lavish staterooms. Guests of this Vista Class cruise ship will have their pick of onboard activities. Watch dramatic footage of natural wonders set to live music at BBC Earth In Concert. Listen to pianists play favourite hits at Billboard Onboard. Get moving with a pilates class at the fitness centre. Or savour the delights of numerous specialty restaurants. The Pinnacle Grill serves the juiciest steak at sea and Canaletto beckons with tantalising Italian dishes. These name just two of many dining options.
As a person who lives with a disability and also has Celiac Disease, cruising can be both challenging from an accessibility standpoint for the excursions however a wonderful way to see the world at the same time. This is our 2nd Cruise on the Noordam, and our 9th cruise on HAL. I have noticed in the last decade a "relaxation" of certain services which at times bothers me - such as the gluten free meals on board can be VERY good but you always have to be on your toes watching you get the correct food, yet the provisioning of the ship with gluten free items has gone downhill. They used to have great gluten free products on board and now some of them taste like sawdust - such as some of the gluten free foods I ate when first diagnosed in 1980! As a person who filled out the paperwork indicating Celiac Disease and requiring gluten free food, for this cruise it has been like pulling teeth to find out what products are on board and I have access to. It has been a learning experience! I am not sure if it is all the people now eating gluten free and HAL tightening their purse strings or what, however it can be frustrating at times. Previous cruises I was served 2 pieces of bread at dinner - this cruise I get 3 little slices from a baguette instead, where my husband gets a full bread basket to choose from. I only dine in the Main Dining room - on days that it is not open for lunch, I sometimes have a big breakfast from Room Service and then skip lunch and then just have dinner as the Lido restaurant and cross contamination scares me at times. I have been fed gluten items and had to return them - despite being at the gluten free station. When it comes to excursions, HAL offers some wonderful ones - when the ship was in Hawaii, on Kawai, some were wheelchair accessible. However all the other excursions are not. The Accessibility department at HAL whom I corresponded with prior to this cruise, really does not know what each excursion entails. I have had WONDERFUL service on board the Noordam by the Excursions Manager who called me concerned about some of the tours that I had selected (which the Accessibility Department said would be fine based on my needs) and asked me to come by to visit him. That has never happened on a cruise previously. I was in Cinque Terre in Italy, on a excursion that the HAL staff said would be fine for me and ended up having to go down a flight of 30 stairs - no one knew that was part of the tour! That is difficult for me to do. So Benoit, went through the two excursions he was concerned about, showed me pictures of the boats used and we discussed the different parts of the excursion and worked out a plan so I could be accommodated. Now, that is the first time in 9 cruises that has happened. However as the population ages, HAL is going to have to pick up their socks and encourage their tour partners to be able to offer more inclusive tours to their guests. I totally understand that some places, like where we are today in Savusavu, Fiji, that is not possible, however in countries like Italy, Spain and France, where I have also cruised, accessible touring is possible and should be offered. I rate this cruise as very good due to those pieces of feedback - there is room to grow in terms of accessibility and serving those people who have medical required diets on board the DAM ships.
Ship shows some age and maintenance could be improved, but the overall experience was wonderful. Staff were all pleasant, food was consistently good and shore excursions through the cruise line were on-time and a good value. Would cruise with HAL again. Food in open and fixed seating dining room was varied, always warm and service was good. Sailed in Neptune Suite, a splurge, but would recommend the aft location - particularly for an Alaskan cruise. Entertainers were talented with a variety of shows. We did have very good weather, saw lots of whales and had two evenings with northern lights. Ship’s staff were accommodating and the team in the Lido Market were wonderful. Embarkation was easy and cabins were ready early with luggage already waiting by the door. Room stewards were wonderful and met all our needs and kept the cabin in great shape. I would recommend HAL to friends and family.
With refined amenities and Holland America Line signature Mariner’s Dream bed gracing each elegant stateroom, the ship offers six grades of staterooms. Most are ocean-facing, many featuring teak-lined verandas for dining alfresco or private sunbathing.
Holland America Line invites you to dine "As You Wish". To savour Italian cuisine one night and a perfectly grilled porterhouse steak the next. To take your place in the Dining Room at a specific seating time or be spontaneous, following your desires. Onboard, there are restaurants to suit every mood, along with the flexibility to choose the dining style you prefer.
Boasting an expansive range of enrichment facilities and opportunity, Holland America Line's ships are bound to offer something you'll want to know more about. Why not have a go at the Digital Workshop powered by Windows and learn how to enhance your holiday picture or how to easily share them.
Every day aboard a Holland America cruise ship brings a wealth of cruise activities and indulgences, along with the freedom to partake in as many- or as few- as you please. It's an opportunity to try something new that surprises you, every day. Dabble, discover, daydream- do everything, or do nothing at all.
Whether you want to workout in the Fitness Centre, learn yoga, pamper yourself with a massage and spa treatment, or enjoy a game of basketball, there's a perfect onboard activity for everyone.
Holland America Line's youth activities program, Kids Club, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties.
Note: Kids Club is not offered on cruises of 25-days or longer, including all Legendary and Grand Voyages. We will offer a selection of children’s activities throughout these longer voyages for any children who may be onboard.
Safety Comes First
Safety is our primary concern and strict policies are in place for effective supervision. Adult guests are not permitted to remain in Kids Club unless attending to a special-needs child.
Please note: During voyages with a high number of families onboard, we will make all efforts to accommodate interested parties. However, participation in our program cannot be guaranteed. Hours of operation may change to better serve our guests.
