Holland America Line Noordam 10-Day Southern Caribbean Cruise Review

Holland America’s Noordam is a mid-sized cruise ship that was first introduced in 2006. It has a length of 951 feet (290 meters), a beam (width) of 105 feet (32 meters), and a draft (depth) of 26 feet (8 meters). The ship has 13 passenger decks and a gross tonnage of 82,318.

Noordam is equipped with modern amenities and features to provide passengers with a comfortable and enjoyable cruise experience. The ship has a total of 1,258 staterooms, including outside staterooms, suites, and accessible staterooms. All staterooms are equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, private bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, and mini-fridges.

In terms of dining options, Noordam has several restaurants on board, including a main dining room, a specialty restaurant, a casual eatery, and a poolside grill. The ship also has several bars and lounges, including a piano bar, a sports bar, and a wine bar.

For entertainment, the ship has a main show lounge, a casino, a movie theater, and a library. There is also a fitness center, a spa, and a sports deck with a swimming pool, hot tubs, and a sports court.

Noordam also has several meeting and conference rooms for business travelers and other groups. The ship is equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity and has a fully-equipped business center.

In terms of propulsion, Noordam is powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system, which provides the ship with efficient and reliable power. The ship also has advanced navigation and safety systems, including radar, sonar, and GPS, to ensure a safe and smooth voyage.

Date: March 20 – 30, 2015

 

Itinerary:

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Port Everglades): Port Everglades is a seaport located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. It is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world and serves as a homeport for several major cruise lines, including Holland America.

Port Everglades is situated on the southeastern coast of Florida and is easily accessible from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach International Airports. The port is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including berths for large cruise ships, cargo terminals, and a fueling facility.

In terms of passenger amenities, Port Everglades has several shops, restaurants, and cafes for travelers. There is also a baggage storage area and a parking facility for those who need to leave their vehicles while they are on their cruise.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas:  Half Moon Cay is a private island paradise in the Bahamas, owned and operated by Holland America Line. It is a popular destination for cruise passengers and offers a wide range of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy.

One of the main attractions of Half Moon Cay is its stunning beaches. The island boasts miles of pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. There are also plenty of shady spots to relax and enjoy the views, as well as beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas available for rent.

In addition to the beaches, Half Moon Cay offers a variety of recreational activities, including horseback riding, kayaking, and a nature trail. There are also several dining options available, including a beachside barbecue, a seafood restaurant, and a bar.

For those looking for a little more adventure, Half Moon Cay has several water sports facilities, including a water park and a snorkeling lagoon. There are also excursions available, such as a glass-bottom boat tour and a stingray encounter, that allow visitors to explore the surrounding waters and see the island’s wildlife up close.

Half Moon Cay is also a popular destination for weddings and events, offering a variety of beautiful and unique locations for ceremonies and receptions.

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos: Grand Turk is a tiny island in the Turks and Caicos, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. Despite its small size, Grand Turk is a popular destination for cruise passengers and offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

One of the main attractions of Grand Turk is its stunning beaches. The island has miles of pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. There are also plenty of shady spots to relax and enjoy the views, as well as beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas available for rent.

In addition to the beaches, Grand Turk is rich in history and culture, offering a unique glimpse into the island’s past. Visitors can explore the Grand Turk Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in the Turks and Caicos, or visit the Grand Turk Museum, which showcases the island’s history and culture.

For those looking for a little more adventure, Grand Turk offers a variety of water sports, including snorkeling, diving, and fishing. There are also several excursions available, such as a glass-bottom boat tour and a swim with the stingrays, that allow visitors to explore the surrounding waters and see the island’s incredible wildlife.

Samana, Dominican Republic:  Samana is a picturesque peninsula located on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. Known for its lush tropical landscapes, pristine beaches, and breathtaking natural beauty, Samana is a popular destination for cruise passengers and tourists alike.

One of the main attractions of Samana is its stunning beaches. The peninsula boasts miles of pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. There are also plenty of shady spots to relax and enjoy the views, as well as beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas available for rent.

In addition to the beaches, Samana is home to some of the most incredible natural wonders in the Caribbean, including the Los Haitises National Park, a protected area of mangrove forests, caves, and islands. Visitors can also explore the El Limon waterfall, a beautiful cascading waterfall that is one of the tallest in the Caribbean.

For those looking for a little more adventure, Samana offers a variety of water sports, including kayaking, fishing, and whale watching. During the winter months, visitors can witness the spectacular sight of humpback whales as they migrate to the warm waters of Samana Bay to mate and give birth.

Kralendijk, Bonaire: Kralendijk is the capital city of Bonaire, a Dutch Caribbean island located in the southern Caribbean. Known for its colorful buildings, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture, Kralendijk is a popular destination for cruise passengers and tourists alike.

One of the main attractions of Kralendijk is its stunning beaches. The island boasts miles of pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. There are also plenty of shady spots to relax and enjoy the views, as well as beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas available for rent.

In addition to the beaches, Kralendijk is a hub of cultural and historical activity, offering a variety of museums, galleries, and monuments that showcase the island’s rich heritage. Visitors can explore the Bonaire Museum, which showcases the island’s history and culture or visit the Washington-Slagbaai National Park, a protected area of stunning landscapes and wildlife.

For those looking for a little more adventure, Kralendijk offers a variety of water sports, including scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. The island is also home to several world-class dive sites, including the famous “Blue Hole,” a sinkhole that is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.

Willemstad, Curacao:  Willemstad is the capital city of Curaçao, a Dutch Caribbean island located in the southern Caribbean. Known for its colorful architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history, Willemstad is a popular destination for cruise passengers and tourists alike.

One of the main attractions of Willemstad is its stunning architecture. The city is famous for its pastel-colored buildings, which line the streets and create a truly unique and beautiful landscape. Visitors can stroll through the city and admire the brightly colored homes, businesses, and monuments that make Willemstad so special.

In addition to its architecture, Willemstad is a hub of cultural and historical activity, offering a variety of museums, galleries, and monuments that showcase the island’s rich heritage. Visitors can explore the Curaçao Museum, which showcases the island’s history and culture, or visit the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere.

For those looking for a little more adventure, Willemstad offers a variety of activities, including shopping, dining, and nightlife. The city is also home to several world-class beaches, including Knip Bay, which is known for its calm waters and stunning views.

Oranjestad, Aruba:  Oranjestad is the capital city of Aruba, a Dutch Caribbean island located in the southern Caribbean. Known for its colorful architecture, vibrant culture, and exciting activities, Oranjestad is a popular destination for cruise passengers and tourists alike.

One of the main attractions of Oranjestad is its stunning architecture. The city is famous for its pastel-colored buildings, which line the streets and create a truly unique and beautiful landscape. Visitors can stroll through the city and admire the brightly colored homes, businesses, and monuments that make Oranjestad so special.

In addition to its architecture, Oranjestad is a hub of cultural and historical activity, offering a variety of museums, galleries, and monuments that showcase the island’s rich heritage. Visitors can explore the Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory, which showcases the history and production of the island’s famous aloe vera products, or visit the Willem III Tower, a historic lighthouse that offers stunning views of the island.

For those looking for a little more adventure, Oranjestad offers a variety of activities, including shopping, dining, and nightlife. The city is also home to several world-class beaches, including Eagle Beach, which is known for its white sand and calm waters.

Holland America Noordam Accommodations

For this cruise, I booked a Verandah Stateroom, 10008, located on deck 10.  The Verandah Staterooms on the Noordam are designed with comfort and style in mind, featuring a contemporary and elegant décor. They offer a comfortable living space with a queen-sized bed or two twin beds, a sitting area with a sofa and armchair, and a flat-screen television.

The private verandah provides additional living space, offering a comfortable outdoor area for relaxing and taking in the views. The verandah is equipped with comfortable chairs and a small table, making it an ideal spot for enjoying a morning coffee or an evening cocktail.

The Verandah Staterooms on the Noordam also have a private bathroom, which is equipped with a shower, a sink, and a toilet. The staterooms are also equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, a mini-fridge, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Personal Day-By-Day Noordam Cruise Review:

Photo Tour of the Noordam:

Join me as we embark on a photographic journey to see this incredible ship and all that it has to offer. This tour will take you on a visual journey through this magnificent cruise ship, showcasing its beauty and elegance through the lens of my camera. From the stunning public spaces to the comfortable and luxurious staterooms, this Noordam Photo Tour will give you a glimpse into the unforgettable experience that I had on board the Noordam.