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Premier Cruises

SS Rembrandt

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Justine L.
# previous cruises: 3
Date of Trip: July 14, 2000
Itinerary: Bahamas

This cruise was mainly sea days from Baltimore to Nassau. I took the trip with the intention of remaining on board during port days. My only goal was to finally see this ship. To experience long days at sea and hopefully catch a storm or two. I had to disembark in Nassau because of the heat on board so I did the best I could with that situation.

It was the first time I saw a covered promenade and I really liked it. I cannot imagine what this cruise would have been like without all the deck space. My favourite lounge was the Ambassador lounge because of the service, the entertainment and the decor. It is also the last place to loose air conditining. I took to this lounge like the Explorers lounge on the Westerdam. Just loved it.

I had no expectations for the food. It turned out to be adequate. Very inconsistent. Some things were outstanding like all the puddings, the cold soups, the bread was always good (that's rare on a cruise) the coffee was a pleasant surprise. Tea was a real joke. The lido atmosphere was horrible. Afternoon tea was cafeteria style, a lipton bag in a styrofoam cup. (I'm still laughing about that one) Breakfast in the Lido was excellent for early risers. Horrible in the dining room. I managed never to pick the main courses everyone complained about. There's absolutely no finesse in the service. So decide you'll cope at the beginning and imagine yourself in a college cafeteria if you want to have a good time.

My cabin was a single with queen size bed. More than adequate. It had a fan. I turned off the towel warmer because it generated too much heat and the AC was breaking down. On the third day, I had to go sleep on deck when the AC broke. Cabin stewart was excellent.

Linda the cruise director was the best I've ever seen. The entertainment staff was terrific. The floor shows were all Excellent. I wish the Ritz Carlton had a show instead of disco. It would be fantastic to see a performer on that stage. I enjoyed the pooldeck parties at night and on other cruises I dont usually bother. The entertainment crew are fanstastic and not tacky. The Tempations Review were excellent but I could not stay for the heat.

The massage therapist was excellent but the environment was claustrophobic. Go very early in the a.m. I would have returned every day if the heat had not been so overwhelming. I did not find the horseraces on board very entertaining as on other ships. Was very lucky in the casino the first two nights. Never saw a cruisship casino this loose. This was my first solo cruise and I enjoyed all the entertainment. It was easy to mingle without imposing our presence on couples.

I met wonderful people, some whom I had met previously on the Internet. Met a wonderful gentleman in his 80s who had sailed more than 50 times and was a photographer. He and I were nicknamed the Stormchasers. He docucmented everything during the two storms and showed me countless pictures of past transatlantic sailings. Amazing gentleman. I was seated at a table for six. All were part of a family for a special occasion. I felt bad being the only stranger in their tight knit family, they welcomed me with open arms and were very gracious. Unfortunately this cruise was sold at rock bottom price at the last minute and we ended up with an obnoxious crowd from the very beginning. It turned a bit ugly when the AC broke down and people were suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration. We saw human nature at its worst.

I would not suggest that old Rotterdam fans take this cruise if they want to remember the HAL experience. If you want to see your ship in good hands with a pleasant crew then you wont be disappointed. I was so easy to recognize the beauty of that ship and imagine days gone by. I will sail her again. I would not advise it for a first time cruiser. Someone with the true understanding of an oceanliner instead of a cruiseship will appreciate its beauty and overlook the lack of finesse. They are really proud of that ship. My analogy is the following: It's a Strativarius in the hands of a struggling young musician.