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Premier Cruises

SS Rembrandt

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Dan Cencak
# previous cruises: 2
Date of Trip: October 26, 1998
Itinerary: Transatlantic

"Rembrandt" was exceptionally clean inside however she was in need of new carpet. Her exterior was also in very good condition which was a result of "constant" painting. Everything looked fresh! Strangely, during a 13 day voyage nothing was ever washed down, not even the decks, deck chairs nor handrails. This made it rather annoying whenever you touched anything outside. She does keep the charm of the old "Rotterdam" since her recent refit which added new fire doors and bulkheads around her staircase. The dining service was exceptional which was even better than when operated by Holland America. The buffet service in the Lido restaurant, however, is in need of much needed attention. There was no variety to the meals in the Lido and the food was like a cafeteria. A word to future travelers: eat in the dining room whenever possible! The crew was lacking what Holland America had to offer, but again the restaurant staff made up for any other work crew aboard. The crew appeared to be very well trained since on any day aboard you would see members of the crew in lifejackets and gathered in certain areas of the ship conducting training. Future passengers should keep in mind that this is an old ship and does not have the amenities of the new ships, but instead it has charm, character and a sole that the new ships can no longer offer, she is truly one of the last great oceanliners.

Very clean public rooms. The skyroom is a quiet place to kick back and read. The Ritz Carlton is truly the most beautiful room aboard followed by the Casino which should be moved to another part of the ship so people could enjoy this room as it had been designed for. There is a great walk-around promenade which adds-up to a mile with 5-1/2 laps around.

Previously stated in summary above

I traveled single up on boat deck in a cabin designed for single passengers. I had a full size bed unlike other single sized cabins lower within the ship that offered two twins. Cabin size was nice as well as closet space. Since it is an old ship, the heating system was outdated and not consistent. Some passengers complained it was too cold (62 degrees) while others complained it was too hot (76 degrees) both on the same deck!

Entertainment was somewhat amateur but still entertaining. The cruise staff, such as the cruise director and assistant cruise director could use some pointers from Holland America. You really had to search for one if you wanted to find one, unlike H.A.L., where they were simply "always there."

Most people on this cruise didn't sail on her because of here itinerary, but instead for the ship. She gathered a large following because of what she was not who she is.

Followers of the old "Rotterdam." Many passengers have sailed her many times over the past decades. Ages vary from mid 30's to 80's.