Adoptionmsw

We recently returned from a 27 day Alaska and repositioning on the Zuiderdam. We brought wash and wear clothing, rinsed it in the bathroom sink with detergent and hung it on the line in the shower. I threw a few plastic hangers in my luggage which helped a lot. The last time we used HAL's laundry service hubby's golf shirts came back badly faded. I think they use very hot water. In any event, since we are hikers, we had that type clothing available and it worked for us.

For most travel, I use my smartphone as a clock. But to see the time in the middle of the night, it has to be on the bedside table. On the ship, at least in our stateroom, the only outlet was at the desk/dressing table. The devices needed to be charged every night so that's where they had to be. Next time I'll bring a battery operated clock.

Ok recent experience....within the last 11 months, transatlantic on Emerald Princess, 14 day b2b on the Crown and Westerdam last thanksgiving. We found the princess to be more lively. I enjoyed current movies in a comfortable envionment, good lectures and excellent fish is the MDR. Holland has a much better spa, a better buffet. I liked fresh water pools on princess. Princess ships are in better shape and I love the international cafe. I do miss HAL tiles!

I love the HAL tiles and have quite a collection so I was quite disappointed to see that the one we recently received (collector cruise, Alaska and Panama Canal) was exactly the same as the one we got on a Caribbean cruise three years ago. What's up with that? More cost cutting?

We have just returned from 4 weeks on Zuiderdam, to be honest the entertainment particularly in the Vista Lounge was the worst we had experienced on any cruise ship by quite a margin. Dave and Joel, the cruise director and the show host obviously worked very hard but appeared to have no other support so daytime activities were a bit thin if you didn't want to use the spa, casino or shops. Other ships we've been on have an entertainments team of anything from 5 to 8 all supporting each other why do HAL think that 2 people can entertain nearly 2000 guests successfully.

We were on the same cruise on Ziuderdam, Alaska and Panama Canal. With the exception of Recycled Percussion, we were very disappointed in the shows. After the second week, we just stopped going. We love HAL but hadn't cruised in about three years. The cutbacks were really obvious. Adagio Strings is one example. Fortunately we love to relax and read. We were able to do plenty of that. The book club was a treat for me. Great discussions and the librarian, Bonnie, treated us to a drink at every meeting.

They each have their fine points.

 

Would sail on either one of them in a

 

minute.

 

 

 

As said no sofa on Princess till a mini.

 

But Princess has a frig in every room.

 

 

 

Hal has the sofa but no frig till a balcony.

 

I think Hal rooms are bigger.

 

 

 

We've had great service on both.

We just returned from a long cruise on the Ziuderdam in an inside cabin. There was a refrigerator. In fact, I don't remember ever not having one on HAL.

Why are some people offered upsells and others aren't? I don't understand. :confused:

It seems pretty random, doesn't it?

Hubby and I are on this one too. Vancouver r/t and then on through the Panama Canal to Ft. Lauderdale. Just got our room assignment this AM. Really excited, 27 days, longest cruise we've taken so far.

When I book a guarantee I always check "print luggage tags". The cabin number will show up there first.

Thanks for this info. I've been impatiently waiting to hear from HAL or our TA. I hadn't printed luggage tags because no room assignment. Lo and behold, room number was on luggage tag. I love Cruise Critic. Always great advice.

The HAL website also mentions beverage cards for $50, $100 and $250. Does anyone know how these work? In the past I have purchased a 10 or 20 glass wine card but apparently they are no longer available. The "up to 15 drinks per day" option is too much for me.

We booked a guarantee d inside and were "upgraded" to obstructed ocean view. We looked out on a lifeboat. On more than one day, there were workmen climbing around in it. It creeped me out and I ended up keeping the drapes closed. Would have preferred to stay with the inside.

I held off until a few days ago (sailing 9/20) because we still do not have a room assignment. I got so many nagging emails from HAL, I went ahead and did it. I haven't printed the luggage tags yet because still waiting in room number.

We were "upgraded" to a similar cabin on one cruise. I did not care for it. At least half the days on the cruise there were workmen climbing in and out of the lifeboat that was the "obstruction." I did not feel comfortable leaving the drapes open. Your mileage may vary.

Thanks so much for this detailed review. We are taking this cruise later this month and then continuing on to Ft. Lauderdale. Glad to hear about the wild life sightings. I'm bringing by binoculars.