Review - Circle Hawaii, 1/21-2/5/2010, Zaandam - VERY Long

[bcd2010]

Background: My 2 adult sons and I last cruised on the (old) Noordam for a Millennium Cruise and have not all 3 been together in the same place/same time since. I just turned 60 and used that as the excuse to get us all together again. That alone made this a wonderful cruise, and where it might have fallen short, flexibility, adaptability and attitude supplemented. We did the Circle Hawaii Cruise, 1/21-2/5/2010, on the Zaandam, from San Diego.

The dining and cabin stewards are, IMO, the best things HAL has going for it. They are amazing at what they will do to make the cruise not only nice and comfortable, but cheerful and personalized as well. Our cabin stewards, Widodo and Tony, kept the room neat and orderly, the bathroom clean, brought in fresh towels and ice daily, toiletries as needed, and decorated our turned-down beds with towel animals most nights. Our dining (late, fixed) stewards, Erik and Yohannis, were cheerful and dedicated. Erik especially gets extra kudos because my older son is picky, almost never sees anything on the menu he likes – Erik worked with him nightly (sometimes going to the Lido to get a pasta dish) to keep him satisfied.

The dinner menu included a big variety of foods: 4 appetizers, 4 soups/salads (at least one warm and one chilled soup), at least a half dozen entrees, and as many as a dozen desserts if you count each flavor of ice cream. Food is highly subjective – I do not like beef, pork, veal or lamb, all of which appeared frequently on the menu, and still I was usually able to choose between a poultry (chicken or duck) and fish/seafood entree. There were usually pasta and vegetarian entrees as well. Fresh fruit was abundant, and almost always ripe at the time it was cut.

HAL shore excursions were definitely “pricey” as a rule. But we did the Kipu Falls zipline on Kauai at $177 (could not book on our own due to Kipu contract with HAL) but they told us that was only about $20 over what they normally charge. It was a blast, the kind of thing that’s on your “bucket list”. The tour guides were fun and funny, as well as encouraging and helpful.

We also signed up for HAL snorkeling excursions in Lahaina and Kona. The Lahaina trip was supposed to be on a yacht with snorkeling in Molokini Crater – it was changed to a catamaran with snorkeling in Olowalu (just so-so). We really wanted to see Molokini, but the catamaran was fun when they unfurled the sails and turned off the engine – real sailing! – and the crew was very good, nice, friendly, attentive, etc. The Captain Zodiac rafts in Kona were a blast and the snorkeling (in Kealakekua Bay, a protected habitat and location of the Captain Cook Monument) was the best, even if it was crowded. Again, the crew was great, and at the end, the raft’s captain treated us to a high-speed, tight figure-8 next to the ship (Zaandam).

We made reservations to go to the Paradise Cove Luau on our own, and for less money than HAL was charging, we’d have got better seating, table-side service and a few other goodies. But the Luau got cancelled due to the weather – a real bummer, because that would have been the defining outing for us in Hawaii (so, alas, no leis or poi J ).

In Honolulu, my younger son took a surfing lesson (his first) on Waikiki Beach – he was up on the board 3 times (the longest for almost half a minute). They took great pix of him with a l-o-n-g telephoto lens, great mementos. He definitely wants to do more surfing – although, he declined their offer to let him use the board another hour that day – he said the hardest part was paddling out – his arms were exhausted.

I rented a car for my sons in Hilo. I say I rented it for them because I splurged on a Mustang Convertible, and they did the driving – oh, yeah, I received the “cool Mom” award that day! We drove to Volcano National Park and saw the steam vents, Jagger Museum and Thurston Lava Tube (it’s a bit of a hike down to it and esp. out of it – it’s in a rain forest and the humidity and the activity put my lungs to a real test!) We also visited the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory and had the obligatory Mac Nut Ice Cream and bought the obligatory Mac Nut products. Unfortunately, the car rental place closed at 5 pm (last shuttle back to the ship at 4:30), so we didn’t get to any of the Falls – next time…

One of the most important souvenirs for me was going to be a family portrait. We had one taken the first formal night – it turned out awful. On the third formal night, we went to a different photographer (Andrea), who did a wonderful job. She listened to me, accommodated my wishes and set up a few shots of her own, arranging us differently, and even taking individual pix of us all. They turned out great. It was the difference between taking quick snapshots and creating formal portraits.

The first day and a half, the seas were rough and so was the ride. Many people were sick, which impacted room service’s ability to fulfill all requests. This is something HAL could improve, e.g., they always said our meals would be delivered in 30-45 minutes but they never were – I’d rather have been told it would be 2 or more hours than deal with the frustration of delays – usually when we finally gave up on room service, the Lido “bistro” was no longer open and choices were a bit limited for someone who wasn’t feeling well (i.e., no soup or easy-on-the-stomach foods) – and ironically, although we cancelled the room service order each time, the food often came anyway. Laundry and cabin stewards were probably also affected by the rough ride, but that had fewer “ripple” effects. (Laundry service was great – very fast turn around, sometimes same day.)

The ship was just out of dry dock and looked good, but there were a few “mechanical” problems. We had a leak (drip) from our cabin sprinkler on the 2nd or 3rd day. I reported it as soon as it started, suggesting they might want to address it immediately so it could be fixed while it was a small problem (I had visions of it letting loose all at once, probably in the middle of the night!). Two hours later, I called them back and asserted that I wanted it fixed now because I had no intention of sleeping in a wet bed. Within minutes, they were there, investigating. Later, they called back to say the problem was "further up the line" and that they think they got it fixed. They called back several times that day and the next to ensure it had stopped leaking and sent up a plate of chocolates "for (our) inconvenience." (A day or 2 later, there was a leak by the speaker a few feet from our cabin - don't know if they're related.)

Another mechanical problem, which seems to plague all the ships we’ve cruised on, were inoperable elevators - there are 3 banks of 4 elevators each - as many as half were out at any given time and 3-4 of them never worked during the cruise (the engineers worked on them at first but seemed to give up by the 4th or 5th day). That includes 2-4 of them at a time the front of the ship, which is a huge problem because you had to use those elevators (or the stairs, if you're able) to get to the A-deck to disembark at the ports.

Unfortunately there were several missing components to our cruise, and some made the daily program look pretty sparse:

· No “tech-spert” on board, so no digital classes

· No fitness instructor on board the first week, so no fitness classes the first half of the cruise

· Cruise Director had no staff to help with the games, etc., (DJ filled in on Team Trivia a few times), so there weren’t many game-type activities – team trivia (poorly run and scored), a bit of golf and bingo, pool games 1ce or 2ce – the CD seemed more interested in his Best Joke/Worst Joke tryouts, and was always having to rush off to something else (and on a personal note, I didn’t like the guy – reminded me of corporate business world types schmoozing to get ahead, i.e., only being a CD as a step on the path to where he really wants to go, and his performance as a CD fell short as a result).

· A real problem getting entertainment on board – at least one performer filled in with a second show (violinist Hanna Starosta, very talented and a pleasure to hear again), and 3 nights there was no show at all – they put the Indonesian and Philipino shows on those nights at 11 pm but in the past these crew shows have been in addition to the “regular” entertainment.

· No Master Chef’s Dinner (I know some of you think this is no great loss, but we had never experienced it and wanted to see it)

Again, we adapted and found other things to do instead (unfortunately it was all too often eating). It was just short of the quality/standards that kept us coming back to HAL – they can do better!

Other notes:

• We weren’t crazy about the new format of the Daily Planner - although we got the hang of it, it was a bit cumbersome and between the new format and errors on it, we missed a few things we might have attended.
  
• Smoke in the Casino, Piano Bar, areas around the shops and even beyond was noticeable, and bothersome to anyone with sensitivities/allergies/etc. Unfortunately, these areas are central to deck 5 - you cannot avoid them entirely. We never got to play in the Casino or enjoy the Piano Bar.
  
• They really need to research the trivia answers - there was almost always at least 1 wrong (2 sessions per day). CD Anthony and DJ Zach really didn't know what to do about it (those of us who did not match the wrong answer on their paper lost points). I got the impression that they will ask the same questions on the next cruise and have the same wrong answers.
  
• I am not sure if the musicians who backed up the show acts were the same as the ones with "Jenny and the Halcats". The instrumentalists who backed up the show acts were excellent, but "Jenny and the Halcats" were too loud - "Jenny" had to practically scream to be heard over them and it was not pleasant, IMO.
  
• We were in cabin A7036, which accommodates 3 people - the sofa opens to a single bed, not a double/queen. Left more room for moving around, but definitely cramped for 3 people (adults).
  
• The signature beds may have been comfortable when put together into queen size, but we experienced something peculiar with them separated. They are not really twin size (only 30" wide), the mattresses slope downward at the edges, and the way the mattress pad was put on it (folded), it created a slight arch. We were okay when sleeping on our backs, but on our sides, we had to keep balancing against the ship's rocking, esp. when the seas were rough (felt like we were going to fall out of bed!).
  
• There were a total of 13 drawers plus 4 closets, some with shelves, so plenty of storage.
  
• There are locks on 2 of the drawers in the cabin, but no keys - when we asked for keys, they couldn't find even the master key and said those drawers/locks hadn't been used since the safes were put in. So we couldn't lock up all the cameras and the 2 laptops, but everything seemed to be safe, no losses (the cabin stewards were good about not leaving the door open/cabin unattended when cleaning).
  
• We used a surge protector we brought with us, okayed by the cabin steward.
  

This post has negative comments in it but I want to stress that we really enjoyed our trip. The dining and cabin stewards are the best thing HAL has going for it IMO - they are cheerful and dedicated to making your time on board super wonderful. Food was quite varied, lots of choices. The islands are great - my only regret is that we couldn't stay in each port longer (I think land trips are needed). The entertainment is anywhere from good enough to great. Attitude is the make-or-break factor in things like this and we were determined to enjoy the positives and just deal with the negatives.

[andeesue]

Thanks for the great detailed report. Sounds as if this was a special time for you to be with your sons, despite some of the problems encountered.

[jbhcw]

Thanks so much for your review..have been waiting to see if anyone would post one:D Sounds like you had a good cruise..how could it not with your sons along, (I also have two sons, and one of our best cruises was when the whole family did the Zuiderdam a few years ago).

 

We've cruised enough to know stuff happens..I'll just be happy to be on a ship..feel like we've been in a dry spell with this winter weather..last cruise was in July..I am so ready to go. Sorry you had leaking problems..but know usually HAL will step up to the plate when there are serious issues.

 

Have already decided that we will not see all of Hawaii..but something is better than nothing and those sea days will make up for it:)

 

Again..thanks so much for your review..pictures to follow???

[RevNeal]

Dear Barbara!

It was a pleasure getting to meet you and your sons aboard the Zaandam! If we manage to cruise together again we really should see about booking dinner together, or some-such. Nevertheless, it was a pleasure to meet you.

 

Your review is excellent, and allowing for differences in taste and other subjective factors, I find much with which I agree. Very well done!

 

Blessings,

[Cruising-along]

Thank you for your review! We'll be on the same cruise in April, and we'll be renting a car in Hilo too. Could you tell me how long it took to drive to Volcano Nat'l Park, and how long did you stay? (just trying to plan our day, thanks!) :)

[bcd2010]

Again..thanks so much for your review..pictures to follow???

 

Yes, I'll update my web site in the next week or 2 and post here when that's done. I have >1000 pix to sort through, some of which I am waiting on my California son to send me.

[bcd2010]

Dear Barbara!

It was a pleasure getting to meet you and your sons aboard the Zaandam! If we manage to cruise together again we really should see about booking dinner together, or some-such. Nevertheless, it was a pleasure to meet you.

 

Your review is excellent, and allowing for differences in taste and other subjective factors, I find much with which I agree. Very well done!

 

I was glad to meet you, too. Wish we had thought to get together on this cruise (I kept thinking our paths would cross in such a way that it would happen spontaneously), but it just didn't seem to work out - next time, definitely!

[jbhcw]

Thanks..will be looking forward to the pictures:)

[bcd2010]

Could you tell me how long it took to drive to Volcano Nat'l Park, and how long did you stay? (just trying to plan our day, thanks!) :)

 

IIRC, it was a half hour and we spent about 3 hours there. Part of the Crater Rim drive is closed or we'd have been there all day. While we were there, we saw the Kilauea Military Camp - they rent cabins - my older son esp. thought it would be great to stay there for a few days while doing some hiking through the park (okay, that nut DID fall far from the tree! - I'll stay at the Sheraton Kona and explore (lounge on) the beaches while they rough it!).

[bcd2010]

...allowing for differences in taste and other subjective factors...

 

I was aware there are subjective differences - different strokes for different folks, after all. I struggled with some areas of my review because of it but wanted to be honest about our experiences and interpretations. All reviews should be read with an eye towards subjectivity, and there are things that are big for one person but small for another. Probably best to glean the information you want from a review (and ask questions - I would think people who take time to write a review are open to answering questions) and figure out how you would react to/be affected by anything else (or ignore it!).

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

Thank you for your Zaandam review. We are sailing on her Sea of Cortez March 26th sailing and I was curious to have updated information especially since she just came out of drydock. What you told us is much appreciated.

 

Barbara

[Cruising-along]

IIRC, it was a half hour and we spent about 3 hours there. Part of the Crater Rim drive is closed or we'd have been there all day. While we were there, we saw the Kilauea Military Camp - they rent cabins - my older son esp. thought it would be great to stay there for a few days while doing some hiking through the park (okay, that nut DID fall far from the tree! - I'll stay at the Sheraton Kona and explore (lounge on) the beaches while they rough it!).

 

Thanks, this helps! :)

[RevNeal]

I was aware there are subjective differences - different strokes for different folks, after all. I struggled with some areas of my review because of it but wanted to be honest about our experiences and interpretations. All reviews should be read with an eye towards subjectivity, and there are things that are big for one person but small for another. Probably best to glean the information you want from a review (and ask questions - I would think people who take time to write a review are open to answering questions) and figure out how you would react to/be affected by anything else (or ignore it!).

 

I agree with you completely! Well put, and very true too.

[portofrome]

Thank you for the review.

[Bill HaHa]

Thanks for the review... I, also will be on her March 26th. Looking forward to 11 days in Mexico

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for the review.

On many of our cruises the last couple of years there has been no other show of any type on the evenings when they have the Crew shows.

Yes the CD does have less help -- cut backs about a year ago -- thus less activities -- we have noticed that on all our recent cruises.

Sorry your cruise did not have a "tech" person and you didn't have any digital classes.

Thanks for taking the time to write your report. Enjoyed reading it.

[Vanisle]

Thank you for taking the time to post your review.

I think my biggst concern (we leave April 27) would be no operational elevators as Mike is a quadriplegic ans stairs are definatly out of the question.

[bcd2010]

Vanisle - for one of the ports, when none of the elevators was working, they used the freight elevator to get people who couldn't climb stairs up a level or 2 - talk to the people at the front desk to ensure that will always be an option for him.

[liketraveling]

Vanisle - for one of the ports, when none of the elevators was working, they used the freight elevator to get people who couldn't climb stairs up a level or 2 - talk to the people at the front desk to ensure that will always be an option for him.

 

Thanks Barb for the review!

 

Thanks for the tip on the elevator. I will be on the March 11th sailing with my Dad. My dad had knee replacement surgery in the fall. He is walking great on flat land but I don't know how he will do with stairs.

 

Gail

[CowPrincess]

We are considering this cruise, but the # of sea days is, to me, daunting. How did you find having so many consecutive sea days? We are not big "joiners", so would probably attend onboard lectures or such, but likely wouldn't do trivia or similar. Your impressions would be appreciated! :)

[mudscraper]

I enjoyed your review.

Did your waiter actually leave the MDR and go to the Lido to get your son his meal?

 

 

Rich

[bcd2010]

We are considering this cruise, but the # of sea days is, to me, daunting. How did you find having so many consecutive sea days? We are not big "joiners", so would probably attend onboard lectures or such, but likely wouldn't do trivia or similar. Your impressions would be appreciated! :)

 

To be honest, the first day and a half, the seas were so rough, I daresay most people just concentrated on not getting sick... then a day or 2 to recover. So consider that and hope you're just bored instead!

 

We did not prepare ourselves well for so many sea days. As I said, we hadn't cruised in 10 years and last time there were so many activities we didn't have to think! This time, we did team trivia twice on sea days and a couple other activities (towel animals, etc.). There were also art lectures, water color and culinary classes, Kainoa's talks on Hawaii, a book club (many people read most of the day), a knitter's group, bingo, bridge (soome people seemed to play it all day!), dance lessons -- and more, I'm sure.

 

My younger son did a lot of walking around the prom deck (his way of getting some time for himself) and my older son (...sigh...) discovered he could get free DVDs and watched all episodes from as many seasons as he could of Battlestar Gallactica - when we were close enough to land where he could pick up free wireless, he played World Of War with his online friends (276 in his guild) (that's all I know about it!). I had brought some crafts (jewelry making and counted cross stitch) but it took me until the second week to get into a routine with them. I thought they would be something I would do for a few minutes here, a few minutes there - but as it turned out, I could have spent blocks of time on them - I wish I had brought some bigger projects I wanted to finish up*

 

And as I said, when there was time to fill in, we ate... too much.

 

Those who are joiners can find many things to join in and those who aren't should plan to bring something they can "get into."

 

 

 

*Before the trip, I was fed up with packing long before I finished packing, so planning to bring even more stuff really didn't appeal. I've got to figure a better way to do this!

[bcd2010]

Did your waiter actually leave the MDR and go to the Lido to get your son his meal?

 

Not sure - I just overheard something that told me some of his dishes were from the Lido (probably Canelletto). Whether it was the waiter, his assistent or a "gopher", I don't know. (My son tipped him well.)

[bcd2010]

To be honest, the first day and a half, the seas were so rough, I daresay most people just concentrated on not getting sick... then a day or 2 to recover. So consider that and hope you're just bored instead!

We did not prepare ourselves well for so many sea days. As I said, we hadn't cruised in 10 years and last time there were so many activities we didn't have to think! This time, we did team trivia twice on sea days and a couple other activities (towel animals, etc.). There were also art lectures, water color and culinary classes, Kainoa's talks on Hawaii, a book club (many people read most of the day), a knitter's group, bingo, bridge (soome people seemed to play it all day!), dance lessons -- and more, I'm sure.

Those who are joiners can find many things to join in and those who aren't should plan to bring something they can "get into."

 

I wanted to add to this: Remember, we were planning on attending the digital workshops but there were none. Ditto fitness classes in the 1st week (and we never got to it the second week). That gave us a lot more time to fill in -- and why I say adaptability and flexibility are important.

 

The bottom line is that if you are the kind of person who joins in whatever activities and conversations are going on, you'll handle 8 sea days (actually 9, because the stop in Ensenada is in the evening for only a few hours) just fine. Ditto if you're someone who is fine with a book or your own activity, or just sitting in a lounge chair watching the sea go by.

 

Otherwise, that many sea days can be a problem. I talked with a couple at the airport who said they were bored on the cruise. To be honest, that is something I never let happen in my life - I find something to do (that's me, and my sons, too - while I wouldn't have done what they did - and vice versa - they filled their time in a way that sufficed). You really have to look at your own personality, likes and dislikes, patterns of behavior, etc. to determine what you like and what you can handle.

[Belle]

Did you play bingo?

Can you tell me the price

of the games?

 

You said they had lecturers on Hawaii.

Did they have any other lecturers on

different subjects besides art?

 

Thank You