Zaandam Hawaii - A Great Cruise aboard a Disappointing Ship

[Petronillus]

are you kidding me. sounds as though you spent more time inspecting the ship then enjoying the cruise itself. we just got off the eurodam last week and although a newer ship than the zaandam i can`t remember spending a second looking for a burnt out light bulb or a crooked lamp shade. also the same people praising your overly critical review would normally blast any other poster and most of them would say exactly what i am asking and that is when did you find time to not work and enjoy the vacation!!!!!

 

Brian does not deserve to be flamed. Some people are like seagulls: they swoop in, take a dump, and fly away. That does not describe Brian. He has a track record, and those who follow the HAL board know how well disposed he is to the cruise line and its ships. That's what gives him his credibility. I for one am grateful for the benefit of his discriminating eye.

[fridayeyes]

Brian does not deserve to be flamed. Some people are like seagulls: they swoop in, take a dump, and fly away. That does not describe Brian. He has a track record, and those who follow the HAL board know how well disposed he is to the cruise line and its ships. That's what gives him his credibility. I for one am grateful for the benefit of his discriminating eye.

 

 

What Bob said!

[yogi2929]

please tell us how you gained entry to the engine room

 

in all seriousness, the odds of getting into an engine room on HLA are "0" and "0" .. no exceptions

 

a tour of the bridge is "difficult"

 

engine room: impossible since 9/11

 

Carnival has a Behind the Scenes tour on all of their ships. Bridge, engine control room, galley, laundry room, environmental, liquor storeroom, I95, etc

 

***

 

Thanks for the review. I hope that most of these issues are taken care of by the time we board in 2 weeks.

[liketraveling]

Brian did a very objective review and hit the nail on head. I was on the cruise, and was having a hard time coming up with an objective review.

 

I posted that I had a great time. I knew things wern't perfect and was having ahard time coming up with an objective review. I still had a good time but there were inperfections.

 

 

I hadn't heard about the plumbing problems still Sage posted here and I sure hope that HAL gave Sage credit on that. I didn't use the Spa Facilities and only went out to the AFT pool twice.

 

I was on the Ryndam last year and thought that that ship was in worse condition than the Zaandam. As the Zaandam the Crew were great and this was out of their area.

 

The only problem I had with any of the Crew was one person in the Casino. There were a bunch of sitting at the table playing black the day after we were in Kona. We were laughing having a good time. One of the floor monitors was walking around looking at the dealers. One person at the table asked very politely. 'How Often due you change the cards'?

The response from the floor person was 'Dam You!' and than was told a few seconds later they hadn't been changed. We all ended up leaving the table. I work in Customer Service and her 'Damm You' response was totally unaceptable. The rest of the Casino staff that I encourntered were great.

 

The 14 day itenary is not appealing to me. If you want to see Pearl Harbor there would be chance that you not get in to see it as the Ship does not get into Port until 10:00 and the tickets could be sold out.

 

Princess is adding more ships to their Hawaii Itenary but they are also 14 days.

 

My Dad really wanted to take this cruise ,it was My Mom and his favorite. He is three for three missing the Kileua (sP) Volcano. Things like that happen. I want to go to Barcelona when it doesn't Rain. Been there twice and it has poured twice. It is one of those crazy things of Traveling.

 

Brian & Bev it was nice meeting you on the cruise! Brian thanks for doing a great objective review.

 

Gail

[Bill HaHa]

Just off the Zaandam yesterday (4/6) Is this the same Zaandam?. I thought she was in great shape I am not as picky about lots of things as most people are. So, I apparently overlook a lot of things that others might find objectional. I am there to enjoy my cruise That is just me.

[awhcruiser]

Did you have any time to enjoy the cruise? Some of these things I see as very nit picky. Does it really matter if all the clocks are not in sync?

 

Hi All - Now that I've settled into the home routine, I thought I'd share some thoughts about my family's recent Hawaii Cruise. A more complete review with my thoughts on the various ports will be posted to the CC Cruise Review section shortly.

 

This was my family's first-ever trip to Hawaii - so we were looking forward to this trip w/ much anticipation. We went with a group of experienced cruisers - some had cruised to Hawaii before aboard Zaandam, others had been to Hawaii but not aboard a ship, and others had cruised but not to Hawaii.

 

Our friend and travel agent made the arrangements for our group and also for our shore excursions, pre-cruise hotel, Bon Voyage dinner, Meet and Greet - plus she procured proper HAL luggage tags for our group! Can't say enough good things about her.

 

Embarcation was fine despite the fact that the Carnival Spirit was embarking on her 8 day cruise the same day - the hotel across the street where we were staying was full and the lines on the pier were tremendous: We were glad to stay at the hotel for a couple extra hours to enjoy breakfast on the terrace and a couple of drinks at the bar as the lines on the pier dissipated.

One thing to note is that HAL no longer takes your CC for the shipboard account on the pier - either you do it online or you must swing by the front office to set up your account: I waited a couple days to go to the desk to do this to avoid the lines.

 

Service was splendid and the staff and crew were outstanding - I cannot say enough about how wonderful the crew are aboard Zaandam: CD Anthony is the best I've ever experienced. Edy, Geoffrey, Wayou, Rafael, the guys in the Crow's Nest, the Ocean Bar and Lido Bar and our cabin stewards as well as the spa staff and Kris and Iris at the Front Office took really great care of us. The band was good and the activities were plentiful, if one wished to participate - otherwise, there was plenty of time and space to relax and read a good book (for this itinerary I recommend “Letters from Hawaii” by Mark Twain - available thru Amazon) I also cannot say enough good things about our waiter’s conscientiousness regarding my Gluten-Free diet. Scotty and I also caught sinus infections (it seemed to be going around) on the return trip and we both went to the infirmary on separate days - and we were both dealt with kindly and professionally by the staff and the same Doctor we met last year aboard Noordam.

 

Iris helped us have two Meet and Greets in the Crow’s Nest - which I highly recommend, particularly on a longer itinerary, as folks seem to have so much more to share at the end of the cruise. I was also invited to a tea w/ our HM, Fierman, and GRM, Iris, who asked us group leaders how we felt about the cruise - I thought this was a nice touch and showed genuine concern for our well-being.

 

The ship did schedule some LGBT unhosted meetings in the Crow’s Nest but they weren’t well attended. Seems that our group was nearly all the LGBT that were aboard and we knew one another already.

 

The itinerary was wonderful and we saw so much - every Hawaiian port was truly enjoyable. Some highlights of the trip included encountering a huge herd of dolphins mid-ocean westbound who raced to meet the ship in such great numbers as if we were offering free crack in the ghetto. We also saw a great many whales frolicking off the port of Lahaina, Maui all about the ship all day long. Our friend, Mary, rented a van and drove a number of us around Honolulu to Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace and the state government buildings, and afterwards to the Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki for a delightful lunch (I could stay there forever...) Kona is a lovely port just to wander around: much better than Hilo where one must take a taxi or bus to get out of the former Military installation and into town, and Kauai is a gorgeous rustic island which is very much the way I imagined Hawaii to be. I think of my short time in Hawaii, I’d have to say that my favorite ports were Kawai, Honolulu and Kona.

 

Sadly - Zaandam herself was not up to the standard of what I expected a HAL ship to look like after the recent January drydock (I could see it from my apartment here in SF for two weeks so I know it was there!) The cabins were in good condition, and the dining room chairs were brand new - but other than that, I could not tell you what had been done:

 

* Hull and Superstructure are in desperate need of paint - Rust streaks are everywhere, the paint was scraped away beneath the bow anchors to such an extent that it appeared more rust than blue (Some painting was done on the portside bow while we were in Kauai - nowhere else) and paint is bubbling and peeling around the windows and hull-doors so that one can easily see the rust streaks on the white superstructure from pier or tender.

* Lightbulbs burnt out all over the place - and of the 6 chandeliers in the MDR, 1 was never lit for the entire cruise.

* Lamps in the Lido were broken or crooked.

* Torn and frayed upholstery in the Lido and certain public rooms on Upper Promenade Deck.

* Broken out windows in the Lido.

* Filthy windows, including the Magrodome itself until after we had had some rain in Hilo and Kauai.

* Decorative decals that wrap around the bulkhead surrounding the opening for the Magrodome are decayed and peeling off in the central areas.

* Ships clocks are unsynchronized, and the TV channel that gives time and date was often wrong. Forward Lido clock under the Magrodome is correct - Aft Lido clock under the Magrodome is off by 3 1/2 hours.

* Scuffs and scrapes in the hard flooring around the Lido bar. (It wouldn’t take a couple hours one night w/ a floor polisher to get rid of those scrapes, says the Old Military man...)

* Cracking and peeling finishes on the wooden tables near the Lido Bar.

* Broken chairs in the Lido Restaurant (I pinched my finger in the loose arm joint of one chair while pulling it beneath me - nearly fell through the broken seat of another...)

* Hair Salon only had one cape to cover clients - the beauticians had to share back and forth while doing Mother's hair and mine. Also, a chair in the salon had broken brakes: After Mom had her hair washed, the ship rolled and she rolled helplessly towards the windows scaring her half-to-death!

* Dirty tile in the Thermal Spa - I could take my hand and wipe the dirt away from the tile around the T-Pool. I really wanted to take a scrub-brush to the place!

* Frayed and poorly laid carpets in the corridors - I could easily see the concrete between the gaps in the cuts!

* Of the 8 lamp standards around the aft pool: 2 had new lamp globes, 4 had yellowed and filthy globes, and 2 had no globes at all!

* Damaged artwork: One of the carved marble sculptures outside the Sports Bar was tied up with rope to hold it together throughout the cruise, and the great circular painting at the top of the midship stairwell had gilding from the frame peeled off from what appeared to be tape that had been applied here & there.

* Broken Lifeboat Davit? Portside-Aft davit was left extended throughout the return trip to California - Didn't notice if it was extended for the entire cruise...

* Broken Granite floor tiles in the elevators and a huge gouge in the door of one elevator.

 

When I asked the Captain during one of his talks what happens during a drydock, he mentioned that there’s quite a lot of maintenance that goes on - cleaning the hull, polishing the propellers, etc - which is all well and good. I later asked our kind Hotel Manager, Fierman, about the poor condition of the ship to which he replied, “I know”. He did say that many ports prohibit painting and window-washing nowadays - but again, one would think that the floors and tiles could have been scrubbed, lightbulbs could have been changed and a good coat of paint could have been slapped on the ship as she sat in the drydock for two weeks, don’t you? Yes, it’s a 10 year old ship, but it’s not going to make it another 10 years unless Seattle puts some time and effort into the condition of this ship - Ryndam and Statendam were in better condition last fall than Zaandam today! IMO, who cares about new showroom furniture, rearranged cocktail lounges and shops and the sliding glass door staterooms that are being installed on the ships when the basics go ignored?

 

Would I go to Hawaii again? In a heartbeat.

 

Would I take a Hawaii cruise again? I believe that seeing Hawaii by ship is probably the best way to go - I wouldn’t know which island to go to first and think that I might get bored had I been on only one island. However, I honestly don’t think that it’s worth the time away to only spend 4 days in port and not 5 - All those days at sea got to be a bit much on the return trip that a mere 4 ports just wouldn’t be worth it unless an overnight were planned someplace like Honolulu. I’d either book the one 15-day cruise in January 2011 that still includes Kona or the 30-day Polynesian/Pacific Cruise that includes Hawaii - but I wouldn’t do the 14-day Hawaiian cruise from San Diego.

 

Despite the wonderful staff and crew and the great itinerary - until HAL gets its act in order and cleans up the ship and does the necessary maintenance I wouldn’t book any cruise aboard Zaandam, as the sad condition of the ship was the most disappointing aspect of the entire cruise.

[awhcruiser]

My thoughts exactly........

 

just one question Brian

 

were you on vacation or on an inspection tour:rolleyes:

[jhannah]

Does it really matter if all the clocks are not in sync?

If you're depending on the ship's clocks to get you to an event on time or if you're setting your watch to a ship's clock so you'll get back to the ship before it sails away, then yes ... it matters greatly. All the clocks should read the same.

[innlady1]

Brian does not deserve to be flamed. Some people are like seagulls: they swoop in, take a dump, and fly away. That does not describe Brian. He has a track record, and those who follow the HAL board know how well disposed he is to the cruise line and its ships. That's what gives him his credibility. I for one am grateful for the benefit of his discriminating eye.

 

Ditto, Bob! We've cruised with Brian...a kinder person would be difficult to find. Personally, I'd trust his opinion always. And, it's so rude to do as you've said: Swoop in like seagulls, take a dump and fly away. :eek:

[innlady1]

Brian,

 

No wonder Fred and I didn't see him on the Noordam this winter! He was such a nice guy. Was the same nurse there, too? As I recall, he is an ER doc in the SF area.

[innlady1]

Well we just came off the Zaandam today and I can attest to some of the deficiencies Brian noted. The windows are still not cleaned. The Lido window is still broken (covered w/ plywood), and the statue is still held together w/ string (at first I thought it was part of the sculpture, but I reconsidered). There were some complaints w/ bathrooms out of order near the Crow's Nest and some of the elevators had issues throughout the cruise. There was a plumbing problem on Deck 6 which resulted in a potty flood and two rooms reassigned for a night.

 

So, yeah, there are some maintenance problems to be taken care of and hopefully HAL will take care of them. But overall, the Zaandam is a beautiful ship with a wonderful crew and that usually makes up for anything that is below a "10". (but i wish the cabin stewards would wash the glass on the balconies more often. just my pet peeve).

 

Jeanne

 

Guess it's a pet peeve of mine as well. I was shocked that this year, on our 20 day Noordam cruise, the plexiglass on the verandahs wasn't washed once!

[Williebill]

I hate to hear the Zaandam is in such bad condition. You would think the crew on board could take care of some of the conditions that you mention.

[Tamaracboy]

Yes. ;)

 

I'm detail-oriented in my work and I'm interested in & write about interior design at home - When I'm at a land-based hotel, restaurant, store or even in my office at home, I notice these types of things.

It's no different while on vacation.

 

are you kidding me. sounds as though you spent more time inspecting the ship then enjoying the cruise itself. we just got off the eurodam last week and although a newer ship than the zaandam i can`t remember spending a second looking for a burnt out light bulb or a crooked lamp shade. also the same people praising your overly critical review would normally blast any other poster and most of them would say exactly what i am asking and that is when did you find time to not work and enjoy the vacation!!!!!

 

 

Brian does not deserve to be flamed. Some people are like seagulls: they swoop in, take a dump, and fly away. That does not describe Brian. He has a track record, and those who follow the HAL board know how well disposed he is to the cruise line and its ships. That's what gives him his credibility. I for one am grateful for the benefit of his discriminating eye.

 

Brian,

Truly appreciate your review for more than one reason.

And if the 3 or 4 Flamers had spent any time reading these boards, they would know that your word is not to be taken lightly !

I too am a very (sometimes overly) observant person.

And, once one thing catches my eye, everything associated just pops out.

This is without even trying to look for things.

And I am not even in your field where this would be a professional advantage.

I guess some people are naturally observers and others just naturally oblivious.

You made it UBER clear that these defects did not interfere with you and your group's enjoyment of your vacation.

Each and every comment was in the vein of "constructive criticism".

Which, if I were running any business much less a cruise line, I would be over joyed to receive the feedback.

The one thing I can still remember from Business 101 a gazillion years ago is that "the most valuable customer is one that will take their time to offer you advice"

And, if HAL should listen to anyone, you'd be at the top of their list.

Since HAL does not employ "secret shoppers" or undercover quality control (due to wanting to sell the space), you have actually provided them with an incredibly valuable service.

To me it is incomprehensible how many "routine maintenance" items were blatantly ignored during a 2 week dry dock.

These dry docks really cost the company serious money and one would think they would take fullest advantage of them (the carpeting, chairs, painting, etc.) while so many of your items could (should) be taken care of under way.

PLEASE keep us posted of any response you get from HAL corporate (which I assume has been forwarded a copy).

Thank you again,

Reuel