stiej Posted March 3, 2011 #1 Share Posted March 3, 2011 We have 2 cruises on hold for this spring and have to decide by this evening - the 10 night Zuiderdam (Half Moon Cay, Aruba, Curacao, Panama and Costa Rica) or 7 night Westerdam (HMC, Aruba and Curacao). Zuiderdam would be oceanview, Westerdam verandah. Price difference is only 600. We are a family of 4 with 2 kids (10 and 7). They would miss 2 days of school on the Zuiderdam. Any thoughts to help us make our decision?? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJSULIBRARIAN Posted March 3, 2011 #2 Share Posted March 3, 2011 If the Zuiderdam is going in and out of the Canal, I would choose that one. Having your kids viewing the locking process would be a wonderful education. I am always amazed when we go to the Canal, whether a full transit or in and out to Gatun Lake, the engineering and effort that went into building it over 100 years ago. Barbara Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliaschief Posted March 3, 2011 #3 Share Posted March 3, 2011 Either ship would be fine but IMO a ten day cruise is the way to go and the experience of the Panama Canal tips the scale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
almare Posted March 3, 2011 #4 Share Posted March 3, 2011 If the Zuiderdam is going in and out of the Canal, I would choose that one. Having your kids viewing the locking process would be a wonderful education. I am always amazed when we go to the Canal, whether a full transit or in and out to Gatun Lake, the engineering and effort that went into building it over 100 years ago. Barbara The canal trip is also cool if you meet up with another cruise ship traveling in the opposite direction. Lots of cheering and waving. Also, you'll get to see glimpses of the new canal they have built to handle the super tankers - is it open yet? It wasn't when we made the trip in Dec 2009. Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iancal Posted March 3, 2011 #5 Share Posted March 3, 2011 GO FOR 10 DAYS. Missing school for a few days is a non event. If you are booking directly....get a quote for on on line TA...you may save enough to pay the delta or use cruise compete to get multiple quotes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bepsf Posted March 3, 2011 #6 Share Posted March 3, 2011 Having done that same 10-day Panama Canal voyage, I must say it's one of the most memorable trips of my life - Most definitely worth taking the extra days and lower-category stateroom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted March 3, 2011 #7 Share Posted March 3, 2011 my vote -- 10 days on the zuiderdam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okie1946 Posted March 3, 2011 #8 Share Posted March 3, 2011 TAKE THE 10 Days. The entire experience of the canal and the locks will more than make up for two days of missed school. Oh the stories the kids will have to tell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodworker&knitter Posted March 3, 2011 #9 Share Posted March 3, 2011 Definitely 10 days Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted March 3, 2011 #10 Share Posted March 3, 2011 Definitely the Panama Canal IMO We loved our cruise on Westerdam but I think the chance to take your kids to see Panama Canal is very special. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtl513 Posted March 3, 2011 #11 Share Posted March 3, 2011 10 days is always better than 7 ... even though I much prefer the Westerdam to the Zuiderdam. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dabearsfan Posted March 3, 2011 #12 Share Posted March 3, 2011 Did the exact 2 cruises, Westerdam in 2009 and Zuiderdam in 2010. Have to agree with the previous poster--I preferred the Westerdam but the canal trip more than made up for the slight differences between the ships. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted March 3, 2011 #13 Share Posted March 3, 2011 We did your 10 day on the Zuiderdam and loved it . Going through the locks is an experience and so is Costa Rica :D I would do that in a heartbeat. I have not been on the Westerdam (yet) but I can say that we really enjoyed our Zuidie cruise. I would definitely vote for this one :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timothy998 Posted March 4, 2011 #14 Share Posted March 4, 2011 10-day as well...get the kids a good book on the building of the Panama Canal for "homework" prior to the cruise. Plus you get many more port visits! Bon voyage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stiej Posted March 4, 2011 Author #15 Share Posted March 4, 2011 Well - we just got off the phone with HAL - and *drum roll* we will be heading off on the longest vacation we have EVER been on! We are officially booked on the Zuiderdam heading off to HMC, Aruba, Curacao, Panama and Costa Rica. I told my kids to talk to their Spanish teacher tomorrow at school as she is from Panama! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJSULIBRARIAN Posted March 4, 2011 #16 Share Posted March 4, 2011 Great decision IMO. You'll have a great time!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickT Posted March 4, 2011 #17 Share Posted March 4, 2011 10 > 7 Good decision. Life is too short to only cruise for 7 days at a time.... I'm sure you'll love the Panama Canal. Good learning experience for your kids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwissMyst Posted March 4, 2011 #18 Share Posted March 4, 2011 Great choice. And now we will all do our Upgrade Fairy Dance for you and hope good fortune continues to shine on your family - the educational possibilities for your kids having to take time away from class will be great with the destinations you chose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Littlebeachlover Posted March 4, 2011 #19 Share Posted March 4, 2011 We did your 10 day on the Zuiderdam and loved it . Going through the locks is an experience and so is Costa Rica :D I would do that in a heartbeat. I have not been on the Westerdam (yet) but I can say that we really enjoyed our Zuidie cruise. I would definitely vote for this one :D Ditto....:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted March 4, 2011 #20 Share Posted March 4, 2011 Well - we just got off the phone with HAL - and *drum roll* we will be heading off on the longest vacation we have EVER been on! We are officially booked on the Zuiderdam heading off to HMC, Aruba, Curacao, Panama and Costa Rica. I told my kids to talk to their Spanish teacher tomorrow at school as she is from Panama! good for you. These are all great ports along with the experience of the locks. You will have a great time :D:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamadot Posted March 4, 2011 #21 Share Posted March 4, 2011 Always go for extra days! Seven fly by!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randyk47 Posted March 4, 2011 #22 Share Posted March 4, 2011 Short of winning a 7-day cruise we don't consider or even look at those itineraries. We tried one several years ago and it just didn't provide the "bounce" we needed as a break from work. By the time we arrange flights and pre cruise hotels, etc., we just find short cruises just not worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted March 4, 2011 #23 Share Posted March 4, 2011 stiej: Which cruise did you choose? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stiej Posted March 4, 2011 Author #24 Share Posted March 4, 2011 We are doing the 10 day Zuiderdam :) The kids were bouncing off the walls! Now we need shore excursions! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bepsf Posted March 4, 2011 #25 Share Posted March 4, 2011 We are doing the 10 day Zuiderdam :) The kids were bouncing off the walls! Now we need shore excursions! My recommendations: Aruba - Off-Road 4-Wheel-Drive Adventure Curacao is easy to do on your own - just walk around the town w/ your map. Panama Canal - Wake up late, stay on the ship and watch as you sail out of Gatun Lake (leaving the rush to the railings to the others) and listen to the onboard narration while you make the transits. Costa Rica - Rain Forest Canopy & Zip Line Adventure or Sloth Sanctuary & Jungle Experience Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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