ironin Posted April 21, 2011 #1 Share Posted April 21, 2011 We're planning to post (semi-)regularly while aboard the Zuiderdam after it sails from Fort Lauderdale tomorrow for Vancouver, BC, via the Panama Canal. Along the way, we're visiting at a nice combination of unique and traditional ports-of-call: Veracruz, Mexico Dos Bocas, Mexico Progreso, Mexico Cartagena, Colombia Puntarenas, Costa Rica Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala Acapulco, Mexico Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Los Angeles, USA If everything works out as planned (Does it ever?), we'll be simultaneously posting the commentary here and on our blog: Aboard the Zuiderdam! The blog will have photos, too. (Posting them to CC is too cumbersome.) Here's to a great adventure! Please join us, either here or there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
startwin Posted April 21, 2011 #2 Share Posted April 21, 2011 We're planning to post (semi-)regularly while aboard the Zuiderdam after it sails from Fort Lauderdale tomorrow bound for Vancouver, BC, via the Panama Canal. Along the way, we're visiting at a nice combination of unique and traditional ports-of-call: Veracruz, Mexico Dos Bocas, Mexico Progreso, Mexico Cartagena, Colombia Puntarenas, Costa Rica Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala Acapulco, Mexico Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Los Angeles, USA If everything works out as planned (Does it ever?), we'll be simultaneously posting the commentary here and on our blog: Aboard the Zuiderdam! The blog will have photos, too. (Posting them to CC is too cumbersome.) Here's to a great adventure! Please join us, either here or there. I will be following along with you - we are booked for this same cruise next year so I will be checking in every day for your posts. Thank You!!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted April 21, 2011 #3 Share Posted April 21, 2011 thanks -- i am interested in some of those new ports Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Himself Posted April 21, 2011 #4 Share Posted April 21, 2011 Have a great cruise. You will find that when you get to Northern Mexico the air is a lot cooler than you will experience south of Acapulco. Between L.A. and Vancouver it will be down right cold on the outer decks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare erewhon Posted April 21, 2011 #5 Share Posted April 21, 2011 It will be interesting to read your reports. Have a wonderful cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRL_Joanie Posted April 21, 2011 #6 Share Posted April 21, 2011 Sounds awesome:) Joanie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sailkeywest Posted April 21, 2011 #7 Share Posted April 21, 2011 Thank you for taking the time to share with us, can't wait to read your reviews! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hpf Posted April 22, 2011 #8 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Have a great cruise. It's a wonderful adventure and I'll be following along wishing I was with you. Helen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KirkNC Posted April 22, 2011 #9 Share Posted April 22, 2011 I look forward to your posts as we are sailing on the Zuiderdam next February. Kirk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portofrome Posted April 22, 2011 #10 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Have a great cruise. I'm really interested to read your reports. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironin Posted April 22, 2011 Author #11 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Checking in was easy. Boarding delayed due to need for deep cleaning. Apparently, Norovirus cases reached reporting levels on last cruise. All around us taking news in stride, but empty seats in waiting area are reportedly selling for a premium ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted April 22, 2011 #12 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Thank you - we are looking forward to following along. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan1618 Posted April 22, 2011 #13 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Looking forward to hearing your adventures along the way. We are looking forward to sailing her when you arrive in Vancouver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellebaby Posted April 22, 2011 #14 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Sail away from Port Everglades. Bon Voyage. Will be following along with you. B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliaschief Posted April 22, 2011 #15 Share Posted April 22, 2011 MS Zuiderdam's Bridge was quite liberal with the ships horn upon sailing out of Port Everglades a few minutes ago. At least eight blast! What an addicting sound! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruisinetta Posted April 22, 2011 #16 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Beware of the Noro!!!:mad: I woke up in my cabin this morning having all sorts of problems.:mad: It's been a very rough day for me. Good luck and make sure to wash your hands often. Have a great cruise. We warmed up the ship for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted April 22, 2011 #17 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Ironin, Have a Wonderful cruise. Thanks for letting us sail along with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvcruisn' Posted April 23, 2011 #18 Share Posted April 23, 2011 Looking forward to descriptions of the new ports in your itinerary. Have a great cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironin Posted April 23, 2011 Author #19 Share Posted April 23, 2011 Thank you all for following along and your good wishes! A review of yesterday will hopefully be posted soon. Until then: The daily Explorer (the newsletter of what's happening aboard ship & where) for Day 1 and Day 2 have been posted to our blog. The first night's dinner menu was unavailable, but tonight's menu is now posted there as well. Aboard the Zuiderdam! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Himself Posted April 23, 2011 #20 Share Posted April 23, 2011 Have a great day. What day are you going through the Canal? Stay healthy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironin Posted April 24, 2011 Author #21 Share Posted April 24, 2011 What with doors to the pier terminal opening promptly at 11:00 AM and the friendly and efficient shore staff on the first floor speedily processing check-in documents and issuing boarding cards, expectations of an easy and prompt boarding were not dashed until presentation of a copy of a letter from Captain Christopher Turner once at the top of the escalator on the second floor. Due to a greater-than-normal number of reported Norovirus cases on the previous cruise, in the interests of the health of both passengers and crew, the Zuiderdam was undergoing deep cleaning and embarakation was delayed until 12:30 PM. With only one exception we observed, all arriving passengers took the news with good grace and made the best of it, taking the opportunity to talk with other passengers seated nearby. As there were two engaging wine stewards offering their "wares" amongst us, we made their acquaintance and also secured reservations for the special "Dine with the Chef" evening (limited to 12 guests) to be held in the Queen's Lounge at some point in the cruise. Promptly at 12:30, we began boarding. Rooms were not yet ready, but we were less interested in getting to our cabin than getting to the front desk and securing reservations for the intimate 3-hour Behind-the-Scene Ship's Tour (limit 15 passengers). That mission quickly accomplished, as almost everyone else had gone in search of the Lido Restaurant, we embarked on our own exploration of the ships many venues, nooks and crannies as the Mariner's "Welcome Aboard" lunch in the Vista Dining Room was cancelled, another casualty claimed by the virus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironin Posted April 24, 2011 Author #22 Share Posted April 24, 2011 Not that long after boarding, our stateroom was officially available. Upon entering, our first surprise was a gracious note from hotel manager Edwin Brunink apologizing for the delay and offering a complimentary champagne with dessert that evening as recompense. Our second surprise was far less welcome: even though the thermostat was set to full "Antarctic experience" mode, the room itself was a tad warmer than outside. Dropping off our carry-ons, we abandoned our position (but neither ship nor hope), retreating in search of cooler climes and libations. As a quick check about an hour later revealed the low level heat wave within continued unabated, we sought relief from a higher authority and were promised a swift response. While conditions have only marginally improved since that time, we're keeping hope alive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted April 24, 2011 #23 Share Posted April 24, 2011 I hope the ship is well cleaned for you and you do not end up with NORO on your cruise. It's not fun :( Better a couple of delays than to risk it :) have a great cruise:):) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sailkeywest Posted April 24, 2011 #24 Share Posted April 24, 2011 Thank you for your report, we will be sailing the Zuiderdam in a few weeks so I am very interested! Hate to hear about the Noro, is it neverending? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironin Posted April 24, 2011 Author #25 Share Posted April 24, 2011 Have a great day. What day are you going through the Canal? Stay healthy! May 1 is our big day through the canal. We're diligently washing our hands while singing two "Happy Birthdays," adding a Hail, Mary (or two) along with an occasional Glory Be as events inspire. Thus far, however, there's been no perceived need for recitation of the Act of Contrition (although one of us came close after excelling as star pupil at Mixology class yesterday - the rewards, extra martinis, about did him in in and remorse was not far behind ;)). All the best to you, father, on this holy day. Thanks for commenting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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