Zuiderdam Review

[Pevil4]

Just back frrom the April 2-9th cruise. Have been reading this board for the last couple of months for information and tips, thanks everyone. Only fair that I share my experience from this cruise.

Have previously cruised NCL/SS Norway (1983), Eporitiki (transatlantic), Sun Princess and now the Zuiderdam.

Embarkation. Painless. Doors opened at 11:00, we arrived at the dock at 11:10. Pre-completed immigration forms line much shorter. We were sitting on the Lido deck at 11:50. Rooms available at 2:00, luggage arrived in 2 installments between 3:00 and 4:00.

Room. 7008 balcony. Spent a lot of time on our balcony. We had cruised before and therefore we were not that interested in exploring/experiencing the common areas of the ship (been there, done that). The balcony was worth the extra cost for us. However, if this was a first cruise, I would get an inside cabin and spend the cost savings on excursions/spa treatments, etc. (which we did on our first 2 cruises). Our cabin steward was very good. Had him unlock the room fridge and we took out the Hal stuff and but in our stuff. On the last day of our cruise the steward took out our stuff and put back in the HAL stuff.

Dining. Early, upper (5:45). We requested at time of booking, and recieved, a table for 2. Food and service in the dining room was very good (considering the number of dishes that have to be prepared and served). Ate breakfast and lunch in the Lido. For a buffet, did a very good job of keeping the hot food hot and the cold food cold. Did meet Hunky Dory. Amazing to listen to him rattle off names of guests as they walk by.

Half Moon Cay. Nice beach. Limited snorkelling area (only by the rocks where the tenders come in). 100's of beach loungers but limited shade areas.

St. Thomas. Went to Coki Beach. One way per person taxi was $8.00 (from the Crown Bay dock). Had to wait at each end approx. 10 minutes for the taxi/shuttle to fill up with people. Rented 2 loungers and an umbrella for $20.00. Restaurants, bars, washrooms available. Good snorkelling (we had our own snorkel gear, but gear can be rented at the beach). Beach became more crowded as the day went on and was "full" by mid-afternoon (there was 8 ships in port that day). There are beach servers who will take your food drink orders. Prices differ, so get price before ordering. Best deal was a bucket of 6 beer on ice for $10.00.

Tortola. Did the sail away excursion. Snorkel at Norman Island for 40 minutes and then go to a beach for another 40 minutes. Snorkelling at the beach was as good, or better than, at Norman Island. Not much to do/see in Tortola if you do not go on an excursion

Nassau. Went shopping.

Entertainment. Comedian Danny Storts was not very good. Did not tell a joke that I had not heard before. However, at the end of the show a lady wanted to buy a CD of his show because she thought it was very good. Matter of preferences, I guess. The other entertainment was good to very good; Joel Mason; Elton John impersonator, James Cielen, illusionist, Max Winfrey; comedian/juggler.

Overall a very good vacation. This cruise was comparable to our previous Princess cruise.

[wannago30]

Good review, thanks for posting. We are sailing on Friday, I just can't wait.

[doone]

I am glad you enjoyed the Zuiderdam, my friends and I sure did last month. Now, welcome back to reality.