Zuiderdam Panama Canal-just back-some info

[crystalspin]

Sounds like you had a great cruise with the exception of the unwanted dinner guest the first night.

 

Thank you for the recommendation of starboard for cruising the Canal. We have visited the Panama Canal but not on a ship. I have made note of your comments for a future cruise.

 

Cherie:

If you want to enjoy the view from the balcony you paid for, starboard from Atlantic to Pacific is fine in the morning (you get to see the abandoned French Canal, and may see the man in the rowboat), but due to the odd twist of the Panama Isthmus -- on a full transit the afternoon sun will drive you off the verandah -- as starboard will be toward the south. Just keep it in mind when planning your time.

 

On the Sunfarer/Zuiderdam, you only have the Gatun locks (old) to consider and they run almost due N/S. The starboard will be toward the morning sun, but it won't be punishingly hot... probably. If you stay on the ship (rather than taking a ShoreX that disembarks and rejoins the ship in Colon), you will see the new locks from the starboard headed back in the afternoon, when the sun will be on the other side of the ship.

[DocJohnB]

Often (maybe even usually) both lanes will be used for ships going in the same direction, and there is no way to predict which lane will be assigned to your ship.

 

 

Excellent point! On my recent Z cruise on 11/9, I had a port side verandah cabin. Entering the canal, we we facing "in" and indeed had a ship transiting with us. Exiting the canal, we were facing "out" and 'only' had the countryside for a view.

[summersigh]

Hi all. Just back yesterday from our wonderful Panama Canal cruise. Just wanted to post a few things of interest.

New show premiered one evening in Vista showroom. Cruise Director announced ours was first cruise to have it other than Koningsdam. Was very good and believe all guests liked it. Kind of a history of rock/pop music/dance from Elvis up to present. Vista Lounge packed for this show and standing room only overflowing even into hallway.

We were on the cruise after you. ( We Debarked Dec 21)

We had a new show that debuted on our cruise but it was the only one with both singers and dancers. One of the cast members told us the singers were rehearsing for other new shows - good for folks after us - but our not so much. The one total show we did get was good. We loved BB King ... the female singer did Etta James and Janis Joplin to die for :) Piano Bar player was good - did different artists each evening and then did alot of requests in the last set each evening

 

We were not really overwhelmed by the MDR food. Too many exotic sauces trying to cover up cuts of meat that were inferior to those we've had in the past. Brisket and short ribs were tough. Lamb was excellent the first time it appeared in the menu - tough and dry the 2nd. Prime rib and filet were ok. Chicken breast somewhat dry. Our table of 8 was all 2 and 3 star mariners (with one 4 ) - and all agreed the food was not as good as normal. One evening 6 of 8 at the table sent their entrees back in exchange for salmon or baked chicken because the originals weren't so good. i

 

Our Breakfast Room Service menus were the new ones with the pay items if desired. We found it to be good - fruit was cold and omelets were warm.

 

Going into the Panama Canal our Port Verandah faced out so we had a good view of the workings of the canal authority and a distant view of a huge Stena Mega ship going through the new locks. Returning we faced the center (the other channel) and were lucky enough to have another ship in the adjoining channel so we could really see and understand how the steps worked. DH has mobility issues so I spent the time with him on our balcony ... it was an awesome experience!

 

The staff - both MDR and Cabin as well as front desk - was EXCELLENT and because of them and the type of delightful fellow passengers we've met we'll definitely be on HAL again.

[parrottfam]

Just ran across your posting. I witnessed I believe the same older "gentleman" arguing with security the 1st night of the cruise. I was on on the 3rd deck of the atrium, and they were arguing on the 1st floor next to the bottom of the steps. Was very easy to hear the arguing from 2 floors above. The guy was obviously drunk beyond belief, and about every 4th word started with F. He was talking with one of the security heads, with other security around, and was totally abusive to them. He asked the security guy where he was from, and he replied the Netherlands. The guy said, "Well F the Netherlands, and F you." It went on for about 10 minutes. They finally escorted him away. The next day I asked someone from security about it, and they really wouldn't say much. I apologized to them as an American that someone from our country would act that way. Been on 33 cruises and never witnessed anything like that.

[jabcruiser]

Sounds like same guest to me. Couldn't possibly be two like that on same HAL cruise.

Jane