Zuiderdam Review - Just Got Back

[CruisersFromOntario]

EASTERN CARRIBEAN FEB. 25 - MARCH 4, 2006 ON THE ZUIDERDAM

 

Embarktion - be prepared to wait - depending on what time you get there. You have to fill out an additional form then wait in line to check in where you get your room card and picture taken.

 

We had a mid shipbalcony cabin (5084) and it was great. If you can bring along a small DVD player - do it - as there isnt much to watch on tv if you aren't feeling that great. Our cabin stewart was Gunther - he was incredible - alway cheerful and smiling and saying hello. If you forgot your room key he would let you in.

 

We ordered room service almost every morning - at least coffee and most times they got it right. We had an early dinner seating on 3 - Vista - we had to change the table due to the fact that the station for the waiters was right across from us. They actually went after us when we left and wanted to make it right. Very impressive. The meals were incredible - both in the Vista dining room and on the Lido resturants. The lines can be long in the Lido as you are served - it isn't a self serve type buffet.

 

The information for the ports presented by Nicole - The ships port and shopping ambassador was very helpful. St Thomas is the place to buy jewellery if you want to buy a gift for yourself or your significant other. I suggest going to the seminars that she offers - very informative and you also have a chance to win prizes.

I saw the Bahamas info and you were given a coupon for a free 1 carat midnight sapphire as well as a entry form to enter a drawing for a 5 carat midnight sapphire - in which you have to be present to win - GUESS WHAT.......I WON (after the first name drawn wasnt there. There is also a form to fill out for any jewelery or merchandise you purchase from the recommended stores - which gives you another chance to win on the last night of the cruise in which you must be present as well - GUESS WHAT ......I WON a pair of diamond 3-cluster earrings - after about 8 names were called and they were not there.

The entertainment was good as well. The cruise staff puts on a lot of fun activities in which you earn "DAM" dollars and on the last night of the cruise you can get a water bottle, sweatshirt, t-shirt or hat for the "DAM" $$. There is also bingo - I believe 3 times a day. Our progressive Bingo went upto $4500. There is also a draw for a free cruise. $10ea or 3/$20. Unfortunately I didn't win either.

The casino staff was great - very patient and helpful if you didnt know the game. On the last day I walked out of the casino up $75. One evening - for the bar-b-que event there was dancing and fun on the aft lido deck - great fun - do the chicken dance and macarana.

The art auction wasnt worth it - Myself being Canadian would have to pay an extra $30 for shipping and cover any duties etc in which the art auctioneer had no idea of whether there would be or if it was duty free.

 

Excursions - I booked directly on line with the cruise line. Unfortunately the 2 excursion we booked - 1 for the private island - which was missed due to weather and St. Thomas - due to rough water on the other side of the island was cancelled. But we received a full refund for both - which we didnt mind - or least I didnt mind as my husband bought me a diamond and sapphire ring in St. Thomas.

 

Disembarkment - It went better then embarkment - suggestion is to make you luggage noticeable- put neon tape on it or ribbon etc.. as it is very difficult to spot you luggage.

 

Overall - the cruise, our first ever, was absolutely AMAZING and I would recommend Holland America to anyone. As well as recommending getting a room with a balcony.

 

Can hardly wait till our next cruise - which will be definetly HOLLAND AMERICA.

5 OUT OF 5 SMILEY FACES !!!!! :) :) :) :) :)

[AAAAmerican]

Your review was wonderful to see:

 

It does take one to know one.

 

Your from a wonderful Province as well!

 

Now your addicted to a method of quality enjoyment on vessels filled with wonderful souls on board.:D

 

Again your review was very nice.

[jimbug]

Thanks for your review! We will be on the March 11th sailing and cannot wait! Did you miss Half Moon Cay all together, or was only the excursion cancelled?

[Starbright]

I thought there were DVD players in the cabins. In the 2006 brochure, under the heading "Every Stateroom a Gracious Retreat" it states: Televisions with DVD players.

 

Am I mistaken in assuming this means every stateroom on every ship? Hope not. We were looking forward to having the DVD player when we are on Zuiderdam in October.

[1stime Kruiser]

Since you just got off the Zuiderdam I have a question about the Culinary Arts Center. What was their schedule? I am attending a seminar series on my 3/18 cruise and I am trying to see if I can work it in. Any info would be great.

 

Thanks for posing a Zuiderdam review!!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for sharing your first cruise review with us.

 

Glad you enjoyed everything.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I think someone mentioned that when the Zuiderdam went into dry she did not get the new flat screen TV's and new DVD's.

[CruisersFromOntario]

Thanks for your review! We will be on the March 11th sailing and cannot wait! Did you miss Half Moon Cay all together, or was only the excursion cancelled?

 

Unfortunately the Half Moon Cay was missed all together due to rough seas and the tender would be too rough to take over. Unfortunately you can't predict the weather.

 

As I said - go and see the presentations by Nicole and you never know - you may get lucky like I did.

 

email me at powercomm@sympatico.ca if you would like to see some pictures.

[svguy1]

Were glad to hear you had a great cruise, we'll be sailing on the Z on the 25th of March. We were wondering if they took you to another port since you missed Half Moon Cay, and if so which one? Thanks so much for the review, and it sounds as if you had great luck on the drawings, congratulations!

[redshoe]

do you happen to still have your daily cruise compass and could you post some of the interesting daily activities.

 

What was your opinion of the food and service?

 

Beds?

 

Bathroom supplies (shampoo, conditioner)

[bobbyd6363]

CruiserFromOntario - we are sailing the Zuiderdamn in November and I have a question for you! What was the age range for you sailing? I have several freinds that would like to go on a cruise but are very hesitant about the "average" age range of HAL passengers.

[Coolcruise02]

Thanks for the review! Glad you had a good time. Did you change ship time before arriving in St. Thomas?

[Djptcp]

So glad you enjoyed the Zuiderdam cruise as we are booked on her Dec. 16, 2006 sailing. It will be our 2nd HAL cruise and 10th cruise overall. We will have a category VF balcony cabin on the verandah deck -- can't wait! DH and I just returned on Monday from a 4-day Carnival cruise out of Jacksonville (we live 50 miles west of Jax and the price was very inexpensive) which was enjoyable, but obviously nothing to compare like our Zaandam cruise during Thanksgiving 2004. We found all ages on the Zaandam, but it was a holiday week with lots of kids, so not sure if that is standard for all HAL cruises. I think it depends on when you cruise is there are alot of kids -- there were only 110 kids on the Carnival Celebration, but the cruise director that would explode to 700 in two weeks when spring break gets into full swing -- no thanks!

Holland America - 2004, 2006

NCL - 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003

Carnival - 1995, 1998, 2006

Royal Caribbean - 2001

[mim100]

also booked on the Zuiderdam and VERY HUNGRY FOR DETAILS....anything you'd like to share would be great !!!!! advice, suggestions, warnings, etc..