Upcoming Zaandam Cruise - some questions

[skittlebug83]

Hi all,

 

I have an upcoming cruise mid-May aboard the Zaandam to C/NE and I have a pile of questions, wondering if anyone can help. 

 

Embarkation lunch: Is the MDR open?

 

Food off ships: Is this allowed? My travel partner has diabetes and I'm wondering if we should pack our own snacks from home for port days.

 

Cantare and Step One shows: Does anyone know how long these are?

 

Any packing tips for cruising this time of year? 

 

Navigator app: How accurate is the Daily Program? I was a bit bummed to see Afternoon tea not listed and every night as Dressy Casual.

 

Thanks in advance!

[Navybikermom]

I can answer some of these since I’ve done this cruise twice on that ship. 
 

MDR is open on embarkation day, but limited hours. I think only 12-1. 
 

Yes you can bring certain food off the ships. Pre-packaged snacks are fine but some countries frown on fresh fruit. You’re better off bringing your own, unless you know you can buy them in the ports. 
 

I don’t recall going to those particular shows. Either they weren’t offered or they didn’t interest me. Seems like the other shows didn’t last more than 1.5 hrs. 
 

It can be chilly in Canada that time of year. I would bring layers in case you get too warm on walking tours. 
 

The daily program will be accurate once you’re on board, but a few days before the cruise they should have it pretty fleshed out. There will be two gala nights on that cruise. It’s pretty port-intensive, so you might not even be on the ship during teatime. 
 

It’s my favorite itinerary and ship - enjoy! ❤️

[skittlebug83]

Thx for your reply @Navybikermom

[Cruise Suzy]

12 hours ago, skittlebug83 said:

Cantare shows: Does anyone know how long these are?

I was a bit bummed to see Afternoon tea not listed

 

 

Cantare shows have been less than an hour. Afternoon tea has only been on sea days since the restart from COVID.

[spleenstomper]

I board on Saturday. I’ll let you know.

[Anne614]

We were on the Zaandam in March. The MDR was not open for lunch on embarkation day.

 

Edited April 25, 2023 by Anne614

[Navybikermom]

2 hours ago, Anne614 said:

We were on the Zaandam in March. The MDR was not open for lunch on embarkation day.

 

I wonder why? It was open embarkation day in September and January. 

[Mary229]

Canada will be cool that time of year.  HAL shows now all seem to be 40 minutes tops.  Though I am not diabetic I am picky so I do bring snacks from home for shore time.  

[ldog]

Cantare and Step One are around 40 minutes at most. 
 

afternoon tea is usually only on sea days now