First time cruiser wants Low down on HAL'S Zuiderdam

[nicknish]

Hey Everyone ,

 

Im a first time cruiser and would like help in choosing the best.We have selected Hal's Zuiderdam for a european cruise ,12 day,that starts( june 13th 2008) in venice and ends in barcelona. Help me with comments and personal experiences you have had, ensuring i pick the best. Thank you.

[dakrewser]

The best...???? Cabin? Menu choices? Shore excursions?? Give us a hint, so we know what to address.

 

Also, check out the various ports you'll be visiting over on the CC "Ports of Call" boards. And be sure to sign up for your sailing on the HAL Roll Call boards so you get to meet your shipmates.

[Atomica]

The Zuiderdam is a really great ship. We sailed on her to Alaska, and I'd have absolutely no problem sailing her again. There's a great mix of features, and it's a big ship without feeling too big.

 

You might want to check out HAL's page here for some basic info on the ship, including pictures and virtual tours:

 

http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-onboard/Zuiderdam

 

The itinerary you've chosen is a fantastic one, but 'best' is hard to judge (everyone will have a different opinion on what is best). As long as you've picked a ship you like, and an itinerary you love, you won't go wrong!

[O2B@C]

Don't forget to check out the Member Reviews page as well, for lots of reviews of Zuiderdam! Here's a link:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/getreviews.cfm?action=ship&ShipID=266

 

You'll probably get more responses on this board if you ask specific questions rather than a putting up a general "tell me everything" type of post. The reviews, and the other resources mentioned by other posters, may give you some ideas about specific questions to ask. Good luck with your research, and enjoy your cruise!

[nicknish]

What are hidden costs of cruising?

Is crusing better than back packing through europe?

What about shore excursions ? Their costs? Better to book ahead or do your own thing once you dock.

How far is the city centre from the docking area?

Food is covered on board ? or not?

If not american citizen , what visas would we require?

 

Thanks, I'm really suprised at the efficiency and honesty of this forum. You guys Rock!$!

[caviargal]

What are hidden costs of cruising?

Is crusing better than back packing through europe?

What about shore excursions ? Their costs? Better to book ahead or do your own thing once you dock.

How far is the city centre from the docking area?

Food is covered on board ? or not?

If not american citizen , what visas would we require?

 

Thanks, I'm really suprised at the efficiency and honesty of this forum. You guys Rock!$!

 

First, we really enjoyed the Zuiderdam so she is a great choice/

 

"Hidden" costs might include bottled water, specialty coffees, fitness classes, DVD rentals.

 

I outgrew backpacking decades ok but love Europe and travel there as often as possible. For me, a land trip is far more to my liking. I don't like fly bys and prefer the flexibility a land trip offers. Also, food and wine are a big part of the travel experience for me so cruising is not a good fit in this regard.

 

I book independently always as I don't enjoy large groups and I prefer a more custom experience. The best private guides are booked well in advance IME.

 

Yes, most food is included in your cruise, but not all.

 

How far is different for each port. Some, like Livorno, are quite far. Others IME like Barcelona, are right down the gangplank.

[nicknish]

What are hidden costs of cruising?

Is crusing better than back packing through europe?

What about shore excursions ? Their costs? Better to book ahead or do your own thing once you dock.

How far is the city centre from the docking area?

Food is covered on board ? or not?

If not american citizen , what visas would we require?

 

Thanks, I'm really suprised at the efficiency and honesty of this forum. You guys Rock!$!

[Sir PMP]

Check out these beautiful pictures of the Zuiderdam from Steve in Seattle:http://www.shipcafe.net

[O2B@C]

What are hidden costs of cruising?

On HAL: Mandatory added costs: fuel surcharge; minimum tips ($10 per person per day; can be adjusted if service falls short of expectations, but most people pay the minimum at least); airfare and transfers to and from cruise (need not be purchased through HAL, but have to be paid for somehow). Optional added costs (these can be avoided to the extent you chose not to incur them): alcoholic and espresso drinks; specialty restaurant; classes and wine tastings; spa and salon services; laundry; shore excursions; above-minimum tips; casino losses.

Is crusing better than back packing through europe?

Depends on what you are looking for. If you want up-close-and-personal exposure to the "real" Europe, and don't mind roughing it, backpacking is better. It's also cheaper. If you want to hit a few highlights in ease, comfort and security, at a high but relatively predictable price, and with the attractions of an ocean voyage thrown in, cruising might suit you better. There are, by the way, many options in between, such as traveling by train and staying in inexpensive "pensions" and bed-and-breakfast type places.

What about shore excursions ? Their costs? Better to book ahead or do your own thing once you dock.

Depends, again. Shore excursions through the ship tend to be expensive, but you have the security of knowing the ship will wait for you if you are delayed getting back; also everything is preplanned, HAL is responsible for screening the tour providers, and you are with shipmates. Waiting until you dock can mean missing out on things you could have done if you planned ahead. There is a third way: preplanned shore excursions independent of the ship. Check the ports of call boards on Cruise Critic, as well as guidebooks and websites about the ports you will be visiting. You may be able to arrange shared independent tours with shipmates through your Roll Call on Cruise Critic, if there is one for your sailing; for example, booking a car and driver/guide for a day's private tour of an area.

 

How far is the city centre from the docking area?

Depends on the port. Can be walking distance, or an hour's drive or more.

 

Food is covered on board ? or not?

As already noted, all food on board, including room service, is included in your cruise fare, except for the specialty restaurant (Pinnacle Grill). Food on shore is NOT included. Some shore excursions include a meal or snack in the price of the shore excursion.

 

If not american citizen , what visas would we require?

Depends on what country you ARE a citizen of, and what the countries you will be visiting require from citizens of that country. If you are a citizen of any EU country, and all the ports of call are in the EU, no worries.

 

Thanks, I'm really suprised at the efficiency and honesty of this forum. You guys Rock!$!

 

You're welcome. Hope this helps.

[dakrewser]

Is crusing better than back packing through europe?

That's something only you can decide. cruising is different from riverboat cruising which is different from canal barging which are all different from backpacking. Each has pluses, each has minuses. If your priorities intersect with the pluses, then that form of touring is for you.

What about shore excursions ? Their costs? Better to book ahead or do your own thing once you dock.

Rarely should you wait until after you dock. Research the port and surrounding area. Use the ship's excursion as, at least, a guide. Check the ports of call boards for other recommendations.

How far is the city centre from the docking area?

How far is your capital city from the border? In Talinn, you step off the boat, walk two blocks and you're in the middle of town. In St. Petersburg, it's a 20-minute drive to town. In Rome, it takes well over an hour to get to town - by bus or train. Want to visit Berlin? That's a 4 hour train ride from the closest port. Do your research on the ports of call, the web sites of the local (and national) tourist agencies, guide books, etc. Or ask specific questions about specific places.

[Culater]

I've only been on one European cruise (last summer) and will go on another this summer. But we've made several trips to Europe and I like to read up on the sightseeing, transportation,etc. I think one thing you have to consider and accept on a cruise is the fact that you can't see everything since usually you are only in one city for one day. Unlike a backpack trip where if you decide you like the town you're in you might stay an extra day or two. So you might consider this cruise visit an introduction to the city or area where you know you will want to go back later for an extended back packing trip.

I think that was the biggest negative for me. That and the fact that you can't even linger for a night since most of the time you must be back on board by 5PM or so. And you don't want to miss the boat!!

Big plus is that your meals are included and basically you can eat to your heart's content. Given the value of the shrinking dollar, this is probably a savings.Also you don't have to pack and unpack (or carry that backpack all over the place) or lug suitcases through train stations on a cruise. It was nice not to worry about that. It is more relaxing in that way.

As far as excursions, I think everyone has a differnce of opinion on those. I like to plan my own time and read up on where I'm going, so most of the time I won't take the excursion. We did take a few especially if we were in a small port where there might not be that much to do and train or other transportation schedules were not going to get us back to the ship on time. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you will find that you will save a lot of money doing things on your own. But if you like to sit back and let someone else do all the planning, then the excursions are probably for you.

[Williebill]

Check out these beautiful pictures of the Zuiderdam from Steve in Seattle:www.shipcafe.net

 

Thanks, I enjoyed those pictures.

[Williebill]

We are certainly looking forward to our cruise aboard the Zuiderdam next December.

Bill & Shelia

[BeagleOne]

If you can get a balcony cabin in the stern, go for it! Those balconies are HUGE and great to hang out on!

[kahuna6009]

:o I'm on the same cruise. My first time for HAL also.

[coloradof]

Need 4 more persons to book with 2 couples for private excursions in rome, Venice and Florence. May 8th Venice departure. Holland american