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View Full Version : November 27 Zuiderdam review - part 1


Cruising Jake
December 6th, 2004, 01:08 PM
Embarkation

We arrived at about 12:15. The line in the terminal looked horrendous for both people who had completed the form online and those who did not. We were in a suite and there was absolutely no one in that line, so we breezed through.

Cabin
We were in Cabin #7058 on Rotterdam deck. This was an excellent location amidships close to the Neptune Lounge, which we frequented often. WE got really spoiled with this excellent perk.



The bed was wonderful – I mean really, really, really comfortable. The quilt and clean white duvet where divine (and yes, they change the duvet with each cruise). The feather pillow was soft. The white theme made the whole cabin seem larger, cleaner and quite luxurious. Of course, it also made me want to jump into it all the time.



There was more than enough storage area for the two of us. I loved the make-up mirror and used it daily.



We had hors d’oeuvres delivered late every afternoon and enjoyed them with iced tea or iced champagne.



Our room steward, Sam, was the best. He always greeted us by name and stopped to chat briefly whenever he saw us.



Ship

The red and purple was not jarring to me. And I loved most of the artwork. The whole ship was clean. My SIL and I were amused at all the types of chairs onboard. SIL took pictures of all of them for her daughter, a student interior decorator. The only “bad” thing was that all the public areas where very cold, so I kept a sweater or thin hoodie with me at all times.

Crew

We found everyone to be very friendly. We met Hunky Dory and he asked if I knew about him from cruisecritic.com. We met a wine steward in the hall who just introduced himself and was very pleasant (Walter). The two waiters who served the flaming desserts were so cute and we chatted while they were not busy (Huria and Wally). Our room steward was great (Sam). The Neptune Lounge had two concierges, one of whom went out of her way to be extra helpful and friendly (Goldie). Bartenders and their serving staff were all friendly. The ladies at the front desk were nice to all, even when asked quite stupid questions. (I know there is supposed to be no such thing as a stupid question, but there are!) And, yes, I wrote their names on the comment card.

Orcrone
December 6th, 2004, 01:19 PM
(I know there is supposed to be no such thing as a stupid question, but there are!)There's no such thing as a stupid question, just stupid people who ask questions.;)

DoctorFeelgood
December 6th, 2004, 01:23 PM
I suppose I should know this, but from which port did the Zuiderdam depart? When you say "horrendous", what did you mean?

What sort of perks did you enjoy in the Neptune Lounge? (I will be on the 12/30 cruise and staying in a suite.)

Orcrone
December 6th, 2004, 01:28 PM
I suppose I should know this, but from which port did the Zuiderdam depart? When you say "horrendous", what did you mean?

What sort of perks did you enjoy in the Neptune Lounge? (I will be on the 12/30 cruise and staying in a suite.)The Zuiderdam sails from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale).

Cruising Jake
December 6th, 2004, 01:49 PM
The "horrendous" lines to check-in were back to the point at which you enter the terminal. I don't know how long it took to get through it.

Suite perks (P and S only): a bottle of champagne, the Neptune Lounge, several suite parties and brunch, hors d'oeuvres each afternoon if requested, laundry and dry cleaning.

Whiskeyman
December 6th, 2004, 05:31 PM
Heres a couple of stupid questions for ya...lol
1st timer wondering if they have a sign of some sort for PS and S passangers?
DO you enter the terminal to get checked in then go get in line for security docs check?
Sorry for asking but i have not a clue, we booked air (transfers) and cruise but
read on here to skip the short bus and grab a cab to the terminal....no waiting around on a bus waiting on others....
Okay flame me.....and Thank you.... :eek:

dakrewser
December 6th, 2004, 06:09 PM
Heres a couple of stupid questions for ya...lol
1st timer wondering if they have a sign of some sort for PS and S passangers?
DO you enter the terminal to get checked in then go get in line for security docs check?
Sorry for asking but i have not a clue, we booked air (transfers) and cruise but
read on here to skip the short bus and grab a cab to the terminal....no waiting around on a bus waiting on others....
Okay flame me.....and Thank you.... :eek:
Stick with the transfers if you already have them. HAL will greet you at the airport and handle everything for you. Just be a 'good soldier' and let the nautical looking blue-haired ladies tell you what to do and where to go. Nothing could be easier!

Bon Voyage!

-dave

Krazy Kruizers
December 6th, 2004, 06:25 PM
MOST of the time as you enter the terminal in Ft Lauderdale everyone is given a number - to board the ship.

The man or woman standing there sometimes recognizes which line you should be in. There have been occassions when we were directed to the line for passengers who have already filled out their immigration forms. We just politely tell them that we are in a suite and proceed to the other line.

Once you are checked in there, your number will be replaced with/and/or a suite number along with a paper gold medallion to wear on your clothes - it identifies you as suite passenger.

As soon as the ship clears, usually around 11:30, numbers will be called - you can then proceed to the area to board the ship.

Sometimes there is someone right at the gangway to help you - other times there isn't. Anyway - just go to the Neptune Lounge on the Rotterdam Deck. You can leave your carry-ons there, explore the ship, or just sit back and snack until your suite is ready.

Krazy Kruizers
December 6th, 2004, 06:28 PM
If you still have time to opt out of the transfers - do so. HAL's tranfers are more expensive than the taxi and quicker to the ship. Taxi - around $10 - $12 plus tip.

HAL trabsfers - you usually have to wait until the bus is nearly full before they will take you to the pier.

Krazy Kruizers
December 6th, 2004, 06:35 PM
Suite Perks:

Separate check-in desk at the terminal.
Persoanlized stationary in your cabin.
Use of the Neptune Lounge.
Concierge - more on this later.
Boutonnaieres & corsages for first formal night.
Free bottle of champagne - compliments of the captain & hotel manager.
Free laundry & dry cleaning.
Priority tender passes.
Priority disembarkation.
Free use of binoculars.
Free use of a large umbrella.
Suite cocktail party either the first evening or the next day at noon - depends on ship's schedule.
Maybe an invite to a VIP party.
Suite buffet on the last sea day.

Krazy Kruizers
December 6th, 2004, 06:43 PM
Neptune Lounge

Concierge - on the Vista class ships - you will have 2. They can take care of your credit card, make reservations for the Pinnacle, take care of shore excursions, make change, shop for you (yes- we have seen this done), - ask them and they will do everything in their power to please you.

The Neptune Lounge is open on port days at 7:00 and on sea days at 7:30.

You can get continental breakfast here: cerial, juices, rolls, pastries, fresh fruit, meats, cheeses, yogurt, mueslix, coffees, teas (specialty coffees) - lots of good choices. This available until 11 AM.

Then the continental breakfast is replaced with tea sandwiches - all kinds, cookies, chocolates until 5.

At 5 cold appetizers - vegies. etc. are avilabel until the lounge closes around 8 - 8:30.

Sierrachik
December 6th, 2004, 07:16 PM
Our room steward, Sam, was the best. He always greeted us by name and stopped to chat briefly whenever he saw us.We were in 7056 on the 10/9 sailing, Sam (Sumbari) was our steward as well, he is such a kind, likable person and a hard worker, always ready with a smile. He's putting his brothers through college and would like to have his own business one day. We really enjoyed him :)