How Can A Ship Be This Bad???

[dealin dave]

We are going on the Zuiderdam July 30 2005. This will be our 3rd cruise. Past 2 cruises were with Princess. My question to you guys out there is as follows. How can a ship with a CDC score of 98 be so bad??? I read reviews so often regarding different ships, and I never saw reviews as mixed as the Zuiderdam.

[dougnewmanatsea]

A CDC score simply measures sanitation. It has nothing to do with quality of food, service, decor, etc.

That's not to say that there's anything wrong with ZUIDERDAM (it's been well over a year since I've been on her so I really can't comment at this point), but a CDC score isn't an indication of anything other than sanitation standards.

[dakrewser]

THe problem with the Zui appears to be that it's the least typical HAL ship. Longtime HAL cruisers prefer other boats to it. First timers, though, seem to have a better impression.


Happy Cruise Year!

[Sierrachik]

THe problem with the Zui appears to be that it's the least typical HAL ship. Longtime HAL cruisers prefer other boats to it. First timers, though, seem to have a better impression.
Dave, that's exactly what my TA said. She personally prefers other HAL ships (HAL is her personal favorite line) and doesn't really care for the Zui, however, she said we, as first time cruisers, would probably love it. She was correct, so much so that we booked another cruise on the Zui for next fall and will have friends on the ship as well.

[dealin dave]

I know CDC regards the ships sanitation level. However a score of 98 means the crew is working its behind off to keep it very very clean. I believe this score shows the staff to work hard together as a team in order to put a great HAL product together for you! And I will say a clean ship is more important then anything else you want to measure it up to,food service etc...Please note THE CENTURY JUST RECEIVED A 79 CDC SCORE> IT WAS INFESTED WITH COCKROACHES!!!!! WHERE WOUOLD YOU PREFER TO EAT NOW???? THE ZUIDERDAM OR CENTURY???????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sail With Me]

Dave, you will have a great time on the Zuiderdam. Say hi to our friend Herrie (Harry) the Bar Manager. SCARY about the Century!!! I would stay as far away as possible from that one. HAL does a fabulous job and as a cruise agent I can say that without any hesitation.

Karen

[dougnewmanatsea]

I know CDC regards the ships sanitation level. However a score of 98 means the crew is working its behind off to keep it very very clean.I suppose so, but look at all the negative reviews and see if any of the complaints have to do with sanitation standards. I doubt that they do.

In other words, you can be on a ship that has very good sanitation standards but lousy food, poor service, ugly decor, uncomfortable cabins, etc. Not that ZUIDERDAM is that ship, but it's quite possible.

Similarly, you may get surly service, a dirty airplane, and a cramped seat from an airline with a good safety record, or awful food in a restaurant which has an immaculate kitchen.

Please note THE CENTURY JUST RECEIVED A 79 CDC SCORE> IT WAS INFESTED WITH COCKROACHES!!!!! WHERE WOUOLD YOU PREFER TO EAT NOW???? THE ZUIDERDAM OR CENTURY???????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Er, well, probably CENTURY actually, as after that score Celebrity went into overdrive cleaning her up and the result is probably a ship that's cleaner than just about anything else out there. This was discussed ad nauseum on the Celebrity boards.

At any rate, to answer your question, a ship with a high CDC score can be terrible in just about any area other than sanitation, and judging by the extreme infrequency of a failing grade on a USPH inspection, if ships with high scores are necessarily good in all other areas, then the entire industry must be very excellent indeed.

[Renorita]

THe problem with the Zui appears to be that it's the least typical HAL ship. Longtime HAL cruisers prefer other boats to it. First timers, though, seem to have a better impression.


Happy Cruise Year!
Isn't the Oosterdam the sister ship to the Zui? And if so, how do the two compare? What makes the Zuiderdam the "least typical HAL ship"? We are taking are first cruise on Hal next October. Sailing the Oosterdam to the Mexican Riviera, so trying to get an idea of what to expect. Thank you in advance for your comments:)

[dakrewser]

Isn't the Oosterdam the sister ship to the Zui? And if so, how do the two compare?
I'll be on the O'dam next month for the first time, but reviews show that service levels, and services for that matter, are better on her. They're "sisters" inthat they're built to the same design (but decorated differently). The problems on the Zui seem more to do with the ship and hotel staff than with the ship itself. It appears to be the one that is used to "try new things" for the line to attract new cruisers - and so far is failing miserably.

[tommy]

The complaints seem to be Holland in general.And have to do with the service and new tipping policy.Zuiderdam just seems to be having a little more trouble than the others.In Oct the only sanitation related problem we had was sewage coming up the bathroom drain and getting someone to clean it.Now service in the dinning room is another story. TOM

[fsdj1097]

I'll be on the O'dam next month for the first time, but reviews show that service levels, and services for that matter, are better on her. They're "sisters" inthat they're built to the same design (but decorated differently). The problems on the Zui seem more to do with the ship and hotel staff than with the ship itself. It appears to be the one that is used to "try new things" for the line to attract new cruisers - and so far is failing miserably.
My DW and I have sailed the Zuiderdam twice, as well as other HAL ships, and have nothing but good things to report about her.

The food, service, entertainment, and accomodations, have always exceeded our expectations.

We cruise to be pampered and to relax. So far, the Zuiderdam and her crew have not let us down.

[Ziggy7]

My DH and I also love the Zuiderdam! She is a wonderful ship and we would cruise her in a minute :) Dont base you opinion of the Zuiderdam on what others say, see for yourself. That will be your true opinion of her :)

[Renorita]

My DH and I also love the Zuiderdam! She is a wonderful ship and we would cruise her in a minute :) Dont base you opinion of the Zuiderdam on what others say, see for yourself. That will be your true opinion of her :)
We sure won't!:) We even had fun on Carvnival's Celebrity! Of course that was my first cruise and I am definitely more cruise savy now. The only other Cruises we have been on since Carnival, have been the Sun Princess and The Legend of the Seas. Both were much better than Carnival! But I have always wanted to try HAL, and we got an offer that we couldn't refuse on a SS suite! This will be our first time in a suite. :D Can't wait!

[cruisingangel]

We are going on the Zuiderdam July 30 2005. This will be our 3rd cruise. Past 2 cruises were with Princess. My question to you guys out there is as follows. How can a ship with a CDC score of 98 be so bad??? I read reviews so often regarding different ships, and I never saw reviews as mixed as the Zuiderdam.I too am wondering how that can be as we are leaving on her June 4, 2005.:confused:

[Krazy Kruizers]

We will be on the Zuiderdam in May - we aren't worried.

[PrincessMelody]

We really enjoyed the Zuiderdam. She was clean and well maintained. Service and food were excellent, too. I would encourage anyone to judge for themselves...reviews are subjective. We heard others complaining about the decor, and other trivial things. I thought it was a lovely ship, but then again, I am a very upbeat and positive person! I approach each cruise as a great and fun adventure, and even when things aren't perfect...I still have fun!

Happy Cruising!!:p

[TYMAN]

Trinity1....excellent photo's!! It was like I was with you guys on this trip! We're going on the ZUI June 4th! Scott looks like he should be my drinking Buddy!!! Great attitude also.

[Johanna7]

We were on the Zuiderdam once and the Oosterdam 3 times. We loved them both very much. Food was great, service excellent and shows were good. Of course on the O 3 times meant some of the shows were repeats but that was okay for the production numbers. They were excellent. Worth seeing over and over again.

There are so many things to do, repeat shows are not a problem. I thought the staff was great except for one incident with a wrong shore excursion.

Love all those 'dam' ships.

[PrincessMelody]

Hi Tyman! Thanks, glad you enjoyed the pics!:D I know you will have a great time on your cruise!! And Scott would love to be your drinking buddy...now all you have to do is tuck him away in a very large suitcase!!:eek: lol;)

[TYMAN]

Scott's a big boy! I don't think they'll stop him from getting on! Ha! Planning any cruises in the future??

[PrincessMelody]

Ty, Scott is ready to go!! Actually we are looking to book another cruise for like, April or May...possibly Early June. Just trying to find a killer deal!!:rolleyes:

[TYMAN]

Your killer deals will be in April....we're on the ZUI in June but first a short trip on Disney's Magic in Feb. This will be our first trip to Costa Maya, although we've been to Cozumel a dozen or more times. Did you get to go to Mahahual(sp)?

[uncialman]

Just from the perspective of someone who was less than impressed with the Zuiderdam:

The Zuiderdam is a fine ship when compared to most of the other offerings by contemporary cruise lines such as Carnival, RCI etc. When trying to give some constructive criticism to the Zuiderdam in the past, the main 'watermark' that I had used was the R and S class ships, which I feel to be a superior product to the Zuiderdam. Most of the criticism that you will hear on the board will be from folks that love the HAL product and feel that the Zuiderdam is a departure from that standard.

[PrincessMelody]

Costa Maya was ok, they have a little beach and pool with swim-up bar...and of course lots of little souvenir shops. Yeah, April looks pretty good...I'm checking out some cruises now...:cool:

[TYMAN]

Best of luck on the cruises.....I really need one now!