Oosterdam or Zaandam to the Mexican Riviera?

[awhcruiser]

Previously sailed on Carnival and Princess. Seriously considering a cruise on HAL to Mexico since they offer 10 day intineraries in 2010/2011. I'm hoping the same will hold true for 2012. I appreciate thoughts from any experienced HAL cruisers out there..

[fridayeyes]

Based on current reports of Zaandam looking a bit worse for wear, I'd go with the O-dam. I've cruised O-dam before (though not recently) and she was lovely.

Folks, correct me if I'm wrong about ship class, but I also believe O-dam is the larger of the two vessels and may be more similar in size to your Princess and Carnival experiences.

Caveat: Of course, if you're not cruising until 2012, we can hope that Zaandam will have had adequate beauty rest, along with a few nips and tucks by then. ;)

[Bill HaHa]

Just got off the Zaandam yeaterday (4/6) and did not see any signs of "worse of wear
































































































Just got off the Zaandam yesterday (4/6) and did not see any signs of "worse of wear". I thought she was in great shape. The crew was great through out as was the food. and entertainment A very good 11 day cruise














'

[awhcruiser]

Thank you. I was leaning toward the Zaandam due to her cruising for 11 days. Guess I will have to wait and see when the 2012 sailings are released.

Just got off the Zaandam yeaterday (4/6) and did not see any signs of "worse of wear
































































































Just got off the Zaandam yesterday (4/6) and did not see any signs of "worse of wear". I thought she was in great shape. The crew was great through out as was the food. and entertainment A very good 11 day cruise














'

[PathfinderEss]

Previously sailed on Carnival and Princess. Seriously considering a cruise on HAL to Mexico since they offer 10 day intineraries in 2010/2011. I'm hoping the same will hold true for 2012. I appreciate thoughts from any experienced HAL cruisers out there..
My pick between the two ships would absolutely be the Oosterdam. She is newer and has better features then the Zaandam. Personal opinion, I hate the basic colors of the interior of the Zaandam. A little to Carnival like for my taste. The Oosterdam has a much classier appearance. Though being you have cruised on Carnival, you might like the Zaandam.

[SwissMyst]

Having sailed the Mexican Riviera on the Oosterdam, I would always pick one of the smaller ships myself. I just like the size, number of passengers and the layout much better. Even the Zaandam which is getting a few less than sterling reports, but between big and smaller - my choice will always be the smaller one. Looking forward to the Statendam TransCanal this winter - again because it is one of our favored smaller class HAL ships.

Tip: if you are on your own in Mazatlan, do try the Te Amo Lucy restaurant in the heart of the Centro Historico for a wonderful lunch and easy to read English menus and American owner whose lovely Mexican wife is an incredible chef.