SZ stateroom Zuiderdam

[zoezoe]

We are sailing 31st to Alaska and booked a guaranteed SZ stateroom. I understand its at least a SZ or better. I only see 2 of them on the deck plans. Has anyone been in these rooms? Would an upgrade be another superior cabin or a deluxe? I noticed one of the SZ is a handicapped room. One SZ is mid ship and the other seems to be more in the front of the ship, which is better mid ship or more to the front? Thanks in advance. 2 more weeks can't wait:D

[taxmantoo]

Chances are pretty good that you will be upgraded to a SY or SS cabin, and this at no cost to you.

You could still be offered a Deluxe Suite (SA, SB, or SC) for an additional price as you get closer to sailing, or, if you are really lucky, upgraded without cost to one of those. It's in the hands of the Upgrade Fairy now :D

Whichever cabin you get, Superior Suites are great!

[zoezoe]

Thanks for the reply!

[SwissMyst]

We faced the same situation on our June Zuiderdam - booked an SZ but about a week before we were assigned an SY. Wonderful cabin and great for private leisurely viewing in Alaska.

The SY cabin is large and best of all has a large extra wall windows than the usual verandah cabin which has the standard large double window door to the outside. This second window I believe is missing in the extra angle of the SZ cabin and the SZ outside deck is also angled as I gathered you could tell from the diagram.

You won't lose no matter where you are in the S category, even they never move you. You made a good choice for this cruise and the food on the Zuiderdam was some of the best we have had on any HAL ship. Lots to like about the Zuiderdam Alaska trip.

If you have time for dinner in Vancouver the night before and are staying close to Canada Place, we can recommend Boneta in Gastown. Be sure to try their Canadian special "poutine" - exquisite they way they prepare it there which is hard to believe for such a dish of humble origin. Wish I could have some more right now.

[zoezoe]

The more I read about the cruise and the ship the more excited I get. I have waited a long time (30 yrs) for this trip. We celebrated our anniversary last Oct and said this is the year to go. This board is such a great wealth of infomation.:D

[cruisecrasy]

We are sailing 31st to Alaska and booked a guaranteed SZ stateroom. I understand its at least a SZ or better. I only see 2 of them on the deck plans. Has anyone been in these rooms? Would an upgrade be another superior cabin or a deluxe? I noticed one of the SZ is a handicapped room. One SZ is mid ship and the other seems to be more in the front of the ship, which is better mid ship or more to the front? Thanks in advance. 2 more weeks can't wait:D

1 SZ is more forward and 1 is more aft - none are amidship (this is where the amidship elevators are located). My preference is aft 'partly because it is closer to the elevators taking folks to dinner in the MDR each eve so less walking..

U will likely end up in an SY or even an SS - lets hope u get an SY 'cause some of the SSs can be a tad noisy overhead..then again there is always the possibility of a 'S'... :)

So agree with SwissMysts recommendation of Boneta - have eaten poutine several times and it was one of the best there!!

Heres hoping u have a great cruise :)

[IRL_Joanie]

We are sailing 31st to Alaska and booked a guaranteed SZ stateroom. I understand its at least a SZ or better. I only see 2 of them on the deck plans. Has anyone been in these rooms? Would an upgrade be another superior cabin or a deluxe? I noticed one of the SZ is a handicapped room. One SZ is mid ship and the other seems to be more in the front of the ship, which is better mid ship or more to the front? Thanks in advance. 2 more weeks can't wait:D

I cannot answer your questions regarding the SZ's but I can offer photos taken 1 year ago from her sister ship the Westerdam SZ 6052. Looks like a great stateroom to have, should be almost the same. Most people here on CC say that Mid Ship is much better for less motion that front of the ship or aft. http://joanjett2000.topcities.com/HAL/Westerdam/index.html

Joanie

[RedmondCruiser]

Using a SZ guarantee on three cruises we have been upgraded all three times. We have been upgraded into an SA, SB & SS. Even if you get an SZ, they are very nice cabins. The SZ guarantee is one of the best things going at HAL. Have a great cruise.

[SwissMyst]

So agree with SwissMysts recommendation of Boneta - have eaten poutine several times and it was one of the best there!!

Heres hoping u have a great cruise :)

Poutine got elevated to a high art form at Boneta in Vancouver Gastown. Wonderful getting your report about this restaurant too. We also ordered their sample dessert tray with about 6 different house-made treats in double quantity. Again, high art and exceptional attention to flavor.

I vote for Boneta in Gastown to be the "official" HAL send-off restaurant for those overnighting when departing from Vancouver.:p It is casual and moderately priced, with a very nice variety of choices.

(NB: Poutine- basically french fries, cheese curds and gravy which may sound hearty but undistinguished, except when Boneta does poutine, it becomes the stuff of culinary legend. Bravo Boneta - you created a poutine fan here)

[taxmantoo]

(NB: Poutine- basically french fries, cheese curds and gravy which may sound hearty but undistinguished, except when Boneta does poutine, it becomes the stuff of culinary legend. Bravo Boneta - you created a poutine fan here)

You have not lived until you have experienced poutine with FOIE GRAS on top... :D

[SwissMyst]

You have not lived until you have experienced poutine with FOIE GRAS on top... :D

Now I have to go out and shoot someone, so I can have this as my last meal before departing planet earth. :cool: Where on earth did you find this combo? Who would have been that courageous to put this together? Some meals are just sums of their parts. Then sometimes those summation of parts become something above and beyond just their basics. Poutine when done well is one of those lovely combos.

[taxmantoo]

Where on earth did you find this combo? Who would have been that courageous to put this together? Some meals are just sums of their parts. Then sometimes those summation of parts become something above and beyond just their basics. Poutine when done well is one of those lovely combos.
Used to be served at a high-end Ottawa (Canada) restaurant called Bekta before the "foie gras" police were born and demonstrated in front of the restaurant.

[zoezoe]

Thank you everyone for all you information on the cabins and the food!:)