Zuiderdam S Cabins

[jpny]

Hi all. we're on the 4/30 sailing and are holding aft cabin s7133. would you recommend that we go up to the 8 s cabin instead for privacy? want to make sure that the 3 of us have ample lounge chair space for sunning.

And how "formal" did you find the Zuiderdam's formal nights.

Thanks for the help

:)

[jpny]

after reading everyone's comments on aft s cabins.. would all you experienced folks please advise your opinion on the best aft S cabin.. 5th seems to be preferred all around and we are holding 7133.. we're newbies so indulge me pls - need your knowledge :o

thanks again

[Candy]

I believe the wake cabins on deck 8 are totally covered. You'll have plenty of lounge space but no sun.

Hi all. we're on the 4/30 sailing and are holding aft cabin s7133. would you recommend that we go up to the 8 s cabin instead for privacy? want to make sure that the 3 of us have ample lounge chair space for sunning.

And how "formal" did you find the Zuiderdam's formal nights.

Thanks for the help

:)

[riz]

We were in 7132 in Dec and have booked it again in a few weeks. I love the amount of room on the veranda....we were travelling with 2 friends and all enjoyed spending time out there. Lots of room for the 4 of us to spread out. 7 deck is the first open deck that you can see looking down from the Lido deck. There were usually people looking down on you...but I never felt it to be intrusive...it depends on what you are looking for. Deck 8 has full privacy from above...however we could look up at them anytime we wanted. If you are looking to lie out in the sun....deck 8 may not be for you as it seemed to be shaded at all times. Let me know if you have any more questions.

[jaguarstyper]

You will trade some cabin space for verandah size in the aft S suites. In my opinion, its well worth it. The deck 5 suites are the largest of the aft S suites and I think deck 7 are almost as large. Deck 4 and 8 are the smallest. Deck 8 is completely shaded but private. I suspect you may also get some noise from the lido deck on 8. We have been in 5186 on Zuiderdam and just loved it. The verandah is superb. For us, privacy simply wasnt an issue. I'm on vacation, I'm there to enjoy myself, and I really dont care who sees me enjoying myself. If you absolutely need privacy, there is privacy on the sides of the varandah.

As for formal nights, it seems to be all over the place. More so on Zuiderdam than on Veendam. While most people did dress a little nicer on formal nights, the majority were not dressed in tradional formal wear. I always wear a tuxedo and my DW wears a nice evening gown. I dont think you'll feel out of place no matter what you wear, provided its somewhat dressy.

Tim

[swmichigan cruiser]

We've had aft S cabins 4 times on the Zuiderdam. We've had 7133,5186 and 5187 (twice). The one's on deck 5 have more cabin space that any of the others but 7133 is excellent also. We've never stayed on deck 8 but from what I've read the cabin's on deck 8 are smaller. You will enjoy 7133.

Also on the 4 cruises we've been on the Zuiderdam the formal nights you can make it as formal as you want. Most men dark suits and the women wear nice dresses. Some men wear tux's. Hope this helps.

[jpny]

for your insight and comments.. appreciate your time.. this has helped us a lot.

Jean

[jpny]

We were in 7132 in Dec and have booked it again in a few weeks. I love the amount of room on the veranda....we were travelling with 2 friends and all enjoyed spending time out there. Lots of room for the 4 of us to spread out. 7 deck is the first open deck that you can see looking down from the Lido deck. There were usually people looking down on you...but I never felt it to be intrusive...it depends on what you are looking for. Deck 8 has full privacy from above...however we could look up at them anytime we wanted. If you are looking to lie out in the sun....deck 8 may not be for you as it seemed to be shaded at all times. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Did you find that this cabin was too small and that there was enuf sun during the day? Definitely want to sun and have drinks and enjoy the veranda.

[sail7seas]

We love having a veranda and we don't sail in anything but an "S".....

We don't care for the aft location. More cabin space is far more important to us than more veranda space EXPECIALLY if the decks above can look down on us. I want to be able to enjoy our breakfast privately in my robe if I chose to not dress. I like a reasonably amount of privacy and sightseers from above would disturb me.....also having less cabin space would disturb me.

I don't care for the aft view of only seeing where we have been.....or a constant view of the wake. Just my personal opinion by I like to have a port or starboard view. I also think there could be thruster/anchor noice when docking or leaving port. Is there much vibration back there?

Either way, I am sure you will enjoy.
Have a great cruise.

[jaguarstyper]

We love having a veranda and we don't sail in anything but an "S".....

I couldnt agree more. We feel the same way.

[QUOTE=sail7seas]We don't care for the aft location. More cabin space is far more important to us than more veranda space EXPECIALLY if the decks above can look down on us. I want to be able to enjoy our breakfast privately in my robe if I chose to not dress. I like a reasonably amount of privacy and sightseers from above would disturb me.....also having less cabin space would disturb me.

I dont think I could ever sail in any other than an aft suite. I cant say that the lack privacy was ever an issue. Maybe we're just exhibitionists;) We really enjoyed the large sunny verandah and never noticed the 20 less square feet in the cabin.

[QUOTE=sail7seas]I don't care for the aft view of only seeing where we have been.....or a constant view of the wake. Just my personal opinion by I like to have a port or starboard view. I also think there could be thruster/anchor noice when docking or leaving port. Is there much vibration back there?

Personally, I'm kind of partial to the 270+ degrees of view afforded by a corner suite. I also find staring at the wake while at sea to be mesmerizing and totally relaxing, and just loved the sound. Its also much less windy on an aft verandah.

As for the noise, there's no question there is a little more noise and vibration in an aft cabin. But, we only really noticed it the first night out on the Zuiderdam when running at near maximum speed. Never noticed it again the rest of the week. No vibration at all when docking and leaving port. Only at high speed.

I guess it really boils down to your personal preferences. To each, his own.

Tim, counting the days...

[jpny]

Thanks Tim - nothing is ever perfect.. but this sounds pretty close.

Jean

[zdude]

Well, if it works out, I will be your neighbor below.

[ekerr19]

We had 7053 and loved it. It is close to the Neptune Lounge and we thought the Verandah was huge. I also like having the port or starboard views, especially when arriving to a new port...

I don't know how true it is (since I've never experienced it personally), but I was told about complaints from my TA who said that debris is blown onto the Aft Verandah often enough that some of her clients would never book one again. It sounds like there are many "repeaters" here for those cabins, so it must not be too much of an issue. :)

[zdude]

So a Suite can hold 4 correct? What is you have a Suite w/ 2 and a inside State for 2. Any chance of negotiating the other 2 into the Neptune, priority boarding etc? I might assume it would not be a big deal with a family, but am just kind of curious (and ignorante with regards to cruising).

[riz]

Hi
In answer to your questions....we had more than enough room in our suite. There were 2 of us and we had friends that spent quite a bit of time in our room hanging out. The veranda had all 4 of us on it most of the time.....frankly we could have had 4 more with us and still had ample room. We had sun all day long...that was important to me. I liked that I could lay out there and read/nap in my own space. Yes people could look down on me but they generally repected my privacy. There was a table for 4 that was underneath the small covered area...I was able to sit out there in the rain and not get wet when it rained...and also have breakfast in my PJ's and have no one see me.
Hope this helps.

[jaguarstyper]

So a Suite can hold 4 correct? What is you have a Suite w/ 2 and a inside State for 2. Any chance of negotiating the other 2 into the Neptune, priority boarding etc? I might assume it would not be a big deal with a family, but am just kind of curious (and ignorante with regards to cruising).

HAL will book 4 into a midship suite and thats a really cost effective way to go. But, I think it would be pretty crowded with 4 adults. They wont book 4 pax into an aft corner suite, only 3.

If you go with the S and an inside, I dont know how keen they'll be on you having "guests" in the Neptune or using other suite perks. I never tried, so cant say for sure.

Tim

[zdude]

I understand. However when I went to the HAL website, it sure seemed like you could do 4 on the pull out. I would not do it even though the price was cheaper. If they don't help he out with the aged parents, then I'll just give the boarding/tender/whatever perks to them. Some negotiation is in order though, it seems.

[dakrewser]

I understand. However when I went to the HAL website, it sure seemed like you could do 4 on the pull out. I would not do it even though the price was cheaper. If they don't help he out with the aged parents, then I'll just give the boarding/tender/whatever perks to them. Some negotiation is in order though, it seems.

You could be overbesaring and rude, and the friendly, curteous staff would most likely go along with you - but your fellow passengers might not. If you'd really like to have suite perks for your parents - why not put them in the suite and you take the other cabin?

[zdude]

I think I've thought of that, but never thought of being overbearing or rude. Not my thing, maybe you have better luck with this technique.

I'm just playing the "what if" thing here after all it is the net and I am admittedly cruise newb. Apparently there is no logic to the 4 in a suite thing. Fine.

[DaveOKC]

Some of the S perks are hard to transfer. For example now the priority tendering is done using your ship id card. They eliminated the plastic priority passes last year.
DaveOKC

[peaches from georgia]

I understand. However when I went to the HAL website, it sure seemed like you could do 4 on the pull out. I would not do it even though the price was cheaper. If they don't help he out with the aged parents, then I'll just give the boarding/tender/whatever perks to them. Some negotiation is in order though, it seems.
Dave is right- some of the priority perks are hard to transfer to someone else as they are tied to the suite pax' ID card.

There is logic to the 4 in a suite thing mentioned in your other post- the cabin and sofas in the aft suites are smaller and single beds, hence 3 to a suite only. In the midship suites the sofas are wraparounds and sleep 2, hence 4 to a suite is permissible.

I'm not sure why you say 'some negotiation is in order'. I do understand you want to make your parents happy (what are their ages?), but if all the suite pax who have family on board in other categories had them share in the suite amenities it would definetely cause problems.

[gidgetgoes]

We had 7053 and loved it. It is close to the Neptune Lounge and we thought the Verandah was huge. I also like having the port or starboard views, especially when arriving to a new port...

I don't know how true it is (since I've never experienced it personally), but I was told about complaints from my TA who said that debris is blown onto the Aft Verandah often enough that some of her clients would never book one again. It sounds like there are many "repeaters" here for those cabins, so it must not be too much of an issue. :)

ekerr19! You had our cabin! We're in that very cabin on 8/27. So it was fabulous? Say it was fabulous! :) I picked it especially because it was close by not directly across from the Neptune, and nicely midway between elevators (or at least that's what it looked like to me). We are doing the Western Caribbean itinerary...what did you do? If it was Western, could you tell me how the views were? Thanks!!
- terri

[zdude]

Absolutely the only people to recieve priority tender are suite passengers?

Just curious, no other way?

[peaches from georgia]

Categories PS (Penthouse) and S.

[gidgetgoes]

Actually, I believe if you get a cabana on HMC, you also get priority tender there. I'm pretty sure about that; there is a thread on this board (a little ways down) that discusses the perks of the cabanas, and I believe it is covered there. It might also be on the HAL website, but it's running very slowly right now. Try calling them or checking the site later.

A lot to pay for priority, but from what I've heard about how busy HMC can get, perhaps worth it? ;)
- terri

[ekerr19]

ekerr19! You had our cabin! We're in that very cabin on 8/27. So it was fabulous? Say it was fabulous! :) I picked it especially because it was close by not directly across from the Neptune, and nicely midway between elevators (or at least that's what it looked like to me). We are doing the Western Caribbean itinerary...what did you do? If it was Western, could you tell me how the views were? Thanks!!
- terri

It was fabulous! You will love it. It is just close enough to the Neptune, but not right across the hall (in front of the door). We did the Western too - it was a great itinerary, my only complaint (we cruised in August too) was the humidity - we are from Colorado and have very little humidity, so we were really unprepared for it!

The cabin is beautiful and personally, I like the changing/dressing area. The lighting for the mirror is not the greatest, but it is still a nice place to have all your cosmetics etc. allowing the bathroom to be free for someone else. Our kids shared the sofa bed and there was plenty of room - they even had room to establish a "no crossing zone". :)

Let me know if you have other questions - this was by far the nicest cabin we've ever had!

[ekerr19]

Actually, I believe if you get a cabana on HMC, you also get priority tender there. I'm pretty sure about that; there is a thread on this board (a little ways down) that discusses the perks of the cabanas, and I believe it is covered there. It might also be on the HAL website, but it's running very slowly right now. Try calling them or checking the site later.

A lot to pay for priority, but from what I've heard about how busy HMC can get, perhaps worth it? ;)
- terri

Terri -

This is correct for HMC. We had the pink cabana on our last Caribbean cruise and we had the priority tender tickets, though we were in an E.

It does not apply to other ports were you have to tender, just HMC (which was fine with me!) we like to arrive early at HMC and one way to guarantee it is to book a cabana.

[gidgetgoes]

It was fabulous! You will love it. It is just close enough to the Neptune, but not right across the hall (in front of the door). We did the Western too - it was a great itinerary, my only complaint (we cruised in August too) was the humidity - we are from Colorado and have very little humidity, so we were really unprepared for it!

Luckily, we are from DC, so humidity doesn't scare us, but I'm sure it's worse down there. My husband and I have both been down to San Juan, and I've been farther down, and at similar times of year, so I think we'll be okay. And, happily, the air conditioning is just on the other side of the verandah... :)


Let me know if you have other questions - this was by far the nicest cabin we've ever had!

Of course I have more questions! You'll probably never get rid of me now. ;)

1) What kind of views did you have when in port? I'm assuming you were facing the water, but I have no idea. I know port means left (same number of letters...that's how I remember), but does it also mean that it's the side the ship "ports" on? If so, that means our starboard cabin should face out to sea when we're in port. Which is what I'm hoping.
2) Silly question, but does the head of the bed point toward the front or the back of the ship? It shouldn't matter to me, but I want to get my sea legs early (read: know what to expect).
3) Was the extra you paid for the suite worth it? We're splurging, and I really hope we don't have unrealistic expectations. I'm trying not to expect too much so I won't be disappointed, but I would love to know how your experience went.
4) How was the jetted tub? Ever use it?
5) Could you hear much from your next door or upstairs neighbors in your room?
6) Was the furniture and everything in good shape? Just wondering!

Man, I'm a pest. Thanks for the info!
- terri

[ekerr19]

Of course I have more questions! You'll probably never get rid of me now. ;)

1) What kind of views did you have when in port? I'm assuming you were facing the water, but I have no idea. I know port means left (same number of letters...that's how I remember), but does it also mean that it's the side the ship "ports" on? If so, that means our starboard cabin should face out to sea when we're in port. Which is what I'm hoping.
2) Silly question, but does the head of the bed point toward the front or the back of the ship? It shouldn't matter to me, but I want to get my sea legs early (read: know what to expect).
3) Was the extra you paid for the suite worth it? We're splurging, and I really hope we don't have unrealistic expectations. I'm trying not to expect too much so I won't be disappointed, but I would love to know how your experience went.
4) How was the jetted tub? Ever use it?
5) Could you hear much from your next door or upstairs neighbors in your room?
6) Was the furniture and everything in good shape? Just wondering!

Man, I'm a pest. Thanks for the info!
- terri

No problem! Ok, here goes... hopefully, my memory won't fail me.

I don't really remember too much about specific views, other than some awesome sunsets... DH likes to be on the balcony when we are arriving - I am usually getting ready to go ashore, so I'm not too sure, but I can ask him, he'll remember.

The head of the bed in that cabin faced the back of the ship. One thing I remember vividly was we hardly felt the Zui moving at all - she is one of the smoothest sailing ships we've been on.

The Suite was well worth the extra $$$ - we were lucky and got a great deal, they were practically giving them away. If I ever come across a deal like that again, I will snatch it up in a heartbeat! One of my favorite perks was the laundry. They do a beautiful job and it is so nice to pack clean clothes going home.

I did use the jetted tub and it was very nice. It took me a few minutes to get the jets turned lower, but it was really nice - just don't try and put any bubble bath in the water. One of the cabins next to us did and boy, what a mess!

We could not hear our neighbors while we were in the room, except for the guy in cabin 7055 liked to talk to people going in and out of the Neptune. We could hear the people on both sides of us when we were on the balcony because they both had small children and took them out there frequently. It really wasn't too bothersome - though we spent a lot more time in this cabin than any other. We loved having the huge verandah and often stayed there relaxing and reading.

Everything in our cabin was in perfect condition and our cabin steward was fantastic. Both girls in the Neptune Lounge were really great too. It was nice having them so close, if we needed anything, it was just a step across the hall.

Let me know if you have more questions! Getting excited about an upcoming cruise is fantastic, isn't it? :) We are on the Volendam in March and can't wait.

[gidgetgoes]

Thanks again for the info! Now that I know which way the bed faces, I know which way the cabin is laid out. Good to know. I would love to know what your husband has to say about the views in port. I'm still guessing the ship will pull up on the other side from our verandah, so we'll hopefully have a view of the ocean even when we are in port (except for tender ports). I like the idea of still being able to see the sea...if we want to see the land, we can go there. :) But trust me, we won't be disappointed if this is not how it turns out...anything is better than the view from my desk.

I seriously do not know how I am going to deal with waiting until the end of August to take this cruise. Thanks for the info and the encouragement. I'll try to keep your cabin in good shape. ;)
- terri

[jaguarstyper]

This is from memory almost a year ago, but here goes.

Port Everglades: The dock was on the port side.

Half Moon Cay: Ocean everywhere, no dock

St Thomas: The dock was on the starboard side.

Tortola: The dock was on the starboard side.

Nassua: The dock was on the port side with an Royal Caribbean ship on the other side of the dock blocking the view to the ocean and a Carnival ship on the starboard side blocked any view into the city.

There is no set side for docking. It all depends on the configuration of the port.

Tim

[ekerr19]

Terri-

My DH just informed that I gave you incorrect info about the way the bed faces... I think I misunderstood so I will try and clarify. The headboard of the bed is against the wall that would be the rear of the ship wall, so basically your feet would be forward if you are laying on the bed with you head at the headboard and feet at the end of the bed.

I hope this is clear - also, as you enter the room, the bed is to the right of the door. :)

[Mikkjim]

Hi all. we're on the 4/30 sailing and are holding aft cabin s7133. would you recommend that we go up to the 8 s cabin instead for privacy? want to make sure that the 3 of us have ample lounge chair space for sunning.

And how "formal" did you find the Zuiderdam's formal nights.

Thanks for the help

:)


Hey there ! We are sailing on the Zuiderdam the same time as you! We are so excited. We are in suite S7051. We are getting married during our stop in St Thomas.

[zdude]

Well, that makes 3 posters on 4/30. I posted in the roll colls yesterday, but not much happening over there. Congrats on the marriage, sounds like a good way to do it. How do people usually meet and greet?

[jpny]

Well we'll have to hook up and toast your impending nuptials. And Good Luck! Stay in touch.

Jean

[jpny]

Not sure about how folks hook up.. but if you end up with the S cabin, we could all meet at the Neptune Lounge first night out for a drink.

Jean

[peaches from georgia]

Not sure about how folks hook up.. but if you end up with the S cabin, we could all meet at the Neptune Lounge first night out for a drink.

Jean
You can if you BYOB. Neptune is not that kind of a lounge. No alcoholic beverages, but great coffee, cappachino, juices, snacks, and hors d'ouevres. :D

[jpny]

Thanks for the update on the Lounge.. we'll toast with a cappachino :)

[zdude]

jpny,

Well, you should at least be able to to say hello easily, I will be anxious to see the suite and I think I will be directly below you (we'll have to see if that is good or bad). :)

[jpny]

we'll be sure to do the Macarena (sp) so you know we're there. so is this the suite for your folks or for you or all of the above? i got lost somewhere in the posting :)

[artvlay]

Hello all, we were in a aft cabin two weeks ago and loved the large balcony area. We are going back on in Aug. and planning on a S catagory(aft). What are the best cabins to select, by size inside/out and lack of noise. We were on 5 and that was fine. Thanks

[Candy]

5186 or 5187 (photos below) have very large wrapped balconies, the largest interior wake cabin space and are well below the Lido deck for less noise. Excellent choice! :)

Hello all, we were in a aft cabin two weeks ago and loved the large balcony area. We are going back on in Aug. and planning on a S catagory(aft). What are the best cabins to select, by size inside/out and lack of noise. We were on 5 and that was fine. Thanks

[artvlay]

Hi Candy

The cabins that you mentioned were not available so we took 4180. I know its big because we knew people in the other deck 4 S cabin and it had a large wraparound deck. Thanks for your assistance. I never did see the pics that you attached

Marshall

[artvlay]

Hello all,

I have a few questions:

1. Is there a DVD in the room?
2. What do they have in the Neptune Lounge? Where is it and what are the hours?
3. What is a no-host mini-bar?
4. How do they do laundry for you? Is there a limit? And how long does it take to get the stuff back?

Thanks

Marshall

[artvlay]

gidgetgoes (terri)

We are also on the August 27 cruise.

Marshall

[dinscoe68]

Hello all,

I have a few questions:

1. Is there a DVD in the room?
2. What do they have in the Neptune Lounge? Where is it and what are the hours?
3. What is a no-host mini-bar?
4. How do they do laundry for you? Is there a limit? And how long does it take to get the stuff back?

Thanks

Marshall

Hi, I'd like to add to Marshall's questions. Are there snacks like Goldfish, Vanilla Wafers, etc, onboard? We've got a child and want to make sure he has snacks available between meals or if we should bring those types of items for the cabin.

Also, we have a Deluxe Verandah Suite and are wondering if the TV/DVD player is equipped to hook up a gaming system, i.e. Gamecube?

Thanks so much to anyone that can answer my questions!!

[p082351]

would like to know if anyone has ever been in the s5001/s5002 front of ship and want to know if the balconey is large and can you seen them from above
this will be our first time on this ship we have sailed princess and carnival and just want to sail again in june thanks before hand if anyone can answer this question and tell me all about these two cabins