Zaandam OK?

[Pinnacle]

We are thinking about sailing on the Zaandam for our 30th anniverary. We are first time cruisers. We have a tentative reservation on the Navigation Deck with a balcony. The stops are in Cozumel, Costa Maya, Key West and Belize City. Thoughts, advice, warnings, good time and bad time stories would be appreciated! Thanks!

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have taken 5 or 6 cruises on the Zaandam since she came out in 2000 - loved her.

She just came out of dry dock on Jan 29 and had the new Explorations Cafe and a lot of the other SOE programs done to her.

[arzz]

Been on the Zaandam twice -- last time was this past December -- love the ship -- will be on her again in March -- anxious to see what the SOE enhancements have done.

Great ship, great crew

[Himself]

I have never been on the Zaandam but have heard a lot of good about this ship. Have had several cruises on her sister ship--The Volendam--and hope to sail the Zaandam within the next year or so.

Himself

[grannynurse]

on the Zaandam New Year's cruise (2005). The room was fabulous. You'll also have the benefit of the Neptune Lounge which didn't exist prior to Feb 1.

The only thing that bothered us was the speakers in the Ocean bar were too loud for conversation. Most of the other ships tone them down in the bar area of the OB. It's our favorite before dinner hang-out with friends so we really noticed it.

Otherwise, the Zaandam is a great ship, different from our favorite Rotterdam, but definitely a keeper. Great service, wonderful food, good organization for events. We don't do many ship tours but the shorex we took on Tortola and my DH's horseback riding on HMC were wonderful.
You may want to consider getting a cabana on HMC, it's truly worth the money.
Have a great first cruise!
GN