Cruisin' with the parents on Zuid

[zdude]

OK, so my second thread sorry to be a newbie, but you have to start somewhere.

Parents: 80ish, non-drinkers, can't do too much phyiscally any more, very freindly and get along with people much younger.

Us: 40ish, drinkers, athletic, outgoing, we can deal with anything really.

At present I have an aft corner suite on Zuid and inside state room, right accross the hall. I am thinking my parents will be in bed early every night, so I would like to have the Suite, they can spend any time they wish to in the suite and likely there is more room there than if we had for 2 of the A class in the aft of the boat.

But it still feels strange. Maybe I should just get us two of the A class in the aft. Just seems like having the Suite would be a big bonus to both couples.

And, two suites really is not in my budget unfortuntely.:(

Can anyone comment?

[jhannah]

I believe you have an excellent arrangement. As you noted, the suite will provide plenty of sit-and-visit togetherness room and then they can retire to their cabin when they're ready to call it a night. The nice thing about cruising is that both your styles can be easily accommodated. You can be as active and engaged in shipboard or shore activities as you choose, while they can relax, take it easy, and just generally "chill out." The Zuiderdam is a good ship for you both.

[zdude]

Well, there is one good feedback, it makes sense to me, but then they will not have any windows. We'll likely give them the suite to themselves often anyway.

Does this really make sense? Anyone else done it? It seems like if you wanted to have the 4 people together in one of the A cabins, it would be pretty darned cramped and likely you'd go find a veranda out of your rooms or something.

Anyone else? Comment please!

Thanks a bunch!

[zdude]

Bump. Just want to keep this at the top so someone might see and comment before I commit the final transaction.

[jaguarstyper]

I'd go with the suite and the nearby inside. My guess is your parents will only use the inside for sleeping, dressing and privacy. An S suite offers plenty of space for 4 and more throughout the day. In an aft suite, you can easily have 20 people on your verandah. We had 18 and there was still a lot of room to move about. Even enough room to dance :D

Tim

[zdude]

Its done (well I don't have the docs, but the invoice is eminent). Suite and Inside it is, right across the hall, I can't imagine this isn't going to be a killer experience (even with the folks there :D).

Everyone on the board has been helpful, even considering I did this all in about 24 hours.

With all the hoopla about the aft cabins, I hope it works out, and I got mine with pretty short notice really. I'm on the 4/30 East Carib Zuiderhosen sail.

Oh, I mean Zuiderdam. Wrong country.

Thanks a bunch!

[jaguarstyper]

Zuiderhosen.

Oh, I mean Zuiderdam. Wrong country.

Thanks a bunch!


Zuiderhosen! LOL :D Now thats funny.

[Sea Island Lady]

Since you are paying, you have the right to the suite, however I would give the parents a choice. Tell them that you will pay for their inside stateroom and if they wish to upgrade to a balcony, they may do so on their dime.

I know that my parents, both late 70's use their balcony most of the day when able. For this reason, we both get suites because we prefer our privacy. If you don't mind your parents being underfoot during the day then by all means take the suite. You could get an extra key to your stateroom made up and give it to them when the room is free.

[zdude]

That is what I am hoping to do. Give them the room key for them to enjoy when they wish. I won't mind them "underfoot", this is going to be a slow vacation for me, relaxing one vs. adventure. Having some quality time with the parents while they still can-- that is the whole reason for me to do this, so I am pretty cool with them coming and going as they please (well as long as they knock and that goes for me too).

I assume that the concierge will be willing to have a key made.

My typical vacations are camping and backpacking in the high country, so this is a real departure and I plan to emphasize that aspect by being in general a lounge potato.

Unfortunately, my budget does not allow 2 suites and the only reason the 4 of us are going is because I am footing the bill. I don't think they would spend a penny on an upgrade, they are from a completely different mindset than a "S Cabin Cruiser". It was the way they were brought up and the "frugalness" of their family's lifestyle.

If they pick up anything I will be grateful, but I certainly do not expect it.

[Sea Island Lady]

I don't think they would spend a penny on an upgrade, they are from a completely different mindset than a "S Cabin Cruiser". It was the way they were brought up and the "frugalness" of their family's lifestyle.
Once they see their inside versus your suite, they may wish that they had not been so frugal.:D On a more serious note, I think what you are doing is very generous and you have very lucky parents! ;)

http://www.virtualtoursusa.com/tours/hollandoosterdam/standardinside.htm

http://www.virtualtoursusa.com/tours/hollandoosterdam/deluxesuite.htm

BTW - You didn't say which corner aft you were booked in, but are you aware that some of the staterooms are smaller than a normal S suite?