ZUIDERDAM CRUISE 2-12-05 by Whiskeyman

[Whiskeyman]

Hello Everyone, First I'd like to thank everyone that put in a suggestion to my first post back in November asking advice, being a first time cruiser.
I booked this cruise for our 25th wedding anniversary, and I spoiled my wife from the time we left until the time we got back home. We're not thrifty people, easy going and laid back, but I wanted to show her what she means to me and went that extra mile the whole trip to make sure she had a wonderful time.
We spent friday night at a park and fly (embassey) near MSP airport the night before departing. We left for the airport at 5 am and we took off for sunny florida at 7:20 am. We arrived in Miami and went to get our Luggage. I had a 6 pax white limo waiting for us, surprise for her, to take us to FLL. I would have takin the bus but the 12th was the day of our anniversary and to me riding a bus on that day wasn't too romantic LOL. We had the limo driver stop and we bought a 24 pack of Coke for our room, and then we arrived about 1 pm at the docks. Porters unloaded the luggage we grabbed our carry ons and we were off, after a tip of course. Embarkation was easy
Went to Deluxe Veradah line (S) and were headed aboard in a few minutes.Gold star and all. PICs then up the gangway.
We were led straight to our room by one of the crew in white gloves, he assisted with our carry ons, didn't catch his name, we were in awe. We entered our room 6169 and we were floored. What a beautiful room, my wife was shocked at the size of it. We looked around like a couple of kids in a candy store, opening this and that, looking here and there. the roses I had preordered were the, Best roses I had ever seen, they didn't look real they were so perfect.
My tux was waiting, a bottle of champagne from the captain and hotel manager. 6 pack of beer I also pre ordered. Everything was spotless.
We tried to go out on our verandeh and couldn't get the door open, she tried then I tried, after 30 seconds I figured out I had to push not pull and out we went,we had a good laugh about that, it was just the excitement I think. The Verandah was HUGE...
We headed out, met with ADRIAN our cabin steward in the hall asked him for ashtrays and to clean out the mini bar, he said no problem.(more about him later)
Went for a walk came back to our room around 2:30 to find our bags had arrived. Went up to the Crows Nest to meet some fellow CC'rs and we had a nice chat, only 3 of us showed with our spouses but we had a nice chat for 15 or so minutes.
Went back to our room unpacked, We had plenty of closets and drawers, some we never did use.Went and grabbed some pizza in the LIDO, It was fantastic!
Went to the sailaway party met a nice couple from New York, hung out with them for an hour talking, drinking. Went exploring somemore after we were out to sea.
We had late seating 8:30pm for dinner. It was very nice, met Zega and Rafael our waiters. Had table 188 table for 2. Dinner was great. Went to the casino for a bit then retired for the evening around 11 pm.
END OF DAY ONE

[Ziggy7]

more ! more !!! hehehe Sounds wonderful so far !!!! :)

[Whiskeyman]

We woke up had breakfast on the verandah and headed of to HMC, had a blast. Just hung out didn't have anything planned, walked the beach and took photos, had a few drinks and ate at the BBQ. Everything there was really good.
Day 3 we were at sea Valentines Day, had breakfast walked around, went to the casino for awhile, had lunch in the Lido. Went to the Neptune, looked around. Went back to our room and sat around, just relaxed. Went and played bingo during the day..got ready for formal night, was kinda fun first time I ever wore a tux. We had Crab legs I ordered 2 and she 2 Not really big portions. I did eat 3 shrimp cocktails. 12 in all. Yummy.
We went to St thomas on the 15th customs wakes everyone up at 730 to check passprts etc. crazy they start by lower floors and go up had to go to the queens lounge for this. we were off the ship by 8:15am and headed over to Red Hook for a day sail. We met with the Captain Kathleen at 9:30 and she took us out to her ship High Pockets on the dingy, we boarded with help from Bill her first mate. I could go into detail about this daysail but won't. All I'm going to say is YOU gotta try it, We had a blast and it made our trip. If you don't have fun then theres something wrong with you LOL
Seriously...website is www.sailhighpockets.com. They made you feel like family.
:)

[dakrewser]

Your enthusiasm is infectious!

[Whiskeyman]

We arrived at Tortola BVI the next morning, Had breakfast on the deck again, we were docked. set out for the town walked there less than 5 minutes. Shopped went to Pussers in town buought some spices and gifts for family friends, the people here were so nice, didn't push you into buying.
Spent a couple hours in town. didn't explore the island, why I dunno...maybe next time. ZAANDAM was in port with us. got some good shots of her leaving just before sunset. Ate that night at the Pinnicale OMG had the Pinnicale cut wife had the petite, Folks this beef has been aged 21 days Pinnicale cut is about the size of a mans fist,and melted in my mouth, had to be at least 20 dollar hunk of beef, they also had 22 oz t bones, a huge baked potato from washington state. Had the volcano....yummy.
Went to the magic show after dinner He was great and funny.
We met Hunky Dory somewhere along the line in the LIDO during lunch, He never forgot our names from there on out If he saw me he'd ask were my wife was...... Amazing guy.
Thursday at sea, met with the captian at the Crows nest, Suite lunch, went with some people we met from conn. had a nice time had a nice selection of food and drinks.
We had our Renewal of Vows @ 7:30pm in the explorers lounge, everything went well, had a little champaign, mermosa, and wine to drink,the captian spoke to the 5 couples and then he recited our renewal vows and we repeated after him. We had pictures taken with him then just her and I. We teared up when we recited our vows, was so nice. Someone was close by with a tissue. the whole thing lasted maybe half an hour, but it was worth every penny.
Formal night we had Lobster of course I ate 5 she ate 3.
Friday in Nassau, We went to atlantis for a couple hours then shopped, straw market, senor frogs, and other places. People were really pushy at the market and on the streets selling things. Some not really to nice at all, to me the market had the same stuff just in diffrent spots being sold by diffrent vendors. Same hats shirts etc. I dunno, to many people and not enough room.
Saturday: Disembarkation, got up had room service breakfast, sat around until our #was called think it was like 8:45, we were going to take the bus to the airport, people kept cutting in front of us, older people!!! so we just gave up jumped in a cab and arrived there in 10 minutes. $11.50, $15.00 with tip. Buses showed up a 1/2 hr later.. TAKE A CAB PEOPLE..As one last surprise to my wife I upgraded us to first class on the way home,, never flew first class before, those of you that do thou, you got it rough LOL.
Things I liked :
VOW RENEWAL, DAY SAIL, TORTOLA, in that order.
Okay our Cabin Steward was the TOPS, Adrian, Wow what a nice guy, he kept our cabin spotless, had a great smile and great personality. He would always greet you with a good morning, afternoon, evening and ask if we needed anything. All crew members were this way. A hello or good morning etc. We recieved a lovely photo album from OUR ROV ceremony with photos and what we had said to one another, and a cetificate... Really nice.
Dislike: Straw market
Over all thou I would rate this a 10 on any scale, the crew, the ship, food,entertainment, As your probably thinking, It is our first cruise and we have nothing to compare it to, but I went in with no great expectations and came back with alot of great memories.
Sure theres a bit of wear and tear here and there on the ship, but I was thinking if I had 2,000 (average?) people a week walking up and down my carpet getting in and out of chairs, in and out of elevators, my place would show some wear and tear too.
These are my opinions anyways.

OKAY for the fun stuff PICTURES
I have posted pictures to a web site. I have a HQ video of our room and a seprate one of our verandah if anyone would like it emailed to them (HIGHSPEED ONLY PLEASE) Video is 39MB and 23MB about a minute and a half and a minute. I also have all the menus for dinners and lunches, NO PINNICALE MENUS SORRY, laundry list $$, breakfast menu for room service.
All daily scedules, and other things, just ask.. Sorry for any mispelled words
etc, I am very tired its 1:42 am and Iv'e been typing for 2 hours I think..LOL
All my pics are here seperated by ROOM, HMC and others and ZUIDERDAM pics. Email me with questions/whatever @ whiskeyman143@hotmail.com

[Whiskeyman]

Click on my name above and goto Homepage. It should take you there.

[VaCruzers]

Thank you for the excellent review and photos. We are looking forward to our first HAL cruise on the Zuiderdam in May. May I have your permission to use one of your photos of the Zuiderdam as my background for my computer? I always like to have a photo to remind me of my next cruise waiting for me whenever I start to work on my computer. Thanks again for taking the time to share!

[Tarkus]

thanks for the detailed review... it gets me even more stoked than i already am for our cruise aboard the z on 5/28! (especially so as i haven't been on a cruise for five years now :( ).

[Whiskeyman]

VaCruzers, send me your email, and the pic you like and I'll Email you the full size one. Other wise yes take what you like. :) Cheers

[Lisa616]

Hello! We are just back as well! Great cruise, overall. Sorry we didn't get to meet any of you the first day, we were running behind! The only cruiseline we have experience is with RCCL. We sailed her 6 times and this was our first on HAL.

Better on RCCL: The suites. The owners suites on RCCL on far more beautiful and luxurious than HAL. Marble and granite everwhere, overall somewhat larger, although RCCL's balcony is much smaller. Huge flatscreen tv that swivels between sitting area and bedroom. Daily appetizers served to your cabin each evening. The concierge room had happy hour each evening with hot appetizers.

Better on HAL regarding suites: Robes, much softer than RCCL's. Linens. Service, our cabin steward was excellent. Free Drycleaning. Although they lost my favorite dress pants. I had to fill out a claim form. Very disappointing. Balcony, awesome!

Food: Better on HAL. The only item that was disappointing was the fish. Never had a good piece of fish the entire week. Even in the Pinnacle, the halibut was overcooked and dry. Service in the dining was excellent. Absolute, not one complaint! We thoroughly enjoyed Hunky Dorey!!

Entertainment: Much better on RCCL!! Hands down! but..that being said, we didn't care. We enjoyed not feeling like we were constantly missing something by just relaxing. Cory in the Piano bar is the exception. We had a ball with him many evenings!!!

Service: Absolutely HAL. From the white gloved escort to our cabin..and on..We had excellent service everywhere.

Just a few more observations in no order..Toilets.. many times they wouldnt flush throughout the ship and once in our stateroom. Carpet very worn in many areas. Suede..or whatever that is in the elevators in very scratched. I loved the decor and colors, to each his own. Lots of vibration,, mostly felt in our stateroom during the day. Certainly never bothered us..just noticeable. There wasn't any in the dining room, though.

Overall, HAL is definitely a step up from RCCL. Lots of small touches to tell you this is a premium cruiseline. We would definitely sail HAL again. Passengers, with a few exceptions were amongst the most polite we've sailed with. On RCCL, there was always lots of rush..cutting in line and such. We ran across a couple of folks that were rude beyond belief..but that'll happen anywhere!

Ports..very quickly! St. Thomas. Did a daysail with Winifred. Great Day, although the snorkeling wasn't good at all.

Tortola. Went with Patouche on their powerboat with Captain Joe. Just my hubby and me. Had a fabulous day seeing many different BV Islands, including the baths! Awesome day, although expensive! It was the trip highlight!

Nassau..stayed on the ship and had the most relaxing day! Got off later to do some quick shopping.

Half moon Cay..did the horseback riding and it was a blast!!

The only thing I sincerely missed from RCCL was the poolside music. Hardly any. An entire seaday went by at the Lido pool and not once did the have the steel drum band. I couldn't believe it. The servers were trying to sell drinks and all I could think was if they had caribbean music and had pushed the retractable roof back farther..they'd of sold many more drinks. No mood at all! Disappointing!! Speaking of that roof..very annoying. It was a beautiful day, probably 85 degrees and they had that roof covering almost the entire lido pool. There were maybe 8 chairs that were in the sun. People were freezing!!!! I don't get it?

That's it!! Time to plan next years cruise!! We're thinking of trying Windstar!

[peaches from georgia]

The only thing I sincerely missed from RCCL was the poolside music. Hardly any. An entire seaday went by at the Lido pool and not once did the have the steel drum band. I couldn't believe it. The servers were trying to sell drinks and all I could think was if they had caribbean music and had pushed the retractable roof back farther..they'd of sold many more drinks. No mood at all! Disappointing!! Speaking of that roof..very annoying. It was a beautiful day, probably 85 degrees and they had that roof covering almost the entire lido pool. There were maybe 8 chairs that were in the sun. People were freezing!!!! I don't get it?

I'm glad you mentioned this about the dome over the Lido pool. We don't get it either. Why is the dome almost entirely closed even on a beautiful sunny day. I know the aft pool is the 'sun' pool as there is no cover, but when the Lido dome is fully open there is still plenty of shade. There is nothing festive or Caribbean with the dome almost closed and we can't figure out why it is done.

[watchdiva]

Thanks whiskeyman for your great review! DH and I sail on the Zui 4/16 and I'm more excited now than ever.

I followed your original posting about how to make this a special cruise for your wife and I'm so glad things worked out for you - she's a lucky lady!;)

[shipcafe]

Fantastic review and photos, thanks ! . . .

[Cathy p]

Wow, great review. We are going on the Zuiderdam 3/5, first cruise as well. I am also married to a romantic DH and he is 62. Cannot wait. I am sure we will have just as wonderful of a time as you all did. God Bless you and many more years to you both.:) :) :) :)

[dakrewser]

Better on RCCL: The suites. Daily appetizers served to your cabin each evening.

While this won't help you last cruise, you can tuck it away for the next - there's no problem getting hors d'ouvres served in your suite every day - just ask the concierge.

[Majika]

Thanks for the great review Whiskeyman. 8 of us will be sailing on the Z on July 30th.

[localady]

As I have become a more seasoned cruiser, I've learned to ask politely for things such as opening the Lido roof. I heard many fellow cruisers grumbling about it, so I got up and walked over to my Bartender friend and asked him to open it. He made the call and within 5 minutes we were basking in wonderful sunshine. Folks clapped when it was open. :D

Moral to story- Ask and you shall receive! (Well at least occasionally!):cool:

[peaches from georgia]

As I have become a more seasoned cruiser, I've learned to ask politely for things such as opening the Lido roof....Ask and you shall receive! (Well at least occasionally!):cool:
But WHY do pax have to even ask? Why does HAL keep the roof closed or almost closed on even the most glorious sunny warm day? I don't understand why pax have to request it - you would think HAL would WANT to have it open. The Lido pool area is so warm and uncomfortable with the roof closed.

[doone]

Whiskeyman, thanks for the wonderful review. Three weeks from Friday I leave to board the Zuiderdam on the 12th. Great pictures, thanks for sharing them with us, makes today in New England a little bit more bearable as I am sitting here watching the snowflakes come down!!!!!!!

Thanks again for sharing.

[Pita817]

Hello! We are just back as well! Great cruise, overall. Sorry we didn't get to meet any of you the first day, we were running behind! The only cruiseline we have experience is with RCCL. We sailed her 6 times and this was our first on HAL.

Better on RCCL: The suites. The owners suites on RCCL on far more beautiful and luxurious than HAL. Marble and granite everwhere, overall somewhat larger, although RCCL's balcony is much smaller. Huge flatscreen tv that swivels between sitting area and bedroom. Daily appetizers served to your cabin each evening. The concierge room had happy hour each evening with hot appetizers.

Better on HAL regarding suites: Robes, much softer than RCCL's. Linens. Service, our cabin steward was excellent. Free Drycleaning. Although they lost my favorite dress pants. I had to fill out a claim form. Very disappointing. Balcony, awesome!

Food: Better on HAL. The only item that was disappointing was the fish. Never had a good piece of fish the entire week. Even in the Pinnacle, the halibut was overcooked and dry. Service in the dining was excellent. Absolute, not one complaint! We thoroughly enjoyed Hunky Dorey!!

Entertainment: Much better on RCCL!! Hands down! but..that being said, we didn't care. We enjoyed not feeling like we were constantly missing something by just relaxing. Cory in the Piano bar is the exception. We had a ball with him many evenings!!!

Service: Absolutely HAL. From the white gloved escort to our cabin..and on..We had excellent service everywhere.

Just a few more observations in no order..Toilets.. many times they wouldnt flush throughout the ship and once in our stateroom. Carpet very worn in many areas. Suede..or whatever that is in the elevators in very scratched. I loved the decor and colors, to each his own. Lots of vibration,, mostly felt in our stateroom during the day. Certainly never bothered us..just noticeable. There wasn't any in the dining room, though.

Overall, HAL is definitely a step up from RCCL. Lots of small touches to tell you this is a premium cruiseline. We would definitely sail HAL again. Passengers, with a few exceptions were amongst the most polite we've sailed with. On RCCL, there was always lots of rush..cutting in line and such. We ran across a couple of folks that were rude beyond belief..but that'll happen anywhere!

Ports..very quickly! St. Thomas. Did a daysail with Winifred. Great Day, although the snorkeling wasn't good at all.

Tortola. Went with Patouche on their powerboat with Captain Joe. Just my hubby and me. Had a fabulous day seeing many different BV Islands, including the baths! Awesome day, although expensive! It was the trip highlight!

Nassau..stayed on the ship and had the most relaxing day! Got off later to do some quick shopping.

Half moon Cay..did the horseback riding and it was a blast!!

The only thing I sincerely missed from RCCL was the poolside music. Hardly any. An entire seaday went by at the Lido pool and not once did the have the steel drum band. I couldn't believe it. The servers were trying to sell drinks and all I could think was if they had caribbean music and had pushed the retractable roof back farther..they'd of sold many more drinks. No mood at all! Disappointing!! Speaking of that roof..very annoying. It was a beautiful day, probably 85 degrees and they had that roof covering almost the entire lido pool. There were maybe 8 chairs that were in the sun. People were freezing!!!! I don't get it?

That's it!! Time to plan next years cruise!! We're thinking of trying Windstar!

:) Lisa616,

Thanks for forwarding our message to Eko. Eko called on Saturday night and again on Sunday. It was great to hear from him. He was chuckling because he didn't believe the note was for real at first. Thanks again for your help! Hunky Dory is great isn't he.

[dakrewser]

But WHY do pax have to even ask? Why does HAL keep the roof closed or almost closed on even the most glorious sunny warm day? I don't understand why pax have to request it - you would think HAL would WANT to have it open. The Lido pool area is so warm and uncomfortable with the roof closed.

Why would HAL, a corporation, care if the roof were open or closed? Actually, the A/C bill is probably lower the more closed it is. And one person's "sauna" is another's "freezer" - perception is everything. If asking gets it done, where's the problem?

[Whiskeyman]

You know folks I spent like 2 hrs at least typing all this stuff in and checking everything over for folks to read. give some insight into MY cruise experience. If you want to COMPLAIN, Start your own thread don't start complaining on MINE. Start a thread called "Why wasn't the roof open over the pool, it totally ruined the whole cruise." Okay now I'm done !!!!:mad:

[peaches from georgia]

..... If asking gets it done, where's the problem?
Who said it was a problem? Not me. Just strange that HAL would keep it closed on a sunny beautiful day on a Carib cruise. I thought the dome was in case of clouds and rain. But, a problem to ask to have it opened? Don't think so.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Whiskeyman, I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this review. You wrote it in such a fun, exciting way. I almost felt I had picked you up at the pier and you only had 20 minutes to tell me everything before I dropped you at the airport!:D

This was fun, invigorating ... I felt I was being swept into your moment. I'm so happy you had such a wonderful anniversary and such a fantastic cruise. The limo was such a great touch for you to surprise your wife with ... what a terrific gesture.

And now I'm off to look at your pictures! Thanks again!

[Lisa616]

You know folks I spent like 2 hrs at least typing all this stuff in and checking everything over for folks to read. give some insight into MY cruise experience. If you want to COMPLAIN, Start your own thread don't start complaining on MINE. Start a thread called "Why wasn't the roof open over the pool, it totally ruined the whole cruise." Okay now I'm done !!!!:mad:

Whiskeyman-I apologize for even mentioning the retractable roof in my post. I had no idea it would upset you. I would however like to mention that I NEVER said it 'totally ruined the whole cruise'.

I wish I would of asked...I guess it never dawned on me that one of the servers could make a simple phone call!!! And yes, I bet people were clapping!! The only reason I even mentioned the roof..was because with it being closed and no music...it just wasn't as Caribbean like as it could of or should of been. They sure would get people's bar tabs going if they added a little atmosphere!!!

Again, I apologize for even making a statement. I thought that was what these boards were for!

[Whiskeyman]

It's okay lisa616, its just that I was up until 2 am working on this and pictures,
It's if I had a Brand new car and someone drove by and got it full of mud.
The point I am trying to make is that theres plenty of room on this board for your comments too. Just start your own thread. Write down what you liked and disliked, because I too, would like to read them.
It wasn't the roof so much as the fact that you jumped on board and started commenting on the cruise when you could have just started your own thread.I didn't go jumping into MJMagee thread, and putting in my 2 cents, and how my trip was, I read hers sure, but started my own like it should be done. Now if someone started a thread call"Feb 12 Zuiderdam, did you have fun?" I would post there.
I'm not trying to be mean because I'm like Mr. Nice Guy, seriously. So don't take any offense to anything I've written... okay, it's hard to communicate on a message board. I'm not saying what I wrote was a piece of art by anymeans. And your right that is what these boards are for, but theres a time and place for everything. Again don't take offense,,,
And to all you reading this... Am I outta line?:confused:

[lipoppop]

You know folks I spent like 2 hrs at least typing all this stuff in and checking everything over for folks to read. give some insight into MY cruise experience. If you want to COMPLAIN, Start your own thread don't start complaining on MINE. Start a thread called "Why wasn't the roof open over the pool, it totally ruined the whole cruise." Okay now I'm done !!!!:mad:

Thanks for a great review and I appreciate the time and effort it took.

Please, no more :mad: :mad:

How about a :) :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Whiskeyman, you are not out of line! It's funny you mention this because I was really enjoying reading along your wonderful review and people chatting back and suddenly up comes another review! I thought, why did this person post her review here???!!! Why not start her own review thread?

I know there are no rules about this, but it just seems it would be nice, for a change, to have a thread that is upbeat since that was your experience of your cruise. I hope you saw my comments above because I really enjoyed your review and I loved your pictures.

I don't blame you one bit! Good for you for saying something.

[liv2cruise4ever]

Click on my name above and goto Homepage. It should take you there.

:) After reading your excellent review, and viewing your beautiful pictures, I have to agree with Heather. you made us feel like we were right there with you. You have a talent for "taking us all with you on your first journey on the seas." I still can't believe you were up until 2am getting this done "THANKS' . Just curious, what kind of camera did you use? Another question about picture #1, was that port side tendering? Just trying to locate our SS suite. Any other tips on the Z?:D That is nice of you to offer your pictures for screensaver. I'm going to pick my favorite. Thanks again.:)

[dakrewser]

It's okay lisa616, its just that I was up until 2 am working on this and pictures,
It's if I had a Brand new car and someone drove by and got it full of mud.

And I appreciate that someone else on the same cruise posted their thoughts here. No one gets to decide what comments appear in a thread they start, that's just not how it works. So while I really appreciated your review, this attempt to censor the thread is really jarring. It might have been better if you'd simply not commented at all.

[Whiskeyman]

Thanks Heather, love the new pic of you. Thanks for writing.I've read alot of your comments in the past.
It was fun writing and I wanted to do it sooner but had no time to myself until about midnight last night. Was peaceful and I could think without any distractions.
I have a CDMavica (sony) thats 4.0 megapixels, writes to those little cds, and the same battery works in my camcorder. If you want the larger pics and have Highspeed I can send a few to you. 2272x1704. Just Let me know. And sorry it was starboard side tendering. I do have pictures to be developed yet so maybe I'll have something in there for you:)As far as any other tips go, you don't always have to wait for a hello or goodmorning etc from one of the crew ,there were many times I said something first, but was never ignored. Like Dakrewser and candy told me before we left. Smile at everyone onboard and greet your stewards and with a smile and kind word.
We thought we'd be lost within an hour but there are signs w/Cabin #'s and signs near the elevators. Just go have fun eat your heart out and order room service breakfast :)Oh and take PICTURES LOL

[Whiskeyman]

I give up!!!!!WRITE anything you like anywhere you like dakrewser....HAPPY NOW?

[HeatherInFlorida]

And I appreciate that someone else on the same cruise posted their thoughts here. No one gets to decide what comments appear in a thread they start, that's just not how it works. So while I really appreciated your review, this attempt to censor the thread is really jarring. It might have been better if you'd simply not commented at all.

I honestly don't get this point of view. I don't understand why it's okay to rain all over someone's parade. Dave is the first one to get annoyed on other threads when someone says something negative about HAL.

Generally speaking, and I don't mean there's never an exception, people do a review and what follows is a discussion of that review. Why should this be any different?

Personally I prefer separate reviews as separate threads. It's true that no one "owns" a thread (I've said this myself at least a thousand times), but Whiskeyman had such an ubeat experience that I think it would be nice to write other experiences elsewhere.

And frankly Lisa's review wasn't really negative ... just a few people picked up an a couple of negatives and flew with them.

[Pita817]

Wiskeyman:

Loved your review and pics!!!!! We sailed in November and I wish I was going again tomorrow!! You brought back wonderful memories. Glad you had a great anniversary on board! Loved your picture of Honky Dory! We were really fortunate to have Honky Dory as our waiter each night in the dining room as well as enjoying him in the Lido.:) :) :)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Whiskeyman, what a wonderful review and oh so very romantic. It brought a tear to my eye reading about you Renewal of Vows. What a way to have your first cruise. You know that you will forever be hooked big time with always having a S Suite. I am so glad that you cruise turned out so special I hope you can have many many more. Thanks so much for telling us about it. Also great pics you got some great ones of the Zaandam too:)

[lawyersinlove]

Who said it was a problem? Not me. Just strange that HAL would keep it closed on a sunny beautiful day on a Carib cruise. I thought the dome was in case of clouds and rain. But, a problem to ask to have it opened? Don't think so.

I agree with you, besides, the defintion of perfect service is never having to ask, but having your needs anticipated.

Going to an outdoor pool on a sunny Carribean day is to expect the roof to be open.

I appreciate both reviews and the second was appropraitely placed in this thread. let's be a little more adult, OK.

[joycruiser]

Thanks so much for sharing! We are going in April and found your review very helpful and your pictures are great. We lurk on this board everyday hoping someone will post their vacation experience on the Zuiderdam as we have read everything already posted.

We do mostly lurk as it seems to us that there are some that poo on everything. A post will be going along just fine, then somehow someone will pick a fight and challenge another poster and it is not pretty or fun. It's OK to disagree, but since we all have one common love of cruising, couldn't we be respectful of one another?

I read a post that revneal poised around Thanksgiving and OH MY LORD-people argued and argued and the point he clearly started with was "at Thanksgiving aren't we blessed to be able to cruise". They picked the topic apart.

I hesitate to post this as now I might be the next target, but it made me feel bad that you worked so hard to get your review done and got your feelings hurt in the end. I really appreciated your review!

[sail7seas]

You know folks I spent like 2 hrs at least typing all this stuff in and checking everything over for folks to read. give some insight into MY cruise experience. If you want to COMPLAIN, Start your own thread don't start complaining on MINE. Start a thread called "Why wasn't the roof open over the pool, it totally ruined the whole cruise." Okay now I'm done !!!!:mad:



I LOVED reading your review and thank you very much for it.

Your happiness and enthusiasm and joy of celebrating such a milestone event with your wife was very special 'to share' with you.

We, also,celebrated our 25th wedding anniversay aboard an HAL ship and now, ten years later, those memories are fresh and wonderful and bring us great joy still.

Congratulations on your Anniversary and many good wishes for many more.

Thank you for sharing your review with us. It is wonderful!!!

[g041t]

Thanks Whiskeyman. Sailing Zuiderdam 3/5/05 in S6167 handicapped suite (I'm in a wheelchair with multiple sclerosis). Sounds like we've got a great Steward if Adrian is still on.

[Whiskeyman]

You won't be disappointed, as I said I wasn't. you'll love the room I'm sure.
Adrian is the tops and hopefully you'll get him. Let me know how your trip went and If you see Adrian tell him MR Glenn and Mrs Jolene say:) hello.

[dakrewser]

I honestly don't get this point of view. I don't understand why it's okay to rain all over someone's parade.

No one rained, Heather. Someone on the same cruise as the OP posted some notes about their trip. I'm sure I'm not the only one who appreciates seeing multiple views of the same cruise in the same thread. I wish everyone who posted about a particular cruise would post to the same thread - it makes it easier to compare experiences.

Reading someone else's thoughts often triggers a memory, also. Easy enough to post that in the thread you're reading, much harder to either break out of the thread or hold the thought for later to start a seperate thread.

Hopefully, we're all a bunch of friends and acquaintences getting together for a chat. It would be awkward, to say the least, if everyone who wanted to say something had to leave the conversation and form a new one.

That said, I don't believe in "thread hijacking" where the original topic is forgotten as people wander further afield - but when we're all talking about the same thing? I just can't see the problem.

-dave

[HeatherInFlorida]

Okay, Dave, fair point:) . I was upset because I felt we were going off on a tangent about the roof and whether or not we should have to ask for it to be opened and shut. I don't even remember who jumped all over that, but it really had nothing to do with the cruise experience.

I just felt really badly for Whiskeyman who had obviously had an amazing cruise and gone to a great deal of trouble to tell us about it.

Had it just been Lisa's review, I don't think I would have reacted so strongly. Anyway, 'nuff said and I understand totally what you're saying.

[dakrewser]

http://www.peacefulhush.com/pages/01/12bee2.gif -dave

[okat817]

Thank you so much Whiskeyman for your wonderful review. I didn't think I could get anymore excited about our trip next month, but here I am now unable to even sit still.:D I can't wait to check out your pics.

[OrthoRN]

Great review... We are going on the Zuiderdam in Nov... and I can't wait... This is our first time with HAL, and I must admit I was getting worried... But I think some people like to point out all the negatives, just to try to bring others down...... It's a vacation and it will be a blast.... :) Thanks again for the review..

[liv2cruise4ever]

Ortho, take good care of the Z, we're right behind you......Dec. 3

Thanks Whiskeyman for the emails of pics, menus and video's. AWESOME JOB! :)

[FCOWHER]

Whiskeyman, great review. I loved the pictures also, they were so good I felt like waving at the Zaandam as she departed. Joe V.



Zuiderdam 4/23/05
RCI - 2 times
Princess - 3 times
QE2 - 1 time
Royal Majesty - 1 time
Carnival - 1 time

[Lisa616]

No one rained, Heather. Someone on the same cruise as the OP posted some notes about their trip. I'm sure I'm not the only one who appreciates seeing multiple views of the same cruise in the same thread. I wish everyone who posted about a particular cruise would post to the same thread - it makes it easier to compare experiences.

Reading someone else's thoughts often triggers a memory, also. Easy enough to post that in the thread you're reading, much harder to either break out of the thread or hold the thought for later to start a seperate thread.

Hopefully, we're all a bunch of friends and acquaintences getting together for a chat. It would be awkward, to say the least, if everyone who wanted to say something had to leave the conversation and form a new one.

That said, I don't believe in "thread hijacking" where the original topic is forgotten as people wander further afield - but when we're all talking about the same thing? I just can't see the problem.

-dave

Dave-Thanks so much for that post because that is exactly what happened. I read these boards all the time, but rarely post and when I read Whiskeymans review, it seemed a good time to toss in some of my own observations. I had no idea I was breaking some sort of message board law. I have read thousands of posts on this board, mostly on RCCL and people add observations to others people reviews all the time and I can't believe that is an offense. And honestly, I made comments about the roof, I in no way was slamming HAL and I don't think anyone else who chimed in was either. They were simple observations and comments! I still can't believe I am even defending myself for adding a few sentences about my cruise! I'll be sure to not do that again!

[Lisa616]

:) Lisa616,

Thanks for forwarding our message to Eko. Eko called on Saturday night and again on Sunday. It was great to hear from him. He was chuckling because he didn't believe the note was for real at first. Thanks again for your help! Hunky Dory is great isn't he.

You are so welcome! We had dinner in the Pinnacle on the first night and Eko was our waiter!! What a coincidence! He had a grin from ear to ear when I gave him your letter! glad I could help..

Lisa

[ekerr19]

And your right that is what these boards are for, but theres a time and place for everything. Again don't take offense,,,
And to all you reading this... Am I outta line?:confused:

No you are not! You are trying to post a comprehensive review about your trip and the whole thread goes off on a tangent about the Lido pool roof.

Frustrating, no doubt.

Thank you for taking the time post! I've enjoyed it. :)

[JaniceB]

Wonderful review. Thank you for taking the time to take pictures of the Zaandam, also. We are cruising on her in March and it was nice to see the new teen area. Glad to hear you had a great experience on HAL. I really enjoyed all your pictures.

[VaCruzers]

Whiskeyman - I appreciate the time you took to post your review &, for what it's worth, I prefer each reviewer of a cruise to start their own thread. I also prefer not to have to read comments not related to the posted topic while reading a thread. That being said, I do realize that I just violated my own preferences to let you know where I stand.

Thanks again for the permission to use your photo for a background. I don't need anything e-mailed - your posted photo was good enough to save directly to the background.

[Whiskeyman]

I went back to work today and thought about what I had written to lisa and dakrewser, I am sorry for even bringing it up, Please accept my apology. My intension wasn't to start a turf war. Just to make a point I guess, some agree, some disagree. These boards are for everyone.
And to those who said I did a good job, Thank You.
This trip was 2 fold, one for thanking my wife for 25 great years of marriage and another to get info for first time cruisers and people who have cruised many times and wondered about Holland America. I was asked more than once by the misses why I was talking pictures of this and that. Why I was saving Menus and such. I didn't mind doing any of it because I gained alot of information from this board before I left, and tried to bring back a little bit more to help the next person. I told myself that when I got back that I would post a thread and tell everyone about how our trip was, because I enjoyed reading, and sometimes rereading, other posters expierences.
Once again Thanks.

[TYMAN]

Whiskeyman...Thanks for the personal review, we also are looking forward to renewal ceremony celebrating 15 happy years together. I've been happy for 10 years, my DH for 5! :D At least that's what she says...Thanks for the menus Whiskeyman..I appreciate all your responses. Bill

[dakrewser]

I went back to work today and thought about what I had written to lisa and dakrewser

Don't worry about it, worse things have happened before and will again. I did thoroughly enjoy your review and hope to read many more you'll be posting in the future after all the rest of your cruises.

-dave
"Cruises, they're not just for anniversaries any more!"

[Lisa616]

[QUOTE=Whiskeyman]I went back to work today and thought about what I had written to lisa and dakrewser, I am sorry for even bringing it up, Please accept my apology. My intension wasn't to start a turf war. Just to make a point I guess, some agree, some disagree. These boards are for everyone.

Whiskeyman-No problem, and I apologize as well. It was truly an honest attempt at adding to a conversation and I didn't mean to dampen your wonderful review!

[HeatherInFlorida]

I just want to say that no matter what the misunderstanding (and I apologize for getting in the middle, too), I think both Whiskeyman and Lisa are 2 really terrific people. I certainly knew Lisa meant no harm in posting her review and I hope I said that.

Whiskeyman, I am so impressed with the care you took so you could come back and tell us all about your trip and post all your wonderful pictures. Your DW is one lucky woman and I'll bet she knows that. Of course, I'm sure you're just as lucky;)

I'll just bet both you and Lisa wish you were back being waited on hand and foot about now. Smooth sailing to both of you always.

[meff]

Whiskeyman, thank you so much for a wonderful detailed review and great pictures! I loved them! My husband and I are going on the Zuiderdam March 26 with another couple who are celebrating their anniversary. I hope my friend's husband is as loving and romantic as you are.