gpamitc
March 7th, 2005, 12:04 AM
Just returned from our West. Carib. sailing on the Zaandam. While it was our first cruise and therefore, we can not make any comparisons, I would have to say the ship was very clean, roomy and beautiful; the food was excellent; and the staff was warm, friendly and accomodating.
The weather - not the fault of HAL - was quite disappointing. More clouds than sun. And the it rained during our stop to Half Moon Cay - the one we were most looking forward to.
We didn't plan our excursions well - went to the beach at Cozumel and did a little shopping at Grand Cayman and Montego Bay (which we found to be crowded, and not appealing. After 20 minutes we returned to the ship.) We had scheduled snorkeling and some other beach activities at Half Moon but they were cancelled due to weather.
I guess my only other comment was that we found the average age a little TOO old. Would have preferred more couples in their 40's. The average age of our fellow passengers was probably in their mid to late 60's - or so it appeared. While it was nice not to have to compete with tons of toddlers and teens for places by the pool (there couldn't have been more than 25 or so children - including teens), we would have preferred a better mix of ages. So while we enjoyed the cruise, I guess we'll give another cruise line a shot for our 2nd cruise!
The weather - not the fault of HAL - was quite disappointing. More clouds than sun. And the it rained during our stop to Half Moon Cay - the one we were most looking forward to.
We didn't plan our excursions well - went to the beach at Cozumel and did a little shopping at Grand Cayman and Montego Bay (which we found to be crowded, and not appealing. After 20 minutes we returned to the ship.) We had scheduled snorkeling and some other beach activities at Half Moon but they were cancelled due to weather.
I guess my only other comment was that we found the average age a little TOO old. Would have preferred more couples in their 40's. The average age of our fellow passengers was probably in their mid to late 60's - or so it appeared. While it was nice not to have to compete with tons of toddlers and teens for places by the pool (there couldn't have been more than 25 or so children - including teens), we would have preferred a better mix of ages. So while we enjoyed the cruise, I guess we'll give another cruise line a shot for our 2nd cruise!