Zuiderdam Question

[Knox]

We are planning our 25th anniversary cruise this October and are considering the Zuiderdam. We have cruised with HAL on two previous cruises and have a mixed impression. The Westerdam in 2000 was wonderful and we had the time of our life. Everything was perfect. In 2003, we sailed the Zaandam hoping for the same experience and were somewhat disappointed. There was not the first hint of Carribean music the entire week on an EASTERN CARRIBEAN cruise and the cruise director, though very nice, was lacking. I do not consider myself a party animal, but I do like to enjoy steel drum band music on deck at the sail away party...not Chatanooga Choo Choo. Does anyone know what I can expect on the Zuiderdam...do they typically have a steel drum band?

[QuitMyDayJob]

We found the Zuiderdam to be amazing, although I have no recollection of what type of music they played. The Zuiderdam was our second HAL experience, the first was the Maasdam. Both were great, but the Zuiderdam was a notch above the Maasdam in my opinion. I would have no hesitation in booking the Zuiderdam for an anniversary if it were me.

[covey]

Ditto!:)

[annbanan]

Yes, they do have a steel drum band. I know what you mean, I really enyoyed the band on the Lido deck. I even bought one of there CDs. Was playing it just today in fact, while I was doing housework.

Just day dreaming of the times I had and what is to come in June!

[Knox]

Thank you for the responses...I think we are Zuiderdam bound this October...I just love those 'dam ships!

[richcrow]

We are planning our 25th anniversary cruise this October and are considering the Zuiderdam. We have cruised with HAL on two previous cruises and have a mixed impression. The Westerdam in 2000 was wonderful and we had the time of our life. Everything was perfect. In 2003, we sailed the Zaandam hoping for the same experience and were somewhat disappointed. There was not the first hint of Carribean music the entire week on an EASTERN CARRIBEAN cruise and the cruise director, though very nice, was lacking. I do not consider myself a party animal, but I do like to enjoy steel drum band music on deck at the sail away party...not Chatanooga Choo Choo. Does anyone know what I can expect on the Zuiderdam...do they typically have a steel drum band?

Knox,

What cruise are you going to be on in Oct. My DW and I are booked on the Zuiderdam sailing on Oct 1, 2005 for our 40th anniversary. BTW, I am also from Knoxville now living in Mobile,AL.

Richard

[Knox]

We are looking at the October 15 sailing date...our Big Day is October 18. If you read any tidbits that you would like to share, send me an e-mail at cscottchp@charter.net. We are really looking forward to the Zuiderdam and it sounds like it will compare more favorably to the Westerdam that the Zaandam...the Zaandam should be renamed the ZZZZZZZZZZandam.

[drk]

We sailed the Zuiderdam in December and our only complaint was the lack of music diversity on board. On our sailing they had a light jazz band on deck...and in the ocean lounge...and in the dance lounge. No vocals with any of the bands on board. We call it the "mack the knife" cruise (altho chatanooga choo choo was heard many times as well). Anyway we didn't let it ruin our trip but it was unusual in the Caribbean. Seems it is a week to week type of thing.

[geegee1]

just got off the zuiderdam and do not recall a steel drum band. there was no real musical feel on the ship