Hello From The Zuiderdam

[doone]

We made it onboard, embarkation was so smooth, couldn't believe it, hardly had time to catch our breath.

Ship is truly beautiful. I am enjoying the Zuiderdam even though I had apprehension in the beginning. Its alot bigger than what I am used to, and I am finding it hard to navigate myself, but that's ok. My friends just think cruising is the way to go, they feel spoiled, which I knew they would. The two who never sailed before, I think they are hooked.

Half Moon Cay, SPECTACULAR as always. My friends did the Aquatrax (sp) thing yesterday, one LOVED it, the other one was a bit apprehensive. I veged out on the beach, it really was a perfect day

A few things have happened that were a pain, but didn't spoil our experience. Our shipboard cards didn't work, PAIN, I think we finally got those fixed. Our toilet seems to be a bit tempremental, but its getting better.

Suite life, what can I say, now I am spoiled, but enjoying every minute of our HUGE balcony.

People onboard are so friendly. LOVE the set up of the Lido with the separate stations, never seems to be a line.

The bedding is WONDERFUL, haven't slept better.

Well heading to do something else now. Any questions, please ask away, I'll check in later.

[jhannah]

Hey, Doone. Glad you're having a great time. We also loved the Zuiderdam, even though she is a bit of a departure from other HAL ships so far as decor goes. We liked it anyway, and found enough commonality to know were aboard a Holland America ship. njoy the remainder of your cruise.

[SeaYa52]

Hi Doone,
Keep the reports coming - we'll be on the Zui in two weeks.....hope this is a spectacular cruise for you & your friends.

[Himself]

Hey Doone:

Have a geat cruise and don't get lost on the Zuiderdam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sail7seas]

Thanks for checking in with us. Happy to hear you are enjoying Zuiderdam. We think her a great ship. Have a wonderful time!!

[localady]

Doone-

Glad to here that the weather is good, as we will be boarding the Zaandam Saturday!! There is nothing better than a veg day on the beach at HMC IMHO!:cool:

Continued safe seas and blue skies!!

[chdheart]

Hi!
What kind of cabin did you have? We have guarantee reservations for a VB on 6/25. I just hope we get a decent cabin...
Rita

[Cruising Jake]

Aren't those beds and bedding just the best?

[FoxyTerrier]

Half Moon Cay, SPECTACULAR as always. My friends did the Aquatrax (sp) thing yesterday, one LOVED it, the other one was a bit apprehensive. I veged out on the beach, it really was a perfect day


Glad you are having a terrific time. Can you report on the air and water temp at HMC these days? We are planning on doing the Aquatrax - have no idea what to expect. My son also wants to rent a Hobie are they still offering that?

Joni 12 days and counting....

[iv18-Diane]

Doone,

Glad you having a good time. I have had that problem before with the Cruise cards and it was on another line.
I can't wait to cruise the Z in April.
fyi, Boston had only rain Saturday Morning, but by afternoon the snow began.
Morning is when all the cruise people are leaving, so they all got out!

Diane

[cathryn58]

Does the Club HAL have the Cranium games etc? Are the OASIS and LOFT in place yet? (wishful thinking or thinking wishfully). Thanks for any Club HAL info.
HAVE A GREAT TIME!!

[FCOWHER]

Thanks for checking in Doone. DW and I will be on the Z in just 39 days. I have read in some reviews that the Z's public rooms and hallways appear, "worn". Have you found that to be an accurate observation? How is the food? How is the weather? Please, have a great vacation. Joe V.



Serenade of the Seas 12/31/05
Zuiderdam 4/23/05
RCI - 2 times
Princess - 3 times
QE2 - 1 time
Royal Majesty - 1 time
Carnival - 1 time

[ekerr19]

Hey doone! Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday! Heather says the weather in FLL is very nice and I am holding her to it!

Can't wait til we're all on the Volendam! :D

[jaguarstyper]

Hey Doone, great to see everything is going well.

Do you have any feedback on the aquatrax on HMC? Was it strictly a guided tour? Do you ever get to "get up to speed"? Are you allowed some play time in open waters?

I'd really like to hear some feedback in these. I'd like to do it, but not if its just a slow tour of the waters near shore.

Thanks,

Tim

[spcl4cs_gal]

I did the aquatrax excursion yesterday on HMC and it was the best! You are given a very quick orientation to the machines and then you are told to get on and slowly move out to a buoy and to stay away from the shallow areas. Some of us were a bit timid at first but once we realized that you couldn't tip the things and your top speed was around 35 mph, things went really well. We had the whole lagoon to speed around in and just had to make sure we didn't run into anyone else or get too close. I would highly recommend this excursion to anyone who is even thinking of doing it. :)

[debblue]

your lucky doone i still am waiting the okay to book the zuiderdam... if you get to see Doddy-he's a dining room steward on the lido deck tell him kruise53 from ny says hello,he is a wonderful steward if you have any problem check with him.i miss half moon key it must be spectacular!!!!!!!!and a suite how nice is that. enjoy the cruise and please have an after dinner drink of your choice for all of us who aren't cruising this week safe sails to you and yours.....:) :) :)

[jaguarstyper]

I did the aquatrax excursion yesterday on HMC and it was the best! You are given a very quick orientation to the machines and then you are told to get on and slowly move out to a buoy and to stay away from the shallow areas. Some of us were a bit timid at first but once we realized that you couldn't tip the things and your top speed was around 35 mph, things went really well. We had the whole lagoon to speed around in and just had to make sure we didn't run into anyone else or get too close. I would highly recommend this excursion to anyone who is even thinking of doing it. :)


Thanks so much for the information. This is exactly what I was hoping to hear. 35 MPH on a waverunner is moving right along. I think its a go.

Thanks again :)

Tim

[swmichigan cruiser]

Just curious how do you like S5187? Hope you like it as much as we did. have a great cruise.

[Ziggy7]

Hey doone and A !! Good to hear from you both, glad you are are having a good time! Did you have a cc'er meeting ???? If so how did it go ???? We also have a thread about a cc'er cruise in fall of 2006, go put in your words :)

[VegasCath]

doone: Thanks so much for telling us all about it as soon as you got there! We sail the Zui on Apr. 2 and are enjoying hearing all about it. Can't wait to read your next installment!

[Gsel]

So glad you were able to get out of the snow and into the sunshine. Have a wonderful trip. Can't wait to read more of your comments.

[venicecruiser]

Glad you're having a good time and wonderful weather!

Claudia

[meff]

Thanks for checking in with us, and I'm glad you are having a great time! Can't wait to hear more from you when you return. I'm drooling over every word, as March 26 cannot come soon enough for me. You are very kind to send us a quick note.

[MsJ]

Hi..we were on the Zuiderdam the third week of February..loved the ship and the cruise...I hope you keep posting about your days..I can relive my cruise through you...have a great cruise..Marianne

[cruznon]

Doone, Isn't 5187 great? I'm sure you are really loving the balcony!

Thanks for checking in and giving us a run down of things on the Zuiderdam .

[jaguarstyper]

Doone, Isn't 5187 great? I'm sure you are really loving the balcony!

5187?! Thats our cabin!! Take care of it, Doone!!

Tim

[Candy]

Say "Hi" to Hunky Dory from Jim and Candy. He's at the head of the Bistro in the Lido Restaurant, and always brightened up our day!

Candy <-- will see if he remembers us on Zuidy IV in May

[doone]

Ok, quickly to answer some of your questions, gotta get a Leomon Drop and head to the show!!!!

As far as wear and tear on the ship, maybe I need glasses, but I haven't seen anything significant enough I would mention.

No smells, other than the wonderful aroma of the great food. As far as any vibrations, none other than what you get from sailing on the water. AND I have an aft cabin, so if there was any vibrations to be felt, I think I would feel them back there.

Candy, I will say hello to Hunky Dory for you. We met him the first day and told him he was famous, everyone knows of him. He's a peach.

My friends did the Acquatrak thingie at Half Moon Cay, one LOVED it and the other was a bit afraid. They said they keep it so you can't go over a certain speed, to keep you in line, so to speak. A good safety measure, I think.

Cabin 5187, TO DIE FOR, WE ARE LOVING IT. Anyone with this cabin or similar, you are in for a real treat.

Alison, where are you girl????? The sail away was so crowded, I couldn't find my friends I was sailing with, never mind anyone else. I am hoping to meet up with someone!!!!!!

Like I said, I was a bit apprenhensive getting on to the Zuiderdam or any Vista style ship, I have to honestly say, I am loving it. The ship is a bit bigger than what I am used to, but I like it. Now, if they just put the self-service laundries and get a movie theatre with better seats, it would be perfect.

The food is absolutely wonderful, haven't had a bad meal or bad anything yet. The entertainment, I believe, is very good. We are all having an absolutely wonderful time.

I would highly recommend this ship to anyone. If you are apprehensive, you all know I was, don't be, sail this ship, its truly a great one.

If I missed anyone's questions, I am sorry, please ask again, I gotta get to the show.

More later.

[meff]

OOOHHH, it sounds sooo great!!!!! I can't wait!!! Thanks for the updates1

[FCOWHER]

I am glad you are having a great time. I can't wait to cruise on the big "Z". Joe V.

Serenade of the Seas 12/31/05
Zuiderdam 4/23/05
RCI - 2 times
Princess - 3 times
QE2 - 1 time
Royal Majesty - 1 time
Carnival - 1 time

[tterryj50]

Fantastic, we'll be sailing on the Zuidy 4/9/05.:D

[jerseygirl3]

Doone, my sister and BIL are on this sailing. They booked this cruise rather last minute, to celebrate their 20th anniversary. If you see them, tell them I said "hi." LOL

BTW, how has the weather been this week?

[richcrow]

Doone,

I'm really jealous of you and your suite. DW and I are booked on Zuiderdam sailing on Oct. 1st and we are in BA5076. It's not a suite, but I was wondering if it is located in a good location for noise or access to elevators and such.

Thanks, and please keep your reviews coming. They are a big help to us who have never been on the Zui.:D

Richard

[doone]

Jerseygirl, the weather has been absolutely perfect, you couldn't have asked for a better weather week. Seas have been extremely calm, bright sunshing each day. As a matter of fact, I have one complaint, the sun is too bright each morning we're having our coffee out on the verandah, we all have to wear sunglasses, ooohhh such as life. If I see them, I'll surely say hello.

Richard, I truly don't think there is a bad cabin around. I think that cabin will be perfect. The balcony cabins are terrific, you will enjoy them.

Off to get a glass of wine and enjoy it on our verandah.

[spcl4cs_gal]

Doone right now I am sitting emailing you from the Internet Cafe. :D But I reside in 8105 if you care to visit at any time. Hope to run into you before the end of this great vacation. :) By the way, if your aren't in this room with me right now but still showing online, where the heck are you???? :) Crows Nest? Library?

[Italian Nancy]

Doone, can you look over to the balcony to your right and let me know how much furniture there is over there.. we have a similar balcony cabin booked on the Rotterdam deck for Sept. Would love to know if there is more than the usual two plastic type chairs and little table.



enjoy your trip..

Nancy

[richcrow]

Jerseygirl, the weather has been absolutely perfect, you couldn't have asked for a better weather week. Seas have been extremely calm, bright sunshing each day. As a matter of fact, I have one complaint, the sun is too bright each morning we're having our coffee out on the verandah, we all have to wear sunglasses, ooohhh such as life. If I see them, I'll surely say hello.

Richard, I truly don't think there is a bad cabin around. I think that cabin will be perfect. The balcony cabins are terrific, you will enjoy them.

Off to get a glass of wine and enjoy it on our verandah.

Thanks so much Doone. We can hardly wait until it is our time to provide reports on our cruise to all the CCr's.:D

Richard

[Kelfly]

We will be in in 5187 on the Zuiderdam in a few months too! Doone, please, please, post details about the cabiin, and/or pics! I can't wait for this cruise!

[liv2cruise4ever]

We will be in in 5187 on the Zuiderdam in a few months too! Doone, please, please, post details about the cabiin, and/or pics! I can't wait for this cruise!

Kelfly, looks like were on the same sailing.......Can't wait:D Is summer over yet?

[Ziggy7]

Just to let everyone know, doone is now on his/her second ship the Volendam 10 days from last sunday. He/she is doing back 2 back crusies on 2 different ships :) Not sure if he/she will check in here but I'm sure he/she will do a review :)

[Cathy p]

I know you are lovin it. Wish I was back with you. Thanks for all the tips and hope to see you next year.:)

[iv18-Diane]

Hi Doone,
Did you run into my friends? There are 9 of them with a 1 year old sailing.
I can't wait to sail 4/23. I only have an SS mini Suite.

Diane

[jerseygirl3]

How could Doone already be on the second leg of his B2B if he just boarded the Zuiderdam on March 12? My sister and BIL are on that sailing, and they don't return home from the Zuiderdam until this Saturay (3/19).

[Ziggy7]

How could Doone already be on the second leg of his B2B if he just boarded the Zuiderdam on March 12? My sister and BIL are on that sailing, and they don't return home from the Zuiderdam until this Saturay (3/19).

You are right sorry I looked at my calendar wrong ooops forgive me eeeks it has been a weird week hehehehehe :)

[stanford's girl]

Doone,

Glad you're having a great time. Thanks for getting your friends "hooked" on cruising. The more, the merrier.:D

[cruzingqueen]

Doone right now I am sitting emailing you from the Internet Cafe. :D But I reside in 8105 if you care to visit at any time. Hope to run into you before the end of this great vacation. :) By the way, if your aren't in this room with me right now but still showing online, where the heck are you???? :) Crows Nest? Library?

I'm so jealous!!!! I want to be there too!!! Allison...please tell Rick I'm sorry I missed all 3 calls today. I know he's working now so can't call back. Hope you're having a wonderful time....silly me...how could you not. Reading this thread is the second best thing to being there.
Lisa

[spcl4cs_gal]

I did see Rick for a few minutes but got into a conversation with other friends and when I looked back for him, he was on his break. You were right about one thing though...he is very nice. :)

Sitting here waiting to board my flight back to cold cold cold...did I say COLD??? Toronto this evening. If I didn't have to work tomorrow and the ship hadn't been sold out for this week, I would have found some reason to stay on board. Real life calls though I guess. :(

[CamilleandNick]

Sorry we did not meet up on the Zuidie. I think I met your friends though on the bus over to do the Aquatrax. WE did them in the a.m. and were talking to them. I heard the Mass. accent. We got to talking and told them about our excursion in the a.m. We loved the Aquatrax. We went to the stingrays while they did the jetskis. Then we met up afterwards. One loved it ...one wasn't so thrilled. Must have been them. Very nice people. So sorry we did not meet. We were the ones in the zuidie idol contest...Nick, Camille, and Charla. If you caught it. We had a great trip. You are onboard th eVolendam now. Hopeit is great. Take care.

[spcl4cs_gal]

Aquatrax....now THAT was a GREAT excursion! Just wish it could have lasted longer though. Next time I go I'll be sure to book one for the morning and one for the afternoon. :D

[James&Rob]

Hello
Will some of you that have been on this ship and or the one that is on it now please tell me a little about it Im thinking of booking it I have been on carnival 4 times and Princess once it this ship compatible to either , Is there enought to keep you occupied like entertainment, Is there a drink of the day like on carnival what is the price of drinks, etc Your imput would be greatly appreciated thanks and Please e-mailthe imfo to cybrguys@netzero.net thanks again James

[Candy]

We loved it as well... only when I saw how big they are, I rode double with Jimmy. Still had to pay for two pax, but it was well worth it!

Aquatrax....now THAT was a GREAT excursion! Just wish it could have lasted longer though. Next time I go I'll be sure to book one for the morning and one for the afternoon. :D

Candy <-- will do it again in 53 days