HAL/Zuiderdam help

[toad455]

My family & I just booked our next cruise with HAL Zuiderdam for Nov. 4, 2006(east. caribbean). We normally cruise with Carnival but couldn't pass up the Zuiderdam's outstanding itinerary of Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, Tortola & St. Thomas from Ft. Lauderdale. There will be 13 of us and we were wondering if there are tables of 10 available(we have three teenagers coming and they want to sit by themselves)? Also how much of a difference is there between Carnival & Holland America?? We're all looking foward to something a little more elegant but is it that much more upscale?? And any details/information about the Zuiderdam I should know about???

Thanks!!! Any information is greatly appreciated!!!

[jhannah]

I believe you're in for a treat! There is considerable difference between Carnival and Holland America ships. You'll find more brass and fine woods as opposed to chrome and neon. The Zuiderdam is geared for Caribbean cruising and features the most "agressive" decor of any HAL ship. But it still retains the elegance for which Holland America is known. Fresh flowers and fine artwork throughout.

Yes, there are tables of 10 in the dining room. Have your travel agent request one now on your behalf.

Your group should have a wonderful time.

[JaiOfChi]

Hi. The Zuiderdam was the first cruise ship I've ever stepped foot on and she is magnificent! HAL is a class act all the way without being snooty or obnoxious! We had an SS cabin and the verandah was wonderful! ENJOY!!!!

[boomerSexyK]

Toad....see you onboard. We are also booked on the Nov.4 Zuiderdam!!
Although....our kids are staying home......:D

[SpuddGirl]

We normally cruise with Carnival but couldn't pass up the Zuiderdam's outstanding itinerary of Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, Tortola & St. Thomas from Ft. Lauderdale.


You will LOVE this itinerary! DH and I have been to all but Grand Turk, which I hope to visit one day soon. If I'm not mistaken, this itinerary didn't have many sailing dates. Not every cruiseline stops in Tortola, which is a real plus for HAL. And Half Moon Cay is awesome! I hope every future HAL cruise I am on stops there. It is a beautiful little island with georgous beach and fine soft sand....just thinking about it makes me anxious to get back on a ship!

Enjoy!:)

Sue

[BM64]

You will love the Zuiderdam!! As Jim said they do have tables for 10 as we were seated at one but I think they are all long rectangular tables making it difficult to talk to anyone other then who is sitting next to you. I would have your TA inquire and then maybe consider two smaller tables side by side. Enjoy your trip!

[tep3e]

We're a party of 5 booked on the same Zuiderdam November 4th cruise.:) Been on the Westerdam, and found HAL's service and the ship's design very much to our liking! This will be my 12th cruise, so feel free to ask any questions!

[Candy]

We're a party of 5 booked on the same Zuiderdam November 4th cruise.:) Been on the Westerdam, and found HAL's service and the ship's design very much to our liking! This will be my 12th cruise, so feel free to ask any questions!Jim and I will also be on that sailing, and it'll be our 7th Zuidy cruise. You will love it! Roll Call link, DR layouts, menus and photos, etc., are in my sig below.

Candy the ZuiderPrincess

[cruzincurt]

Looks like we will be on the 11/4 cruise as well. Booked a VF guarantee for an unbelievable low price. This will be one of our cheapest cruises ever. With luck we will get upgraded. Not sure how we will like the steel balcony railing. But any balcony beats a window any time. Low cost cabin = more money for the casino.

We just made the mistake of going back and trying the Carnival Glory, nice ship, not our crowd. Now we are back to HAL and looking forward to a bigger ship than the Veendam. And we like the itinery. The footnote in the book shows that the Nov 4th sailing has the ports in reverse order. With luck, we will be thru with the hurricanes by then.

[Candy]

Looks like we will be on the 11/4 cruise as well. Booked a VF guarantee for an unbelievable low price. This will be one of our cheapest cruises ever. With luck we will get upgraded. Not sure how we will like the steel balcony railing. But any balcony beats a window any time. Low cost cabin = more money for the casino.

We just made the mistake of going back and trying the Carnival Glory, nice ship, not our crowd. Now we are back to HAL and looking forward to a bigger ship than the Veendam. And we like the itinery. The footnote in the book shows that the Nov 4th sailing has the ports in reverse order. With luck, we will be thru with the hurricanes by then.
Welcome, toad455, tep3e & cruzincurt! Zuidy is my favorite ship... I know you'll have a blast!

cruzincurt... we cheated with Caribbean Princess (only because Zuidy was in Alaska) and we were SO disappointed! Can't wait to board for the 7th time on 11/4...

Zuiderdam 11/4/06 Roll Call (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=350945)

Candy the ZuiderPrincess