Which cruise for parents 50th anniversary?

[torybruno]

Veendam, Zuiderdam, or Westerdam? Nov 4 or 5, 2006

They have been on many cruises, so here's my choices, with pros and cons.

Veendam - pro- leaves out of Tampa, less than one hour from their house. con - Their anniversary is on the Friday, so they would packing up on their 50th anniversary.

Zuiderdam - pro - I don't think they have been to Grand Turk, and I'm not sure about Tortola, con - five hour drive to Fort Lauderdale and packing up on anniversary.

Westerdam - pro - Grand Turk, and probably a formal night on their 50th anniversary, con - five hour drive to Fort Lauderdale.

They are all within a total of $200 dollars of one another, so it really doesn't matter which one cost wise. I've only sailed HAL once, so I really don't know these ships very well. Is the Veendam old and small? My hubby says I'm putting too much thought into it, and just pick one!
Thanks for any help!!

[jhannah]

The Veendam is a smaller ship, so it might get the nod because it doesn't involve so much walking from dining room to show lounge. The convenience of the embarkation port would be another plus, IMO. Packing on their anniversary would be exciting, knowing that their true celebration will be just after one more sleep.

[serendipity1499]

Veendam, Zuiderdam, or Westerdam? Nov 4 or 5, 2006

They have been on many cruises, so here's my choices, with pros and cons.

Veendam - pro- leaves out of Tampa, less than one hour from their house. con - Their anniversary is on the Friday, so they would packing up on their 50th anniversary.

Zuiderdam - pro - I don't think they have been to Grand Turk, and I'm not sure about Tortola, con - five hour drive to Fort Lauderdale and packing up on anniversary.

Westerdam - pro - Grand Turk, and probably a formal night on their 50th anniversary, con - five hour drive to Fort Lauderdale.

They are all within a total of $200 dollars of one another, so it really doesn't matter which one cost wise. I've only sailed HAL once, so I really don't know these ships very well. Is the Veendam old and small? My hubby says I'm putting too much thought into it, and just pick one!
Thanks for any help!!

It depends on what type of ships your parents enjoy..Are they completely able to get around on their own without walkers, wheelchairs etc.

The Zuiderdam & Westerdam are both Vista Class ships which carries 1848 Psgrs & are 950 feet in length....Have never been on the Zuiderdam but have been on the Westerdam & enjoyed it very much..Even though it had a great deal more Psgrs it never felt crowded..After having dinner in the Dining room they will have to walk the distance to the other end to enjoy the shows..

The Veendam is a Sister ship of the Ryndam, Maasdam & Statendam which carries 1266 Psgrs and is 720 feet in length....We've been on the Ryndam & are going on it again on Nov. 10..All of the ships have been overhauled with the new Signature of Excellence standards & are very beautiful..

We prefer the smaller ships because as they are just as beautiful as the Vista class ships & much more intimate..We like having a place to press our own clothes which the Vista ships do not have..We don't do laundry as it's easier & beautifully done when HAL does it for $12-$15 per bag...

We also like the fact that we can drive to Tampa only 2 hrs away as opposed to crossing Alligator alley & fighting the east coast traffic.. Somehow the Tampa traffic for us is no problem because we know Tampa better..

They can celebrate their Anniversary the last formal night & the staff will sing Happy Anniv. to them & give them a cake, which you should order for them..Also if it's a seven day cruise, they probably will be packed by the afternoon & can still enjoy the last evening together...You also might like to pre-order roses & a bottle of Champagne for them..

Suggest you read Sail7Seas thread which is on this page..She just got off the Maasdam & know she would be very happy to answer questions about Veendam's sister ship..

Again it really boils down to what type of ship your parents enjoy most..

It's wonderful that you are giving them such a nice gift & wish you the best..Understand completely what you are going through..You want it to be perfect!..My Hubby would say the same thing..;)

Betty

P.S. I would bet they would love it if you would also join them!;)

[hammybee]

Westerdam gets my vote because they will be on board for their actual anniversery and who amongst us does not adore the "Happy Annibersery, lubly cuple" song and I mean this in the kindest of ways.

Perhaps instead of driving , it might be possible to fly them in, if they are not opposed to it.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I vote for Veendam - smaller ship - more intimate for 50th anniversary. And they will probably want to go to the Pinnacle for their 50th anniversary.

If they are really into the beach thing, then the itineraries with Grand Turk is a go. There is not alot to do on Grand Turk - it is known for their beaches.

Tortola - not much to do there either.

[Roz]

It would help to know a little about your parents. Age, physical condition, driving ability, etc. My mother has emphysema, so I would put her on the Veendam. It's smaller and easier to navigate. If my mother didn't have to drive or only drive a short distance, that would be another plus.

There are a lot of variables.

Roz

[lvs2crooz]

We took my husbands parents on the Zuiderdam in June of '03 in celebration of their 50th. We decided that we wanted a ship that would satisfy all age groups (this was a multigenerationa cruise), but most importantly would please my in-laws. Afterall, this cruise was special and for them. It was our first time sailing Holland America and I knew they would enjoy a more elegant atmosphere. The Zuiderdam was a good fit for everyone in the family. I wasn't crazy about the interior design, the colors were a little loud for my taste, but the food was to everyone's liking and all found something fun to do onboard (even the teens). It was a memorable time and we really enjoyed the large suite, where the family would comgregate before dinner for appetizers and drinks. Most importantly, my in-laws loved their time onboard and have suggested we do another family cruise together in the near future onboard Holland America. I'm thinking the Noordam and maybe next year as we're sailing her in September. Mary:)

[torybruno]

Thanks everyone for your replies! They are both 70sh...and although not in "ship shape", they are certainly able to get from one end of the ship to the other, as well as drive to Fort Lauderdale. Any of the 3 cruises they would be on board for their actual anniversary, its just that on the Westerdam they would not have to have the last night "pack up and luggage at the door" on their anniversary...and on the Veendam and Z they would be doing the packing up on their anniversary...I know I am way overthinking this!!!

I know they do like smaller ships like the Horizon they were on many times.

I love the idea about the flowers, I didn't think of that! But I will skip the champagne, I know my dad will be having a manhatten!!!

Thanks everyone for all the replies and thoughts.

[peaches from georgia]

I would definetely vote for the Veendam- midsize ship, more intimate and personal, easier to get around, more elegant, much nicer dining room atmosphere, service is much better on the Veendam than on a Vista ship from our experience.

I wouldn't factor in Friday's schedule at all. Packing is not an all day/all night chore to begin with, but isn't the most important thing the week's cruise and finding the right fit for them?

Veendam!