More Zaandam/Port Canaveral Questions

[Melianne]

We're sailing on the Zaandam on December 11, leaving from Port Canaveral (I know, I know, I've told everyone a hundred times already!!!).:p

Does anyone know what is the earliest time we can board? I read something about 11:30a.m. boarding on another site. Is that correct?

Also, for those of you that have cruised her, if you had to name a favorite thing (or place) about the Zaandam, what would it be??

Thanks again, everyone!

[Roadwork]

What you read was correct, boarding is now around 11:30. You cannot go to your cabin until it is announced but a nice lunch will be served in the Lido.
Enjoy.

[elmorejj]

Hi, we are also on that sailing plus the one following it. It will be our 5th and 6th sailings on the Zaandam. There is a great crew on board, we did the 21 day repo cruise in April/May on the Z and an awful lot of the crew will still be on her. What is it you like to do? that would give me an idea of what to tell you about the ship.....jean

[gatour]

Favorite place/thing on Zaandam:

1. Ocean Bar. A great place for before dinner drinks, they have a three piece jazz band playing every night.

2. Dolphin Bar. The first pool bar that I have been to where most of the choices in seating is not in the direct sun. A nice place to relax in the afternoon, if you wanted fresh air and be near the pool action but not necessarily wanting to sunbath.

[Melianne]

Hi again, Jean. The list of what I don't like to do may be more helpful -- let's see -- I don't like the casino and I don't like it when the cruise ends. That's about it.

'Love to hang out at the pool, love to find my own special spots to sit, love to walk around and explore the ENTIRE ship, love to eat, like to (moderately) drink, love to read, love to meet new people, love sailaways on deck, love arriving at a new port in the morning and all the neat sounds the ship makes as it "settles" into port, . . . that's just a start.

OK, now hit me with all of your suggestions from your many experiences on the Zaandam! And thanks a bunch!

Still looking forward to meeting you.

[elmorejj]

Well at least there aren`t too many things you DONT like to do!!! We love the Ocean Bar in the evenings, pre dinner hot Hors D`oevres and a cocktail, The Explorers lounge for an after dinner drink along with the wonderful hand dipped chocolates, Playing Trivia games on port days, playing name that tune games in the piano bar...WOW I sound like all I do is visit bars!! Hanging out on the lido deck in the day time having fun with the deck stewards, sometimes visiting the cyber cafe to check up on my emails, getting off the ship at ports I want to visit, looking at the longshoremen as they go about their work ship side on port days...Oh so many things to do, and the only thing I hate is getting off the ship......jean

[Melianne]

Jean, "Name That Tune" is my favorite!! (My mom was a singer with a band during the 40's so I grew up knowing standards from the 20's forward). I hope we can meet up for a game or two.:)

[Himself]

If one was to go sail out of Port Canaveral on the Zaandam, how far is Port Canaveral from Orlando, how long does it take to go from the airport to Port Canaveral? If one is not using HAL transportation, how much does it cost to go from Orlando to Port Canaveral? Are there hotel accomodations in Port Canaveral? If anyone can answer these questions, please reply and thanks

Himself

[elmorejj]

From Orlando to PC will take anywhere from 45 mins. to an hour depending on traffic. If you take a HAL shuttle from the airport I think it is $25 each way. We always stay in a hotel in Orlando and have taken private transportation to the port..that runs about $15 each way depending on who you travel with. There are hotels quite near to the port but I am not familiar with them. Hope this is of some help.....jean

[Himself]

ELMOREJ:

Thanks for the info. I am thinking about sailing on the Zaandam as I have never sailed on this ship before. Due to certain "Metephysical Subtleties" I do not use HAL transportation. It is really not an option for me.

Thanks again!

HIMSELF