Live from the Zuiderdam 7/17 Eastern Carib

[cruzlover56]

Hi everyone, I'm sitting in the Internet Cafe on the lovely Zuiderdam.
Its a Sea day today. We left HMC yesterday and are on our way to St Thomas.

This is my second week on the Z and we are enjoying ourselves immensely.
We were on the Western last week and are on the Eastern this week.

Thanks to my fellow CC'ers we are enjoying an S suite both weeks. Wouldn't have known about low cost upgrade without you folks. My only criticism is that I will never be able to go back to any other cabin type.

Notes about HMC:

We had a cabanna (pink) while in HMC. We felt it was worth the cost. It gets very hot in HMC in the afternoons and the cabanna has a/c and a fresh water shower.

There is fairly good snorkeling along the rock jetty nearest the tender dock.

If you have any specific questions, I wil try to check the site each day and answer them. :)

[spcl4cs_gal]

Sounds like things are going fine as usual on the Z...hope it continues without mishaps. :) Remember to keep an eye on "the boys" for me. ;)

[cruzlover56]

Alison

I'm holding the fort for you this week.
Hope you have a good flight back to Ontario!

Smooth sailing so far. A few minor A/C problems otherwise okay.

Gossip- Dottie the Cruise Director is leaving at the end of this week and joining the Volendam. Tom Drake the comedian ( her husband ) is leaving as well.
I don't have the name of the new CD. He will be starting next week.

[spcl4cs_gal]

Dottie is leaving the ship?? (silent applause) She really didn't impress me that much. Let me know who the new guy is if you happen to hear. I hope it's Eric who was in the position in March.

The flight back to Toronto was interesting to say the least. After a confrontation with the US Customs guy at the pier in FLL (more on this later), I picked up the rental car and did some shopping at Sawgrass and had lunch before heading to Miami. The flight was supposed to leave at 7:45 but we never even had a plane at the gate until around 9pm so that put me into Toronto close to midnight. As predicted, the cats gave me the cold shoulder when I got home but now Taz seems glued to my side like he is sensing that I am leaving again on Wednesday.

Have you run into Shy or Hunky Dory in the Lido restaurant yet? Be sure to say hello to Romano and Mario for me...and wish Mario a happy birthday on Wednesday. :)

Have fun in St Thomas!

[Cookwise]

Since you said you were heading to St. Thomas after HMC, it seems that your itinerary was not changed (Tortola on Tues and St. Thomas on Wed). Is this true? Thanks for the info since this is a huge topic on the boards right now!

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

If I read her post correctly, she said that she is at sea today (Monday) and is going to St Thomas next - which would be Tuesday and then Tortola on Wednesday.

:)

[LittleBit0522]

When I checked St. Thomas cruise schedule, it said the ship will be there on Wed, July 21. :confused: Please fill us in on want is going on.

Thanks

[superstein61]

Gossip- Dottie the Cruise Director is leaving at the end of this week and joining the Volendam. Tom Drake the comedian ( her husband ) is leaving as well.
I don't have the name of the new CD. He will be starting next week.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Both as it relates to the Comedian and the Cruise Driector? Leaving in 2 weeks makes me curious

[Tak8]

Glad you are enjoying the Z. I am interested in the port time for Nassau. Are you there 12-7 or 1-8? I know it's the same amount of hours, but it's easier to do some excursions on your own with the 12-7 time. I'm also interested in the St. Thomas and Tortola days.

[ekerr19]

Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Both as it relates to the Comedian and the Cruise Driector? Leaving in 2 weeks makes me curious

Superstein-

I've heard both good and bad about Dottie, some love her, others are not so keen on her...

One cruiser posted an incident relating to the drawing for a free cruise ($10 raffle ticket purchase) and at the drawing, the free cruise went to one of Dottie's friends, who happen to throw her ticket in at the last minute...

Something like this should never happen, IMO, but I don't doubt that it did. The poster was pretty specific and happened to see the whole thing.

Also, we have kind of a personal experience with something similar - my younger (single, handsome) brother sailed with on the Statendam several years ago, when we were waiting to disembark, his name was called as one of the "lucky winners" who completed a survey - only thing was he never filled one out. My mom went to get his "prize" and one of the female (single, attractive) cruise staff was so dismayed to see "mom" instead of my brother... Turns out she had rigged the drawing to try & get his phone number. Sure, it was no free cruise, but it kind of bothered all of us, none the less...

I'm not sure if Dottie was the CD while we were on the Zui, if she was the one we had, I'm sorry she is going to the Volendam - as that is the cruise we've booked next spring.

[Cruising since '81]

Cruzlover56

I thought your itinerary had changed to Tortola on Tuesday and St. Thomas on Wednesday (as the previous six cruises). In fact, I just called and was confirmed that the itinerary change will take place on my 07-31-04 cruise on the Zuiderdam also. Please update me with your itinerary and times on the islands. Thank you so much for emailing during your cruise. It is wonderful and useful information.:) ;) :) ;)

[superstein61]

Superstein-

I've heard both good and bad about Dottie, some love her, others are not so keen on her...

One cruiser posted an incident relating to the drawing for a free cruise ($10 raffle ticket purchase) and at the drawing, the free cruise went to one of Dottie's friends, who happen to throw her ticket in at the last minute...

Something like this should never happen, IMO, but I don't doubt that it did. The poster was pretty specific and happened to see the whole thing.

Also, we have kind of a personal experience with something similar - my younger (single, handsome) brother sailed with on the Statendam several years ago, when we were waiting to disembark, his name was called as one of the "lucky winners" who completed a survey - only thing was he never filled one out. My mom went to get his "prize" and one of the female (single, attractive) cruise staff was so dismayed to see "mom" instead of my brother... Turns out she had rigged the drawing to try & get his phone number. Sure, it was no free cruise, but it kind of bothered all of us, none the less...

I'm not sure if Dottie was the CD while we were on the Zui, if she was the one we had, I'm sorry she is going to the Volendam - as that is the cruise we've booked next spring.

Ekerr - thanks for the info. That would be bad if a raffle was rigged. Interesting story about your brother - so did you mom give the young lady his number - LOL

[tooalto]

Last year, we were so lucky to have Raymond as our "Yum Yum" man and all around great guy. Is he still on board? We'll be on 8/28 and woiuld love to see him again. However, he was so great he's probably close to running the company!
Thanks!

[TampaMike]

Glad to hear all is well on the Zuiderdam. Dottie? I wonder if she is the Dottie I crossed with at NCL years ago.....yikes!

I am booked on Zuiderdam for a B2B Western & Eastern sailing in September. I booked a cat BB. The rate via HAL was only a few $ more the Cruise Value Center, but I thought my chances for an upgrade would be better if booked with HAL.

Any upgrade advice?

[Lois R]

:) Hi....thanks for all your "live updates"...I am sailing her in September as well....

Can you explain a bit about the cabanas on Half Moon Key for me? Are there parts of the Island that have natural shade?...I have heard wonderful things about it....(the Island) but wondered about the set up. If I choose to just go over...and not do any "paid excursions"...can I find a hammock to lay on and just read a book and have a drink?

Thank you for any help:).

[spcl4cs_gal]

I'm not sure about a hammock, Lois but there are tons of lounge chairs on HMC and many people pull them under the trees for any shade they wish to have.

TampaMike, can you describe this Dottie you mentioned? The one on HAL has a very rough sounding smokers voice. :)

[TampaMike]

Yep, smoker Dottie. I did not work with her, I was CD on Crown Odyssey when she was on Norway. I've not been told great things about her. If she is on my sailings aboard Zuiderdam, I will keep a low profile and avoid her. YIKES!

[Lois R]

Alison, thank you:).

[spcl4cs_gal]

TampaMike - I didn't care for her one bit. She seemed to think she was better than some people and I don't usually get along well with people who have attitude. ;) I do hope that the rumour is true and we won't have to deal with her anymore.

Lois - No problem! :D

[Cruising since '81]

Cruzlover56,

Please let me know if you go to Totrtola first, then St, Thomas or the other way around. I just received a confirmation that our 07-31-04 itinerary has been changed to that way.

Also, When is the Dutch dinner night/Lido bbq?
When is the afternoon "Chocolate Extravaganza"?

Thanks for providing us with your "live" information.:) ;) :) ;)

[ekerr19]

:) Hi....thanks for all your "live updates"...I am sailing her in September as well....

Can you explain a bit about the cabanas on Half Moon Key for me? Are there parts of the Island that have natural shade?...I have heard wonderful things about it....(the Island) but wondered about the set up. If I choose to just go over...and not do any "paid excursions"...can I find a hammock to lay on and just read a book and have a drink?

Thank you for any help:).

Lois-

There are hammocks - you may have to walk a little ways down the beach, but can find them. There are areas of shade, not as many on the beach, but there is a great bar area right on the sand and another in the "town" square where a band plays calypso music. The eating area is also covered and shaded.

[Lois R]

Jean...sounds like my kind of place....:D a good calypso band....an adult beverage...a private Island......what more could one ask for?:)

[cruzlover56]

First off pardon any spelling errors. The internet is slow and a bit costly so I will type fast....

Yes we did Tortola first and then St Thomas. The explanation given was that we would have to tender into St Thomas on the orig sched and its about 20min each way. We leave Torola at 5:30 today.

Yes I have seen Hunky Dory today at lunch in the Lido. I told him he was famous on CC. I'm not sure about the Yum Yum man I will check at dinner. It is Dutch night tonight. (or a barbeque...depending on the rain)

The emplanation for Dottie etc leaving was contract end.

HMC.

The clam shells are a good buy at $9.00 each for the day. They are a canvas cover that will provide shade for two or three (in a pinch) lounge chairs.

Brief traveloque.

We had a good sea day yesterday. The seas were a little higher last night.
I kept waking up hearing the hangers banging in the closet. Took them down about 3am then all quiet.

Did the Virgin Islands Sail Away today. 65' Catarmaran sailed to Norman Island. Its about a 45min sail. We had a beautiful day with some of the best snorkling we have ever done. We snorkeled the caves and from the beach in the Bight. This has to be one of the most unspoiled reefs I have ever seen.
There were many kinds of coral and sponges. Sea turtle, trumpet fish, baracuda, angel fish you name it. I have never seen such a healthy reef.
They take care to keep it that way.

Did some shopping in Road Town and got caught in a tropical storm on the way back. We got so wet my husband took his shirt off at the Customs shelter. The crew were laughing at him asking if the wind blew off his shirt.
My sun dress was so wet that I had to hold my purchases in front to keep things covered. We have dried off now and are waiting our first Dutch Night

I'll try to check in tomorrow

[cruzlover56]

I met with Mrs B and Bubba and bunch of other CC'rs yesterday.
We had a very nice get together.

[ekerr19]

Julie-

Thanks for the updates!

[Nebraska Admiral]

Julie. Thanks for the updates. RE the internet, When I was on the amsterdam, I would write all my e mails offline, and when I was done, I would then go online and download them and then download all incoming messages then go back offline to read them. I would only half to pay for a couple of minutes of airtime that way. Always trying to save$$.
Dick

[Cruising since '81]

Cruzlover56 (Julie),

Thank you for all of your valuable information. I noticed that the Dutch night stayed the same (Tuesday). Please tell me how the Dutch dinner was. It sounds as if you are having an enjoyable vacation (except for the high seas the other night).
:) ;) :) ;)

[jetfixer03]

First let me say that having recently discovered this site, it's awsome. Thanks for sharing all this great info! I just booked on the Z for Sept and I'm excited as all get out! Our 3rd, 1st on HAL, and 1st balcony...can't wait.

To business....How much are the cabana's, (I'm assuming a cabana is different than a clamshell) and can you book them online pre-cruise.

Thanks all,

Chris J

[spcl4cs_gal]

The cabanas are $219 for the day while the clamshells are $9. You can purchase an unlimited drink package for the cabanas as well.

[jetfixer03]

ouch!

[pucarter]

Hi Julie! Hi Alison! :D I won't lie and say it's great to be home after such a great week on the Z. That was our best cruise ever -- largely due to the fact that it was just Clay and I and we didn't have anyone else's schedule/agenda/moods to deal with. Pure Bliss!

Alison, sorry I didn't get to hook up with you! Glad you made it home safely, though.

Julie, girl I'm so jealous you're still onboard! ;) Did you have fun in OUR pink cabana? Hope the water pressure was better for you than it was for us! Hope your snorkeling excursions are going as well as you hoped and planned.

If you, by chance, eat at the Odyssey, ask to sit in Alexandra's section and then tell her that Clay and Rebeccah, the boring clam chowder-filet mignon-chocolate volcano-chocolate strawberry couple say hello. We ate at the Odyssey 3 times and had the same meal everytime -- it was THAT good (to us, anyway). Alexandra took care of us all 3 times and even "procured" some chocolate covered strawberries for us twice (I didn't think to ask the first night). She was AWESOME and a hoot to talk to -- ask her about the difference between working Disney Magic and HAL ships...that's her career path...she was really funny. Needless to say, we tipped her really well.

Please have one more mojito for me (or watch someone drink one and tell me it was you ;) ). I wish I was back on the Zuiderdam with you...enjoy that S Suite!

Smooth Seas,
Rebeccah

P.S. I thought we were the only ones who weren't over the moon about Dottie. :rolleyes: Of course, we thought we were just being tough on her since we just had Graham Seymour on the Caribbean Princess -- Now THERE'S a CD for you!!! :cool:

[spcl4cs_gal]

Hey Rebeccah! Sorry we didn't meet up either on HMC day but you never know what cruise we will all be on together again. Julie stopped by my cabana to say hello and I went back to the ship shortly afterward trying to beat the lineup at the tender dock. Wow was it HOT there that day or what???

I'm like you wishing that I was back on the Z right now. If it wasn't for the fact that the ship is sold out this week again I just might have considered it. Oh well, counting the days til March 12 now. :D

Glad you had a great time onboard...and no, you weren't the only ones who weren't over the moon about Dottie. There definitely have to be better CDs around!

[superstein61]

Alexandra took care of us all 3 times and even "procured" some chocolate covered strawberries for us twice (I didn't think to ask the first night). She was AWESOME and a hoot to talk to -- ask her about the difference between working Disney Magic and HAL ships...that's her career path...she was really funny.

Can you give a little insight on her story. I am curious since the best servive we have ever had on a cruise was on a Disney ship - and your comments peaked my interest. Thanks

[superstein61]

.and no, you weren't the only ones who weren't over the moon about Dottie. There definitely have to be better CDs around!

Any word yet on who the new CD will be next week ???

[Cruising Jake]

cruzlover56 - What low cost upgrade to an S cabin are you talking about?

[pucarter]

Can you give a little insight on her story. I am curious since the best servive we have ever had on a cruise was on a Disney ship - and your comments peaked my interest. Thanks

I'm chuckling just remembering this story. Somehow we got to talking about "How long have you been working on a cruise ship?" and she mentioned having been on a Disney ship before. We were laughing about ALL the kids on board and she said "Yeah, it's so different working here (in the Odyssey) -- on Disney it seemed like all I ever did was serve mac 'n cheese, pizza, and chicken noodle soup." So then my husband says "Well, I'm sure you serve a lot of soup on Holland America, too -- it's just at the other end of the age spectrum." She was laughing so hard she almost dropped the plates she had in her arms.

Seriously, though, we thought that the service was as good as, if not better than, any service we've received on Royal Caribbean, Disney or Princess. The bar, casino, and Lido staffs all impressed me highly and I'm a big proponent of good customer service. I can't stress enough what a wonderful trip this was for us .

I'm sure the "speed" of entertainment/partying/clubbing isn't on par with a lot younger crowd, but I would venture a guess that the median age on our cruise was somewhere between 35 and 40. For us it was the ultimate relaxing cruise, and I hope others find their cruises to be the same, no matter which line suits them best. :)

RC

[superstein61]

thanks

[cruzlover56]

I have a few minutes after the early show to give you some updates.

PUCARTER. HMC Pink Cabana:

Thanks to your heads up we got the Hal rep to fix the shower and all was well. We had a great day. Although unlike you Floridians we Vancouverites had the A/C on full blast.

It looks like the Yum yum man has changed.

The upgrade some from a A cat to an S for $200.00. It is not always available.
Ours didn't become available until 4 weeks before departure. We had our TA check each week for the cost of an upgrade. The other upgrade we got was about 8 weeks out from an A to an S for about $650.00. (we are on back to back)


Short travelogue.

We were in St Thomas today. The rains of Torola did not follow us thank goodness. Although people in St T told us they had had a big storm the night before. We didn't do any shore excurs. today as we have been to St T before. So we shopped til we dropped. Went to my fav store Mr Table Cloth
Inexpensive table linens. E.g $29.95 table cloth ( for table with 6 chairs) and napkins. Although dropped some $ on jewelery. I suggest you attend the shopping talks on board. Chris the HAL shopping guy (sorry don't remember his title) is very knowledgeable and he'll give you the inside scoop on where to go and what to ask.

Well I gotta go. I've got to pick up my son from the Club HAL pool party

I'll check in tomorrow. Its a Sea Day and the day of the Chocolate buffet

[Tak8]

cruzlover56: I'll be interested to see if the buffet is all chocolate or a dessert buffet. Last year, it was a dessert buffet in the afternoon. Very good, but the thought of all chocolate makes a chocoholic dream.
Glad the weather in St. Thomas was better for you.

[Cruising since '81]

cruzlover56 (Julie),

Thank you so very much for all of your information. I am just counting the days until our 07-31-04 Zuiderdam cruise. I hope you have a wonderful "sea" day. Please tell us about the Cholcolate Extravaganza-was it around 3:00 p.m. or in the evening?:) ;) :) ;)

[cruzlover56]

Well guys I can't tell you about the Chocolate Buffet as I didn't make it.
After two weeks on the ship I am about chocolated out. I know its hard to believe but there you are.

It's been a quiet Sea Day today. Calm seas and clear skys. We arrive at Nassau noon tomorrow. We are there from noon until 7Pm. Its the last formal night tonight.
I've starting sorting out the receipts for customs and packing a few belongings.

I can't believe the two weeks are almost done.

I will give one last update tomorrow.

Happy Sailing :D

[Tak8]

cruzlover56: I'm curious to see if your port time is 12-7 or 1-8. I'm looking at next summer and the website says 1-8, but the brochure lists 12-7. Enjoy your final full day on the Zuiderdam.

[Cruising since '81]

Cruzlover56,

It sounds like you have had a wonderful and relaxing vacation. Thank you for communicating with us daily and letting us know what is happening on board the ship! Enjoy your last day. My countdown clock is ticking...only 8 more days until we cruise the Zuiderdam.:) ;) :) ;)

[cruzlover56]

This is my last live post from the Z. After tonight I pass the baton to the next lucky traveller.

We were in Nassau today. Our official arrival was 12 noon although we came in at about 11:15. We left on time at 7PM.

Brief Travelogue:

This was only my 2nd time in Nassau. (both times in the summer) Again it was stinking hot. We went to the Atlantis resort on the Hal tour. The Aquarium (called The Dig) was quite good and the resort is beautiful. They are building a whole new Marina resort that will add 1500 more rooms. It should be finished in about 2 years. Its about a 10 minute walk from the resort to the Marina, but due to the heat we couldn't face it twice. So we spent the extra $4.00 pp and took a cab back to the ship. The cab driver took us on the "scenic" route thru every back alley and side street to avoid the traffic. It certainly was interesting and not the normal tourist sights.

Well back to reality soon.... I won't be back home until Sunday. Once I get settled in, I'll try to write a short review of our two weeks on the Z.

Chao

[LittleBit0522]

Well, glad you had a great cruise. Have a safe trip back home.

[spcl4cs_gal]

Hope your trip back to Beautiful BC was a good one. :)