tammar
August 23rd, 2004, 10:54 PM
We're back. We don't want to be back, but we are. First off embarkation was a little slow. We arrived at 11:15 and had to wait outside in line for about 30 minutes. Then another 30 minutes inside. Once on the ship, they hustled you off to the lido for lunch. We had the option of checking in our hand luggage on deck two, while we waited for the cabins to be ready. Cabins were ready about 1:15pm.
We were on the Navagation deck, cabin 8010. The cabin was spotless and attractive. The only negative I could find is that there in not much counter space in the bathroom. Compensate by bringing one of those hanging toiletry
bags that you can pick up at a Totes store. Water pressure about blew us out of the shower. That was great. Also had adjustable and removeable shower heads. When you shower, you will feel like you can't get the soap rinsed off. One of the girls from the spa, said that is because the Z has the most incredible soft water. The balcony is covered and very private, because the dividers cannot been seen through. Watch the closets. The shelves can be pushed up for more hanging clothes space, which is a great option as some may need more shelf space. This makes the closets very optional. Our cabin steward was pleasant and helpful.
We found the decor of the ship a bit more pleasant than some have reported. Holland America has used some bright colors, but not as wild as we thought.
We felt the lay out of the ship made it easy to get around.
The food on the lido does give you many options, but the food is not as good as Princess. We think Princess can blow away HA in the Lido area.
The food in the main is good, with a decent selection each evening.
We ate at the Pinnacle, called the Odessey on the Z, three times. My husband had the rib-eye, the large filet and the porterhouse. I had the rib-eye each night. We thought the steaks were wonderful and a treat to the palate. We also have eaten at Ruth Chris', etc. We have also eaten prime beef, which very few restaurants serve in this country. This restaurant on the Z, has very good beef and excellent service. It is quiet and pleasant after the rush and noise of the main dinning room. It is well worth the 20.00 per person for many reasons. By the way. After you stare at your 350.00 plate that is sitting in front of you, when you sit down, look down at the silver chairs you are sitting on. They are worth 2,000.00 each.
Pools are very cold in the morning. Only the very brave swam early.
We saw the magician. He's good. A little different than some.
The staff on the Z, we found, to be the most polite we have ever encountered on a cruise. If you smile, they will bend over backwards to help you. We honestly did not run into any crew member that was unpleasant.
We found the gift shop over priced on jewelry, but maybe to some it will be a bargain. Good prices on the liquor towards the end of the cruise.
We loved the casino. We won 1,100.00 on the roulette table. All the dealers were really nice. Not a grumpy one in the bunch. The table seems to repeat certain numbers are certain nights. If you have a favorite, forget it. Go with the numbers that are coming in on any given night. That's how we did it.
Half Moon Cay is as beautiful as ever. We went early and were able to get some sun, before the heavy 40 min. shower.
We went to Tortola first, then St. Thomas. We went to Cane Garden Bay.
There are enough chairs for rent for three ships. Plenty of space. I think this is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen for many reasons. The water is crystal clear. The sand pure white and no rocks in the water. The setting with so many coconut palm trees, sail boats moored off shore, little quaint restaurants dotted along the beach, many facilities, cool breezes. Well worth the roller coaster ride to get there. Don't miss the kid selling fresh cut whole coconuts for you to drink real coconut juice from. Makes a great picture. By the way. Who ever told you Pussers is an easy walk from the ship is crazy. Folks it is a long hike to Pussers. Grab a cab. It is worth the 3.00. After that we were right down town and did our shopping. Then in the middle of town is a taxi stand, where you can grab a cab back.
In St Thomas we took a cab to The Marriot Resort. We swam on their beach and walked around the property. Their beach is not the most beautiful, not ugly by far. But it is almost empty at this time of year and there are free chairs to use, facilities and a bar and restaurant. The water is clear, colorful and has a few waves.
We have been to St Thomas about six times, maybe more. We went down town only because I was looking for a new watch. Remember. If you are looking for jewelry, don't wear any. They peg their customers there. They size you up the moment you walk in the door. Trust me. If you wear a lot of jewelry and buy some, you'll pay more than the next guy.
In Nassau, we paid the money to have a cab take us to The Sandals resort. It was cloudy, so we opted not to pay the 200.00 per couple to swim there, we just looked around. Mind you, they did not seem to happy to have us look around and gave us 15 mins. We are so glad for that 15 mins. It saved us 8,000.00. It is not as beautiful as the pictures. All the restaurants seemed exactly the same decor. The beach is smaller than the Raddison down the street, next to Crystal Palace. We spoke to some of the paying guests and the reviews were mixed, but none seemed sorely impressed. My husband has always wanted to go there, but he has since changed his mind.
Over all, we loved this cruise. We felt it was one of the best we have ever had. We would surely return to the Z at anytime.
We were on the Navagation deck, cabin 8010. The cabin was spotless and attractive. The only negative I could find is that there in not much counter space in the bathroom. Compensate by bringing one of those hanging toiletry
bags that you can pick up at a Totes store. Water pressure about blew us out of the shower. That was great. Also had adjustable and removeable shower heads. When you shower, you will feel like you can't get the soap rinsed off. One of the girls from the spa, said that is because the Z has the most incredible soft water. The balcony is covered and very private, because the dividers cannot been seen through. Watch the closets. The shelves can be pushed up for more hanging clothes space, which is a great option as some may need more shelf space. This makes the closets very optional. Our cabin steward was pleasant and helpful.
We found the decor of the ship a bit more pleasant than some have reported. Holland America has used some bright colors, but not as wild as we thought.
We felt the lay out of the ship made it easy to get around.
The food on the lido does give you many options, but the food is not as good as Princess. We think Princess can blow away HA in the Lido area.
The food in the main is good, with a decent selection each evening.
We ate at the Pinnacle, called the Odessey on the Z, three times. My husband had the rib-eye, the large filet and the porterhouse. I had the rib-eye each night. We thought the steaks were wonderful and a treat to the palate. We also have eaten at Ruth Chris', etc. We have also eaten prime beef, which very few restaurants serve in this country. This restaurant on the Z, has very good beef and excellent service. It is quiet and pleasant after the rush and noise of the main dinning room. It is well worth the 20.00 per person for many reasons. By the way. After you stare at your 350.00 plate that is sitting in front of you, when you sit down, look down at the silver chairs you are sitting on. They are worth 2,000.00 each.
Pools are very cold in the morning. Only the very brave swam early.
We saw the magician. He's good. A little different than some.
The staff on the Z, we found, to be the most polite we have ever encountered on a cruise. If you smile, they will bend over backwards to help you. We honestly did not run into any crew member that was unpleasant.
We found the gift shop over priced on jewelry, but maybe to some it will be a bargain. Good prices on the liquor towards the end of the cruise.
We loved the casino. We won 1,100.00 on the roulette table. All the dealers were really nice. Not a grumpy one in the bunch. The table seems to repeat certain numbers are certain nights. If you have a favorite, forget it. Go with the numbers that are coming in on any given night. That's how we did it.
Half Moon Cay is as beautiful as ever. We went early and were able to get some sun, before the heavy 40 min. shower.
We went to Tortola first, then St. Thomas. We went to Cane Garden Bay.
There are enough chairs for rent for three ships. Plenty of space. I think this is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen for many reasons. The water is crystal clear. The sand pure white and no rocks in the water. The setting with so many coconut palm trees, sail boats moored off shore, little quaint restaurants dotted along the beach, many facilities, cool breezes. Well worth the roller coaster ride to get there. Don't miss the kid selling fresh cut whole coconuts for you to drink real coconut juice from. Makes a great picture. By the way. Who ever told you Pussers is an easy walk from the ship is crazy. Folks it is a long hike to Pussers. Grab a cab. It is worth the 3.00. After that we were right down town and did our shopping. Then in the middle of town is a taxi stand, where you can grab a cab back.
In St Thomas we took a cab to The Marriot Resort. We swam on their beach and walked around the property. Their beach is not the most beautiful, not ugly by far. But it is almost empty at this time of year and there are free chairs to use, facilities and a bar and restaurant. The water is clear, colorful and has a few waves.
We have been to St Thomas about six times, maybe more. We went down town only because I was looking for a new watch. Remember. If you are looking for jewelry, don't wear any. They peg their customers there. They size you up the moment you walk in the door. Trust me. If you wear a lot of jewelry and buy some, you'll pay more than the next guy.
In Nassau, we paid the money to have a cab take us to The Sandals resort. It was cloudy, so we opted not to pay the 200.00 per couple to swim there, we just looked around. Mind you, they did not seem to happy to have us look around and gave us 15 mins. We are so glad for that 15 mins. It saved us 8,000.00. It is not as beautiful as the pictures. All the restaurants seemed exactly the same decor. The beach is smaller than the Raddison down the street, next to Crystal Palace. We spoke to some of the paying guests and the reviews were mixed, but none seemed sorely impressed. My husband has always wanted to go there, but he has since changed his mind.
Over all, we loved this cruise. We felt it was one of the best we have ever had. We would surely return to the Z at anytime.