What about zuiderdam in Sept?

[N2WaterFun]

I am new to cruise critic and cruising so please be patient as I learn the etiquette and terminology. My wife and I are booked on the zuiderdam 9/18. I've heard this should be a relaxing, pampered experience. However, I don't want to be relaxed to the point of boredom. Are there any poolside activities, a good band on deck, late night scene (why do I ask, my wife will be "lights out" by 10:30)? Can anyone recommend a good snorkeling trip on Cayman or Cozumel? By the way, is there anyone on this cruise mid-thirties to mid-forties? What weather can we expect in the western carib. in late September? Thanks for the help!

[dakrewser]

I am new to cruise critic and cruising so please be patient as I learn the etiquette and terminology. My wife and I are booked on the zuiderdam 9/18. I've heard this should be a relaxing, pampered experience. However, I don't want to be relaxed to the point of boredom. Are there any poolside activities, a good band on deck, late night scene (why do I ask, my wife will be "lights out" by 10:30)? Can anyone recommend a good snorkeling trip on Cayman or Cozumel? By the way, is there anyone on this cruise mid-thirties to mid-forties? What weather can we expect in the western carib. in late September? Thanks for the help!

There's been a lot posted here about the "zui" lately, so I'd suggest you first search for on-going threads about her. Start at the top of the HAL forum (click here (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=171)). Then choose "search this forum" and put in Zuiderdam. This will give you a lot of postings to start with. Reply to anything that strikes your fancy if you want further info.

If there are still questions (and I'm sure there will be :) ), try starting a seperate thread for each to be sure each gets the attention (and the answers) it deserves.

Bon voyage!

[vbacht]

Just Some General Information, We Are On The Zuiderdam On Sept 11.
Everynight Before You Retire There Is A Daily Schedule Of What Will Be Happening The Next Day.it Will Tell You The Drink Of The Day, If It's Casual Attire For Dining That Night, Shipboard Activities, Entertainment For The Night, Casino Tournments, Bingo, Everything You Could Imagine Will Be On Your Daily Schedule.
It Depends What You Like To Do At Night, You Can Take In The Show After Dinner, There's The Casino, They Have A Disco, They Have Lounges, I'm Not Sure If Zuiderdam Has A Piano Bar Or Not. They Usually Have A Late Night Comedy Show On Certain Night's, They Have The Chocolate Buffet One Night, That Is A Must See Or Sample.

As For Tours You Can Go On The Hal Website And Book Now If You Want. Friends Of Ours Went On The Snorkeling Tour At The National Park In Cozumel And Really Enjoyed It. We Walked From The Ship To Do Shopping Downtown, Not Really Impressed, Found The People Very Pushy Trying To Get You Into Their Store's. Obviously Some Good Buys On Kahlua And Tequila And Vanilla For Cooking.
I Hope This Helps You A Little, Believe Me You Will Not Be Bored!!!!!

[DFD1]

Great snorkeling in both Cozumel and Cayman. Call HAL 800 number and ask for shore excursions or log on to Hollandmerica.com and follow the links. As for activities, not to worry. There is a two or three page list of things to do under your door every day and some of it is well worth looking into. Nightlife is abundant until well past the witching hour. YOU WILL NOT BE BORED. Relax and have fun. You'll come home addicted, like the rest of us.

[dexter]

IMHO the best snorkeling is right off the shore at Chankanaab park. It is a short taxi ride from the dock and a small admission fee. There are stairs that conveniently lead you into the water and about 10 to 15 feet of water and fish of all kind. There is also a dolphin encounter there plus lockers, showers, a snack bar and more.

[CRUISING ROMANTICS!]

Hi there!

We are on the same cruise as you and this is our first time on Holland too. Everyone who has been on Holland says its fabulous! We are going to Paradise Beach in Cozumel. They have a wonderful write-up and web site. Also, why not join our group on the Roll Call thread. Three weeks to go!!:)

[winste]

My wife and I are in our early thirties and have been on W. Car. twice, Dec 03 and Mar 2000. It is our favorite itinerary. We too were concerned about lack of things to do. But since you are in port most of the time, it is easy to find things to do. That being said, I highly reccommend two specific excursions.

Grand Caymen - We both LOVED the Stringray City Sandbar Cruise. Both of us were scared to death when we got in the water. The Stingrays are large, up to 5 feet wide. The first time one rubbed against my leg I almost screamed. But after a few minutes, it turned into one of the best excursions we have ever been on. The Stingrays are unbelievable! They are so gentle and have the texture of dolphins. It is an absolute treat that neither of us will ever forget.

Cozumel - If you want some good snorkelling, cold beer, beach time, and some very fun hosts, the Sand and Snorkel Beach Party is great. We have done this excursion both times in Cozumel and each time had a great time. They pick you right on dock in a large catamaran. The crew is extremely fun and friendly (of course they are working for tips). You take a 30-40 minute cruise to the snorkel spot. They let you snorkel for about 30 or 40 minutes which is plenty of time, at least for us. Then you get back on the boat for a short trip to the companies beach. You will share the beach with two other boats from the same company. As soon as the snorkeling is done, they open the bar. Unlimited beer and margaritas are included in the price. The beach is really nice and the swimming water very warm and clear. More drinks on the beach. About an hour on the beach and then the trip back to the cruise ship. Drinks on the beach and the return trip are included as well. Needless to say, both times we drank too much and paid for it later that night but it was still a blast. This will be the only excursion we do while in Cozumel, why change when we know we will have a good time? I can't emphasize enough how great the crew is. They trully add to the enjoyment. The company is called FURY and they also have boats in Key West and I believe Cancun.

You will have a good time and yes, the nightlife is not like it is on Carnival. But it also is not a grave yard after dark. Another suggestion- on a clear night go to highest point of the ship, the sports deck, and watch the stars. It truly is amazing how different they are than in the city. Have a great time!