Zuiderdam gets bad reviews-YIKES

[jennallen]

I really haven't heard anything good about the Zuiderdam and we are booked on the Oct. 2nd sailing. Has anyone heard good things. I know there are lots of experienced cruisers. I'm starting to get worried that I didn't do enough research and have made a bad choice. I'm used to staying at The Ritz and other nice hotels. I was told that HAL had a good reputation for offering simliar service. Have I been mislead but Eric and Cruises-n-more? I hope this isn't like a Carnival cruise. HELP!!!

[dakrewser]

I think you'll be fine. From all I've read here, there are some differences between the Zui and the older ships based purely on size. Other complaints you hear are about changes throughout the fleet (new tipping policy, dining room times, some cut backs on menu choices, etc.).


It is, as far as I can tell, not a Carnival <shudder> experience.

None of us likes change. Many of us sail on HAL over and over because we know what to expect. Change something and it's importance becomes magnified.
A lot of the cruise experience, of course, depends on your attitude going in. For example, it's amazing how much better the experience is for those who fly in the day before embarking, get a good night's sleep then take a short taxi ride to the dock. Compare that to those who get a 6 AM flight, fight their way through baggage claim and ride the cruise line bus - they're tired and cranky before they even set foot on the ship!

Have a good attitude going in, don't sweat the small stuff, remember it's supposed to be a vacation and it should be just fine.

On the other hand, I booked the Oosterdam because I hear the color schemes on the Zui can cause epileptic fits.

:rolleyes: JUST KIDDING! :rolleyes:

[jennallen]

Thanks for the pep talk. This is my first real cruise. I'll have to see for myself and next time, I'll know what I want out of a ship. Do you know how to get deals in the Spa? Can you get deals if you book Spa Services while the ship is at a port and get discounts b.c everyone else is off the ship? Do you bring your own Champagne, packed carefully, of coarse!!?

[hdawson]

There are many good review in the Cruise CRitic member review area. A friend, and experienced cruiser, just booked her for the second time. I will also be on the Oct 2nd sailing. Booked a BC gty and received a Cat A. Headed over to check our roll call now.

[Aussie Gal]

Usually the "deals" for the Spa are on the days when the ship is in port and no-one is around and business is therefore slow.

I believe you can bring wine onboard and champagne is considered wine, so therefore you will be fine.

We never bring our wines for two reasons. One is that we live on the other side of the world and it wouldn't be worth the extra weight and secondly if we want wine or champagne we just order it. You can also order bottles of spirits or wines from Ships Services and have the drinks waiting in your cabin when you board. I have ordered it this way this time as a surprise for my husband. I have already paid for it so it is one less thing to worry about.

Jennie

[sail7seas]

Jennallen.....For whatever it is worth, we are booked for October 2 Zuiderdam cruise as well. Yikes!!! :)


This is our fifth cruise on that ship and we are eagerly looking forward to having another (anticipated) excellent cruise on this great ship. Obviously, had we not had great cruises in the past, we would not have rebooked this ship.

Happy Sailing.....hopefully, we shall 'run across' eachother.

[Ziggy7]

I think you'll be fine. From all I've read here, there are some differences between the Zui and the older ships based purely on size. Other complaints you hear are about changes throughout the fleet (new tipping policy, dining room times, some cut backs on menu choices, etc.).


It is, as far as I can tell, not a Carnival <shudder> experience.

None of us likes change. Many of us sail on HAL over and over because we know what to expect. Change something and it's importance becomes magnified.
A lot of the cruise experience, of course, depends on your attitude going in. For example, it's amazing how much better the experience is for those who fly in the day before embarking, get a good night's sleep then take a short taxi ride to the dock. Compare that to those who get a 6 AM flight, fight their way through baggage claim and ride the cruise line bus - they're tired and cranky before they even set foot on the ship!

Have a good attitude going in, don't sweat the small stuff, remember it's supposed to be a vacation and it should be just fine.

On the other hand, I booked the Oosterdam because I hear the color schemes on the Zui can cause epileptic fits.

:rolleyes: JUST KIDDING! :rolleyes:
Exellent reply Dave and I totally agree :)
I loved our 2 weeks on the Zuiderdam!

[jennallen]

It's Jennifer again, thanks for the feedback and getting my mind in the right spot to make the best out of this situation. It's my first vacation this year and I hope to be pleasantly surprised. Can't wait to see our SS room.

Is there any chance we'll get upgraded if our cabin has already been assigned?
Our room is 8075.
What is everyone planning on doing the while at the private island?

[sail7seas]

It's Jennifer again, thanks for the feedback and getting my mind in the right spot to make the best out of this situation. It's my first vacation this year and I hope to be pleasantly surprised. Can't wait to see our SS room.

Is there any chance we'll get upgraded if our cabin has already been assigned?
Our room is 8075.
What is everyone planning on doing the while at the private island?
I'm confused. Why would you think your cabin would "already be assigned"? Presumably, you have your documents and they say your cabin number unless you booked as a guarantee. In that event, it is possible you would not have your cabin number.

But you reference #8075 so is seems you are assigned to that cabin.

We always love vegging out at HMC. It is glorious there and one of the most beautiful beaches. We'll enjoy some sun and fun.....weather permitting. And look forward to eating ribs for lunch. :) HMC is the only place we ever eat ribs and really, really like them there. :)

What a shame to head off for a luxury vacation intending "to make the best of this situation". What 'situation'? A beautiful cruise and a lovely cabin on a great ship? This is not some punishment. :) It's a gorgeous cruiseship that presumably you researched and read about and chose to book for your vacation. Sometimes a pax attitude when boarding can predetermine what kind of a vacation they have. Preconceived ideas that it will be awful go a long way toward making sure that is a fulfilled prophecy.

I hope you have as good a time on your cruise as we always do.

[Jacqueline]

We enjoyed our two weeks on the sister ship to the Z. Have a great week.

S7S- I am due to be inspecting the Z on Saturday you are boarding, including lunch in the Lido. What time to you anticipate boarding ?

[azgymgal]

I posted a review the day before yesterday as the reviews for the Zui were a big surprise to me. It's now on page 2 titled Zuiderdam 9/11-18/04 Eastern - My Review. We had a great time on this ship. I hope my review will help.

By the way - I'd be happy to trade places with you!

[taszmom]

You can be eligible for an upgrade even with a cabin assignment. At the time of booking you can indicate yes or no to complimentary upgrade. In other words, if you give HAL permission, they may change your room if they need to accommodate someone else. Perhaps a family group that wants to be near each other. The one good thing, the upgrade has to be equal to or better than the category you booked!

[OCruisers]

I posted a review the day before yesterday as the reviews for the Zui were a big surprise to me. It's now on page 2 titled Zuiderdam 9/11-18/04 Eastern - My Review. We had a great time on this ship. I hope my review will help.

By the way - I'd be happy to trade places with you!

azgymgal .... Enjoyed your review and so glad you had a GREAT time!

azgymgal's REVIEW (click here) (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=82463)

Whine! Envy all of you who will be sailing on Z soon!

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)

[Lois R]

Have a good time:)

Unfortunetly, my experience wasn't as wonderful as others on here.....

quote : "I'm used to staying at The Ritz"

Unless you are on a "True Luxury Liner", such as Crystal, Seabourne, etc.....most other cruise ships are not in "that category".

[doone]

Go with an open mind and you'll have a wonderful time. I was booked on the Volendam for the first time, there were many bad reviews, made me think I made a mistake. I went on the Volendam cruise only 2 months after reading all the bad reviews. I was quickly put at ease and my worries were unfounded. The Volendam is now one of my favorite HAL ships and I am booked on her again for this coming March. Read everything here, as I have learned, with a grain of salt. Is anything perfect, absolutely not, go with a good attitude and you can't help but have a good time.

I am booked on the Zuiderdam this March, a week before I sail the Volendam. I am not worried about what I am reading. We're going to have a wonderful time no matter what!!!!

My TA is sailing on the Zuiderdam tomorrow. I can't wait for her to get back to give me her opinion on the Vista Style ships of HAL. She is a very fair and objective person. As soon as she returns home and calls me, I'll post her opinions here. She has sailed, I think, just about all the HAL ships, and other lines as well. I value her opinion, she's a great TA.

[SuiteCruising]

I've been on the Zuiderdam twice and had a great time on each cruise. In fact, the last one was the week of August 21 and it was really better than the first one in October.
Celebrity is my cruise line of choice, but HAL is right up there in terms of food and service. Would I sail on the Zuiderdam again? In a minute!
You will have a wonderful time as well.
Bob

[tomc]

dakrewser-- On the other hand, I booked the Oosterdam because I hear the color schemes on the Zui can cause epileptic fits. JUST KIDDING! I assume you're joking, just as I do on the board. But, in this case, I do need to know if the Zui's color scheme is bright and contrasting. Guess what I've got?

[sail7seas]

quote : "I'm used to staying at The Ritz"

Unless you are on a "True Luxury Liner", such as Crystal, Seabourne, etc.....most other cruise ships are not in "that category".

I AM used to staying at The Ritz and Four Season and other such very fine hotels. I am also used to sailing HAL and we love both experiences.

Are either perfect? No, of course not. But we think them both excellent. And....we feel we are getting what we are paying for (almost always). I expect our upcoming Zuiderdam cruise to be no exception. :)


(but.......I promise to fair and balanced in my comments when we return.)

[sail7seas]

We enjoyed our two weeks on the sister ship to the Z. Have a great week.

S7S- I am due to be inspecting the Z on Saturday you are boarding, including lunch in the Lido. What time to you anticipate boarding ?

Jacqueline.....We have had the opportunity to board various ships when they are in port on turn around days and it is always great fun. I hope you enjoy your visit aboard and have a wonderful lunch.

We are staying pre-cruise in FLL so will probably get to the ship around 12:30 or so. Sometimes we come about 11:00. Not quite sure.

[jcike1980]

You Did Not Make A Mistake. We Loved Our Time On The Zuiderdam. Just Do It!!! You Won't Be Sorry!! Jcike

[Tatka]

I love Celebrity (and it was the first cruise line I sailed on)...but HAL is now my second favourite line.

Zuiderdam is fine and classy ship. Very interesting in design (and no...colors of carpets didn't bother me a bit, WHO CARES!)...has tons of artworks: paintings and scultures. I loved tulips !!!

Service is kind of slow but quality of rooms and food is very good. Loved shows.:) (and I don't usually attend them)

I loved riding those ocean-side elevators.

If you have kids/teens who like to play basketball they will have a great time. (like mine did)

I also read bad reviews...about A/C not working, bad smells, vibration etc...didn't notice any of these.

Go on cruise and have fun!

[rdy2cruz]

I have waivered back and forth since reading these bulletins but I always go back to thinking I am going to have a good time and not worry about the other things that have happened. I have gained alot of info good and bad and plan to be wiser, hopefully from it but I am going to have a good time.I will be on vacation in the sunshine and on the water - what more could you want? I am planning on doing the parasailing on HMC and get a clamshell but not sure about anything else. I do want to snorkel and maybe scuba but not sure if we should do that in Cozumel or HMC but the write ups about Costa Maya sound good when reading about the coral reefs. We will be flying down on the 2nd and staying a day over after the cruise so we will see alittle of FLL afterwards. Pray the airline gets us there on time on Sat. I started to fret over that too but I'm sure it will be okay. With the itinerary changing we have to be flexible and figure it out as we go. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A GOOD TIME - RIGHT???

[doone]

YOU GOT IT. And parasailing at Half Moon Cay is the best. Have a great time.

[fb0075]

Jacqueline or Sail--
How were you contacted for your tours of ships--I assume living in area is KEY?
47 cruises and never contacted for anything like that
FRANK

[Roadwork]

I would not worry about the reviews since all ships get both good and bad. Hal is a good cruise line.

Don't set your expectations for it to be the Ritz or 4 Seasons because it is neither. Hal ships are great, but don't compare them to 5 Star hotels.

You have a very nice cabin and should enjoy yourself.

Relax and enjoy the ship.:)

[dakrewser]

dakrewser-- I assume you're joking, just as I do on the board. But, in this case, I do need to know if the Zui's color scheme is bright and contrasting. Guess what I've got?
Only half-joking (the seizures part). I've not been on the Zui but I do understand that it's color scheme is a bit more, um, eclectic and frenetic :) .

From the CC review:

"The decor is tomato red with a large parachute of red and white... "
"...nestled in a cozy booth with cushions and chenille pillows of purple, turquoise and orange..."
"cobalt blue leather chairs, cowhide barstools in a disco"

:eek: -dave

[Jacqueline]

I am going to be in Ft Lauderdale all week(7 days) for a training program to become a cruise specialist. The last two days we will be doing inspections, in part. So, S7S, I will be part of the training group onboard in the lido (according to the agenda I have which will, no doubt, change).
I finally decided to make my hobby/obsession into a business.

Here is my dilemma- I am due to fly Sunday afternoon to Florida from NY. I am fairly certain that the airport will close even if the storm is to the north as the winds tend to affect such a large area. I could fly down tomorrow as there is plenty of space (everyone is leaving!). Of course is the hurricane turns south I am out of luck- and either evacuated or stuck in a hotel with no electricity, food, etc. (everything spoils fast). This happened to me once in Martha's Vineyard. They (Cruises,inc) have said if the airport closes they will start the training on Tuesday, but I bet getting a seat on Monday will be rough.
On the plus side, I am leaving my three children and husband at home for the first time ever. Maybe I should leave NOW. If the weather is great and this whole thing goes far away I could even have a little vacation.

[sail7seas]

Jacqueline: How great you took the initiative to pursue something you obviously enjoy. Good for you and very good luck to you in your new endeavor!!


It is a hard decision to make as to when to travel to Florida. I think I would make a flight reservation for Monday afternoon. In the event the storm does target FLL (and it appears the National Hurricane Center thinks it will be close to the center), then Port Everglades is closed and no ships will be in on Saturday. Depending upon severity of the storm and any damage, the airport may open on Sunday technically but there will be no aircraft there. The airlines are probably starting to shuttle them out of there already. So.....likelihood of any flight on Sunday is very slim. Therefore, Monday seems the first realistic available time. If you book it now, you may avoid the rush of many who have not yet made a decision or cannot make their alternative bookings yet.....such as those at sea who are just now learning they may not return to FLL as scheduled.

JMHO.....

[rlazarski]

Just got off the Caribbean Princess and do not want that experience again. Looking for some finer cruising - What info can you give me on the "Zui"?

How does the staff treat the passengers? Are you pampered at all? Some?
How's the food? Entertainment? etc.

Looking for a low key good time without the glitz of Carnival (or Princess) :)

[dakrewser]

Just got off the Caribbean Princess and do not want that experience again. Looking for some finer cruising - What info can you give me on the "Zui"?

How does the staff treat the passengers? Are you pampered at all? Some?
How's the food? Entertainment? etc.

Looking for a low key good time without the glitz of Carnival (or Princess) :)
There are any number of threads already here with reviews of the Zui - use the search function to find them. There's also a lot in the CC review section. Hit all of those first, then come back with any unanswered questions and you'll get lots of help and advice! :)

[dexter]

I too was worried about Zuiderdam after reading some negative reviews, but after having experienced the ship firsthand I see now that most of those critiques were unfair. We had a cat: S and it was the best, most comfortable, least expensive cabin we're ever had. The only minor complaint we had was the dining room food. We also took some issue with HAL concerning the price of internet and phone service while we were running from Hurricane Frances. Don't worry bout a thing...the ship is beautiful and you'll have a blast.

[Cameron-by-the-Sea]

Oh my! What I would give to be cruising on the Zui! We had a wonderful time last winter on this ship. The atmosphere was very classy and I will never forget the couples dancing in the ocean bar and crows nest to the string quartets. I have lovely memories from that cruise and I'm sure you will too.

[Jacqueline]

Excellent points S7S. I'll make the reservation for Monday.
The nice thing about using Jet Blue is that for this storm event there are no fees, penalties, etc.
And to the poster who did not care for the CP, it is important to identify what it is that did not suit you and define what it is that you would like/need require to have a better experience the next time.

[sail7seas]

Good luck, Jacqueline. Please keep us posted what you decide to do and how it goes. I'll be thinking about you and wishing you a safe, uneventful flight on Monday.

[gliles]

I'm used to staying at The Ritz and other nice hotels.
Do you bring your own Champagne, packed carefully, of coarse!!?
Is there any chance we'll get upgraded if our cabin has already been assigned?
Does not compute.

[Jacqueline]

Does not compute.


you are astute.

[jennallen]

I just want to say THANK YOU to everyone that posted a reply to original posting. I am amazed at your responses and know that we will have a great time on the Zui b.c the people on board will be a blast. Thanks again!:p

[kryos]

I really haven't heard anything good about the Zuiderdam and we are booked on the Oct. 2nd sailing. Has anyone heard good things.
The Zuiderdam is a ship being marketed to the "younger" crowd of cruisers. But, it is certainly not what I would call a "party boat." There are plenty of older, more "refined" passengers onboard too.

As for making a bad choice ... I doubt that. I recently sailed on the Zuiderdam from 8-28 to 9-11 and I thorougly enjoyed my cruise. It's what you make it. We had ports cancelled because of the hurricanes, other ports where shore excursions were cancelled due to rough seas, a period of four days straight where we stayed out to sea to avoid the hurricane ... many passengers had lots of complaints about this. But my attitude was that I was on vacation, didn't have to work, didn't have to clean up after myself, didn't have to cook or wash dishes. What is there to complain about in that? :)

Especially on the "unscheduled" extra sea days, a wide range of entertainment was staged for us ... many things as yet untried ... special coffee chats with the onboard entertainers, matinee performances in small venues by those entertainers, "behind the scenes" tour of the crew areas, "ask me anything" q&a session by the cruise director concerning what shipboard life is like for a member of the crew.

I considered my cruise to be a highly unusual one because of all these special events, and despite my disappointment over not getting to visit all the ports I wanted to ... and not getting to do all the things I wanted to ... I resolved that I was on a really nice "boat," and there was no reason not to have one hell of a great time. So, that's exactly what I did.

I'd sail the Z again in a heartbeat. Maybe not during hurricane season, but I would sail again. I loved it.

Just relax and "go with the flow." You'll have a great cruise aboard the Zuiderdam.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[sail7seas]

rita...What a nice post. You have a great attitude. Glass is half full and you're going to enjoy it!! Good for you.

[Lois R]

Hi...Rita, I am glad you had such a good time:)

Different strokes for different folks......I always try to sail with a good attitude as well, though I wouldn't go back on the Z...just one person's opinion.

[cruznon]

Lois,
Good to hear from you! Still have power in spite of the storm--great!
Take care.
Peg

[Lois R]

Hi Peg:)...lost power for about 1-1/2 hours last night.......overall, I am very thankful!....I know there are people without power....(actually the news is saying 3 shelters) that are located outside of Jacksonville don't have power:eek:

[sail7seas]

Good to hear from you, Lois, and know you are safe. Sounds like you were very lucky. Good!!!

[ekerr19]

I too was worried about Zuiderdam after reading some negative reviews, but after having experienced the ship firsthand I see now that most of those critiques were unfair. We had a cat: S and it was the best, most comfortable, least expensive cabin we're ever had. The only minor complaint we had was the dining room food. We also took some issue with HAL concerning the price of internet and phone service while we were running from Hurricane Frances. Don't worry bout a thing...the ship is beautiful and you'll have a blast.

dexter-

What is "unfair" about the negative critiques? Each person has different likes and dislikes - I think for the most part, posters DO try and share their experiences objectively.

I think Lois had VERY valid points in her critique - my own critiques of the Zuiderdam are not all that favorable, we had a Suite and while it was very nice - we never did get comfortable on that ship.

This is just us - I thought the decor was a tad garish (I did get used to it - but it's not my favorite), but more importantly, I thought the food and service left MUCH to be desired, definitely not up to par with our experience on other HAL ships.

We will sail on a Vista class ship again, but probably not the Zui. JMO, and I'm also suggesting that not everyone likes or dislikes the same things. :)

[Lois R]

Ekerr, thank you:)

We all have different opinions....and when views are judged as "fair or unfair" ....well, who is to say what is fair or not?

I hope everyone loves the Z...and that they go and have a fantastic time. It was just not "for me"....service as well as ship.....
Did I have a terrible time? No, of course not....I was on a ship after all.....and it was definitely relaxing.
But would I sail her again? Probably not...I will "never say never"...but its doubtful.
When you said you never got comfortable....I can relate.......

Thank you again.

[ekerr19]

Ekerr, thank you:)

We all have different opinions....and when views are judged as "fair or unfair" ....well, who is to say what is fair or not?

I hope everyone loves the Z...and that they go and have a fantastic time. It was just not "for me"....service as well as ship.....
Did I have a terrible time? No, of course not....I was on a ship after all.....and it was definitely relaxing.
But would I sail her again? Probably not...I will "never say never"...but its doubtful.
When you said you never got comfortable....I can relate.......

Thank you again.

No problem - It would really bother me if you felt you'd become "persona non gratis" on the HAL boards because you posted an honest review of your experience on the Zuiderdam.

The Zui does indeed have a dedicated fan base - and there is nothing wrong with that - but sometimes it seems those who experience a different (or less than stellar) cruise are made to feel deficient in some way...

I honestly hope you get the opportunity to consider giving HAL another try. :)

[BobfromNY]

We were on the Zuiderdam in May - June 2004, our ninth cruise on Holland America, and we had a wonderful time. The ship is beautiful, the stafff was as outstanding as ever, and the food was the best that we had experienced on HAL. We are a family of five, three teenagers, and we would sail on the Zuiderdam again without question. We have been on the old Westerdam, the Amsterdam, and the Noordam, from Alaska to the Carribbean and the Mediterranean, and found nothing at all lacking on the Zuiderdam. In fact, in many respects, we thought it was our best cruise ever on the nicest ship in the fleet. Have a great time, I know you will!!!

[gammaf]

We sailed the Zui the end of May and loved the ship so much that we are sailing again for the short 4 day Bahamas in February. She is a great ship and we were not disappointed at anything that we encountered. You will enjoy her. Just go with an open mind and have fun! Is that not what a vacation is? She is as nice as any 4 star hotel we have been in!! Have fun, we did!

[johnnycruise]

It's a good ship but not great. Usually the newer ships have larger cabins, but I'm sure the cabin I had on the Zaandam two years ago was larger and the bar waiters were less aggressive.

[kryos]

rita...What a nice post. You have a great attitude. Glass is half full and you're going to enjoy it!! Good for you.
Enjoy it? Hell, I'm gonna gorge myself on it! :)

Thanks for the kind words.

Blue skies!

--rita

[kryos]

Different strokes for different folks......I always try to sail with a good attitude as well, though I wouldn't go back on the Z...just one person's opinion.

Glad to see you are safe and sound, Lois. Florida is really taking a beating this year. :(

Isn't it wonderful how there are so many different ships and cruiselines out there so that everyone can find that perfect niche that makes them comfortable?

I enjoyed my time on the Z, but I think I enjoyed the Rotterdam last March even more. But, it's my goal to try and experience as many ships ... and even to some extent different cruiselines ... so I can discover which one I like best.

So far, I've only cruised Holland America, but plan to try a Princess Cruise in January.

What lines/ships are you considering for your next cruise, Lois?

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Lois R]

hi Rita, good morning:).....considering going back on my favorite ship..Celebrity CENTURY:D ....but also looking at Princess.....not sure If I want to play it safe and go with what I truely love....or step outside the box (again) and try something else.......

[sail7seas]

We had the opportunity for a meet with 'jennallen' AND 'JeanandGene' as well as "LoveLifeAtSea'. It was great. We all wanted Tazsmom and hdawson to come as well but I think their dining time made it impossible.


It was so great meeting Jean and Gene....what a fablulous couple. We actually had met earlier in the day at the pool and Jean was so good to arrange for us all to meet in the Ocean Bar. Happy Jenn and her husband could make it.

Sorry we missed hdawson and Tazsmom.


We just got home this afternoon and I'll post some more later.
WE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME......as usual. :)


Good to be home.....I missed you all.

[geejay]

I am enjoying this thread as we have cruised many times, but are new to Holland America.

I do, however, take offense with the "epileptic fit" comment. A family member suffers epilepsy and comments like that cut to the quick. :(