Please compare Zuiderdam to Zaandam for Caribbean

[ldparker]

I know this question has probably been asked a million times but, I am new to HAL and considering a 7-day Caribbean cruise in April 2005. I see that the Zaandam sails from Port Canaviral and the Zuiderdam from Fort Lauderdale. I have sailed Celebrity several times and enjoy their service but do notice slight differences on their various ships. Some seem friendlier, others seem more lively, etc.

How do there two HAL ships compare on a Caribbean itererary.

Thanks, David

[DFD1]

The ships are very different from each other. The Zuiderdam is a relatively new ship, one of the largest in the HAL fleet, the Vista Class. Decorated in a sharply contemporary style with loud colors and modern style. It seems to grate on the nerves of many experienced HAL cruisers who post here and is somewhat controversial on this forum. Lots of complaints about this or that. Thre are, however, other experienced HAL cruisers who love the ship and have been on her several times already.

The Zaandam, on the other hand, is one of two ships of her size in the fleet. The other being the Volendam. These two ships are the favorites of many experienced cruisers who post here. They are mid sized, very elegant, much more traditional and carry only about 2/3 the number of passengers of the Zuiderdam. The atmosphere is probably less lively. I have never heard any unflattering remarks about the Zaandam on this forum and I would suggest that if you select this ship, you will come home addicted to this class of HAL ship.

Others who answer your question may differ in their opinions....and this is just my own opinion based on having cruiseddon the Zuiderdam's sister ship, the Oosterdam, and on observatons of posts I have read here.

I hope this helps. Have a great cruise.

[TedC]

There's a post down this page with a link to a very good Zaandam review.

[michmike]

haven't been on the zuiderdam and don't care to be based on much of what has been written here. HAVE been on the Zaandam this past January and liked her very well, partly because she IS smaller and more intimate. Have also traveled with HAL on Veendam and Maasdam and we have an upcoming cruise in 6 weeks on Volendam. All these are what is referred to as the S class, whereas the Zuiderdam is a Vista class.

Based on much of what has been written here, I'd recommend the Zaandam for your first HAL experience.