THANK YOU HAL ... for another great cruise!

[LoveLifeAtSea]

I just returned from the October 2nd sailing on the Zuiderdam and want to thank HAL for another great cruise!

I specifically want to thank all those involved who works hard to make sure every aspect of the total cruise experience come together ... both those "behind the scenes" (on land) and especially those onboard who actually puts everything in motion and is part of the wonderful experience!!

While it may appear that I have little or no opinion, I am actually a person who "chooses" not to dwell on the negatives unless it has a big impact on my overall experience. Since I have long ago realized that nothing in life is perfect I tend to make the best of any situation and enjoy it to the fullest as much as I possibly can. This is even more true in light of all the negatism going on in the world today.

Yes, there are changes and cut backs happening that I don't like, however, so far, nothing I found has prompted me to even consider abandoning HAL. That's not to say that I won't cruise another cruiseline because I do like variety and exploring something new is always fun and exciting.

But, in regards to the Zuiderdam, which I have now cruised numerous times, I definitely found that the ship itself was running very smoothly.

And, what can I say about the crew! Well, to begin with, THAT is still what brings me back to HAL the most!!! I met many wonderful new friends and reacquainted myself with old friends. I'm still in awe how many of the crew remember me over and over again!

I was very fortunate to have shared some wonderful moments once again with sail7seas and her DH. Later I realized, unbeknown to me, that I was spending some great moments also with JeanandGene. By accident we learned that we were both CC posters. How funny! Both couples made for a joyful time and I was truly glad to know. As the CC gathering did not take place early on as planned, JeanandGene were gracious to attempt another gathering in the Ocean Bar on our last evening. We were fortunate to have meet jeanallen and her DH, however, missed meeting tazmom and hdawson.

Half Moon Cay ...... Prior to our cruise, I was kind of depressed thinking that we wouldn't enjoy this fantastik paradise! Other than the ship itself, it is my favorite choice in destinations! What a joy to have set foot in the sand once again and know that for the most part it survived the hurricanes! The main problem I noticed that concerned me was the beach errosion. I don't know if it is at all possible, but I hope that it can be rebuilt (by man or by nature) to the way it was before. I must tell you that I road over on the tender with a few other crew and I can tell that they were just as anxious to see this wonderful island as the passengers were! I watched their faces as we approached and knew that they were sizing up the damage right along with the passengers. I believe that this is probably a favorite among the crew as well as the passengers.

All in all, a great cruise! I'm already wishing I was back onboard!

[Cruising Jake]

Thanks for your positive attitude. Can't wait for my sailing on 11/27.

[sail7seas]

Thank you, LoveLife, sharing your specialness and happiness and fun with us. Once again, we so enjoyed sailing with you.


Thank you for making this nice post. The crew did indeed remember you from previous cruises. They know you are the one who is always kind and friendly with them and always has a smile you your face.

We did have a good time, once again, didn't we?? :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Wonderful to read of your happy time onboard. Life is what we make it, isn't it:)

Rest assured, HMC's beach will come back ... the seas have a way of restoring that which they have spoiled. The ocean may move too slowly for the likes of HAL's passengers so man may have to do its share, but one way or another we'll all have the beauty of Half Moon Cay once again.

[Robin7]

Half Moon Cay ...... Prior to our cruise, I was kind of depressed thinking that we wouldn't enjoy this fantastik paradise! Other than the ship itself, it is my favorite choice in destinations!We had never been to HMC because the other two times we cruised the Caribbean, HAL either didn't own it yet or it wasn't ready. My only 'complaint' about the island is one day is not enough. Why can't we spend TWO days there? Or perhaps the entire week??? I can't wait to book again so we can go back there!

When we were eating lunch there were chickens under the tables and birds trilling in the bushes. It was so lovely and peaceful.

I didn't notice any erosion but never having been there, is it normal for the water to come up into the clamshells when the tide is coming in? We had water occassionally under our chairs by the time we left at 3pm. Does that mean there used to be a deeper stretch of beach?

Robin

[LoveLifeAtSea]

S7S .... Yes, we did! ;)

Cruising Jake ... I hope you have as much fun and joy as I did! :)

Heather .... Yes, it is! And thanks for your positive outlook on HMC!! :)

Robin7 ... While the beach and island looked as beautiful and serene as we both saw it, it was obvious to those of us who have been there prior that we did lose quite a bit of the beachfront. It used to be quite a bit deeper. BUT, with that said, I do want to clarify that it did NOT distract from my overall joy! :) It was such a beautiful day .... sunny skies with soft breezes, sandy, white beaches, beautiful blue waters of different hues, great barbeque lunch, even the foliage and chickens were returning! This is what so many of us remember! I'm just glad that we still have the island to come back to!!! And, I agree with you .... I could easily spend more time there! :p

[Himself]

It is refreshing to hear you be so positive. Keep up the good work!!!
Himself

[ColoradoJuli]

LoveLifeatSea - Thank you so much for the review. I am seriously looking into taking this cruise in may for the big 4-0! I just have to make up my mind. :-)

I am finding mixed reviews on the CC site and would like it if pax that have recently sailed would give a review. I am going to treat myself on this cruise and upgrade to a balcony. I have found the May 14th sailing for $860 plus tax for the balcony. Less than $2,000 total for both of us to go. Seems like a steal to me. Any other comments on the ship? Or where to stay the night before the cruise?

[Ziggy7]

I just returned from the October 2nd sailing on the Zuiderdam and want to thank HAL for another great cruise!

I specifically want to thank all those involved who works hard to make sure every aspect of the total cruise experience come together ... both those "behind the scenes" (on land) and especially those onboard who actually puts everything in motion and is part of the wonderful experience!!

While it may appear that I have little or no opinion, I am actually a person who "chooses" not to dwell on the negatives unless it has a big impact on my overall experience. Since I have long ago realized that nothing in life is perfect I tend to make the best of any situation and enjoy it to the fullest as much as I possibly can. This is even more true in light of all the negatism going on in the world today.

Yes, there are changes and cut backs happening that I don't like, however, so far, nothing I found has prompted me to even consider abandoning HAL. That's not to say that I won't cruise another cruiseline because I do like variety and exploring something new is always fun and exciting.

But, in regards to the Zuiderdam, which I have now cruised numerous times, I definitely found that the ship itself was running very smoothly.

And, what can I say about the crew! Well, to begin with, THAT is still what brings me back to HAL the most!!! I met many wonderful new friends and reacquainted myself with old friends. I'm still in awe how many of the crew remember me over and over again!

I was very fortunate to have shared some wonderful moments once again with sail7seas and her DH. Later I realized, unbeknown to me, that I was spending some great moments also with JeanandGene. By accident we learned that we were both CC posters. How funny! Both couples made for a joyful time and I was truly glad to know. As the CC gathering did not take place early on as planned, JeanandGene were gracious to attempt another gathering in the Ocean Bar on our last evening. We were fortunate to have meet jeanallen and her DH, however, missed meeting tazmom and hdawson.

Half Moon Cay ...... Prior to our cruise, I was kind of depressed thinking that we wouldn't enjoy this fantastik paradise! Other than the ship itself, it is my favorite choice in destinations! What a joy to have set foot in the sand once again and know that for the most part it survived the hurricanes! The main problem I noticed that concerned me was the beach errosion. I don't know if it is at all possible, but I hope that it can be rebuilt (by man or by nature) to the way it was before. I must tell you that I road over on the tender with a few other crew and I can tell that they were just as anxious to see this wonderful island as the passengers were! I watched their faces as we approached and knew that they were sizing up the damage right along with the passengers. I believe that this is probably a favorite among the crew as well as the passengers.

All in all, a great cruise! I'm already wishing I was back onboard!
Thank you for sharing your cruise with us, It sounds heavenly
and wish we were back on the Zuiderdam :)
Welcome Home too! :)

[kryos]

I am finding mixed reviews on the CC site and would like it if pax that have recently sailed would give a review. I am going to treat myself on this cruise and upgrade to a balcony. I have found the May 14th sailing for $860 plus tax for the balcony. Less than $2,000 total for both of us to go. Seems like a steal to me. Any other comments on the ship? Or where to stay the night before the cruise?
I spent 14 glorious days on the Zuiderdam 8-28 to 9-11. Gawd, I wish I could win the lottery and move there! :)

She's a beautiful ship with a wonderful crew. Ahhhhh, ain't life grand when cruising? Relax, you're gonna have the time of your life! I only wish I was going with you. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[hdawson]

I too am just back from the Oct 2nd sailing and echo other comments. It couldn't have been better. What a fantastic crew! Usually 8 entre choices in the dining room every night. Food was very good. The beef in the specialty restaurant was fantastic as was the dungenese crab cakes. The other side dishes were just so-so. BTW, at least on this cruise, it was not just for the old folks. Great entertainment too.

[sail7seas]

hdawson......LoveLife and my DH and I also commented that the pax mix seemed to be particularly good on our cruise. There were folks of all ages and a very well-mannered, well -behaved crowd. I would estimate the average age to be in the 45-55 range that cruise. Certainly there were babes in arms and 80+ year olds.....that's all part of what made if a great crowd IMO

[LoveLifeAtSea]

ColoradoJuli .... I honestly think you would have a great time celebrating your "40th" on the Zuiderdam! I have sailed her 7 times now. Once with a group of people, a couple of times with one other person and a few times alone. I was never disappointed during any of these experiences, which of course, is why I return to her so often. I always disembarked wishing I didn't have to!

It sounds like you found a really good deal for your balcony cabin and I can assure you that it will be well worth the upgrade! You won't be disappointed!

As far as a pre-cruise hotel, it depends on what you are looking for. Budget pricing or otherwise? Over the last year I have enjoyed the Hyatt Regency Pier 66, Lago Mar Resort, and Marriott Mariner. Many years ago I stayed at The Embassy Suites and I swore I would never stay there again as it was so worn down and I did not feel safe with the room we had. Also many years ago we stayed at a couple of hotels near the airport and they were fine at that time but I don't remember which ones they were.

If you have any specific questions regarding the ship please feel free to ask.

sail7seas and hdawson .... I have to say that the mix of people on this cruise was probably the best I have experienced so far on the Zuiderdam! Lots of fun, courteous and great mix in age!

[ColoradoJuli]

Thanks for the information. I am going to call my TA tomorrow and book! It will be exciting for me to see two cruises on my countdown clock! I can't wait. Now I just need to see if my parents want to join us or if it will just be DH and I. Either way I know we will have a blast. Thanks again for the information, I really appreciate it.

[luv2cruise450]

for taking the time to post your positive thoughts about your most recent experience on an HAL ship. I totally agree that recently some posters seem to be a little negative 'cause all they dwell on are the things that are changed or eliminated. I've always found the crew and staff on the HAL ships to be just wonderful. The way things are in this world...change is inevitable and tho there will never be the perfect experience for each...we at least have the chance to cruise. I am most thankful that I have the opportunity to cruise and travel 'cause a huge percentage of the world's peoples are just struggling to exist from day to day.
And it's great to learn that HMC is open again for the pax to enjoy! We are looking forward to our visit there on our upcoming Oosterdam cruise.
Happy sailing to all.

[LoveLifeAtSea]

for taking the time to post your positive thoughts about your most recent experience on an HAL ship. I totally agree that recently some posters seem to be a little negative 'cause all they dwell on are the things that are changed or eliminated. I've always found the crew and staff on the HAL ships to be just wonderful. The way things are in this world...change is inevitable and tho there will never be the perfect experience for each...we at least have the chance to cruise. I am most thankful that I have the opportunity to cruise and travel 'cause a huge percentage of the world's peoples are just struggling to exist from day to day.
And it's great to learn that HMC is open again for the pax to enjoy! We are looking forward to our visit there on our upcoming Oosterdam cruise.
Happy sailing to all.luv2cruise450 .... I, too, am thankful that I have these opportunities as well!

[LoveLifeAtSea]

Thanks for the information. I am going to call my TA tomorrow and book! It will be exciting for me to see two cruises on my countdown clock! I can't wait. Now I just need to see if my parents want to join us or if it will just be DH and I. Either way I know we will have a blast. Thanks again for the information, I really appreciate it.

That's terrific! What a way to look forward to your upcoming birthday! I agree that it's exciting when you have more than 1 cruise booked. Keep us posted!

[ColoradoJuli]

That's terrific! What a way to look forward to your upcoming birthday! I agree that it's exciting when you have more than 1 cruise booked. Keep us posted!
Thanks! I think it is a great way to celebrate. Plus DH was out of a job for 3 years so the past years birthdays have bit the big one, but that has come to an end!:D