Panama Canal, which HAL ship and itenerary?

[chloes nana]

We are looking at booking a future cruise to the Panama Canal for 2010 when we board the Noordam in August for the mediterranean. I would prefer a fall cruise, August to September and at least 18 or more days. We live in Colorado so the port, east or west coast, really makes no difference. We have 2 stipulations, one is a full transit at the canal and the second is I want an excursion in Costa Rica. I would truly appreciate feedback from all who have done this cruise. we prefer to cruise at least 18-20 days. I am new to this whole cruising thing so am looking for advice. thanks:)

[san diego sue]

Most full transits are 14 days, unless it a repositioning that may start in Vancouver or Seattle and go on to Ft. Lauderdale.The San Diego-Ft. Lauderdale is 14 days.Or on the Statendam you can do round trip for 28 days.

[Himself]

One of the members of Cruise Critic just left Ft. Lauderdale on the Satendam ane will do a full canal cruise. They will end up in San Diego, CA

[chloes nana]

One of the members of Cruise Critic just left Ft. Lauderdale on the Satendam ane will do a full canal cruise. They will end up in San Diego, CA
doesn't sound like Lisa is having a very good time :(

[Benita]

We booked the Zuiderdam for February, 2010. It is roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale and does the partial transit.

[Himself]

I think Lisa is having trouble adjusting to a smaller ship. I think this is the first "S" class ship she has ever done. I recall when the Zuiderdam first came on line a few years ago there was a lot of complianing about its size. (Too Big!) We don't see these threads anymore.

[jtl513]

According to the Destination Calendar (click here (http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/DestinationCalendar.action)) the Ryndam, Statendam, and Zuiderdam will be repositioning through the PC in Oct 2010. Nothing is shown for Aug or Sep.

[jtl513]

I know nothing about the length of those cruises, but the full color block for the Statendam and Zuiderdam implies that they will be longer than 14 days, while the 1/2 block for the Ryndam implies a shorter duration.

[lorekauf]

According to the Destination Calendar (click here (http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/DestinationCalendar.action)) the Ryndam, Statendam, and Zuiderdam will be repositioning through the PC in Oct 2010. Nothing is shown for Aug or Sep.
Personally I would take either the Ryndam or the Zuiderdam. The Statendam is not my favorite ship.

[jtl513]

Personally I would take either the Ryndam or the Zuiderdam. The Statendam is not my favorite ship.I've never been on the Ryndam, but I'd put Statendam at the bottom of my list too ... with the Zuiderdam next to the bottom!! :D

[chloes nana]

I've never been on the Ryndam, but I'd put Statendam at the bottom of my list too ... with the Zuiderdam next to the bottom!! :D
I was leaning to the Zuiderdam, can you give me reasons for your personal fav's? Why don't you guys like the Statendam? Is it because she is smaller?? I will be coming off my first ever cruise on the Noordam to this cruise in the spring.

[jtl513]

I was leaning to the Zuiderdam, can you give me reasons for your personal fav's? Why don't you guys like the Statendam? Is it because she is smaller?? I will be coming off my first ever cruise on the Noordam to this cruise in the spring.Personally I just like newer ships, and the Statendam and Zuiderdam are each the oldest in their class. Both seemed a little "tired" to me. (Yet I like the Amsterdam a lot better than the 2-year newer Zuiderdam!) However, we were on the Zuiderdam just before its major aft-lift refitting, so it should be in a lot better shape now than what I saw.

My top choice is the Noordam, with the Eurodam a close second. I give the E the number 2 spot on my list because of some of the choices they made on the interior design and decor. I believe since you're starting with the Noordam, the Statendam might be a big let-down for you.

[chloes nana]

My top choice is the Noordam, with the Eurodam a close second. I give the E the number 2 spot on my list because of some of the choices they made on the interior design and decor. I believe since you're starting with the Noordam, the Statendam might be a big let-down for you.
SOOOO.. if you wanted to take a full transit of the panama canal what itenerary would you pick then?

[arlodog]

We were on the Statendam this February FLL to San Diego for a 14 day full transit of the canal. I personally liked the size of the Statendam. It was small enough that we got to know many people, but big enough to have plenty of activities. We had an inside cabin located on deck 6 and were steps away from the wrap around deck which was wonderful. (like an aft baclony without the price of one)
We had stops in Aruba, Costa Rica, Huatulco, Acapulco and Cabo. I thought Costa Rica was very beautiful and I can see why it is becomming such a big tourist destination. I would suggest doing a cruise more in the winter months than fall or spring only due to the heat. It was over 90 degrees when we were there in February and I can't imagine how hot it would be late fall in these ports!
The only draw back to a winter cruise that stops in Costa Rica is that it is the dry season for them so it is not as green and lush as it would be during the wet season. That being said, the weather was beautiful to me (I live in Kansas) and it looked pretty green compared to our winter months! I was surprised at the number of people who were on board doing back to backs. The ports on the return trip were different from ours and so it would be a great trip if you would look at doing a 28 day if possible.
Hope this helps!

[lorekauf]

Personally I just like newer ships, and the Statendam and Zuiderdam are each the oldest in their class. Both seemed a little "tired" to me. .
Honestly I've never been on the Zuiderdam before but I agree the Statendam is a little tired. I wasn't overly impressed with the ship in Nov.08 when I was on it for 26 days. I am however going on the Statendam in Oct.09. I liked the itinerary although I've done it before and being hemmed in with deadlines at work limits my choices.

[chloes nana]

We were on the Statendam this February FLL to San Diego for a 14 day full transit of the canal. I personally liked the size of the Statendam. It was small enough that we got to know many people, but big enough to have plenty of activities. We had an inside cabin located on deck 6 and were steps away from the wrap around deck which was wonderful. (like an aft baclony without the price of one)
We had stops in Aruba, Costa Rica, Huatulco, Acapulco and Cabo. I thought Costa Rica was very beautiful and I can see why it is becomming such a big tourist destination. I would suggest doing a cruise more in the winter months than fall or spring only due to the heat. It was over 90 degrees when we were there in February and I can't imagine how hot it would be late fall in these ports!
The only draw back to a winter cruise that stops in Costa Rica is that it is the dry season for them so it is not as green and lush as it would be during the wet season. That being said, the weather was beautiful to me (I live in Kansas) and it looked pretty green compared to our winter months! I was surprised at the number of people who were on board doing back to backs. The ports on the return trip were different from ours and so it would be a great trip if you would look at doing a 28 day if possible.
Hope this helps!
that sounds like a great idea! maybe the btb would be a great way to go! will have to look into it and see what I can come up, 28 days would be no problem as we are both retired.:)

[lorekauf]

that sounds like a great idea! maybe the btb would be a great way to go! will have to look into it and see what I can come up, 28 days would be no problem as we are both retired.:)
The Panama Canal is amazing! If you can do a back to back I would. I went through the Panama Canal twice in Nov.08 on my South America cruise. The only problem was that the Panama Canal was in a state of emergency....it had been raining for a week solid. I imagine it would have been very dissapointing for those that didn't see it the first time around.

[Jen&Joe]

We were on the Zuiderdam in October 06 starting in San Fran and ending in Florida. 18 days in total. We hit the following ports: Cabo, Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, through the Canal, Columbia, Jamaica, Half Moon and finally Fort Lauderdale.

It was the best cruise we have been on (so far). Going through the Canal was amazing. We also liked the mix of adventure stops (volcanos, ziplines etc) and beach stops.

[Lurker1]

SOOOO.. if you wanted to take a full transit of the panama canal what itenerary would you pick then?

It was a year ago today that we left to go to Fort Lauderdale to travel the Westerdam for 19 days to Seattle, through the canal. The odd thing was that 2/3rd's of the pax got off in San Diego, so the last four days were a bit strange.

Costa Rica is beautiful, and after the Canal itslef, wit was my favorite excursion.

I like the Vista Class because I feel less cramped, but on a smaller ship it is easier to meet people.

[serendipity1499]

doesn't sound like Lisa is having a very good time :(

I disagree with you completely...Just read Lisa's entire post & no where did she say she was not having a good time! OK, she's had a few small problems, but all ships have small problems..We've been on many HAL ships & always have had a wonderful time...Have never had a bad cruise...

I think Lisa is having trouble adjusting to a smaller ship. I think this is the first "S" class ship she has ever done. I recall when the Zuiderdam first came on line a few years ago there was a lot of complianing about its size. (Too Big!) We don't see these threads anymore.

Agree, Lisa is used to the Vista ships, but she seems to be adjusting very well..We love the smaller ships & will be doing a Canal cruise, B2B on the Statendam, in Nov...We're looking forward to our cruise..

Cheers..Betty

[CowPrincess]

that sounds like a great idea! maybe the btb would be a great way to go! will have to look into it and see what I can come up, 28 days would be no problem as we are both retired.:)

Personally, until you've experienced your first cruise, I'd say don't spend a lot of time thinking about the "next" cruise. You may not enjoy cruising, you may feel that you'd prefer a shorter cruise, you might want to try a different cruiseline. Not everyone is smitten with cruising, and until you've done your first cruise, you won't know if it is your "thing" or not.

[chloes nana]

Personally, until you've experienced your first cruise, I'd say don't spend a lot of time thinking about the "next" cruise. You may not enjoy cruising, you may feel that you'd prefer a shorter cruise, you might want to try a different cruiseline. Not everyone is smitten with cruising, and until you've done your first cruise, you won't know if it is your "thing" or not.
wow, thanks:(

[BigBearLady]

We are looking at booking a future cruise to the Panama Canal for 2010 when we board the Noordam in August for the mediterranean. I would prefer a fall cruise, August to September and at least 18 or more days. We live in Colorado so the port, east or west coast, really makes no difference. We have 2 stipulations, one is a full transit at the canal and the second is I want an excursion in Costa Rica. I would truly appreciate feedback from all who have done this cruise. we prefer to cruise at least 18-20 days. I am new to this whole cruising thing so am looking for advice. thanks:)
I went through the Panama Canal in October 2008. It was HOT and HUMID:eek: I would assume that August or September would be the same :confused: Be sure to take a hand fan, bottled water and lots of tissues to wipe up the "moisture". In Colombia, I took a dry face cloth from the ship (don't worry, I returned it) on shore to use. That worked much better than tissues. Did I say it was HOT and HUMID? Have a fun time.

This is just my opinion, but for a canal cruise, I much preferred the cruise through the Kiel Canal in Germany. The local people, kids and dogs come down to the edge of the canal and waved to us. It was so much nicer that the Panama Canal. This is just my opinion, but I have spoken to others who thought the same.

[gentlemancruiser]

I just returned from the full Panama Canal transit aboard the Statendam. This was our 5th HAL cruise and the 2nd full transit of the canal. Our first was 8 years ago on the QE2 (our very first cruise ever). When we booked our Statendam cruise, I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't like it as much as the first cruise, but I LOVED IT. The canal is fascinating.
We have never done a part transit into lake Gatun, however after 2 full canal cruises, I can say that I really would never want to do a part transit.

This cruise went from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale and stopped in Mexico at Puerto Vallarta, Hualatulco, Puerto Chiapas, then on to Fuerte Amador (Panama City), and Cartagena Columbia. We enjoyed the ports, however if you are not fond of many sea days I would suggest that you avoid taking a full transit, because most of the itineraries will have several sea days before and after the canal.

We really didn't care much for Puerto Chiapas, but that to due with the fact that the area was relatively new to tourism.