Zuiderdam Partial Review: 3/26 - 4/2

Just returned from the Zuiderdam. This was my 14th cruise, first on HAL. Was it perfect? Nope; But I've yet to find a perfect ship :).

Highlights:

Aft balcony cabin: 6165 to be exact.(I'm soooooo sold on these).

Therma Suite/Hydro Pool. A very good value for sea days especially.

Elton John show by Joel. Fabulous.

Kory at the Piano Bar: Very entertaining.

The Baths in Virgin Gorda.

Swimming with Sharks in Nassau.

Lowlights:

The trunk bay reef is clearly dieing.

Problems with toilet flushing.

Mini-Fridge never worked.

Service was average.

Massage on beach at Half Moon Cay very noisy.

I found the Entertainment staff to be 'unprofessional'.

I'll give much greater detail in my formal review, but ultimately I would highly recommend the Zuiderdam on two conditions. 1) The right price. 2) An Aft balcony cabin.

Feel free to ask any questions,

Cheryl :)

Cheryl,

We're on Zuiderdam in July. I know new bedding not due until fall. How would you rate cabin accomodations? I know about aft cabins--they're wonderful.

Thanks, peggy

Problems with toilet flushing?

Do explain.

Cruznon, Cabin accomodations were typical of a cruise. Nothing special other than that HUGE balcony off the aft. Do you have any specific questions?

Krazy Kruiser: Toilet would not flush properly all week. Our whole area of cabins had the same issue (we were in 6165). They never could fix it. Sometimes it wouldn't flush at all, other times it flushed randomly in the middle of the night. We chalked it up to the toilet Gods playing games with our sleeping schedule :)

Cheryl :)

That is so sad about the reef dying. Would you recommend a different beach on St. John, perhaps? I am going to try to keep in mind that my July cruise on Zuiderdam is costing over a thousand less than on the Caribbean Princess (our other option) and hope for the best.

What exactly do you mean by unprofessional entertainment staff?

What about overall cleanliness and upkeep of the ship?

That is so sad about the reef dying. Would you recommend a different beach on St. John, perhaps? I am going to try to keep in mind that my July cruise on Zuiderdam is costing over a thousand less than on the Caribbean Princess (our other option) and hope for the best.

What exactly do you mean by unprofessional entertainment staff?

What about overall cleanliness and upkeep of the ship?

Well, 10 years ago I camped at Cinnamon Bay in St. John. It was wonderful. Of course, so was Trunk Bay back then, so I'm not sure of the condition of other beaches today. I am a fan of Honeymoon Bay in St. John, beautiful secluded spot. But again, I haven't been to honeymoon bay in 5 years. Things change.

I think with the Zuiderdam, like most vacations, it's wise to keep price in mind. Some of my most disappointing vacations are the ones where I've spent the most money; and therefore had higher expectations. We cruised Easter week in an Aft Balcony for $1,025.00 pp including all taxes. Given the week of travel, I'm very happy with my choice to sail on the Zuiderdam. Had I paid much more, I may have come away disappointed.

As far as unprofessional entertainment staff: Let's just say that I didn't find the entertainment crew personable with guests; although they were very friendly with each other. Rarely did you find an entertainment person alone, they traveled in pairs and sorta kept to themselves (dining at one large table together, ect...) In addition, during the St. Thomas sail away party, several clearly had too much to drink (heck, the dancers even monopolized the free jello-shot table!) On past cruises, the entertainment wasn't allowed to drink publically (or if they did, I didn't notice). Things like pool games and dancing were very low energy. I didn't expect much since HAL is known for being more laid back; However, I did expect a similar level of interaction from the entertainment staff. Don't get me wrong, they weren't rude; they just weren't at all engaging.

Hope that helps to clarify,

Cheryl :)

Oliviaonthebeach:

The first time I went to Trunk's bay (about 5+ years ago) I thought it was super. The last time (about 2-1/2 years ago) I too thought it looked like the reef was dying. In Dec of 2004 we decided to try Cinnamon Bay instead (just a bit further down the road than Trunks I believe). I was very nice. Not crowded, had snacks, restaurant, showers, etc. If you are good swimmer you can swim out towards the small island area and you'll se an abundance of fish, coral, and life. It was well worth the visit. i enjoyed it much more than Trunks Bay.

Hey Cheryl! Thanks for the tease :) . Can't wait for the full review.

Hi Cheryl! It was nice to meet you! Thanks for introducing yourself at Virgin Gorda. I agree, that excursion was the best! Wish we could have stayed longer. By the way, I hope you and Sharon did better at the casino than Marv and I did! We went to Cinnamon Bay and it was a lovely beach. I did see a few fish there, but my snorkeling wasn't too successful that day.

Welcome Home!

Anxious to hear more. Question, Da they have chairs for rent at Cinnamon Beach?

Bella

I didn't see any chairs for rent. Most people were using towels or carried folding chairs.

As an old Florida girl and spent my summers on Grand Bahama Island, the situation about Trunk Bay doesn't supprise me.

Every time I go snorkling I see people touching, standing and distrubing the coral. This kills it and it will NEVER come back. One touch kills hundreds of years of coral.

If they would educate people better I think the problem would reverse, or at least stop the damage. I always say something when I see peole touching the coral, most didn't know that it would harm it.

Hello again Meff! It was a pleasure to meet you as well :).

Regarding the reef: not only do they need to stop people from touching it, but the government really should think about highly encouraging people to wear specific sunscreens that won't damage the reef. Most people are unaware that many suntan oils are extremely harmful. There are special sunscreens that can be purchased. This is mandatory at some reefs areas in Mexico. It is a shame about Trunk Bay :(

I'm working on my review. I"m on page 3 and still going strong. Soon come :)

Cheryl

Hello again Meff! It was a pleasure to meet you as well :).

 

Regarding the reef: not only do they need to stop people from touching it, but the government really should think about highly encouraging people to wear specific sunscreens that won't damage the reef. Most people are unaware that many suntan oils are extremely harmful. There are special sunscreens that can be purchased. This is mandatory at some reefs areas in Mexico. It is a shame about Trunk Bay :(

 

I'm working on my review. I"m on page 3 and still going strong. Soon come :)

 

Cheryl

Not meaning to be a skeptic, but I am by nature. Can you find some reputable scientific basis for the claims about sunscreens. I sure couldn't find anything with a web search. I found a few quasi-scientific environmentalists claims, but no studies, and no proof.

jc:D

There were chairs for rent a Cinnamon Bay (at least in December), but they weren't full loungers. They were that 1/2 louner type thing where you're legs would be in the sand I think.

Not meaning to be a skeptic, but I am by nature. Can you find some reputable scientific basis for the claims about sunscreens. I sure couldn't find anything with a web search. I found a few quasi-scientific environmentalists claims, but no studies, and no proof.

 

jc:D

I don't have any proof, but was told the same thing by locals when snorkeling in Cancun and Cozymel. I had the burn to prove it afterward too! Ouch!

I don't have any proof, but was told the same thing by locals when snorkeling in Cancun and Cozymel. I had the burn to prove it afterward too! Ouch!

I do know that they have a prohibition in certain places, that is true, but the question is the prohibition based on science or environmental scare tactics. My guess is the latter. I truly looked yesterday for quite a few minutes for a scientific document on the internet and found nothing. As a scuba diver and snorkeler I always wear either a dive skin or wet suit for protection from coral scrapes. In my opinion, coral is damaged by people touching it, stepping on it, and covering it with sand and silt far more than by a microscopic amount of sunscreen lotion considering the mass of the ocean water compared to a tiny amount of lotion. In other words I will kill far more polyps by touching them than I will by having lotion on... That is the problem. In Bonaire they use a better system. You are not allowed to wear dive gloves. Without the gloves you are far less likely to reach out and touch potentially painful coral, etc. Still shallow reefs that are exposed to poor swimming snorkerlers are far more likely to be damaged. So what you see most likely where the coral has been damaged is over snorkeling, damage due to unseasonally high water temps or damage from hurricanes which is probably the biggest danger to coral reefs.

jc

Just returned from the Zuiderdam. This was my 14th cruise, first on HAL. Was it perfect? Nope; But I've yet to find a perfect ship :).

 

Highlights:

Aft balcony cabin: 6165 to be exact.(I'm soooooo sold on these).

Therma Suite/Hydro Pool. A very good value for sea days especially.

Elton John show by Joel. Fabulous.

Kory at the Piano Bar: Very entertaining.

The Baths in Virgin Gorda.

Swimming with Sharks in Nassau.

 

Lowlights:

The trunk bay reef is clearly dieing.

Problems with toilet flushing.

Mini-Fridge never worked.

Service was average.

Massage on beach at Half Moon Cay very noisy.

I found the Entertainment staff to be 'unprofessional'.

 

I'll give much greater detail in my formal review, but ultimately I would highly recommend the Zuiderdam on two conditions. 1) The right price. 2) An Aft balcony cabin.

 

Feel free to ask any questions,

 

Cheryl :)

Cheryl: Did you go to Trunk Bay for Snorkeling via a HAL Shore Excursion ? I am signed ( thru HAL ) up to go on a "Champagne Catamaran Sail / Snorkle Cruise to St John" ( My family and I leave on the Zuiderdam April 16th ).

I don't know where on St John that excursion goes and I was wondering if you were familiar with it ? Thanks And I appreciate your review !!

xpcdoojk: I did a brief search on the topic of 'sunscreen damaging coral reef" and surprisingly didn't come up with any single report that I would consider standing up to the rigors of scientific research. The closest thing I found came from the Marine Protected Areas Advisory Committee. That pdf file can be found here: http://mpa.gov/fac/pdf/MPA_FAC_092304_TRANSCRIPT.pdf

Without a doubt, touching the coral is more destructive, but I think I'll just chalk this one up to common sense. Ever notice the area of oily film on top of your pool after a pool party? Couple this with the fact that sunscreens typically aren't biodegradable and I have all the reason I need to purchase the special sunscreen marketed to help protect the reef. Of course, I could be getting ripped off, but at least I feel better :).

djludwig: Based on talking with friends at our table, I believe I've taken that exact same catamaran cruise out of St. Thomas a few years ago. If so, you're in for a real treat! We didn't go to Trunk Bay. I forgot the name of the bay we went to, but we were the only ones there. There weren't loungers, and you had to swim back and forth to shore, but the catamaran and crew were phenominal. Take it and enjoy!!

Cheryl

xpcdoojk: I did a brief search on the topic of 'sunscreen damaging coral reef" and surprisingly didn't come up with any single report that I would consider standing up to the rigors of scientific research. The closest thing I found came from the Marine Protected Areas Advisory Committee. That pdf file can be found here: http://mpa.gov/fac/pdf/MPA_FAC_092304_TRANSCRIPT.pdf

 

Without a doubt, touching the coral is more destructive, but I think I'll just chalk this one up to common sense. Ever notice the area of oily film on top of your pool after a pool party? Couple this with the fact that sunscreens typically aren't biodegradable and I have all the reason I need to purchase the special sunscreen marketed to help protect the reef. Of course, I could be getting ripped off, but at least I feel better :).

 

djludwig: Based on talking with friends at our table, I believe I've taken that exact same catamaran cruise out of St. Thomas a few years ago. If so, you're in for a real treat! We didn't go to Trunk Bay. I forgot the name of the bay we went to, but we were the only ones there. There weren't loungers, and you had to swim back and forth to shore, but the catamaran and crew were phenominal. Take it and enjoy!!

 

Cheryl

I will stick with the greater common sense that sunscreen makes no difference considering the toxicity of sunscreen and the volume of water in the ocean. Isn't it great that we can use the same decision system and reach opposite results. :D I am thinking that the boat that takes me snorkeling has a far greater impact on the coral than I will, and if I truly cared to keep the coral as it is I would never go visit it. Somehow that seems a little over the top, as does using a special sunscreen. :D ;)

jc

Would it be practical to go to Trunk Bay for a short time and then Cinnamon Bay for a couple of hours during a Zuiderdam stop in St. Thomas? If so, what is the best method? Ask a taxi to return at a certain time?

I have to put my 2 cents in again:

I have seen major damage to all reefs in the last 30 years. Also the water it self has gone from clear to brown in many areas.

What causes this?? Us!

To put a finger on one thing will never be enough!

There are so many factors that I'd be here all day trying to name them. Just driving boats,cars,and general population have turned many areas I know of from crystal clear to dark brown, look at the intercoastal waterways in Florida, in 30 yrs I saw the water go from blue/clear to brown! Lots of factors!!

What can we do that will help some: STOP touching, standing, in reef areas!

The sunsreen issue:

If you are getting a lot of people in one area wearing sunscreen (as in Xel-Ha) your WILL damage the area! There are safe sunscreens you can use that do not leave an oils in the water. Anything you put in the water that was not there to begin with will damage the water which will damage the reefs/fish.

As a kid I used to live in Grand Bahamas (60's-70's)and the Calypso used to dock at the marina we stayed at. Even then they talked about the water, reefs and fish being destroyed! Anything that can help, even as little as just not wearing sunscreen isn't a bad idea.

As for scare tactics why don't you look up what DOES pollute the reefs/oceans?? You will be supprise at how far a little goes a long way!

I was on the Zuiderdam last week and the ship's entertainers and cruise director staff appeared to be interested in talking to each other more that talking to the guests....

Every organized activity we went to statred late (or in one case, not at all) and the cruise staff and entertainers seemed disinterested.

I will stick with the greater common sense that sunscreen makes no difference considering the toxicity of sunscreen and the volume of water in the ocean. Isn't it great that we can use the same decision system and reach opposite results. I am thinking that the boat that takes me snorkeling has a far greater impact on the coral than I will, and if I truly cared to keep the coral as it is I would never go visit it. Somehow that seems a little over the top, as does using a special sunscreen. :confused:

jc

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http://www.saveourseas.org/MAINPAGES/whatCanYouDo.htm

Pollution is one way people are destroying coral reefs. Pollution can kill reefs from poisons and heavy metals. The pollution enters the ocean by oil spills, acid rain, dumping of hazardous waste, exhaust pollution from boats, jet skis, suntan lotion, and many more sources. The pollution enters the coral through the polyps, and the heavy metals from the pollution can kill the animals. When the polyps are killed, it harms the coral because they are what build the coral. Without them there is no new coral. Everything dies after that. This happens because the polyps are the coral. If there were no polyps or maybe even fewer polyps, the coral would die because there would be an empty part in the coral. The polyps’ skeletons are what gives the coral its jagged edges and rough surface.

Even lotion or perfume can kill a lobster in a tank with a substantial filtration system...

I don't think I would buy special lotion either but it does make sense that it could harm coral....