JimnKaren

We were on Zuiderdam in November, 2017 soon after dry dock (and the changes in the Crow's Nest). At that time there were no books out; however, a few days later some of the 'coffee table books' were displayed and no one touched them. I asked one of the staff about a book exchange and was rold that HAL was discouraging that.

Also, those jigsaw tables were placed as there are now; however, there were no lights above them. I moved them every morning and the staff relocated them to the dark every night. I wrote a long letter to Seattle. It appears that some things have changed.

When we were on the ship, I never saw anyone using those interactive table things. Such a waste of space (and money) for the itineraries that this ship does.

We will be on VoV next year on Zaandam, a smaller ship and one we really like.

Thank you for all the time you have spent so far with this report.

Jim

We use a local TA, it keeps the money in the community. I like the idea of supporting the economy where we live. It is almost like purchasing gasoline from a local independent dealer, rather than a national chair. It is gas and it keeps the car running, but more of the money stays in the community.

Jim

In March/April, we were on Zaandam from BA around the Cape, through the canal and into FLL (34 days).

Most evenings, there was a young man playing solo piano in the Ocean Bar. Quite good and occasionally someone would get up and dance. It was nice having music during happy hour.

Then, about 8:30 (ish) a vocalist would join three instrumentalists on stage in Ocean Bar and they were received warmly.

Not all ships on all itineraries have devolved to nothingness in the Ocean Bar in the evening.

Jim

You might want to consider asking a local travel agent for information. That is their business and should know about appropriateness things for you.

Jim

We were on Zaandam in March/April. Wonderful ship in great shape.

Enjoy yourselves.

Jim

Is pricing a consideration?

Jim

We have done Princess and HAL a lot recently, but you will see that we have been on other lines. At this point in our lives, we won't dismiss any cruise line. It is the itinerary that will sell it for us. We are retired and have the option to easily take longer cruises, rather than the 7 -14 days that we were stuck with while working.

We particularly prefer the smaller ships (both Princess and HAL), but others can take them or leave them. On a longer cruise with fewer than 1500 passengers, one has the opportunity to see the same people over and over (both on the ship and shore). What a passenger will get on the smaller ships is top-notch service. The crew has the opportunity to create relationships.

We also prefer the quality of laundry on HAL (not that Princess is bad, it just takes longer).

Jim

Generally Holland America has one ship that is in Alaska during the prime months, then the ship returns to Australia/New Zealand for the warm month cruising there.

Consult a travel agent. That person has lots of information for questions like this.

Jim

Maybe we have become old fuddy-duddies, but we don't go on a cruise because entertainment in the evening is prime on our list of things to anticipate.

When we are home, we don't need to be entertained in the evening and we get by OK. If we go away for a few days to visit with family, we don't need to be entertained in the evening.

Generally, cruise lines offer one of their 'shows' that lasts 45 minutes or so in the evening. Plus there are often music venues of one sort or another throughout the ship. HAL is running a business and wants to make money. If folks are not buying beverages in the show rooms or small bars, then the cost of operating them is not compensated accordingly. My guess is that fewer people were going to the Crow's Nest after 9:00 p.m. and thus they were not selling beverages at a rate to help pay for the live entertainers.

We went on a Carnival cruise a couple of years ago and there were several options in the evening and those venues were well attended. I went once and asked for a Canadian Club whiskey. Sorry, don't carry that. OK - how about Seagram's V.O? Sorry, don't carry that. Oops, I guess I won't be going back if they don't carry my preferred whiskey. That was their decision, and I made mine based on that experience. No more Carnival for me.

I agree with the sail in experience. Lots and lots of people next to the ship doing their thing. A great experience.

This is NOT your typical port of call.

Jim

And once you drop off your luggage, kill some time at the Florida Aquarium. Right there. Wonderful place to visit for 5 hours or so. There is a restaurant inside.

Jim

One valuable that you must remember to take with you on any excursion is a smile!

Jim

We were on Zaandam beginning in March of this year, boarding in Buenos Aires. 34 days around South America to end in Ft. Lauderdale.

I read at home and I read on cruise ships. Fortunately, this ship still has a well-stocked library. Karen knits and her group met on sea-day mornings in the Exploration Lounge and enjoyed themselves.

There was a music trio plus a female vocalist in the Ocean Bar most evenings after the solo piano player who started just before dinner. The piano bar portion of The Mix featured an entertainer most evenings for the crowd who enjoyed that kind of thing. The Crow's Nest was well-populated for the evening's entertainment, too.

We enjoy this size ship (along with Veendam, the old Ryndam, the old Statendam, Maasdam, etc.). We don't have any desire to be on a ship, new or older, that carried more than 2100 passengers.

Jim

Of course we are helpful. Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Jim

What you print at home is your initial 'boarding pass'. You will receive a laminated card, with your name on it, for purchases on the ship. Those purchases will be totaled and applied on the last day of the cruise.

Once, many years ago when we were in St. Maarten, we worried about someone misappropriating something while we were in the water. A friendly native, said that no one generally bothers other folks stuff and that he would keep an eye out. I have never heard of cruise passengers being looted at a beach in the Caribbean.

A phone at the beach? Why? Who you gonna call? Leave it in your cabin in your safe. If you are worried about theft, then you are not going to have a restful cruise.

Jim

Realize that Old San Juan is not large. It is walkable (unless you have need for assistance). IF your chosen hotel is in Old San Juan, you will be not-too-far from the piers. Not the hotels on/near Condado.

Jim

I have never, ever (in our 550+ days) carried a backpack. Too many other things to think about.

A hip flask? Always!

Jim

I live in The Sunshine State. We're going north in a couple of weeks. I am gonna take a coupla empty jars for the grandkids. They will be labeling "Florida Sunshine." I expect to see then when we visit in the future.

Hooray for sunshine!!

Jim

One of the thing that I keep seeing here, is the crew. That can make a BIG difference in a cruise that is more than 7 days!!

Jim

There is this to consider...your view is only one side of the ship. At a glacier, you will turn around and see the entire thing. However...one a regular basis, you have only one side to see. Think about it.

Jim

Enjoy your cruise.

Jim

As to 'safety' in Caribbean ports, you must understand that cruise lines go into those ports every day. IF there were to be any concern for the safety of their passengers, they just won't stop there. If you walk around with dollars in your hands, you will tempt people (just as you might in your home town). If you think about what you are doing, there will not be any issue with safety in those ports. If you have not logged on to your roll call, do so. Determine what others on your itinerary are doing in each port. Going places and doing things with new friends can be lots of fun.

A comment about Lima, it is (and the rest of the country that we saw) was less than eye appealing. Redoing your kitchen? Just dump everything alongside the road.

Remember that Puerto Rico is American territory. Sure, Spanish is their native language, but it is still America. The trip from the airport to Old San Juan (where the ship will be) is not long. Upon debarkation, a cab ride is simple and quick. A flight at 11:00 a.m. is better than 1:00 p.m. due to overcrowding at the airport as several ships send thousands of folks to the airport.

There is lots to see and do in Old San Juan, do a bit of research to help you determine how long you might want to be there.

Once, I forget which ship, Karen and I were sitting in the Ocean prior to the evening meal. It was sail away day and our first time into that lounge. Waiting for a server to approach...he passed by and said, "You want your usual?"

What? Wait a minute! Mark had been in the Ocean Bar on a previous cruise and remembered us. We were impressed beyond words.

Jim

The crew. They smile and they remember us from before. We have not experienced that on other lines.

Jim

I was cruising in the 1980s (before I met Karen); and we married in 1995. And I joined here in 2003, making me one of the elders here (as I look at other 'join' dates). So, I'll guess about 10 cruises before I joined CC.

Jim