Zuiderdam vs. RCCL Granduer, Majasty, and Celeb. Glaxey

[CruiseFun07]

Hi, I am new to the HAL board. I am working on a family vacation and thinking about the Zuiderdam. We are a family of 4. We have two girls, 13 and 17. We have sailed on RCCL and Celbrity. I was wondering if I could get opinions on how those ships are in comparision to the HAL Zuiderdam. My wife and I both use the gym daily and we are interested in the casino, food, pools, and anything else you can think of. We usually go for the cheapest cabins. Thanks.

[VOLEYMOM]

Hi, can't help you with RCL, it has been a long time since I have been on one, but we were on the Zuiderdam last July. First of all I will say that our favorite ships are Celebrity, we really like the food and both the smaller and larger ships. We did have a wonderful time on the Zuiderdam. The rooms were very nice, large and very comfortable. The ship was a little different. The middle pool could be enclosed which made it a little stuffy and not as open as I was used to. We hung out at the back pool which was really nice, no shade though. We thought the big difference was the food. The food on the Zuiderdam was great in the buffet, but the dinner service was slow and not as good as on Celebrity. We liked the entertainment and it seemed like the younger kids were enjoying the activities. My kids are older (in the 20's) and liked the ship. We had a great time and did book this because we got a great price. There was a few differences but none to not keep me from going on her again. In fact just got a really good rate for Sept and will probably book it for the Eastern Caribbean in Sept. Any questions, just ask.

[VOLEYMOM]

Oh, forgot to add we liked the Casino. My husband plays Black Jack and did really well. I played craps and had fun, broke even, I consider that a win!!

[tiffnco]

Hi, I am new to the HAL board. I am working on a family vacation and thinking about the Zuiderdam. We are a family of 4. We have two girls, 13 and 17. We have sailed on RCCL and Celbrity. I was wondering if I could get opinions on how those ships are in comparision to the HAL Zuiderdam. My wife and I both use the gym daily and we are interested in the casino, food, pools, and anything else you can think of. We usually go for the cheapest cabins. Thanks.

 

Hi there!

 

Can't help you on the Vista class ships as our first is in November...BUT, why not also consider the Radiance/Brilliance/Jewel ships from RCI? They are beautiful, lots of activities for kids (mini golf, rock climbing, pool (billiards...not swimming but of course, they have that too :D ) I think more attention was given to the casino on the Brilliance vs. the other HAL ships I've been on.

 

I love HAL and I'm sure you will too but just wanted to toss another option your way.

[spirithaven]

Just was on the new Westerdam, sistership of Zuiderdam, which was on last year. HAL's approach to younger passengers and children started with the Vista Class ships. It did not, however, give up its service which is excellent. Have been on RCCL and Celebrity and there is no comparison with HAL, it is better. If one of you can afford Category S that would also open more options to you. Have fun.

[JDee]

Zuiderdam for food & cabin accomodations. Lido significantly better compared with Windjammer. DR may not be much difference, but HAL most likely still would have the edge. Zui would also most likely have the edge on casual dinning in the Lido--very wide choices & service.....long hours on the pizza station, ice cream bar, etc....

 

Granduer for pools with the added attraction of the solarium pool, but seating in the solarium can be very tight. Especially with the combo pizza/grill/tables, etc. Show lounge also will be significantly better, even with just one level. Seating very, very comfy. The entertainment is stricly the luck of the draw....could go either way...

 

They are both about the same capacity, approx 2,000. Both have very good to excellent service overall.

 

Since I don't utilize the casino, spa or gym, can't really comment too much on those areas, nor have sailed the Galaxy or Majesty.

 

The Zuiderdam is a much newer ship. The Grandeur is about 10 yrs old, but still supposed to be in very good shape. The Splendour is about the same age & have enough faith in RCI to have booked it for later this month.

 

Don't think you can go wrong on either one, but would be governed by costs (since you did mention that) and itenerary.

 

Happy cruising....