ZUIDERDAM CRUISE 2-12-05 by Whiskeyman

[Whiskeyman]

Hello Everyone, First I'd like to thank everyone that put in a suggestion to my first post back in November asking advice, being a first time cruiser.

I booked this cruise for our 25th wedding anniversary, and I spoiled my wife from the time we left until the time we got back home. We're not thrifty people, easy going and laid back, but I wanted to show her what she means to me and went that extra mile the whole trip to make sure she had a wonderful time.

We spent friday night at a park and fly (embassey) near MSP airport the night before departing. We left for the airport at 5 am and we took off for sunny florida at 7:20 am. We arrived in Miami and went to get our Luggage. I had a 6 pax white limo waiting for us, surprise for her, to take us to FLL. I would have takin the bus but the 12th was the day of our anniversary and to me riding a bus on that day wasn't too romantic LOL. We had the limo driver stop and we bought a 24 pack of Coke for our room, and then we arrived about 1 pm at the docks. Porters unloaded the luggage we grabbed our carry ons and we were off, after a tip of course. Embarkation was easy

Went to Deluxe Veradah line (S) and were headed aboard in a few minutes.Gold star and all. PICs then up the gangway.

We were led straight to our room by one of the crew in white gloves, he assisted with our carry ons, didn't catch his name, we were in awe. We entered our room 6169 and we were floored. What a beautiful room, my wife was shocked at the size of it. We looked around like a couple of kids in a candy store, opening this and that, looking here and there. the roses I had preordered were the, Best roses I had ever seen, they didn't look real they were so perfect.

My tux was waiting, a bottle of champagne from the captain and hotel manager. 6 pack of beer I also pre ordered. Everything was spotless.

We tried to go out on our verandeh and couldn't get the door open, she tried then I tried, after 30 seconds I figured out I had to push not pull and out we went,we had a good laugh about that, it was just the excitement I think. The Verandah was HUGE...

We headed out, met with ADRIAN our cabin steward in the hall asked him for ashtrays and to clean out the mini bar, he said no problem.(more about him later)

Went for a walk came back to our room around 2:30 to find our bags had arrived. Went up to the Crows Nest to meet some fellow CC'rs and we had a nice chat, only 3 of us showed with our spouses but we had a nice chat for 15 or so minutes.

Went back to our room unpacked, We had plenty of closets and drawers, some we never did use.Went and grabbed some pizza in the LIDO, It was fantastic!

Went to the sailaway party met a nice couple from New York, hung out with them for an hour talking, drinking. Went exploring somemore after we were out to sea.

We had late seating 8:30pm for dinner. It was very nice, met Zega and Rafael our waiters. Had table 188 table for 2. Dinner was great. Went to the casino for a bit then retired for the evening around 11 pm.

END OF DAY ONE

[Ziggy7]

more ! more !!! hehehe Sounds wonderful so far !!!! :)

[Whiskeyman]

We woke up had breakfast on the verandah and headed of to HMC, had a blast. Just hung out didn't have anything planned, walked the beach and took photos, had a few drinks and ate at the BBQ. Everything there was really good.

Day 3 we were at sea Valentines Day, had breakfast walked around, went to the casino for awhile, had lunch in the Lido. Went to the Neptune, looked around. Went back to our room and sat around, just relaxed. Went and played bingo during the day..got ready for formal night, was kinda fun first time I ever wore a tux. We had Crab legs I ordered 2 and she 2 Not really big portions. I did eat 3 shrimp cocktails. 12 in all. Yummy.

We went to St thomas on the 15th customs wakes everyone up at 730 to check passprts etc. crazy they start by lower floors and go up had to go to the queens lounge for this. we were off the ship by 8:15am and headed over to Red Hook for a day sail. We met with the Captain Kathleen at 9:30 and she took us out to her ship High Pockets on the dingy, we boarded with help from Bill her first mate. I could go into detail about this daysail but won't. All I'm going to say is YOU gotta try it, We had a blast and it made our trip. If you don't have fun then theres something wrong with you LOL

Seriously...website is http://www.sailhighpockets.com. They made you feel like family.

:)

[dakrewser]

Your enthusiasm is infectious!

[Whiskeyman]

We arrived at Tortola BVI the next morning, Had breakfast on the deck again, we were docked. set out for the town walked there less than 5 minutes. Shopped went to Pussers in town buought some spices and gifts for family friends, the people here were so nice, didn't push you into buying.

Spent a couple hours in town. didn't explore the island, why I dunno...maybe next time. ZAANDAM was in port with us. got some good shots of her leaving just before sunset. Ate that night at the Pinnicale OMG had the Pinnicale cut wife had the petite, Folks this beef has been aged 21 days Pinnicale cut is about the size of a mans fist,and melted in my mouth, had to be at least 20 dollar hunk of beef, they also had 22 oz t bones, a huge baked potato from washington state. Had the volcano....yummy.

Went to the magic show after dinner He was great and funny.

We met Hunky Dory somewhere along the line in the LIDO during lunch, He never forgot our names from there on out If he saw me he'd ask were my wife was...... Amazing guy.

Thursday at sea, met with the captian at the Crows nest, Suite lunch, went with some people we met from conn. had a nice time had a nice selection of food and drinks.

We had our Renewal of Vows @ 7:30pm in the explorers lounge, everything went well, had a little champaign, mermosa, and wine to drink,the captian spoke to the 5 couples and then he recited our renewal vows and we repeated after him. We had pictures taken with him then just her and I. We teared up when we recited our vows, was so nice. Someone was close by with a tissue. the whole thing lasted maybe half an hour, but it was worth every penny.

Formal night we had Lobster of course I ate 5 she ate 3.

Friday in Nassau, We went to atlantis for a couple hours then shopped, straw market, senor frogs, and other places. People were really pushy at the market and on the streets selling things. Some not really to nice at all, to me the market had the same stuff just in diffrent spots being sold by diffrent vendors. Same hats shirts etc. I dunno, to many people and not enough room.

Saturday: Disembarkation, got up had room service breakfast, sat around until our #was called think it was like 8:45, we were going to take the bus to the airport, people kept cutting in front of us, older people!!! so we just gave up jumped in a cab and arrived there in 10 minutes. $11.50, $15.00 with tip. Buses showed up a 1/2 hr later.. TAKE A CAB PEOPLE..As one last surprise to my wife I upgraded us to first class on the way home,, never flew first class before, those of you that do thou, you got it rough LOL.

Things I liked :

VOW RENEWAL, DAY SAIL, TORTOLA, in that order.

Okay our Cabin Steward was the TOPS, Adrian, Wow what a nice guy, he kept our cabin spotless, had a great smile and great personality. He would always greet you with a good morning, afternoon, evening and ask if we needed anything. All crew members were this way. A hello or good morning etc. We recieved a lovely photo album from OUR ROV ceremony with photos and what we had said to one another, and a cetificate... Really nice.

Dislike: Straw market

Over all thou I would rate this a 10 on any scale, the crew, the ship, food,entertainment, As your probably thinking, It is our first cruise and we have nothing to compare it to, but I went in with no great expectations and came back with alot of great memories.

Sure theres a bit of wear and tear here and there on the ship, but I was thinking if I had 2,000 (average?) people a week walking up and down my carpet getting in and out of chairs, in and out of elevators, my place would show some wear and tear too.

These are my opinions anyways.

 

OKAY for the fun stuff PICTURES

I have posted pictures to a web site. I have a HQ video of our room and a seprate one of our verandah if anyone would like it emailed to them (HIGHSPEED ONLY PLEASE) Video is 39MB and 23MB about a minute and a half and a minute. I also have all the menus for dinners and lunches, NO PINNICALE MENUS SORRY, laundry list $$, breakfast menu for room service.

All daily scedules, and other things, just ask.. Sorry for any mispelled words

etc, I am very tired its 1:42 am and Iv'e been typing for 2 hours I think..LOL

All my pics are here seperated by ROOM, HMC and others and ZUIDERDAM pics. Email me with questions/whatever @ whiskeyman143@hotmail.com

[Whiskeyman]

Click on my name above and goto Homepage. It should take you there.

[VaCruzers]

Thank you for the excellent review and photos. We are looking forward to our first HAL cruise on the Zuiderdam in May. May I have your permission to use one of your photos of the Zuiderdam as my background for my computer? I always like to have a photo to remind me of my next cruise waiting for me whenever I start to work on my computer. Thanks again for taking the time to share!

[Tarkus]

thanks for the detailed review... it gets me even more stoked than i already am for our cruise aboard the z on 5/28! (especially so as i haven't been on a cruise for five years now :( ).

[Whiskeyman]

VaCruzers, send me your email, and the pic you like and I'll Email you the full size one. Other wise yes take what you like. :) Cheers

[Lisa616]

Hello! We are just back as well! Great cruise, overall. Sorry we didn't get to meet any of you the first day, we were running behind! The only cruiseline we have experience is with RCCL. We sailed her 6 times and this was our first on HAL.

 

Better on RCCL: The suites. The owners suites on RCCL on far more beautiful and luxurious than HAL. Marble and granite everwhere, overall somewhat larger, although RCCL's balcony is much smaller. Huge flatscreen tv that swivels between sitting area and bedroom. Daily appetizers served to your cabin each evening. The concierge room had happy hour each evening with hot appetizers.

 

Better on HAL regarding suites: Robes, much softer than RCCL's. Linens. Service, our cabin steward was excellent. Free Drycleaning. Although they lost my favorite dress pants. I had to fill out a claim form. Very disappointing. Balcony, awesome!

 

Food: Better on HAL. The only item that was disappointing was the fish. Never had a good piece of fish the entire week. Even in the Pinnacle, the halibut was overcooked and dry. Service in the dining was excellent. Absolute, not one complaint! We thoroughly enjoyed Hunky Dorey!!

 

Entertainment: Much better on RCCL!! Hands down! but..that being said, we didn't care. We enjoyed not feeling like we were constantly missing something by just relaxing. Cory in the Piano bar is the exception. We had a ball with him many evenings!!!

 

Service: Absolutely HAL. From the white gloved escort to our cabin..and on..We had excellent service everywhere.

 

Just a few more observations in no order..Toilets.. many times they wouldnt flush throughout the ship and once in our stateroom. Carpet very worn in many areas. Suede..or whatever that is in the elevators in very scratched. I loved the decor and colors, to each his own. Lots of vibration,, mostly felt in our stateroom during the day. Certainly never bothered us..just noticeable. There wasn't any in the dining room, though.

 

Overall, HAL is definitely a step up from RCCL. Lots of small touches to tell you this is a premium cruiseline. We would definitely sail HAL again. Passengers, with a few exceptions were amongst the most polite we've sailed with. On RCCL, there was always lots of rush..cutting in line and such. We ran across a couple of folks that were rude beyond belief..but that'll happen anywhere!

 

Ports..very quickly! St. Thomas. Did a daysail with Winifred. Great Day, although the snorkeling wasn't good at all.

 

Tortola. Went with Patouche on their powerboat with Captain Joe. Just my hubby and me. Had a fabulous day seeing many different BV Islands, including the baths! Awesome day, although expensive! It was the trip highlight!

 

Nassau..stayed on the ship and had the most relaxing day! Got off later to do some quick shopping.

 

Half moon Cay..did the horseback riding and it was a blast!!

 

The only thing I sincerely missed from RCCL was the poolside music. Hardly any. An entire seaday went by at the Lido pool and not once did the have the steel drum band. I couldn't believe it. The servers were trying to sell drinks and all I could think was if they had caribbean music and had pushed the retractable roof back farther..they'd of sold many more drinks. No mood at all! Disappointing!! Speaking of that roof..very annoying. It was a beautiful day, probably 85 degrees and they had that roof covering almost the entire lido pool. There were maybe 8 chairs that were in the sun. People were freezing!!!! I don't get it?

 

That's it!! Time to plan next years cruise!! We're thinking of trying Windstar!

[peaches from georgia]

 

The only thing I sincerely missed from RCCL was the poolside music. Hardly any. An entire seaday went by at the Lido pool and not once did the have the steel drum band. I couldn't believe it. The servers were trying to sell drinks and all I could think was if they had caribbean music and had pushed the retractable roof back farther..they'd of sold many more drinks. No mood at all! Disappointing!! Speaking of that roof..very annoying. It was a beautiful day, probably 85 degrees and they had that roof covering almost the entire lido pool. There were maybe 8 chairs that were in the sun. People were freezing!!!! I don't get it?

I'm glad you mentioned this about the dome over the Lido pool. We don't get it either. Why is the dome almost entirely closed even on a beautiful sunny day. I know the aft pool is the 'sun' pool as there is no cover, but when the Lido dome is fully open there is still plenty of shade. There is nothing festive or Caribbean with the dome almost closed and we can't figure out why it is done.

[watchdiva]

Thanks whiskeyman for your great review! DH and I sail on the Zui 4/16 and I'm more excited now than ever.

 

I followed your original posting about how to make this a special cruise for your wife and I'm so glad things worked out for you - she's a lucky lady!;)

[shipcafe]

Fantastic review and photos, thanks ! . . .

[Cathy p]

Wow, great review. We are going on the Zuiderdam 3/5, first cruise as well. I am also married to a romantic DH and he is 62. Cannot wait. I am sure we will have just as wonderful of a time as you all did. God Bless you and many more years to you both.:) :) :) :)

[dakrewser]

Better on RCCL: The suites. Daily appetizers served to your cabin each evening.

 

While this won't help you last cruise, you can tuck it away for the next - there's no problem getting hors d'ouvres served in your suite every day - just ask the concierge.

[Majika]

Thanks for the great review Whiskeyman. 8 of us will be sailing on the Z on July 30th.

[localady]

As I have become a more seasoned cruiser, I've learned to ask politely for things such as opening the Lido roof. I heard many fellow cruisers grumbling about it, so I got up and walked over to my Bartender friend and asked him to open it. He made the call and within 5 minutes we were basking in wonderful sunshine. Folks clapped when it was open. :D

 

Moral to story- Ask and you shall receive! (Well at least occasionally!):cool:

[peaches from georgia]

As I have become a more seasoned cruiser, I've learned to ask politely for things such as opening the Lido roof....Ask and you shall receive! (Well at least occasionally!):cool:

But WHY do pax have to even ask? Why does HAL keep the roof closed or almost closed on even the most glorious sunny warm day? I don't understand why pax have to request it - you would think HAL would WANT to have it open. The Lido pool area is so warm and uncomfortable with the roof closed.

[doone]

Whiskeyman, thanks for the wonderful review. Three weeks from Friday I leave to board the Zuiderdam on the 12th. Great pictures, thanks for sharing them with us, makes today in New England a little bit more bearable as I am sitting here watching the snowflakes come down!!!!!!!

 

Thanks again for sharing.

[Pita817]

Hello! We are just back as well! Great cruise, overall. Sorry we didn't get to meet any of you the first day, we were running behind! The only cruiseline we have experience is with RCCL. We sailed her 6 times and this was our first on HAL.

 

Better on RCCL: The suites. The owners suites on RCCL on far more beautiful and luxurious than HAL. Marble and granite everwhere, overall somewhat larger, although RCCL's balcony is much smaller. Huge flatscreen tv that swivels between sitting area and bedroom. Daily appetizers served to your cabin each evening. The concierge room had happy hour each evening with hot appetizers.

 

Better on HAL regarding suites: Robes, much softer than RCCL's. Linens. Service, our cabin steward was excellent. Free Drycleaning. Although they lost my favorite dress pants. I had to fill out a claim form. Very disappointing. Balcony, awesome!

 

Food: Better on HAL. The only item that was disappointing was the fish. Never had a good piece of fish the entire week. Even in the Pinnacle, the halibut was overcooked and dry. Service in the dining was excellent. Absolute, not one complaint! We thoroughly enjoyed Hunky Dorey!!

 

Entertainment: Much better on RCCL!! Hands down! but..that being said, we didn't care. We enjoyed not feeling like we were constantly missing something by just relaxing. Cory in the Piano bar is the exception. We had a ball with him many evenings!!!

 

Service: Absolutely HAL. From the white gloved escort to our cabin..and on..We had excellent service everywhere.

 

Just a few more observations in no order..Toilets.. many times they wouldnt flush throughout the ship and once in our stateroom. Carpet very worn in many areas. Suede..or whatever that is in the elevators in very scratched. I loved the decor and colors, to each his own. Lots of vibration,, mostly felt in our stateroom during the day. Certainly never bothered us..just noticeable. There wasn't any in the dining room, though.

 

Overall, HAL is definitely a step up from RCCL. Lots of small touches to tell you this is a premium cruiseline. We would definitely sail HAL again. Passengers, with a few exceptions were amongst the most polite we've sailed with. On RCCL, there was always lots of rush..cutting in line and such. We ran across a couple of folks that were rude beyond belief..but that'll happen anywhere!

 

Ports..very quickly! St. Thomas. Did a daysail with Winifred. Great Day, although the snorkeling wasn't good at all.

 

Tortola. Went with Patouche on their powerboat with Captain Joe. Just my hubby and me. Had a fabulous day seeing many different BV Islands, including the baths! Awesome day, although expensive! It was the trip highlight!

 

Nassau..stayed on the ship and had the most relaxing day! Got off later to do some quick shopping.

 

Half moon Cay..did the horseback riding and it was a blast!!

 

The only thing I sincerely missed from RCCL was the poolside music. Hardly any. An entire seaday went by at the Lido pool and not once did the have the steel drum band. I couldn't believe it. The servers were trying to sell drinks and all I could think was if they had caribbean music and had pushed the retractable roof back farther..they'd of sold many more drinks. No mood at all! Disappointing!! Speaking of that roof..very annoying. It was a beautiful day, probably 85 degrees and they had that roof covering almost the entire lido pool. There were maybe 8 chairs that were in the sun. People were freezing!!!! I don't get it?

 

That's it!! Time to plan next years cruise!! We're thinking of trying Windstar!

 

:) Lisa616,

 

Thanks for forwarding our message to Eko. Eko called on Saturday night and again on Sunday. It was great to hear from him. He was chuckling because he didn't believe the note was for real at first. Thanks again for your help! Hunky Dory is great isn't he.

[dakrewser]

But WHY do pax have to even ask? Why does HAL keep the roof closed or almost closed on even the most glorious sunny warm day? I don't understand why pax have to request it - you would think HAL would WANT to have it open. The Lido pool area is so warm and uncomfortable with the roof closed.

 

Why would HAL, a corporation, care if the roof were open or closed? Actually, the A/C bill is probably lower the more closed it is. And one person's "sauna" is another's "freezer" - perception is everything. If asking gets it done, where's the problem?

[Whiskeyman]

You know folks I spent like 2 hrs at least typing all this stuff in and checking everything over for folks to read. give some insight into MY cruise experience. If you want to COMPLAIN, Start your own thread don't start complaining on MINE. Start a thread called "Why wasn't the roof open over the pool, it totally ruined the whole cruise." Okay now I'm done !!!!:mad:

[peaches from georgia]

..... If asking gets it done, where's the problem?

Who said it was a problem? Not me. Just strange that HAL would keep it closed on a sunny beautiful day on a Carib cruise. I thought the dome was in case of clouds and rain. But, a problem to ask to have it opened? Don't think so.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Whiskeyman, I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this review. You wrote it in such a fun, exciting way. I almost felt I had picked you up at the pier and you only had 20 minutes to tell me everything before I dropped you at the airport!:D

 

This was fun, invigorating ... I felt I was being swept into your moment. I'm so happy you had such a wonderful anniversary and such a fantastic cruise. The limo was such a great touch for you to surprise your wife with ... what a terrific gesture.

And now I'm off to look at your pictures! Thanks again!

[Lisa616]

You know folks I spent like 2 hrs at least typing all this stuff in and checking everything over for folks to read. give some insight into MY cruise experience. If you want to COMPLAIN, Start your own thread don't start complaining on MINE. Start a thread called "Why wasn't the roof open over the pool, it totally ruined the whole cruise." Okay now I'm done !!!!:mad:

 

Whiskeyman-I apologize for even mentioning the retractable roof in my post. I had no idea it would upset you. I would however like to mention that I NEVER said it 'totally ruined the whole cruise'.

 

I wish I would of asked...I guess it never dawned on me that one of the servers could make a simple phone call!!! And yes, I bet people were clapping!! The only reason I even mentioned the roof..was because with it being closed and no music...it just wasn't as Caribbean like as it could of or should of been. They sure would get people's bar tabs going if they added a little atmosphere!!!

 

Again, I apologize for even making a statement. I thought that was what these boards were for!