Zaandam 3/19 and non ship excursions/Tortola and st. Thomas

[notenuftimeforme]

We have just returned from the Zaandam on 3/19- Yes, there were alot of kids and my 4 are included! This was our second time aboard the Zaandam, and we loved all the updates! The beds are to die for, the food was glorious and the service was immpeccable! The new teen areas are great too! I heard people complaining, but for the life of me I don't know why. The Crew are so eager to please, especially when treated with respect and a smile. Our dining staff absolutely hovered over us!

We booked our own excursions in Tortola and St. thomas- and I heartily recommend them-

Patouche in Tortola (Patouche.com)

They were awesome! We sailed around in their catamaran, and went to the Baths and went snorkling 2 different places. We were gone from 9-4, with time for shopping before heading back to the ship. They served a delicious lunch on board with all the soda, beer, water or punch you wanted. They were lovely people!!!! Well worth it. They made our day beautiful!

Serenity Tours in St. Thomas

Our driver, Dale, was very knowledgeable about the history of the region, and was very nice and friendly. He gave us a great tour, took us to a restaurant where we had lunch, took us to a beach and then to a place where we went shopping. It was a terrific day!

We had a great cruise, and figure to have 2 great cruises in a row can't be coincidence. Although, I do think that 9/10 of the experience is attitude!

Thanks!

[localady]

We were also on the Zaandam with 4 teens on 3/19 and they just loved the cruise! We also love the SOE updates. Although there were many kids onboard, the only "incident" I heard about was a bit of damage to the community puzzle in the puzzle corner!

 

We took a private dive boat with UBS Diving in Tortola....I would recommend it highly. We were not so happy with our island tour we set up in St. Thomas with Godfrey, we ended up with Renaldo, and were unable to hear any of the tour information, and weren't taken to Bluebeard's castle, though we were told we would be.

[david59]

We have booked a Godfrey tour on St. Thomas. I based that decision on a lot of positive feedback I received about Godfrey's. Now I am worried :confused: .

[notenuftimeforme]

I understand your concern. I also almost booked with Godfrey- but they did not get back to me so I went with Serenity. I have seen great things about godfrey- I am sure it will be fine! St Thomas is beautiful, but there is alot to see- I almost now wish we had done less sightseeing from the van and more beach time. But oh well!

until the next cruise.... Good Luck!

[Peggy Sue]

Thanks for posting your review!! We'll be boarding the Zaandam in Vancouver on 5/28 .. always great to hear positive feedback!! We we're on the sister ship Volendam last November, we are anxious to see the differences after the SOE ..

 

 

Welcome home!

 

Peggy Sue

[localady]

The problem was that Godfrey booked 2 vehicles the day we were in town. We were assigned to his friend Rennaldo, who was very nice, but had a very poor speaker system in his vehicle, so no one could hear anything he said. If you go to Godfrey's website, you see he advertises going to Bluebeards castle. They took us up to the top of the mountian instead. We were disappointed as my son and his friend where looking foward to Bluebeard's castle as they were fascinated by the Pirates.

 

I truly am just reporting our experience, which was a bit disappointing.:cool:

[richnorto]

We were stuck in traffic on our way to Coki beach - yes, traffic is horrible in St Thomas - and were coversing with passengers in the other lane going the other direction(!!!)who were on the return of a "tour" of the island. Comments made were - "This traffic has been the highlight" and comments about trucks parking in the middle of the road so your life is in jeopardy everytime you have to pass! HMMM:rolleyes: . I say stick to the beaches or a specific destination on a cruise. We did rent a jeep and travel the island when we were there for a week a few years ago, but even that was like renting in an unsavory area in the US and dealing with a bad element! Different story for a different time.

 

A positive for that trip...I got the recipe for bushwackers! I carried my list to the local ABC store and spent close to $300 (Don't but liquor in Alabama!)!!! The official ingredients list in the 10-12 ingredient range!!! I'm going to check to see if I still have the recipe. If so, I'll post it as I paid $5.00 for the darn thing!:cool:

[localady]

Thanks for posting your review!! We'll be boarding the Zaandam in Vancouver on 5/28 .. always great to hear positive feedback!! We we're on the sister ship Volendam last November, we are anxious to see the differences after the SOE ..

 

 

Welcome home!

 

Peggy Sue

 

I know you will really enjoy the Zaandam. The entire family really enjoyed her and the new SOE upgrades. The crew is wonderful, it is a very happy ship!:)

 

We have cruised the Inner Passage 2x and hope to do it again next year! Have a great trip!:cool:

[andrewjv]

What is a bushwhacker? Is it a drink onboard or on the island? Can you share the recipee?

 

I go on the Zaadam this Saturday as the Catholic Chaplain for 2 weeks.

 

Father Andrew