Zuiderdam vs Volendam ??

[prmssklamert]

Y'all are SO very helpful! Thank you for the quick replies! I want to be able to book tomorrow after having passed it by hubby ONE more time tonight :)

 

I found pricing and surprisingly to me - the Vol is more expensive than the larger Zui - I thought the larger ship would be more expensive.

 

I was ready to book the Zui simply for one of the back AFT cabins -- now I am unsure since you all seem to enjoy the Vol better - and one person said "hands down".

 

Looks like my choice of cabins on the Vol are BB or B - looking at the pictures the B cabins are the very last AFT -- one on each side.....none across the back of the ship as on the Zui. I did not check to see location of the BB cabins - I suppose that if I cannot get one straight across the back of the ship then either category is ok??? I just want a balcony for the least expensive price - suite does not matter to me.

 

On the Zui I still have the 5 AFT cabins across the back of the ship available (sorry about my lack of correct cruising terminology!!!!)

 

I am looking at early May bookings as those are the least expensive and I've seen elsewhere on the board that early May is fine for the cruise....some suggest it, in fact.

 

Not having cruised before I know that whatever we decide will be delightful - we will not know the difference - so some ignorance is bliss!:eek:

 

Thanks again for any heads up you may want to offer on my above observations.

Gici

 

Just to warn you, any balcony in the back of the Zuiderdam is not private and can be looked in by anyone on any level above you, including some public decks. Additionally the rooms, right next to the glass elevators have a great view of the elevator and are not so private.

[crusingici]

 

Crusingici, We had table 129 on the lower level at the back of the ship next to the window for six. It was wonderful to be able to look out as we sailed along. And yes, the verandas are covered and provide some nice protection from the wind.

 

Thanks for the info on the covered verandas -- and on the table -- do you call your TA in advance to request a certain table? Is there a diagram online somewhere that gives you a picture of the DR and table numbers?

And...... is 6 the largest table? My husband is a real social butterfly and would love to meet as many folks as possible during our meals - wondered if there are tables for 8 or is 6 the max? I assume you can request that as well?

Also - I have read that several opt for the Pinnacle the first night - I know it is supposedly only $10 pp then - we definitely want to eat there so wondered if you would suggest that is the best night???? Or any reason to wait to try it later in the week?

Are the menu items the same each night in the regular Dining room or do they change them up each night?

shew! ENOUGH questions already! Thanks to anyone who dares to take me on!

:)

Gici

[Southbound]

Hi cruisingici, The lunch and dinner menus change daily and are posted outside the entrance of the dining room, I believe, every morning prior to the start of breakfast being served. We usually request a table for 6 or 8 and on our last two cruises did have a table for 8. On both occasions, it was a lively, interesting, fun group. We have dined in the Pinnacle on the first night and followed the excellent recommendation of several folks on this forum; i.e., we stopped in the dining room at our assigned table, made introductions, explained to the others we would be dining in the Pinnacle that evening and, after chatting for awhile, left for our reservation. We felt it was the courteous thing to do and it worked out just fine. We love the Volendam and have booked her again for a b2b in Dec. for the holidays.

[crusingici]

Thanks, Southbound, for the great info and suggestion - that is exactly what we will do - will book Pinnacle for the first night and stop in to see our table mates first - super idea! :)

 

 

So - I suppose I need to call the TA to take care of all of that - guess I can ask then about the table size and see where the tables for 8 are set up -- if you were at a table for 8 on the Volendam was it a good location? I've read that some of the tables are not in the most desirable locations - figured since it is so early if I can make a special request.....why not?

 

Thanks for the info on the posting of menus as well -

 

Gici

[Southbound]

Some people prefer a window seat so they can have a water view (until the sun sets, of course). We have tried that on a couple of cruises with a table for 6 and it was nice, but with the chairs being lined up back to back it was a little tight getting in and out. The tables for 8 we dined at were large, round ones located in various areas of the dining room with plenty of room to maneuver and close enough to the windows to enjoy the view. Also more convenient for the steward to take the food orders and serve.

And altho you didn't ask, I'll volunteer a suggestion. Pack a shawl or some type of light shoulder coverup. On each of the HAL ships we've sailed so far, the casino and showroom tend to be much cooler than the other public areas. Possibly because of so much energy being emitted in those two locations.:)