LIVE: Zaandam 6/4 - 6/11, Montreal - Boston

[nyold]

We checked out from the hotel at noon, and it took a while for the hotel to call a cab. Once we got a cab, the ride itself was only 10 mins. Warning: they are checking for everyone's passports and boarding pass (verifly pass accepted) even in the cars before drop off. Then several more times after that.

 

Overall the checkin process was painless. We got there around 12:30 and the line was long, but once we did get to the kiosk, it was done in 2 mins for all 4 passengers because verifly had done all the document stuff. I think most of the waiting was from the sheer number of passengers. Once we passed the kiosk, we got on board and they are checking passport and boarding pass again upon entering the ship. This time, it was not verifly but the navigator app with the barcode. This was the first snag that happened, because it meant we had to fumble thru the app and logon etc

[nyold]

The second snag was that my inlaws' room was wrong. We went to guest services to sort it out, basically there was a mechanical failure in the room that we had paid for (later I found out that it was missing a shower door lol) so they moved us. But both in the old and new rooms there were envelopes with 2 sets of keys, all working. Luggages were delivered to the old room, app shows new room, dining reservations show old room, that sort thing. They must have made the switch very recently. Anyhow all of those were minor conveniences compared to not having a shower door.

 

The room was perfect, cozy, quite spacious. They provided a tote bag, 2 robes and 2 towels inside the room. We just reported to our muster station, he gave us a 2 min presentation about where to line up for real emergency, and then we had lunch. 

 

Lido was half open. We had roast beef bagel sandwich, sushi, thai curry and kungpao chicken, and some pear tart. They're all excellent. We also got some drinks because we had the signature package. Mojito, strawberry daiquiry, ginger ale, and pina colada. 

[quilty964]

Thanks for taking me along!  We wanted to do this cruise this fall, but flights were not very good to get us there or home.  And with all of the cancelations, we didn't want to take any chances.  Maybe next year.  Enjoy your cruise!  Looking forward t hearing any tips you have!

 

[LMD]

Can you do me a huge favor and find out the size of the bud lights - is it the 16oz Aluminum bottle, 16oz Aluminum can, or 12 oz bottle. Need to figure out what Koozies to bring. Thank you. 

[YOW]

Taken from the rooftop at the terminal, waiting to see sailaway.
 

Just curious, is there a delay? Hasn’t been the usual activity, announcements, etc. 

[nyold]

The sailaway was postponed to 6:30, not sure why. The captain did talk about it but I was also half asleep so I missed the reason 😁

 

The where and when for today and tomorrow

 

 

[nyold]

I tried running in the gym, the TVs had some channels but I brought my own audiobook with me. Beforehand, I got some redbull. They have the sugar free and regular versions. Also photos from my inlaws after lunch:

 

 

[nyold]

Photo of the bathroom.

 

Note: I have the ocean view on deck 2. No tub, and bathroom looks newly renovated. No fridge in our room. The steward says it's only for deck 6 and above. There is an individual-sized ice bucket though

[nyold]

1 hour ago, LMD said:

Can you do me a huge favor and find out the size of the bud lights - is it the 16oz Aluminum bottle, 16oz Aluminum can, or 12 oz bottle. Need to figure out what Koozies to bring. Thank you. 

16 oz can, I asked the bar guy

[YOW]

Gangway is up, lines are off … 

[nyold]

Ok I totally missed the sail away because it was delayed and I had to shower after running before MDR dinner lol and it happened while I was in the shower. 

 

A few more info: the TV channels work even before we watch the safety video, but you should still watch it anyway, you never know...

 

The turndown service is available by request but not automatically performed, the steward told us. We opted for once a day service for now. 

 

The gym has a eucalyptus-infused cold towels similar to what you would find at an upscale gym like equinox.

 

A few more pics below. Someone left a glass of champagne on a random ledge.

 

 

[nyold]

There is a building that looked like a Jenga session gone wrong, on a gigantic scale

[YOW]

Bon voyage!

[YOW]

4 minutes ago, nyold said:

There is a building that looked like a Jenga session gone wrong, on a gigantic scale

 

 

 

 

Haha yes that’s Habitat 67

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitat_67

 

 

 

[rocksteady27]

Thank you @nyold for all the info and photos. We board on July 2nd and it’s a “new” ship to me.

 

I appreciate your sharing the When & Where as I can see some activities my teen can enjoy and some casino action for my parents. 

[rocksteady27]

@nyold if it’s possible could you share any details about the slots in the casino? It seems quite small from the deck plan.

[Hooked!]

Your pictures are great. Thanks so much for taking us along with you! 

[nyold]

Dinner tonight. Shrimp cocktail, haddock, trout, ny strip, salmon. Lemon torte, strawberry short cake, sundae.

[nyold]

The menu

[S&B]

Thanks for taking us along on your cruise.  We will be boarding the Zaandam five weeks from today.  I enjoyed picking out my dinner selections!!  Can't  wait.

[nyold]

Talked to the waiter. Ship capacity is 1400 but current sailing has 1100. It felt a lot sparser but maybe I was just not where the crowds are. Anyways we went around to various lounges, the performers were great. I didnt take photos if there are people on them, so I only took photos of the library with bookshelves on the walls. There are ppl playing board games, and there is also a puzzle in progress, I guess for whoever wants to move it along.

 

Then we went to deck 3 to walk outside a bit and took a picture of the view from the deck. We were cruising the river so we could see industrial complexes left and right.

 

Warning: exploration cafe closes at 9:30 so no late night espresso for me. 

 

[jimbri]

Great review and photos.  Thank you for sharing.

[LouChamp]

Love HAL since the 1970s. Thank you especially for the food pictures.  Question…do they still have the yum yum man? Our daughter loved him! 

[SLC1954]

Cruising into Quebec City this morning, we passed under 2 bridges up river.

[gdy0354]

Strange question. What flavor soft serve ice cream is being served?

Reason I ask is that on my last 11-day cruise in March only a raspberry type was available the entire cruise. Never chocolate or vanilla.