Live From Zaandam May 20 - 27, 2023

[Crazy For Cats]

We booked this cruise while on the NA last November during the Black Friday sale and got a great deal on an Ocean View cabin.  It helps that we live close to Boston and don't need air or hotels.  We were on board the Zaandam last summer for two weeks and look forward to returning for a week this month.  We are trying an OV to see how it works out for retirement cruises.  I also listened to another CC member and bought a device that will turn the one outlet into two outlets with a few USB ports.

 

My only disappointment at this point was that Saint John was replaced with Eastport, Maine.  We haven't been to Eastport so will make the best of our time while we are there.

 

Our bags are packed, pet sitter and ride service reconfirmed so we are all set to board tomorrow.  Our check in time is 12:40 but will be getting there closer to 11 since the travel plans were scheduled a few months ago. 

If anyone else on board this cruise wants to share their experiences please feel free to join the discussion.

 

[sedbandmom]

Thanks for doing this Jake.

Sandy

[Nickelpenny]

Will be looking forward to your report.  I board her in 3 weeks.

[sunviking90]

Zaandam is my favourite. I’ll be following along for sure. I’m also interested in your comment of trying an OV for retirement cruises. We are also newly retired and realizing we could be sailing much more if we forego a balcony for some cruises particularly on Zaandam where they are at a premium. 
Enjoy your cruise!

[Mary229]

15 minutes ago, sunviking90 said:

Zaandam is my favourite. I’ll be following along for sure. I’m also interested in your comment of trying an OV for retirement cruises. We are also newly retired and realizing we could be sailing much more if we forego a balcony for some cruises particularly on Zaandam where they are at a premium. 
Enjoy your cruise!

We just sailed an OV on the Volendam for 35 days.  It was just an end table shorter than the balcony “suite”.  It was quite comfortable.  The insides are not bad either if you avoid the promenade- where the cabins are shorter - you only get a love seat instead of a full sofa. 

[quilty964]

Looking forward to following along with you!  Enjoy!😊

Edited May 19, 2023 by ktbraun

[rafinmd]

Bon Voyage.  I don't fly to Boston either but Amtrak from Baltimore is a longer journey than you have.

 

Roy

[canadianbear]

Will be following along to read your thoughts.  Hope you like the ocean view as it would open up many more cruises.  Wish we could do that too (I’m claustrophobic). 

[kazu]

Bon Voyage Jake!  

 

Looking forward to following along with you and your reports on the OV.

 

Have a great time 🙂

 

[dfish]

Looking forward to hearing all about it.  We are getting excited for July.

[RuthC]

6 hours ago, Mary229 said:

The insides are not bad either if you avoid the promenade- where the cabins are shorter - you only get a love seat instead of a full sofa. 

Actually, on the Volendam and Zaandam, the insides on Lower Promenade (which is the deck the promenade is on) are larger than the outside cabins on the same deck. 
They are 10 sq. ft. smaller than the outsides on the lower decks. 

[smitty34877]

Bon Voyage! We have been in OV cabins on some  HAL ships and enjoyed them. I am sure you will have a great time.

 

 

 

[*Miss G*]

Bon Voyage!  We tried an OV on the Zaandam also.  I was worried I would miss a balcony but easily adjusted to a new flow of things.  It helped that the Zaandam had an awesome library and proper coffee bar, as well as that lovely prom.  Have a wonderful time!

[woodworker&knitter]

Enjoy your cruise. We spent 25 days on the Zaandam in April and we’ll be following your great adventures 

[ocean sounds]

Have a wonderful cruise!  Interested to read how you like the OV cabin.  I’ve booked one for 14 days on Zaandam next year, and can’t wait!

 

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us!

[dfish]

We have one of the insides on the Zaandam promenade booked for 32 days this summer.   We had one on the old Rotterdam and loved it!  Easy access to the outside deck.  Plenty of room.

[JazzyV]

Bon Voyage!

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Bon Voyage!  I know you'll have a great cruise, and I lok forward to "going" along with you.

[cat shepard]

Bon Voyage Jake & DH! I will be following.  
 

Did your fur family members help you pack?

[CGinMTL]

We are boarding when you get off.

2 questions

How flexible is Boston on boarding times

I assume you took the premium internet package. Can you please send a speed test one you are onboard 

Looking forward to your posts 

Enjoy 

[Mtn2Sea]

Bon Voyage!  Looking forward to reading all about your cruise.

[Greebo]

So you board today!

look forward to your posts. 

[Crazy For Cats]

2 hours ago, cat shepard said:

Bon Voyage Jake & DH! I will be following.  
 

Did your fur family members help you pack?

The kids made sure my clothes had fur on them. So I guess that's helping? 😀

[albingirl]

Bon Voyage!  I love that ship; have a wonderful time.

[Crazy For Cats]

2 hours ago, CGinMTL said:

We are boarding when you get off.

2 questions

How flexible is Boston on boarding times

I assume you took the premium internet package. Can you please send a speed test one you are onboard 

Looking forward to your posts 

Enjoy 

Our check in time is 12:40. We are already through security and waiting to board

 

I have no idea on how to check internet speed.