Live From Zaandam May 20 - 27, 2023

[Crazy For Cats]

5 minutes ago, Navybikermom said:

Was that the big shopping building near the port? That place always has cool stuff from local artisans. I bought way too much the last time ☺️ .

Yes, it's next to the ship.  While the lady was wrapping that piece I picked up  few more smaller pieces 

[Crazy For Cats]

Some souvenirs from the craft market found there way to our cabin that are locally made.

 

 

[Crazy For Cats]

5 hours ago, WhereOWhere said:

Thanks again Jake. Any chance you’ve seen a wine list at a bar other than the James Suckling list? We enjoy red wines by the glass (with our package) and it’s difficult to know what ls actually on the ship, at the various bars. 
 

i have noted that Canaletto has some wines not on the JS list…..

This is the wine list in the Ocean Bar.

[Destiny0315]

1 hour ago, Crazy For Cats said:

Some souvenirs from the craft market found there way to our cabin that are locally made

It must have been an interesting screen showing on the ships scanner with those souvenirs when you were getting back onboard. 😀

[Crazy For Cats]

5 minutes ago, Destiny0315 said:

It must have been an interesting screen showing on the ships scanner with those souvenirs when you were getting back onboard. 😀

Security was very curious about the large piece,  it was wrapped in newspaper and bubble wrap. Luckily I took the picture before it was wrapped.  Once they saw the picture they seemed happier. 😀

[Crazy For Cats]

On this itinerary happy hour pricing is 50% off your drinks.  It's held in the Ocean Bar and Ctows Nest at 4. Then again at 10 in the Crows Nest. Interestingly DH'S Bacardi 8 cost more in Crows Nest than Ocean Bar. 

After dinner in the lido we went to the 7 pm show. It was Sid Davis and he was funny and the room was packed. 

We also sent out another bag of laundry this morning and it was returned by 8:30. Excellent turn around. 

I haven't checked internet speeds but I haven't had any issues on both my phone and tablet.  

Tomorrow is a sea day and it's supposed to be rainy. 

[Crazy For Cats]

Part of my cruise planning I thought I'd use the breakfast delivery menu for morning coffee.  Reality is I didn't use it since we really didn't know when we would wake up. I've been going to the lido and bringing back coffee to the room. It's a quick trip.

The breakfast menu.

[Crazy For Cats]

Today's daily program. 

 

[semibeater]

I've been following and enjoying your blog and looking at daily's there seems to be a lack of casino activity including BJ and Texas hold em tournaments. Only Bingo and slot activity. Am I missing something? Do you frequent casino at all? We will be on the next B2B from Boston. Thanks in advance.

[Crazy For Cats]

5 minutes ago, semibeater said:

I've been following and enjoying your blog and looking at daily's there seems to be a lack of casino activity including BJ and Texas hold em tournaments. Only Bingo and slot activity. Am I missing something? Do you frequent casino at all? We will be on the next B2B from Boston. Thanks in advance.

Sorry, I don't use the casino.  

[Crazy For Cats]

We went to the City on the Sea and thought it interesting.  They brought out some  of the crew at the end.

 

[Crazy For Cats]

This afternoon we had lunch in the Pinnacle Grill.  We both had a burger and they were cooked to perfection.  Additionally the service was excellent. 

We also attended a 5* mariner reception. There were only 15 of us. They held this event since no one on the ship was getting a medallion. 

[Sharon in AZ]

Thank you Jake for your cruise review and pictures. I’m really enjoying everything you have posted. 
 

For those questioning the wine list, please do not go by the printed bar menu. I just completed 32 days on the Volendam and my favorite wines from the bar menu and/or previous recent cruises were not available, nor was beer from the bar menu. Just ask at each bar for your favorite and see what they have available. I finally adapted after being disappointed that my favorite Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc was no where to be seen. And yes, the MDR and some bars or specialty restaurants have different wines than say the Ocean Bar or Crow’s Nest. I often overheard people asking for certain things from the menu, especially wine and beer, and it not being available. I have to say that my favorite bartenders knew what I wanted and would let me know when something new came along. 

[FreesiaE]

Any rough seas? Ship handling well? 

[Crazy For Cats]

6 minutes ago, FreesiaE said:

Any rough seas? Ship handling well? 

I don't think we had any rough seas. The Zaandam has been good through out the cruise. 

[WhereOWhere]

Thanks for the comments Sharon. I sure agree that the wine lists aren’t a good indicator of what’s on board. It’s a challenge getting to all the bars (plus restaurants) to get to ID favorites on cruises these days. It would be nice if some smart HAL employee could figure out a way to get good real-time info! (Inventory management???)

 

Thanks again Jake. Your insights are really helping get ready for the cruise! Based on sea conditions, I’m thinking a bit more cool weather wear….

[Crazy For Cats]

Good Morning,  last night we skipped the main stage entertainment and watched "Dog". The current movie on demand selections are pretty good. 

Something new about the Mariner drink card we received.  This time we could get any drink we wanted. It didn't need to be the special mariner cocktail. 

[Crazy For Cats]

Today's daily program. 

 

[Crazy For Cats]

Immigration schedule. 

 

[lakedweller64]

On 5/25/2023 at 8:32 AM, semibeater said:

I've been following and enjoying your blog and looking at daily's there seems to be a lack of casino activity including BJ and Texas hold em tournaments. Only Bingo and slot activity. Am I missing something? Do you frequent casino at all? We will be on the next B2B from Boston. Thanks in advance.

just got off Zaandam last week. we were in the casino every night.The slot machines mostly old. didn’t see any jackpots.The casino is small we played Texas Holdem they also have BJ and 3card Good luck.

[CGinMTL]

Thank you . We are boarding tomorrow .

[3rdGenCunarder]

16 hours ago, Sharon in AZ said:

I finally adapted after being disappointed that my favorite Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc was no where to be seen.

 

Noooo! That's my go-to white, too. I'm not on HAL again until next winter, so I hope they do some shopping!!!!!

 

4 hours ago, Crazy For Cats said:

Something new about the Mariner drink card we received.  This time we could get any drink we wanted. It didn't need to be the special mariner cocktail. 

 

That's good. the special cocktail didn't appeal to me. Oh, but wait. It doesn't matter--I have HIA for my next cruise. Maybe with so many people getting HIA, they figure they can be generous on the free Mariner drink. 

[ATC]

On 5/25/2023 at 8:32 AM, semibeater said:

I've been following and enjoying your blog and looking at daily's there seems to be a lack of casino activity including BJ and Texas hold em tournaments. Only Bingo and slot activity. Am I missing something? Do you frequent casino at all? We will be on the next B2B from Boston. Thanks in advance.

The Holden table no longer exists on this ship. Much to my dismay these last 3 weeks.

[ATC]

That's hold'em.

[Crazy For Cats]

Today is Bar Harbor day.  It is a very brisk day and some shops aren't ready for the season.  I recommend bringing a bag along with you if you plan on shopping.  Some stores aren't giving out bags and others are charging a fee for a bag.

On our return trip to the ship HAL had hot chocolate in the waiting area and is was hot and very good.

Edited May 26, 2023 by Crazy For Cats
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