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Zuiderdam 16-23 Dec 06

HappiestWhenCruising

By HappiestWhenCruising,
in Holland America Line

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HappiestWhenCruising

HappiestWhenCruising

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I just wanted to post a few things about my recent cruise. Warning: A few things always seem to multiply....so this may turn out long!

 

Overall I thought this cruise was excellent! I had been on this same cruise in March 06, with only a change of stopping at Grand Turk this time vs. Nassau in March. Anyways, this time I 49, went with my husband 53, son 22 and daughter 19. There seemed to be something to do that fit everyone's interests. My son enjoyed going to play Texas Hold-em everyday and night and did quite well. My daughter liked the Slot Tournaments and got 3rd place one time. My husband enjoyed sitting on the verandah either reading, watching the sea, or smoking his cigars.

 

We all found foods that we enjoyed. Our TA had given us certificates for free dinners in the Pinnacle Grill. We all enjoyed the fillets and my husband says its the best steak he has eaten in his whole life! Tender enough to cut with a fork. The captain had provided fresh Christmas flower arrangements in both of our cabins. One cabin we got a guaranteed inside J category that was upgraded to a HH or KK obstructed view room. The lifeboat was blocking some of the window, but you could easily see over it or beneath it. Quite a good deal compared to an inside cabin I am sure. The whole family enjoyed the entertainment. I was a bit upset that Joel Mason wasn't on this cruise (moved to the Oosterdam), but I found the new entertainment just as good. There was Jim Cielan, the magician who is phenomenal. There was a man who played a variety of instruments and other items he made into instruments. There was a juggler, also, who was very entertaining. Not to mention the regular Zuiderdam dancers and singers. Jay, the cruise director was very funny and entertaining. The only entertainer that I felt was not that good was the commedian.

The islands were great and so was the weather. In Grand Turk my daughter and I learned how to Snuba. Son and husband did the dune buggy ride. They said it was a lot of fun, but apparently they got very, very dirty! The beach was right by the ship and the water was gorgeous. In Tortola we just walked around and shopped. Its a very beautiful island, but we had gotten into port at 3 pm. so not a lot of time to do water excursion IMO. In St. Thomas we went on the trip over to St. John through the ship for snorkeling at the beautiful State Park with the underwater trail. Then my husband and I went up to Paradise Point on the tram (on our own). The view from up there was amazing. We also had to try out the Bushwacker drink (very tasty!). My son and daughter took a cab into Charlotte Amalie to do some jewelry shopping.

They saved the best for last. A day at Half Moon Cay. I had reserved the orange cabana and was so hoping that we wouldn't have to miss this port. The weather was great, the water is a beautiful blue and the sand is the softest I've ever walked on. The BBQ was great as usual and we enjoyed having a table in our cabana to eat at.

 

I had done a lot of research before this trip. I would check often on these boards to see what others have recommended and based my decisions on this. Thank you to everyone who helped me make some great choices that resulted in a perfect vacation.

 

I did experience sea sickness (the first time ever) on our first day at sea. The sea was rough and our cabin was up in the front of the ship, which tended to make it more rockier than the mid ship rooms. But, they gave me some pills and within a short time I was feeling much better.

 

I have read some other posters who had asked about Mariner perks. Besides the flowers from the captain and the 3 different cocktail parties (open bar) that I was invited to, just being on the Zuiderdam with their excellent staff and service was the biggest perk of all. This was only my 2nd cruise with HA, but compared to Princess (the only other cruiseships I've been on) HA is the best hands down. Every staff member helped me with a smile. Every worker I ever passed always asked me how I was doing and wished me a great cruise. Our waiter Nurstaff was the best. So was Abdul our room steward. Their attention to detail made everyday special. I can't wait for our next cruise!

 

Ok, sorry, I told you this could be long!

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10s nut

10s nut

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Fabulous review:) I am sure that I speak for all of us, there is no such thing as TOO long. We all live vicariously through the reviews and can't wait until we are sharing your experiences.

Glad to know that both of your children enjoyed the cruise too and found things to do.

Again, great review.

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JahJahwarrior

JahJahwarrior

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This underwater trail thing...where was it? I was scuba diving on Coki Beach and got yelled at by another diver underwater (you can't really yell underwater but he seemed quite upset with me). It took me a minute, but I finally realized that the people I saw were not part of a scuba class kneeling on the sand, but people with hardhat like things walking on the ocean. The diver seemed to be watching over them all and didn't want other people around. My bad. Water was clear but not that clear (30 foot perfect viz, beyond that you could see but it was hazy) and I couldn't see him or the people very well, I assumed it was a scuba class and I've never had a class instructor wave me away if I swim near. However, I think this was part of a place called Coral World and I have no clue if that was the same underwater trail or not.

 

Where you at the Cruise Critics meet-n-greet on the first day at sea?

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tinaparrotthead

tinaparrotthead

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Do you have pictures of the ship from this cruise? I can't seem to find any pictures of it except ones prior to her drydock in 2005. I would love to see pics because we have all heard that there is a lot of wear and tear....broken furniture on the balconys and around the pool, torn carpet, etc. Would appreciate pics of her now. Thanks!

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MercedMike

MercedMike

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Do you have pictures of the ship from this cruise? I can't seem to find any pictures of it except ones prior to her drydock in 2005. I would love to see pics because we have all heard that there is a lot of wear and tear....broken furniture on the balconys and around the pool, torn carpet, etc. Would appreciate pics of her now. Thanks!

 

We were on her last summer. I can't remember a single thing that came to my attention as being worn or torn. Naturally, it is not like a brand new house -- it is a hotel that sees lots of use constantly. But nothing looked shabby or un-kept up (is that a word?). I think you will love her!

 

There are pics at our site, below.

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HappiestWhenCruising

HappiestWhenCruising

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I had signed us up for the CC meet and greet, but at the time it was going on, that was when I was going through the entire ship with my husband so he would know where everything was. I was sorry I missed the meeting, but I wanted him to be able to know where most things were.

As for the ship itself, most of my pictures are probably of the islands and the outside of the ship. I found that it was in great condition as far as I was concerned. With the amount of traffic that comes through there, it can't be entirely in perfect condition.

The underwater trail is at the State Park on St John Island at Trunk Bay. A very, very beautiful beach.

Lastly, as for the cabana, the cabana boy did come by early on to see if we needed anything. As for at the time of the BBQ, we had to get our own food and bring it back. However, he did over and did go back and get us a plate of cookies and brownies. He checked back a couple of times to see if we needed anything. But since our snorkel gear, floating rafts, drinks and snacks were all there already, we were fine. The water seemed a bit cold in the morning compared to the air temperature, but afternoon it was much better since the sun was hotter, the water seemed warmer. Enjoy the Orange Cabana.

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GPoll189

GPoll189

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Who ever has asked for the pictures of Zuiderdam I will be posting them on my Noordam review in the next few days. I took some nice pics of Zuiderdam as she was arriving in Tortola. The two sister ships where together for the first two port on there wonderful cruises.

 

Geoffrey

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Djptcp

Djptcp

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DH and I can't believe it's already over -- wonderful cruise. I am trying to book another cruise for our 30th anniversary in May. Always have to have at least one reserved;) This was our 11th cruise and 2nd on HAL.

 

Cabin: Our cabin was VF 5070 on Verandah Deck, midship. The cabin was smaller than our oceanview on the Zaandam, but having the balcony made it seem okay. Gus was our room steward and was terrific; we bought him an international calling card, plus left him extra money when we disembarked. We did not have SOE upgrades such as flat screen TV and DVD player.

 

Dining Room: We had requested a large table, but were given a table for 4 instead (6:15pm dinner). Disappointed at first, but am so glad we didn't change because the other couple was close in age and live close by, so we are going to try to get together. Waiter was good, as was assistant waiter. The food was pretty good, but shame on HAL for actually serving fake crab on the top of an appetizer the first night. The Beef Wellington was outstanding, the lobster tails were okay, but a bit overdone, and the rest of the dinners were fine, but nothing out of the ordinary. I liked the dining room arrangement and it seemed more spacious having round tables and not all rectangles lined up.

 

Lido Buffet: Terrific food and service.

 

Room Service: Very prompt and the orders were correct.

 

Casino: DH and I both did pretty well. I won a $500 jackpot on a nickel slot (Texas Tea) and the four $1 poker machines were hot. I also played blackjack and Caribbean Stud Poker -- blackjack players seemed better than average than on most of our 11 cruises and actually knew how to play correctly. If a newbie sat down and said they were a newbie, everyone got up and moved to another table. The two staff working in the cashier cage all week were terrific and so supportive and really wanted me to win. I gave one of them a tip and the next day he gave me a t-shirt.

 

Service: The service overall throughout the cruise was excellent and the best in 11 cruises. Outstanding, actually.

 

Weather: Worst weather DH and I have experienced on 11 cruises -- only sunny days were St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay. Rest of the time it was cloudy and it sprinkled alot. Weather didn't stop our enjoyment at all, just would have been nicer if it had been sunnier.

 

Ports: Grand Turk would have been a great beach venue, but it was rainy. Nothing else to do there. Tortola is blah (we've been there before, so felt like been there, done that). We shopped and had several Pain Relievers at Pussers. St. Thomas was our major shopping venue and we outdid ourselves. Half Moon Cay was paradise and we spent the day on the beach.

 

Shopping: Best liquor price for Bombay Sapphire Gin was Grand Turk at $12/one liter. Riise in St. Thomas had Southern Comfort 100 Proof for $9/one liter and Jose Cuervo Gold also for $9/one liter. We loaded up on all three :cool: I spent a small fortune at Mr. Tablecloth in St. Thomas. We shopped downtown and never did get into any of the stores at Havensight. I have to say, though, DH wanted a Seiko watch and had been costing them out here at home, so he knew what the prices were. We looked everywhere and guess where he finally bought one? At J.C. Penney on Christmas Eve -- actually had the best price.

 

Art Auction: Had a wonderful time with the art seminars and auctions and we actually bought some things. Loved the free champagne.

 

Culilnary Arts Center: DH took a cooking class and loved it. Thanks to those of you who suggested making the reservation upon boarding and he did. He received an apron and the recipes. Bif surprise when the class was taken to the Pinnacle Grill and served the menu and not what they had made. He loved it and would do it again.

 

The Zuiderdam is in excellent condition and very colorful. It was decorated for Christmas and looked nice. I would highly recommend this ship. Embarkation and disembarkation went very smoothly.

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Candy

Candy

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I love the Zuiderdam. thanks for the happy reviews. Sounds like the casino was hopping. Is the Texas hold em table in the casino now? It used to be in a seperate room near the Explorer's Lounge.

Thanks for the reviews!

Zuidy is our favorite ship, and I can't say anything negative about her, except she doesn't sail the Caribbean in the summer anymore.

 

They have moved the Hold'Em table to the area where the little seating area was, level with the craps table but at the starboard elevator entrance, kinda between the Piano Bar and the Sports Bar. Blinds are 2/4 & 3/6; no smoking but drinking is OK.

 

Candy the ZuiderPrincess <-- booking #8

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