zuiderdam Thanksgiving Report - final thoughts - long

[winemistress45]

Now that I've broken down my review in sections, I am sure I missed more than a few things:

 

I forgot to mention that we attended the Cruise Critic Roll Call get together -- it was scheduled for Sunday (our first sea day) at 2 pm in the Crow's Nest -- but there was a family trivia game going on so we ended up in the Oak Room which is the cigar room. The ship provided mimosas which I did not partake in but it was nice. Thanks to all that organized this --

 

There was another party that we were invited to thru Cruise Critic which was held midweek -- cocktails and appetizers with the captain -- I heard from another poster that it was really nice. I did not attend because I had something else scheduled.

 

Stateroom location was good as far as access (mid ship) but I would opt for a higher floor next time -- we did have a verandah but it looked directly down on top of a life boat -- so when choosing pay close attention to where the life boats are.

 

I became friends with some very nice crew -- we shared stories about how them working on a cruise ship came about -- how they met their spouses, what their home life was like. I have email addresses and pictures of their kids. These are some very hard working people and it saddened me to hear that their kids were being raised by grandparents or in some cases how they hadn't even met their new born children.

 

I learned about what it is like in their accommodations, their nightclubs, card games, etc....very interesting behind the scenes information.

 

I had posted some time ago that I was wondering if the Eastern Caribbean itenerary went thru the Bermuda Triangle -- I found one of the officers and asked and oh yes, it sure does. The officer joked that it was the night we were vibrating really badly and rocking and rolling! ;)

 

In the casino I saw a lot of people losing but also some winning -- so that was really exciting.

 

Beds are comfy and the sheets soft.

 

Higlights:

 

My girls had the time of their lives...that was all that I could have hoped for.

 

New friends -- Paula (TNSNY1) and her family were great and I enjoyed them very much. Our table mates -- Chas, Debi and Taylor -- friends for life for sure.

 

Staff - in particular - Bong, Andrew, Gusti and Antonio all from PG, Joel the wine steward from the main dining room, Jimmy from the Northern Lights bar, and Din our cabin steward who LOVED to decorate.

 

The ports were great and I enjoyed this itinerary very much -- we had great weather too.

 

Thermal Suite -- this is a must -- very relaxing and a view that cannot be beat --- this was my saving grace -- when I was in the thermal suite it was like the other 2300 passengers didn't even exist --- its definitely a retreat from the masses.

 

Culinary class with the guest chef.

 

Indonesian tea service -- lovely and quiet.

 

Dressing for dinner -- although I do think HAL is not enforcing their own dress code -- we liked dressing for dinner.

 

Low spots:

 

Ship decore - its dated and worn out --- it needs that dry dock its due for. Reminded me of a middle to low end Las Vegas venue.

 

Food - in general, I found breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Vista Dining room to not be to my personal standards. Although many liked it, it was on par with mass produced, all inclusive type resort cuisine.

 

Room service -- late night and breakfast were all we tried, but it was simply atrocious. Even the maitre D in Pinnacle Grill said they should be ashamed of what they are putting out there.

 

Ship photographers -- they took more photos of my girls than they did anyone else on the ship -- and we ended up with very few images -- they were cropped poorly and they were too posed for my liking. Images were too expensive for what they were.

 

Would I do it again?

 

No, I wouldn't.

 

I am a sensory, aesthetically oriented person who enjoys a lovely ambiance, fine dining, great service and being around those who enjoy the same.

 

The large group, mass produced venue is not my cup of tea -- we did no group excursions and that saved the trip for us.

 

I know this suits some, but it doesn't suit me personally, but I was glad for the experience for my daughters -- but even they were ready to get off the ship by day 5...its more of the same each day -- it feels a bit redundant to us.

 

I personally do not think this was a good value -- we stayed in a verandah stateroom but the trip cost over $10K for 3 people. I could stay at a Four Seasons or a Ritz Carlton for a week for the same price and have more upgraded accommodations, 5 star service and a more private or exclusive retreat overall.

 

I think its great that so many people enjoy cruising --- a lot of people seemed to be having a fantastic time -- anytime people are smiling and laughing it warms my heart to be around them.

 

I appreciate all of the info received from these boards so that I could plan a great trip for my girls --- happy sailing to all of you in the future.

 

Cheers! :D

[lindsaymarie]

I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy your total cruise experience. However, I have come to learn after many many cruises, that some are fantastic, others are just okay. I too have stayed at the Ritz Carlton many times, sometimes the service was beyond imagination other times, just so so.

 

That being said after spending over $10,000.00 I am so sorry that it was not what you had expected.

[winemistress45]

I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy your total cruise experience. However, I have come to learn after many many cruises, that some are fantastic, others are just okay. I too have stayed at the Ritz Carlton many times, sometimes the service was beyond imagination other times, just so so.

 

That being said after spending over $10,000.00 I am so sorry that it was not what you had expected.

 

Well, I didn't really "expect" anything -- and I knew it wouldn't be a 5 star experience, if I had expected that, I would have been very disappointed.

 

I was just pointing out what was great and not so great.

 

I think I prefer a more intimate venue with a different clientele and more refined ambiance is all.

 

I did have hopes that the girls would have a fantastic time and they did indeed -- I'm very grateful for that.

 

 

Meeting some great new friends is "priceless" gift....that is for certain.

[Copper10-8]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to write a very interesting review/journal! It was great reading about Bong "Bong, James Bong" and Rebecca (didn't know she had been promoted from bar waitress to wine steward:) - very nice people). Sorry to hear the overall HAL experience wasn't what you expected! Maybe try some of the upscale lines like Crystal, SilverSeas, Seabourne, etc.

[winemistress45]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to write a very interesting review/journal! It was great reading about Bong "Bong, James Bong" and Rebecca (didn't know she had been promoted from bar waitress to wine steward:) - very nice people). Sorry to hear the overall HAL experience wasn't what you expected! Maybe try some of the upscale lines like Crystal, SilverSeas, Seabourne, etc.

 

Yep -- that was our favorite -- Bong, James Bong --- he was hilarious.

 

He and Rebecca visited with me over wine each night when they got off work -- their kids are so cute -- they look just like Rebecca ---

 

Rebecca already emailed me to say thank you. So sweet. It was fun getting to know them and I found out how they met -- did you know that Rebecca asked him out???? Such a funny story.

 

We also had Yudha as our server --- as in "Yudha Man".....terrific guy always smiling.

 

Gusti came off the ship when we left to hug us and said he'd miss us -- how great is that?

 

As far as expectations go -- as I've said -- I don't have expectations -- it is what it is and it is what its not -- its all fine -- glad to be home though -- after keeping track of my kids in the night club everynight, I'm completely exhausted!;)

[WeLoveCruising]

Hi WM,

 

I'm really glad that you were able to enjoy many points of your cruise, even though others didnt meet your satisfaction. I agree with you that the food and accomodations dont approach a Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons (although I think the service does...and then some), but I do think HAL offers a good value for the money. That being said, my Caribbean cruise budget for 7 days hasnt ever been what yours was. If you do decide to cruise again, you might find a luxury line more to your liking.

 

All in all, I'm glad your girls had a great time. You did so much for them, they are lucky to have a Mom like you.

 

Take care,

Joanne

[winemistress45]

Hi WM,

 

I'm really glad that you were able to enjoy many points of your cruise, even though others didnt meet your satisfaction. I agree with you that the food and accomodations dont approach a Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons (although I think the service does...and then some), but I do think HAL offers a good value for the money. That being said, my Caribbean cruise budget for 7 days hasnt ever been what yours was. If you do decide to cruise again, you might find a luxury line more to your liking.

 

All in all, I'm glad your girls had a great time. You did so much for them, they are lucky to have a Mom like you.

 

Take care,

Joanne

 

Thanks so much -- I suspect the wine and champagne bill had a bit to do with the high cost --- my tastes are on the higher end...but they would be the same at a land resort -- so I thought it was fair to compare the two.

 

I agree that the service I got was definitely comparable to a 5 star resort -- I actually prefer the Four Season's properties to the Ritz Carlton -- and their service is impeccable.

 

Its hard to come back from the Caribbean and think about decorating for xmas especially after being so exhausted.

 

It was a busy week onboard and I cannot even imagine what the staff must have felt after we left --- they certainly were not used to so many large groups and so many kids. I'm sure they are wiped out too.

 

One other thing I found to be a bit tiring was all the repetitive customs forms we filled out -- I think I did this online, then three more times during the cruise.

 

Oh and that getting up to clear customs in St. Thomas by 7 am!!!! Think about not getting into bed til 4:30 am then having to getting to customs a couple of hours later -- ugh. We went in our pjs and sunglasses and then headed directly back to bed for a few hours. That was a bit rough.;)

[zackiedawg]

Glad you enjoyed some things about the cruise - unfortunately it sounds like you didn't have an optimal experience on this cruise, but cruising in general just might not be the preferred mode of vacation for you.

 

But to throw some minor defense of cruising into the mix - if I was in your exact shoes, I'd have been a bit disappointed too. If I paid $10K or so for a 7-day trip, I'd expect 5 star service in all respects. Having just gotten off the Zuiderdam the week before you, I paid $2,300 out of pocket for two people in an SS minisuite level room, and that included all onboard expenses, food, bar tab, tips, and casino gambling. And by the sound of it, your cruise was very crowded, very kid-intense (which isn't necessarily a bad thing if you have kids and like them, but it does tend to require more energy and attention to serve all passengers when there are that many kids - invariably some of them are going to be disruptive or hard to control!).

 

Each cruise is its own experience as well - you might take two back to back cruises on the very same ship, and end up with two different experiences - so many different dynamics go into it (supplies running low, bad seas, unruly or rude passengers, mechaincal problems, virus outbreaks, too many kids, large groups occupying lounges, etc).

 

Anyway...thanks for the very detailed review...and I hope that if you crusie again the experience has all of the highlights of this cruise and none of the lowlights!

[ekerr19]

WineMistress -

 

I just finished all installments of your review. I must say, I enjoyed reading it immensely.

 

The Zuiderdam is our least favorite HAL ship - not exactly sure why, the decor plays a huge part, but we also experienced something similar with the Northern Lights on that ship, and it's only been on that ship. I felt so sorry for some of those young girls - but what was worse was the behavior we witnessed by several married men who ditched their wives in the cabin and came back and bought drinks for these underage girls. It was truly sad to see.

 

I'm glad your DD's had a great birthday cruise and it sounds like you enjoyed a great many aspects of the cruise. The thermal suites have been hit or miss for us, so I'm glad they were nice. The only one that hasn't disaapointed us so far has been the one on the Noordam.

 

Perhaps you can think about giving HAL another chance in the future. The crew is one of the main reason we return. We have become friends with so many crew members and often times enjoy their company more than that of our fellow passengers. :)

 

Thank you so much for coming back and sharing your thoughts and observations with us. I really do appreciate it. :)

[NoNoNanette]

I am absolutely TICKLED that your room steward helped you with the decorating! (I had no doubts that he would!) :)

[sail7seas]

Thanks for your in-depth review/posts, Winemistress. I enjoyed reading them.

 

Happy your girls had such a great time and you got pleasure from providing them that happiness.

 

Hope your next vacation is more to your liking.

 

[voyeurism26]

I guess I would have been bitter if I paid $10K for any cruise with a large number of people.

[winemistress45]

WineMistress -

 

I just finished all installments of your review. I must say, I enjoyed reading it immensely.

 

The Zuiderdam is our least favorite HAL ship - not exactly sure why, the decor plays a huge part, but we also experienced something similar with the Northern Lights on that ship, and it's only been on that ship. I felt so sorry for some of those young girls - but what was worse was the behavior we witnessed by several married men who ditched their wives in the cabin and came back and bought drinks for these underage girls. It was truly sad to see.

 

 

I think these men are so terrible -- that exact thing was going on each night in Northern Lights -- I kept a close eye on my girls and danced the night away with them myself --

 

But there was one guy who I think was married -- his wife or lady companion was always too drunk or in the casino to actually go to Northern Lights with him so he would show up and buy booze for young girls and was all over them -- I mean ALL OVER THEM.

 

At one point I said something to him about the young girl and how I'd like to escort her to her room and he said the night was young and they were headed to the observation deck 10 -- I think that was the one I read about being the "make out deck". Anyway he was laughing it off so I took a picture of him basically on top of this little girl in the booth and said to him "have you ever seen the Dateline called Child Predators? Well your gonna be on it!"

[winemistress45]

I guess I would have been bitter if I paid $10K for any cruise with a large number of people.

 

My airfare for 3 from California, the cruise, the excursions, the wine/champagne, spa, ship photos and meals off the cruise ship really did add up....

 

But as I've told my daughter more than once, you have choices in life -- you can be bitter or better, choice is up to you!

 

I chose better!:D

[maxout]

My airfare for 3 from California, the cruise, the excursions, the wine/champagne, spa, ship photos and meals off the cruise ship really did add up....

 

But as I've told my daughter more than once, you have choices in life -- you can be bitter or better, choice is up to you!

 

I chose better!:D

 

 

Amen to that! :D

[winemistress45]

I am absolutely TICKLED that your room steward helped you with the decorating! (I had no doubts that he would!) :)

 

I never even asked him -- he insisted and had a ball doing it -- he was so anxious to see what was next in the decorations suitcase -- at one point he would have the decoration suitcase out on the bed each night waiting for me --- he was as sweet as could be and we laughed a lot together.

 

I also left a hefty amount in his envelope hung from the towel monkey at the end of the week!

:D

[hammybee]

Thank you for sharing your perspecive of your cruise.

 

Cruising takes a certain mindset, a willingness to share the time with 1000-2000-3000 other people and all their peculiarities. It means finding the best outcome with a willingness to compromize some personal preference. It sounds like you managed to do this.

 

I think cruising gives some middle-aged and beyond men the unique opportunity to tuck the wifey in for the night or leave her in the casino and hit the Crows Nest and/ or NL for a nightcap, to seek exposure to very young women. And it's obvious some of these guys cannot handle the responsibility.

 

Like you, I think some of these men are a heartbeat away from making contact on myspace and paying a teen, a home visit. May they all have the pleasure of meeting you and me.:eek:

[loveandcruises]

I watched your girls open their Tiffany boxes and eat their cakes. I'm the lady with the two girls at table 25 -- we had different "guest couples" sitting with us every night. We had Rebecca as our wine steward, but we had different waiters than you (we both had the same Dining Room Captain who gave the quizzes every night). Your girls fed the fish with us at Half Moon Cay. It's so interesting how different people can experience different things on the same cruise. My review is posted along with the Zuiderdam member reviews.

 

Debbie

[innlady1]

I think these men are so terrible -- that exact thing was going on each night in Northern Lights -- I kept a close eye on my girls and danced the night away with them myself --

 

But there was one guy who I think was married -- his wife or lady companion was always too drunk or in the casino to actually go to Northern Lights with him so he would show up and buy booze for young girls and was all over them -- I mean ALL OVER THEM.

 

At one point I said something to him about the young girl and how I'd like to escort her to her room and he said the night was young and they were headed to the observation deck 10 -- I think that was the one I read about being the "make out deck". Anyway he was laughing it off so I took a picture of him basically on top of this little girl in the booth and said to him "have you ever seen the Dateline called Child Predators? Well your gonna be on it!"

 

Good for you, I hope that gave him something to think about. I find this whole scenario you've described very, very disturbing.

[mamaofami]

Have to wonder where these girls' parents are? I think they get lulled into some flase sense of security that everything on a ship is OK.

[Copper10-8]

Have to wonder where these girls' parents are? I think they get lulled into some flase sense of security that everything on a ship is OK.

 

Excellent question!

[cccole]

Thank you so much for this great review. I will be making the same trip with our teens in February from Los Angeles. It will also be for their birthdays. However, we will be flying into Ft. Lauderdale the night before because I don't want the stress of worrying about a canceled flight. You and I had some of the same questions on this board before your cruise and I was happy to see that the thermal suite and Northern Lights worked out for all of you. The crew sounds fantastic and it sounds like they will try their best to make the cruise enjoyable.

 

I have made notes about your likes and dislikes and can't thank you enough for all of the details. I have to say that I am really disappointed to hear about the room service food. I posted a thread about it and had such great responses.

 

I am looking forward to a great week with my kids like you had!!

[cccole]

Hi winemistress,

 

I have a couple of questions. I want to make reservations for Pinnacle. Do your girls recommend any particular nights for this? I know the kids will want to do formal night at least once, but would the first or second formal night be a good choice? Or would a sea day be better than a port day? We have been on several cruises but have not booked the specialty restaurant. I would like to pick a night on our cruise to make reservations.

 

Also, would you recommend the spa package of unlimited themal suite, hydro pool, and a couple of spa activities? I am thinking of getting that for the four of us. I also love great wine and champagne but will be spending most of my money on shore excursions and other extra activities.

 

I would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks, Cherie

[ekerr19]

My airfare for 3 from California, the cruise, the excursions, the wine/champagne, spa, ship photos and meals off the cruise ship really did add up....

 

But as I've told my daughter more than once, you have choices in life -- you can be bitter or better, choice is up to you!

 

I chose better!:D

 

I also agree! We cruise with our kids and often spend $10-$15K on a ten-day cruise with air, hotels, shipboard account etc. It's our choice. :)

[ekerr19]

I think these men are so terrible -- that exact thing was going on each night in Northern Lights -- I kept a close eye on my girls and danced the night away with them myself --

 

But there was one guy who I think was married -- his wife or lady companion was always too drunk or in the casino to actually go to Northern Lights with him so he would show up and buy booze for young girls and was all over them -- I mean ALL OVER THEM.

 

At one point I said something to him about the young girl and how I'd like to escort her to her room and he said the night was young and they were headed to the observation deck 10 -- I think that was the one I read about being the "make out deck". Anyway he was laughing it off so I took a picture of him basically on top of this little girl in the booth and said to him "have you ever seen the Dateline called Child Predators? Well your gonna be on it!"

 

I'm so glad you let him know you were "onto" him. I do that too.

 

The other day, my DD and I were at the orthodontist and some guy was waiting for his kid and practically had his tongue hanging out, salivating - and then had the nerve to whistle when my DD walked by. I was behind her and said clearly to him, "You out to be ashamed of yourself - a grown man like you - she's fourteen, you pervert!" He turned beet red, and I was GLAD - I hope he thinks twice before doing that again! In the orthodontist office, of all places! Our kids aren't safe anywhere. It happens to my DD all the time - and it's sick. Good thing my husband wasn't there... the guy got off lucky having to deal only with me. :mad:

 

And we wonder why there are so many missing, raped and dead young girls nowadays - it's such a sad, sad commentary on our society.