E-500

In addition to the buffet the Aqua Spa cafe & Mast Grill are open.

 

We normally don't arrive at the port until about 12:30. The cabins are normally available between 1-1.30. So by the time we check in and board the ship we can drop our carry-ons in the cabin & head to the buffet-which is no longer crowded because all the folks who have been sitting there since 11 are now in their cabins😀.

Jelayne, thank you for your quick response. I assumed the Aqua Spa Café was only available to Aqua stateroom class guests. Is this a service restaurant and what type of cuisine do they offer? The timing you note for arriving on the ship may work well for us and the buffet may not be issue after all. I assume (I need to be careful here) the Mast Grill is outside and offers burgers, hot dogs, etc.? Any place to get Mexican or pizza during this time?

Again thank you for bringing a nugget into the fold.

Sailing Eclipse in November in a 1C class veranda. First time on X. What are the lunch venue options on embarkation day? On other lines that we have sailed the MDR is open from 12-1:30 for guests, it appears that privilege is only available to CC stateroom passengers on X. If we want to avoid the crowds in the buffet are there other places to get a bite to eat? Burgers, pizza or salads would be fine.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Perfect thank you! We are actually in Cabin 1050 not 1049.

 

We are pretty experimental with food so Murano may be on our list. I'm glad there are a few other free options that we can try as well.

 

My other question is where to stay pre cruise? We are planning arriving 3 nights before our cruise and I'm not sure if we should stay in FLL or MIA, both are similar in price for us. Any suggestions? I did search this subject but everyone picks FLL based on price but it's the same for us price wise so I'm not sure which is better?

We are on the same cruise as you and arriving 3 days early also because of airfare considerations. After many Florida cruises from both FLL and MIA, suggest you stay in the MIA area. Lots to do and see in both places, but from a logistics standpoint close to your sailing port is better. Price is not an issue for you, so no stress or higher transportation costs to get to the port on Sunday if you stay in MIA.

If driving to MIA from your home try to stay in a hotel that has free parking and lets you keep your car there while on the cruise for free, and simply take a shuttle to the port and back. Also no huge parking fee at the port for 14 days. If flying in to MIA consider renting a car for a couple of days to see all the sights in FLL and MIA and not just sitting around the hotel. Drop it off Sunday and shuttle to the port. One guys opinion, but this is how we do it. Your mileage may. vary.

A special Bon Voyage for all of us sailing out on Oosterdam's Wayfarer cruise 16 through 27 November 2015:)

 

Crew News, cruising oceangal, mrscopper, FitCdn, ShaoBao, scm1848, Crazy For Cats, JJPacer, tinlizzie123, kellysbonnie, Dreamingofindia, roxted, home1431, IRL_Joanie, chicagocamille, E-500, Honey31, Smart 4-2 , Divi, A Texas Nana, Sheila3, Countrygent, 57redbird, kittykatty, debcruising, travelnap, Hamburger Helper, ippyndad, feath4, richwmn and many more who've not joined the Roll Call

 

Cannot wait to see y'all and enjoying your company on board our little slice of heaven for a few days.

 

[ATTACH]368386[/ATTACH]

 

Joanie

See you on board and at the M&G on Tues.

Just received an email from HAL. We are sailing next Monday on the Oosterdam from Port Everglades. The email stated that they would deny boarding to anyone with Ebola, exposed to Ebola in the last 21 days, been a care giver to an Ebola patient or traveled/visited three countries in Africa recently. Citizens from those three countries booked on this cruise would receive additional screening.

Not a factor for us, just an FYI to those on this board.

Don't joke because you KNOW I WILL do it :p:D:p

That's why I do these outrageous posts, you always take the bait.;)

"Ralph"

Oh "Ralph" it would be my pleasure to add you to this cruise. Wish I could be there for the Rob & Ralph show again :p

 

You are correct on the bathrobes, but you are still allowed to wear your tux 24 hours a day :D

 

Oh, we are just "cheating" from HAL once.

 

So your fans can all find you and sign onto this cruise, is it ok if I add "an encore presentation of the Rob & Ralph show" ? LOL.

OK to add the "show" but be warned the ship only holds 3000 passengers. Tell them to book early and get to the showroom 2 hours before show time.

"Ralph"

Jacqui,

The Rob and Ralph are back! We are bringing the ladies and they promise to behave this trip. Call us Mr. and Mrs. C and Mr. and Mrs. N.

Nov. 16-27, Oosterdam, Caribbean, from FLL roundtrip. Two couples, from SE Michigan.

IRL Joanie and her husband (Crew News) are organizing the informal M&G on Tues. the 17th in the Crows Nest at 10:00 AM.

Our humor has not matured, we still dress a little differently than the regular guests, and we are packing 1 cigar each for the guys, to be smoked during the Art Auction. The Rob and Ralph Show will be presented during the passenger talent show as usual. No, we don't have any new material, but our talent is still considered third rate.

I understand that bath robes are no longer allowed in the Main Dining Room at dinner, is this correct?

Trust all is well in your world, see that you are sailing a couple of different lines. Take care.

"Ralph"

I agree with this totally. People will say they will leave, very few will.

I will be one of the "few" that will leave. HAL had a point of difference by allowing veranda smoking. We cruise with another couple, both couples 3 star mariners and the gentlemen enjoy cigars on the veranda.

If HAL eliminates this perk we will seek other options. HAL has diminished it's product in recent years with all the cutbacks, fee add-ons and service reductions that they no longer are a good value proposition. Too many other lines out there that offer a better quality experience at the same price point. Without a veranda smoking option HAL will no longer be in the decision mix for us and many others. We will either stop cruising or go with Princess, X, Oceania etc.

HAL needs to be very careful or they will end up with smoke-free verandas and passenger free ships.

You in fact got a very nice upgrade. The VF had the potential of having a solid steel panel and a veranda of 4.5 feet deep. Your VC has a depth of 7.5 feet and a clear panel. You are also near the stern of the ship, one or two flights down to the MDR. Last advantage is lower in the ship, more stable. BTY this will be a VB under the new categories. You win!

Hello

 

I have searched and can't really find alot of info. We are a Mom and 3 adult sisters going on the Zuiderdam in 2015.

 

We would like any hints or tips on picking 2 good adjoining cabins. Suites are out of our budget so are looking at the new VA on deck 4 & 5. These used to be the lowest VF and VE categories before the new May 2014 category changes.

 

Are there any connecting balconies in this category that don't have lifeboats right underneath. We would like to stay mid or aft, not forward.

 

I was looking at rooms mid ship on deck 5 like 5090 5092 or slightly more aft like 5130 5132 but from what I have been reading, those will have life boats right below, is that correct?

 

Are we better off going to deck 4 4146 and 4150? We don't mind being more aft but these rooms are right above the promenade and some blank space in dining room. Does anyone have any pictures of connecting cabins and their views off the balcony or even the interior setup?

 

Thanks so much

Just got off the "Z" on 3/28. Had 4137 and 4139. Perfect, no life boats below, 7.5 foot deep verandas, close to aft stairs/elevators, easy access to MDR, short ride to the Lido buffet and no noise from any source. Rooms connect and the veranda dividers open. Check it out. These may be VB under the new categories, have not checked, used to be VD's.

1. I think the Terrace burgers were frozen, as long cook times and uniform shape would suggest. They have not implemented the "Dive" concept yet.

2. As I indicated in my first post that this was just a brief snap shot of a cruise I had just completed. Please see post #8 for a comment on the ports. Yes, met some interesting people and enjoyed their company. Full review to follow this weekend in the formal review section.

I'll kill three birds with one stone.

1. The "Dive In" upgrade has not been added to this ship yet. The burgers were excellent in the existing space along with the Mexican buffet layout. Long waits during busy times (15-20 minutes), combination of staff shortages and cooking the thick burgers to medium well.

2. One or two sail away parties on deck and one dinner BBQ around the lido pool. Did not attend any of these so can't comment on the quality or execution.

3. Sorry no menus.

Have you made these comments on the survey from HAL after the cruise?

Great question, short answer is no. Got a note in the stateroom that HAL will send an e-mail with an on-line survey. Have not yet received it. Only got off the ship on Friday 3/28. They appear to no longer give you the paper form the last day or so.

The long answer is yes, I will give HAL as much detail as they care to read.

Looking forward to reading your longer review when it comes out.

 

Aside from the slow service what was the food quality like in the main dining room?

 

We were seriously considering this cruise and then opted for Celebrity. Never been on Celebrity but our friends, with whom we are cruising, were not interested in the Zuiderdam after reading the reviews. We have cruised the "Z" twice and loved it but it has been 8 years since our last cruise on her.

Food quality was excellent. Nice presentation, correct temps, and flavor profiles were well done. Portion sizes have been reduced (a good thing in my opinion) and the variety each night was fine for all the courses with no repeats that I remember. Apps, cold soups and entrées stood out.

Thanks for posting about your recent Zuiderdam cruise. We were on the Feb. 24th - March 7th cruise. I highlighted a couple of your comments. While I am sure this is what happened to you and I don't mean to imply they did not - I would like to say that (1) We found the ship's condition to be excellent. I could not report any tired or worn conditions. (2) We saw no crew that looked like they were exhausted and walking zombies. (3) Balcony's were being painted several days on our cruise, in fact the entire Promenade deck also appeared to have been freshly painted prior to our cruise. I'm sorry your balcony hadn't been reached yet.

 

I hope despite you not being thrilled with your trip that you still had a good time and enjoyed the ports and the Panama Canal! I think the comparison of our cruise to yours proves that everyone "sees things differently" even if their cruise was only a month apart.

Thank you for your gracious, non-flaming response. As I indicated in my first post, I still rated this cruise a B+. The ports were excellent, enjoyed the canal passage and loved Cartagena. I used to do business in Bogotá back in the days of the drug cartels, what a transformation Columbia has made. Mexico should use the Columbian model as a case study.

Thanks for your report of the Zuiderdam. I'll be on board in about 3 weeks.

 

Sorry to read your reports on the slow service in the MDR. Two hours is WAY too long for dinner in my book, except in certain exceptional dining venues. The MDR on a HAL ship is not one of them. ;)

 

Did you speak with anyone about the slow service?

Yes to communication to the dining room manager on 2 occasions. That is why we tried different tables and teams. He seemed concerned, was attentive and listened, but to no avail.

I'll be posting a full review, but here is a snapshot of our 3/17 eleven day Zuiderdam cruise to the Panama Canal and southern Caribbean.

Have never been on a bad cruise and our luck continues.

The highlights:

1. Cabin service

2. Food quality and variety

3. Ship active after 10:00, lots of folks out and about late.

4. Younger crowd, average age probably 60-65

Concerns:

1. MDR service dreadful. One breakfast took 1 hour and 50 minutes. 10 nights of dinner, never less and 90 minutes and most ran 2 hours. This was for a 7:45 reservation, anytime dining. tried different tables, different teams, it never got better.

2. Ship condition, tired and worn. Clean and no A/C or toilet issues however.

3. Public restrooms smelled like a barn yard ship wide.

4. Crew is exhausted and walking rote zombies.

5. Happy hour was 4-5 in two bars at the same time every day, no variety in venues or times.

The staff cut backs are killing what used to be a fine product. No staff to serve in the MDR, lido buffet or lounges. No deck crew to remove external rust from the stern MDR windows, chipping paint on our veranda, burnt out light bulbs etc. All small things, but they add up. The HAL value proposition has diminished dramatically to the point of no future deposit while on board.

Will we still cruise HAL, yes probably, but not short term. Next cruise will be outside the Carnival family and then evaluate our options for future vacations.

Even with all the negatives above, would still give this cruise a B+

Hi

 

I have a Canon rebel (Two) one of my lens is a EF Zoom Canon 70-300 IS

while it took very nice pictures of Glaciers and such It did not take very good pictires of whales and other sea critters. I am asking for advice on other lens or maybe a smaller camera. I cannot afford those huge lens plus they are too heavy. I really want some nice photo's of whales. LAst Alaskain cruise I was talking to someone taking photo's and he was surprised that my lens would not shoot the distance. He even tried it on his camera. So anyone who might have bought a smaller camera that will give me the distance I would really appriciate it .

 

 

Thanks

 

 

Mary

The Canon DSLR you have is great camera. If you want a better zoom without the weight,cost and hassle of a more powerful lens, suggest you go with one of the Canon point and shoot cameras with 12-16x optical zoom. NOT digital zoom.

The lens you have now is aprox. 6+ zoom at 300 and it works well for most situations. Assume you know about aperature and shutter speed and can apply this knowledge to a simple point and shoot camera, you should be good to go.

Hi

 

I have a Canon rebel (Two) one of my lens is a EF Zoom Canon 70-300 IS

while it took very nice pictures of Glaciers and such It did not take very good pictires of whales and other sea critters. I am asking for advice on other lens or maybe a smaller camera. I cannot afford those huge lens plus they are too heavy. I really want some nice photo's of whales. LAst Alaskain cruise I was talking to someone taking photo's and he was surprised that my lens would not shoot the distance. He even tried it on his camera. So anyone who might have bought a smaller camera that will give me the distance I would really appriciate it .

 

 

Thanks

 

 

Mary

The Canon DSLR you have is great camera. If you want a better zoom without the weight,cost and hassle of a more powerful lens, suggest you go with one of the Canon point and shoot cameras with 12-16x optical zoom. NOT digital zoom.

The lens you have now is aprox. 6+ zoom at 300 and it works well for most situations. Assume you know about aperature and shutter speed and can apply this knowledge to a simple point and shoot camera, you should be good to go.

There is a large bus station right at the GRUZ terminal. The buses run every few minutes to the old town, just outside the wall entrance. Cost is a couple of dollars round trip. Buy the tickets at the ticket office window right where the buses pull up.

Straight answer is yes, you can do as you suggest. You will need to advise HAL in advance, both Seattle and then the front desk of your plans. Since in your example all your actions take place in Italy no special arrangements needed with the Italian authorities.

Orlandocruiser makes a great point however. Last year on a HAL ship we were supposed to go to Livorno from Rome and then on to Barcelona for the T/A part of the trip. A storm prevented us from going to Livorno and we went to Sardinia instead. Expensive train/plane ticket to Barcelona from Florence. Barcelona was not an overnight stop. So if you messed up your timing you missed sailing the T/A to Florida. Another expensive one-way airplane ticket.

I've heard the term "wave season", but am not exactly sure what it is. I'm generally under the impression it occurs early in the year (like now) and the cruise lines offer an abundance of promotional prices. But I'm not seeing any out of the ordinary pricing. Am I missing something? Or perhaps the cruises I'm interested in just won't be discounted. Please enlighten me. Thank you.

Your impression is right on. The lines try to get a jump on bookings for the year by offering "deals". Depends on itinerary and which company you are looking at. Mass market lines doing the Caribbean and western Europe are the best places to start. Suggest Carnival, Costa, MSC, and RCL. Alaska has been soft the last couple of years, but changing as some ships pull out. New inventory will cause discounting on older ships. HAL, Princess and Celebrity will be slower to discount. Up-scale lines, Regent, Seaborne have guests not as price concerned so they do value added vs. discounting.

Others will chime in with more insight, but here's a start.

So we are looking at cabins on the 5th floor but it says they are all directly above the life boats and view looking down is restricted. How restricted is the view? I tried to look at the HALcabins sight but there were no pics of these rooms.

 

I imagine this would only restrict us looking straight down into the water

 

What about other rooms on 4 that are away from lifeboats?

 

trying to stay away from way front of the ship (older group in party won't like very front of ship) but, our selection of balconies is really slim already!

 

thanks :)

The life boats are hung on deck 4. On deck 5 over one, you can see out, just not straight down. No verandas on deck 4 near the life boats to effect your view.

From past experience MOST HAL ships switch to local time, but not always. This won't help you, but the night before you will get a note in your stateroom announcing any time changes.