metairiegal

I am not doing the horseback riding excursion but I would like to see the horses. Can I take the tram to where the horses are - or is it only for people doing that excursion?

Pictures of the Hydro Pool on the Vista and Signature class ships:

 

 

 

As you can see there is a nig difference in the thermo pools.

So this is a pool that can only be used if booked & purchased separately?

Just finished Caribbean/Panama 12 day on Nov. 30. We were in 6027 (avoid if at all possible...WAY too tiny) and rarely smelled the sewer smell, though maybe half a dozen times we caught a whiff for a few seconds.

 

Only toilet issues were that occasionally one would push the button and it would take 40 seconds or so to flush. Sometimes we'd be washed and back watching TV before we heard the sucking sounds.

 

However, big time smell deck 10 starboard stern. And on the second last sea day, the starboard hallway near the Ocean Bar was ripe, and the Art Auction just across from it was so bad, I had to hold my nose when I walked by it.

 

I had written a couple of comments on notes to the front desk about the Deck 10 smell, but no answer back. I phoned down about the Ocean Bar/Art Auction, again no response.

 

But, I suspect it's not their job to speak up for HAL. The smell wasn't enough to spoil our trip, but it is enough that I wouldn't 'recommend' to any friend a trip on Z at this point. And as someone mentioned earlier on, at least it isn't smelled in the dining room or Lido.

 

As for the A/C we had it cranked up full bore and it was 'comfortable' though not really cool/cold.

 

Several times in ports there was an announcement that parts of the ship would be losing electrical power while they did work on something or other. The down time was minimal...barely noticed it...so maybe something is happening re a/c.

 

All in all...smell and a/c...it was adequate. But the staff/ports/food/and way we were treated on the ship were terrific.

 

However, I think I'll wait til I hear from HAL that they've addressed the odour issues before I go back to Z.

Oh great, we're sailing on her in a few weeks. Cabin 4063.

Sorry to read recent reports of problems. I am definitely bringing a fan with me in December.

Just disembarked from the Zuiderdam. Had about half hour of toilet trouble and AC was going great, in fact parts of ship too cold! Had a great time & ship is beautiful.

Glad to hear you had a great cruise. I watched the Zuiderdam docking in Fort Lauderdale this morning. She looks so pretty!

No toilet or A/C issues in our port side aft VA deck 7 on Oct 19-29 Canal. I didn't smell any 'bathroom smells' when using public facilities around the ship either.

 

The ship is looking tired in a few areas (carpets) and as previously noted, the Captain indicated in his talk that they would be replaced in drydock this month.

 

Maybe we were lucky, but 3rd time in Z and everthing was fine.

Thanks for reporting back. :)

We are sailing after drydock on 12/21/12 and I have been wondering about the Z as I haven't seen any recent reviews. I was hoping no news is good news and hopefully that is true! Glad everything was ok on your cruise.

Great review and love your pics! :)

I'd like to know, too.

I never really understood the heated chairs and different showers. Is it really worth it? How much time would you really spend there?

Are there restrooms on the boat?

Aww thanks! Thanksgving and your turn on Oasis is ALMOST HERE! Squee! :D

 

 

I know! Finally! :p

We just got back from a long weekend at WDW for Veteran's Day. The parks were packed! I have so much catching up to do around the house, packing, and at work I am afraid I might not make it back to the thread. I want to thank you for such amazing info and pictures and for taking us along on your cruise. I've enjoyed it because I really think the planning is half the fun -- but now I'm ready to GO! Thanks again to you and Ron. Hope to see you around the DIS! :cool:

I'm in! Fantastic review! Can't wait for more. :)

Great update! Your kids are cuties! :)

Ron,

Thanks for the detailed parking info. We'll definitely have to give it some thought now. That is a nice savings.

It is just dh and myself and we have sailed out of Port Everglades (but not at the new Oasis/Allure garage) and Port Canaveral many times. I guess we are in the minority but we never drop off luggage. We get there early, park in the garage and roll the luggage to the terminal where we hand it over and tip. Coming back we don't deal with porters, we roll the luggage directly to the car. Maybe this will be different cause the ship is so big?

Can't wait for the rest of the report - here and at the DIS! :D

 

I'll try to handle some, if not all of these questions since Jen is on her way to work.

 

4. Park n' Go seemed very secure. I noticed security cameras throughout the lot. The place was well staffed. Drivers were pleasant and very helpful with our luggage. They had a few shuttles so when one leaves another is there within a couple of minutes. Upon debarkation and once we got through customs we were on the shuttle is less than five minutes. Just tell your porter that you want the Park n' Go shuttle and they'll take you right to it. The driver that brings you to the port will tell you where they will be in case you do not use a porter. We were back to our van in less than 5 minutes. We did tip the drivers both ways. I don't recall seeing any sign asking for tips and the guys never requested one which I really appreciated.

 

We handed the guy at the exit booth our printed coupon and paid. We had a $5.99 a day rate, so it was less than $50 total. He gave us each a free bottle of water and we were on our way. I highly recommend Park n' Go. For us it was much less of a hassle and cheaper than parking in the port garage as we'd done in the past. Make sure you do a google search for park n' go discounted parking. I believe their coupon rate is $6.99 per day after 11-1-11. Still an awesome deal!

 

Hope this helps.:cool:

 

Ron

Hi Ron,

This will be our 1st cruise on the Oasis/Allure. We are planning to park at the port garage. (I always save up for it - it's my splurge. When it is all over, I like to go directly to the car.) Why was parking at the port garage a hassle? :confused:

More, please. :)

Did you notice in your picture of Central Park that the butterflies look like a hidden Mickey? I just asked dh if he could see it and he said yes, so it's not just me. Or, is it? :D

I think I would have died on that boat ride! :eek: :p

We have traditional dining and I am hoping for a table for 2 not too too close to another table but looks like that might not happen.

We are thinking of buying a Nikon Coolpix S6100. How did you wind up liking the older version? Just curious.

What else is there right where the ship docks in St. Martin? Anything or is it best to take the water taxi to town?

Still lovin' your review. Here AND over "there!" Don't want to miss anything! ;)

 

I experienced this with MTD in the MDR. I didn't like it at all. It was like actually having table mates. There a few inches between tables at best. We were having conversation with the folks next to us, it's like they were seated with us. I don't think it's a problem with traditional dining.

We will be traditional dining in the MDR. I hope tables aren't too close together.

Does the MDR have the same problem with the table for 2s being so close together? :confused:

LOL, I'm here just getting the next part ready to put up! :D

Should be up by the end of the afternoon!!!:p

Hey nenner1, I just had to go over "there" to find ya!:cool:

I also just watched the Flash Mob video. That is great! So, that can break out anytime, anywhere on the ship?

Oh, those milkshakes look sooooooo good! My mouth is watering right now! :p

Oh my gosh! I feel stuffed just looking at all the Samba Grill pics! I'm totally relating because I feel the same way after eating at 'Ohana! Can't wait to read about the character breakfast. Thanks for a great review!

Yippppeeee! Another installment has been posted. I'm off to settle in and catch up! :D

Yay, another great installment!

Dh doesn't like Starbucks, where is the next best place to get decent coffee (hopefully free)?

LOL, yes I am a Diser!:D In fact I am going to post this over there too on the Community Board. That one will have a lot more pictures since they do not have such tight picture and quote restrictions over there. It will take me a bit longer to do though. i'm trying to get this one done-or closer to done- before I get going over there but it will probably be started by the end of the week!

 

No, we have not sailed the Dream yet....really wanted to. We originally had one of the 5 night Dream cruises in August booked but changed it to a magic cruise since we can't go back to a 3/4 night and the prices for a B2B were crazy. But we will sail on the Fantasy this time next year and are REALLY looking forward to that! :D

 

I think based on what we know as far as a comparison that Allure is still quite different from the Dream Class ships. I am quite concerned about reports from the pools on the Dream (or lack thereof)- Allure had tons of pool space. Allure is not up to par with Disney as far as character opportunities go, I'll have more on that when I get to it on my report. I have friends that sailed that Dream last week and they said service is not as good as it could be yet. She hasn't had a chance to elaborate on that yet but I am curious to hear her experience.

 

I think both ships are so different...well...you;ll just have to try both! We will! ;)

 

 

 

 

And the first member of my little fan club here! ;) Thanks so much for reading Terri and for your comments! There are going to be some terrific stories coming up, stay tuned!! :)

 

 

 

Awesome!

Well, hello fellow Disney fan! I'm always on the Community Board (different name) so I'll have to look for your review there and check in.

We have sailed on the Wonder, Magic and the Dream this past May. The Dream was was fantastic. We booked the Fantasy while we were on the Dream. The Dream may lack in pools BUT has the AquaDuck! FUN!!! And a great pirate party AND fireworks off the back of the ship. Much bigger fireworks than on the Wonder/Magic. And, of course I am partial to the Disney characters! Can't say how the Dream compares to Oasis/Allure as this will be our first time on the Oasis this Thanksgiving. One thing is that it is so much more convenient for us to sail out of Fort Lauderdale as we live in Boca Raton.

Looking forward to more of your report.