zuiderdam Jan22 to canal

[anxioustoleave]

We're sailing on the Zuiderdam on Jan 22. This will be our first cruise on Holland, although we've done many other cruises on other lines. Any advice out there from HAL veterans or from folks who have done the Aruba, Curucao, P Canal, Costa Rico and the private island?

[Adanac00]

Dont have any Advice but I am Sailing on this cruise on the Zuiderdam on the Feb 1 sailing so i am guessing as your getting off I will. be getting on!

 

Adanac00

 

enjoy your Cruise

[AZNative2000]

We're sailing on the Zuiderdam on Jan 22. This will be our first cruise on Holland, although we've done many other cruises on other lines. Any advice out there from HAL veterans or from folks who have done the Aruba, Curucao, P Canal, Costa Rico and the private island?

We did this cruise in November. Advice? ... Don't miss "Island Magic" if it's still on the showroom schedule. Be early to get a good seat.:)

 

Oh, and bring ponchos. (Not for the show) :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Be up early so that you can watch the approach to the locks. And don't forget to try the Panama Buns -- only available on the day you do the canal.

 

[iriemon]

We did this cruise in Dec. The suggestion I would have is get up early and go to the front of the ship on Deck 4 - they will tell you about other decks on the cruise but deck 4 is the best. Also if you are doing tours in Panama, stay in the front of the ship for the first two locks then go to the back of the ship for the other two. It is a completely different perspective. If you are not doing tours stay in the front for one and the rear for the return. Also in Costa Rica if you are not doing a tour, don't go past the little shopping area outside the terminal, it is not the greatest neighborhood. My best suggestion is have a great time :) - we liked it so much we booked one for next Dec. If you see the waiter Eddy tell him hello from the people from Nebraska - he is the best. And yes, don't miss the Panama rolls!

[sevenseasnomad]

We sailed December 13 and loved every minute. As others have suggested, get up early to view the locks. We arrived at the designated hallway and found a good-sized line at 5 a.m. Deck 4 was the only deck where crew normally work that was open for passengers. (Of course you could see the canal from other normal passenger decks, but we chose Deck 4.) Panama buns a little disappointing. A regular roll with two orange slices and some filling. After all the hype, we expected something a little more exotic.

 

The Embera Village is a not-to-be-missed excursion as is ziplining in Costa Rica (we had our own guide there).

 

Enjoy yourselves. We had such a good time, we arrived home and within four days had booked the Noordam for Christmas week this year. While we won't be doing the canal again on that cruise, we will be returning to some of the islands, especially Curacao, and we'll get to see the magical town all lit at night since our departure won't be until 11 at night!

 

Have a wonderful time.

[sunrise2]

I agree do not go any further than the shopping area near ship in Costa Rico. Going through the locks is fantastic and amazing. Viewed first from the Crows Nest stayed there for awhile, then went to our cabin since we had a veranda, then to the back of the ship. Loved Curacao with its moving bridge. Such a neat place to wonder around. Aruba did not impress me since we did not go to the beach, just wondered around near the ship. Have a great cruise! Oh and don't miss Island Magic. Fantastic entertainment.