Zuiderdam Christmas 2011

[michigan tim]

 

The pic was taken Christmas Eve morning in Aruba (there is a Chrismas Tree on top of ship). Click to enlarge...

 

First time on HAL after 15 or so cruises (multiple Princess, NCL, RCL, Costa and one Carnival). After all the scary posts regarding the Zuiderdam, I wanted to present what I’d expect would be a more typical experience.

 

Embarkation was smooth and efficient. Our hotel provided a shuttle that landed us at the terminal around 11:00. We checked in and went upstairs to wait for boarding and were onboard about noon. We dropped our bags at the room (inside guarantee - 1015). We found the room quite spacious. Lunch in the Lido was bountiful and tastey. We then set about exploring the vessel and were quite impressed… perhaps we don’t give it the white glove test as those in other posts have documented, but we did not see ripped upholstery or rust (but we did see some glitter on the seats in the Vista dining room).

 

Day 2 was a relaxing day at sea.. ahh this is the life! However, DW had some sort of body ache bug that kept her down most of the day.

 

Day 3 was another relaxing day at sea. DW recovered and spent much of the day enjoying the sun on deck 10 above the aft pool… I however, am more of a shade seeker.

 

Day 4 was Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. Interesting port; we went into town and found it not quite ready for prime time. We wandered around, got on wifi at the casino across from the park (look for all the crew members), where we also sampled the local brews. I purchased some very cool wooden frogs that when stroked across their ridged back with the accompanying stick produce very musical frog-like sounds. On and off rain showers prevailed throughout the day.

 

Day 5 was Panama Canal and I was up at 5 (like I was most other days) and wandering the ship. This day the ship came to life much earlier. It was a fascinating ascent through three locks to Gatun Lake with a narrator providing very good commentary. They also opened the bow area (deck 4) and the forward areas on decks 5, 6 and 7 (where you could see the doors to the officer’s bar and quarters). DW, as usual awoke around 10 and experienced our descent back into the Atlantic which began around 12:30. The ship was significantly lighter on the return as about 1000 people were tendered off in Gatun Lake for excursions.

 

Day 6 was a sea day and we were steaming east northeast bucking a 45-55mph wind from the east, which when added to the ship speed meant some severe wind issues; countless towels and personal items went in the drink and the promenade deck was closed at about 8am (luckily I had my 3 lap - mile walk done by then).

 

Day 7 I was apparently stricken with the same bug DW had on Day 2. We arrived at Curacao around noon (on time). I did not leave my room this day, but DW went out and to explore and returned early evening. Room service was efficient and the food was well prepared. We watched “The Perfect Game” on TV and thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

Day 8 was Bonaire. We had a snorkel trip with a local guide and it was very nice! Found a local watering hole with wifi and sampled a few of the local favorite brews (8oz bottles???), including Amstel, which I believe in the US is only available as “Amstel Light”.

 

Day 9 was Christmas Eve and Aruba. I was off the ship wandering the town before sun-up. We went to Palm Beach and had a great time. That evening there was a choral concert performed by the staff and crew. There were 3 choirs; Filipino, Indonesian, and International (comprised of folks that don’t fit the other two categories including the Captain and Cruise Director). The Filipinos led off and did a fine job with some traditional favorites and some of their native songs. The International was next and they were only OK (as Jason our CD warned). The Indonesian choir blew the roof off with an amazing version of Oh Holy Night and some of their native songs. The Captain then read the Christmas story from Luke and the night ended with the entire cast leading Silent Night as they filed out with flickering electronic candles.

 

DW and I were both touched, it really was Christmas onboard!

 

Day 10 and 11 were relaxing sea days. Day 10 started a bit rocky as we still had about a 40mph wind and now it was smacking us on the starboard and ship had to drive in the trough. We collided with a magnificent storm about 8am that let to beautiful 180 degree rainbow directly in front of the ship (as viewed from the cool blue chairs in the front of the Crows Nest/Explorers Café). The crew was wishing everyone a “Merry Christmas”… It is so very refreshing to see that political correctness has not eroded HAL.

 

Some of the positives – The crew was fantastic! Engaging, funny and fun loving. The dining room staff was very efficient, no extraordinary waiting periods. The Captain was by far the most visible, approachable and personable we’ve had, even more so than the Cruise Director. The Island Magic Steel Drum Band was the best act we’ve seen at sea. Singer/songwriter Stephanie Johnson did a great job delivering her own spin on old and new pop favorites and some fine crafted originals. She was often in the aft pool area around noon and in the Crow’s Nest at night.

 

Some of the things that were less than positive – The Lido had some things that I think could be improved on; there was considerable confusion as to which way the traffic should flow at the various stations. Some of the stations closed up earlier than scheduled and some of the food was less than hot.

 

The only negative for me was the HALcats band…a bunch of what appeared to be very bored, musicians just going through the motions. DW found lighting around desk/vanity mirror to be lacking.

 

My observation of the public bathrooms was that occasionally one would have a stall out of order and few others were in the process of being cleaned. The vast majority of them appeared to be fine, and I did use them regularly throughout the ship.

 

I found the appearance of the exterior and interior of the ship to be as expected, some areas appear a bit tired and/or dated, but that should be expected on a vessel of this vintage. The crew was constantly cleaning and polishing; the glass surfaces in the stairwells were fingerprint free. I’ve been on some cruises where the cleaning stopped a few days before the last day, but the cleaning and subsequent cleanliness was maintained through the end of the cruise.

 

I hope this serves to cast a positive light for those that have become apprehensive due to the negative posts related to this cruise. I’d go again tomorrow if given the opportunity.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome Home

 

Glad you had a wonderful Christmas cruise.

 

Thank you for your review.

[kazu]

Thanks for the picture and the review. Glad to hear that your experience on board the Zuiderdam was a good one:)

[cruisinggranmama]

Thanks for the review. Good to hear some positive comments for a change.

[IRL_Joanie]

This is more of what I expected of my favorite HAL ship:)

 

I imagine that some of the public bathrooms that others mention as being out of order may have been due, as you say, to cleaning being done, especially since the seas were a bit rough:eek:

 

Great review and photo!!!

 

Joanie

[Mar56]

Thank you so much for your review. Loved the photo. sigh. Feeling better again re our upcoming much anticipated first cruise. I'm going to stop reading the bad reviews until after I come back.

 

Mar56

[wldflr]

Thanks for your review...we'll be onboard on Jan 16 and yes, I'll post a review as well when we get back.

 

After reading the recent (somewhat negative) reviews of the Zuiderdam, I remind myself of my 2 rules of vacationing:

1. If something goes wrong (and it does happen)...get over it! You're on vacation and vacation time is very precious. Do not let it ruin your trip if at all possible.

2. If there is something you want to 'go, see, do or buy' (and it's within reason), then 'go, see, do or buy' it! Ask yourself...what are the chances you'll be back here again?

 

Winter has finally arrived in Ohio and we are counting down the days. And we're still waiting for our cabin assignment for our balcony guarantee...any time now.

[gelo7]

Thanks for the review.

[cmdchiefthom]

Great review, more of what I would expect from pax aboard the Zui. Glad you had a great experience.;)

[cartervan]

Thanks for the very even-handed review.

[RuthC]

I imagine that some of the public bathrooms that others mention as being out of order may have been due, as you say, to cleaning being done, especially since the seas were a bit rough:eek:

Not on the prior cruise, it wasn't.

There's a big difference between a yellow pole, with a yellow banner marked "closed---cleaning in process" blocking entrance to the rest room, and individual stalls with a hang-tag marked "out of order".

 

There's no way to confuse the two.

[innlady1]

This is more of what I expected of my favorite HAL ship:)

 

I imagine that some of the public bathrooms that others mention as being out of order may have been due, as you say, to cleaning being done, especially since the seas were a bit rough:eek:

 

Great review and photo!!!

 

Joanie

 

"Out of order" and "cleaning in progress" are two different things, Joanie. One not to be confused with the other. :rolleyes:

[RuthC]

The Captain was by far the most visible, approachable and personable we’ve had,

I'm curious as to who was Captain on your cruise?

[michigan tim]

Michael Wilhem (sp?), and as I understand, was the first officer on this ship for quite some time and this was his first voyage as captain.

[RuthC]

Michael Wilhem (sp?), and as I understand, was the first officer on this ship for quite some time and this was his first voyage as captain.

Thanks for the info.

I asked because I was on the previous cruise, and the forward observations decks on 5,6,7 were not opened when we went through the Canal. It made for, at best, congested conditions on the bow. I wondered if it was the same Captain, and, if so, he had reconsidered his decision to keep the decks closed that morning.

 

Now I know.

[BR47]

Thanks for the info.

 

I asked because I was on the previous cruise, and the forward observations decks on 5,6,7 were not opened when we went through the Canal. It made for, at best, congested conditions on the bow. I wondered if it was the same Captain, and, if so, he had reconsidered his decision to keep the decks closed that morning.

 

Now I know.

 

Ruth, I see you post a lot and are a frequent Holland America cruiser. What are your feelings about the Zuiderdam? I am wondering if we should cancel our upcoming Panama Canal cruise.

 

Thanks.

[RuthC]

Ruth, I see you post a lot and are a frequent Holland America cruiser. What are your feelings about the Zuiderdam? I am wondering if we should cancel our upcoming Panama Canal cruise.

I had an especially good cruise on this ship. I was blown away by the service I received in the Lido, and by being recognized from other cruises, treated as a most-valued guest in other venues. That overcame any inconveniences.

 

The problem of out-of-order public restrooms was real. Since my cabin was centrally located, and my toilet worked, I just kept that as Plan B in the back of my mind.

 

I liked the look of the ship; didn't see any stained carpets---although that wouldn't bother me anyway (my carpet needs cleaning). Food was good. Service in the dining room was very good.

I missed live music in the dining room on formal nights, but the recorded background music was fine---for the most part. The first couple of days they played exclusive Kenny G, and it became like water torture; I asked that the music be changed, and it was!

It's that kind of service that I liked.

 

I would sail the ship again.

[portofrome]

Thanks for the review.

[BR47]

I had an especially good cruise on this ship. I was blown away by the service I received in the Lido, and by being recognized from other cruises, treated as a most-valued guest in other venues. That overcame any inconveniences.

 

The problem of out-of-order public restrooms was real. Since my cabin was centrally located, and my toilet worked, I just kept that as Plan B in the back of my mind.

 

I liked the look of the ship; didn't see any stained carpets---although that wouldn't bother me anyway (my carpet needs cleaning). Food was good. Service in the dining room was very good.

I missed live music in the dining room on formal nights, but the recorded background music was fine---for the most part. The first couple of days they played exclusive Kenny G, and it became like water torture; I asked that the music be changed, and it was!

It's that kind of service that I liked.

 

I would sail the ship again.

 

 

Thank you so much! That makes me feel better. It will be my first Holland cruise and up until now, I had heard nothing but good about Holland and this ship.

[Carhut]

Thanks for your review, Tim. I agree with Wldflwr's post. Don't let the little things ruin my vacation. Will be going on the Zuiderdam next week and looking forward to it. Will give my opinion of the ship when I get home.

[iriemon]

Thanks for the info.

I asked because I was on the previous cruise, and the forward observations decks on 5,6,7 were not opened when we went through the Canal. It made for, at best, congested conditions on the bow. I wondered if it was the same Captain, and, if so, he had reconsidered his decision to keep the decks closed that morning.

 

Now I know.

 

Ruth, I was also on that voyage. I talked to the captain at our renewal of vows ceremony and that was his last voyage until March. He got to spend the holidays with his family. The first time in a long time.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Your review brought back fond memories of our Christmas Cruise on the Eurodam 3 years ago :o And brought a tear to my eye. I too was so touched by the Christmas Eve performance of the crew and then them greeting us as we left the show lounge.

 

I so would love to do another Christmas cruise as well as a New Years Eve Cruise;) but don't see that happening this next year since we are already booked up.

 

Thanks for your review, it sounds like you had a great time. We will be on the Zuiderdam for 11 days this next year.

[RuthC]

Ruth, I was also on that voyage. I talked to the captain at our renewal of vows ceremony ....

Did he happen to say why he kept the three forward observation decks closed during the canal transit?

[aliaschief]

Very well written review. Thank you for sharing and your comments reflected our positive cruise experience on the Nov. 25 Zuiderdam sailing.

[Wakepatrol]

For the review and photo. It's funny that your positive review is only two pages long. The cruiser on your same cruise with toilet issues is now on page 11.

 

The toilet debaters even creeped in on your thread. They just couldn't help themselves I guess.

 

Happy New Year