Zuiderdam Refurb

[wally8]

We have booked the Zuiderdam for a partial Panama cruise in Feb 2013 and understand that it is going in for a refurbishing in Nov. When I asked customer service what that meant as to upgrading etc., the person didn't know much. Dors anyone know what they do during that dry dock time? Than ks, Bob

[CruiserBruce]

If you read around, this question is frequently asked. Drydocks are done first and foremost, for below the water line maintenance, and secondly for repairs or replacements of critical equipement that can't be replaced while passengers are on board. An example might be critical galley equipment.

 

Yes, other things are done, like carpeting and other "surface" work such as pool decking and things like that.

 

And yes, major changes can happen. However, there has been no hint at any major structural changes to the Vista class ships, other than some remodeling that results in a couple more cabins on one deck.

[Typhoon1]

Cosmetic changes to keep the ship looking in good shape, much like it was when it was delivered.

[hypercafe]

It needs it so if you are going on her hope they do a lot. T would think it needs at least a month.

[bishop84]

It is only a 10 day drydock so probably nothing "big" will happen and just refurbishment on the hotel side of things. As previously posted a lot of machinery/hull work will get done.

[3rdGenCunarder]

The biggest structural things HAL seems to be doing lately are the lanai conversions and the 'mix'. (Thank goodness they saw the Light about the 'retreat' and stopped doing that)

 

Zuiderdam has no Prom deck cabins, so no lanai conversions to do. Don't remember the bar situation, it's too long ago. I do remember that purple and red and orange carpet, though. Yikes, that was bright. :eek:

[thecook]

Having just been on the Zuiderdam, I saw lots of areas of the ship that need a facelift. I hope that HAL takes a page from Celebrity that is bringing their older ships up to current standards. I love the HAL product but fear if the company lags behind spending money and time to keep their ships updated and fresh many will jump ship.

[hensghan]

When in November is this refurb scheduled? When I pulled up the Zuiderdam's schedule for October through November, it appeared that cruises are scheduled continuously. What am I missing? Is one of her cruises in November canceled but not yet taken off the HAL site?

[bishop84]

When in November is this refurb scheduled? When I pulled up the Zuiderdam's schedule for October through November, it appeared that cruises are scheduled continuously. What am I missing? Is one of her cruises in November canceled but not yet taken off the HAL site?

 

She is scheduled in Freeport, Bahamas from 30 November to 9 December and starting cruises again on the 10th.

[solocanadian]

Hope she gets Day of the Week Carpets in the elevators.:)

[innlady1]

She is scheduled in Freeport, Bahamas from 30 November to 9 December and starting cruises again on the 10th.

 

That's correct. The post-drydock cruise is 12/10 to the Panama Canal.

[BruceMuzz]

It is only a 10 day drydock so probably nothing "big" will happen and just refurbishment on the hotel side of things. As previously posted a lot of machinery/hull work will get done.

 

ONLY 10 days?

 

I recently completed a 9 day dry dock on a ship much larger than Zuiderdam.

We cut a large hole in the side of the ship and replaced one engine.

They sand-blasted the entire hull and painted it 6 times.

All carpeting on the ship was replaced.

The casino on one deck was ripped out; a specialty restaurant on another deck was ripped out. Then each was rebuilt in the former location of the other.

6 new suites and 10 new staterooms were added.

The atrium was completely re-modeled.

2 new specialty restaurants were built.

Furniture in 1500 cabins was refurbished.

 

And those were just the big projects.