Zuiderdam Review 7/23 - 7/30

[psc11]

First off, the weather was beautiful! Maybe ten minutes of rain this past Friday and that was all!!! Six of us in our group - 3 fifty year olds, and three kids - 20, 18 and 15. Two SS cabins, 8083 and 8085 which were connecting. Even the verandahs opened up to have a passageway. Our cabin stewart was Sai and we couldn't have asked for more. We got to see his pictures of his wedding and little boy - very friendly and VERY accommodating.

 

The ship is gorgeous! I had no problem with the colors and I paid alot of attention to them because of this board. I did miss the high atrium but it was really no big deal. The ship does show some sign of wear - especially on the carpets, but crew were always cleaning and vacuuming. I would love to sail her again after drydock which we were told will be in Norfolk, VA for about 10 days when all of the crew will work.

 

As stated here before, embarkation was a breeze. We were the first group on board and went straight to booking some Spa appts. Spent the most money of the week in the Spa. Everyone but the 15 yr old got massages - anyone under 18 are not allowed body treatments. Four of us had the "hot stone" massages and while they were very good - I thought $193.00 each was very expensive. Most I've ever paid anywhere for a massage. All 6 of us got the hydro pool pass for the week and we enjoyed it very much. Very relaxing and often only us in the room. Except for the second sea day when it seemed liked they let everyone in the hydro pool. We passed on that day!

 

Had only one complaint about the crew and that was in the Pinnacle Grill. We went the first night, had an early 6:30 reservation and the place was empty. Service was lacking. Truly had to get their attention when we needed something. Also, the wine steward had an attitude when he realized we were only going to order one bottle of wine. After he served that he ignored us and the kids pop refills. For the place being half empty - I was very disappointed in the service. My son loved the Thai Chicken soup and would have loved to go back just for the soup. We definitely felt much more "at home" at our dining table. Stewards were wonderful - couldn't do enough for us. Had a great table - 137 - lower DR, 8:30. Table was in the middle of the back of the ship right on the window - great! Definitely felt the vibrations everyone has mentioned but chalked it up to being on a moving vessel with BIG engines. Gonna make some noise!! Not a standing still resort. One other thing about the Pinnacle - men were very underdressed there. My boys wondered why they needed sport coats so once again we had the "appropriate dress" talk and by the end of the cruise, they were very much into getting dressed for dinner.

 

The dress conversation is rather amazing. I really feel that it is the cruise lines responsibility to enforce it. On one informal night, a man in a pair of dress shorts with a beautiful silk shirt was not allowed in. We watched to see what would happen. I don't have a problem with them turning him away but he looked much better and more dressed up than the lady with the rolled up jeans that they let in. People wore just about anything and everything. On formal night we chose to dress formally and had a ball. My boys (20 and 15) loved looking like "James Bond" and getting their pictures taken. I feel like it is all part of the experience but I also feel to each their own.

 

Excursions - at HMC we did the horses and it was great! I would suggest that it be done first thing like we did because it was really hot by the time we were done. We all talked about how bad it would be in the full sun even though it was a great experience. HMC was as beautiful as everyone described but if I had to compare it to Disney's Castaway Cay - I would say Castaway Cay no doubt. Lusher, more palm trees and hammocks and a bigger, wider beach. Maybe HAL just decided to leave it natural and Disney being Disney made it better - mind you, my opinion. In Tortola, we did the ship's excursion to the Baths. We very much liked it even though I would have preferred something other than the "ferry-like" boat taking us back and forth. Not enough room in the open air and we got stuck inside. Be aware, the Baths are not for everyone. Steep incline to get to the beach and we went to the farther beach through the rocks and it was quite a climb. Up and down the rocks - lots of bending and climbing. You really have to be able to move well. We loved the secluded beach at the end. The kids really enjoyed this as well. In St. Thomas, we did the ship's Champagne Catamaran to St. John and this is the way to travel!!! I just loved this. Open air, on the water with the sails. Went to Honeymoon Beach to swim and snorkle and we asked the crew if we could "dive and jump" off the boat and they said sure and we had a ball. About three others joined in and the rest probably thought we were crazy!! We all love the water! Served drinks, some snacks and a cold plate for lunch. This was a great excursion - very nice crew. Would highly recommend. Still had time to shower and eat lunch on the Z and then to St. Thomas to shop. Great day! In Nassau, we rented a room at the Comfort Suites, Paradise Island to get the "wrist bands" that allow you to use the pools, slides, lagoons and rest of the water stuff at the Atlantis. We've been there before and this is the way the kids wanted to spend the day - more water, more fun.

 

I felt the entertainment was a bit lacking. I would want them to improve on the daily activities and shows but my 15 yr. old son would disagree. He spent time on the back stage tour, line dancing sessions, playing bingo, etc. - in other words, he got to know these people and really enjoyed himself. They were very friendly and personable to my kids - the guys even going out of their way one night to comment on my other son's pants.

 

We loved going up to the Crow's Nest before our late dinner. Raoul and Angelo took care of us up their at the bar and looked forward to us coming. They served us appetizers and showed us the dinner menus. The band was playing - very enjoyable. Liked the late seating because we never felt rushed.

 

Our week in the Casino was very dismal. My money stretched the most but for the three other of us - it went fast! No one in the place seemed to be winning. One gal told us that she won while waiting for lunch at the Atlantis. Put ten bucks in a $5 machine and won $4000. I'm just not that lucky. Had fun trying though.

 

All in all, everyone had a great week. We really liked the ship and Holland. They truly made me feel welcomed and I like the passengers on board. A couple of runaway kids but that's all and we really didn't encounter any rude people. All very friendly and willing to socialize. Would do HAL again in a heartbeat!

[TidePrideGA]

So, PSC, what did your 20 year old do for "fun"? I realize my cruise (12/11) will be a little different, but most of the colleges are out. My son will be one month and 3 days shy of his 20th birthday when we sail. Where did the people his age tend to hang out? They're too old for the Oasis....

[vicocala]

Thank you very much for your review. I can hardly wait. What did you think of your SS cabins? I have a VD cabin and was wondering if it was worth another 450 bucks to upgrade?

[Candy]

Nice review, psc11... In defense of Half Moon Cay, I remember it being more densely planted before the hurricane damaged it last year. When we were there in November the plantings were just starting to come back, one bud at a time. It'll look better in a year or two.

 

The Pinnacle service may be a result of few reservations, and the fact that anticipated tips on half-price dinners will sometimes only be half a tip.

 

I, too, would like to see better enforcement of the dress 'requests'. While waiting for the DR to open on the last night I saw some shorts and tees, but didn't stick around to notice if they were allowed in. Perhaps those people had already packed before their late dinner seating and were in their travel clothes.

 

Candy <-- thinks of Zuidy as her vacation home

[psc11]

Vicocala -

 

My 20 yr old spent probably too much time in the casino! The first night he won, second night lost, etc. He entered the slot tourney with me and then the blackjack tourney by himself and I had to laugh because there were people there (not his age, older) routing for him! Friends he had made from sitting at the blackjack table. The disco was hopping at night - even though it said no one under 21 yrs old. I think as long as a 20 yr old behaves - no one will kick him out. His room card was punched because of being under 21 - so no drinking under 21 on HAL. Many young people were at the aft pool - activities were held there during the day. Also, alot on the basketball courts. I'm lucky - he still wants to spend time with us so he was never bored and absolutely loved the ship. His last cruise was on the Carnival Destiny for the Millenium - 1999 New Year's Eve so I was worried about how this would compare for him but he loved this as much. I'm sure your 20 yr old will be a "grateful to be there" kid!

 

Paula

[vicocala]

psc, that was tideprides question. :)

 

 

Mine related to your cabins. Are the SS cabins worth the extra charge compared to the normal veranda cabins? There will only be my wife and I but I am wondering about the size, pictures can be a bit misleading.

[psc11]

In regards to the SS cabin - it was great!!! The bathroom was roomy - 2 sinks. We had three in each room and no one felt crowded. Used the verandah quite a bit. I would book it again.

[psc11]

Vicocala -

 

Sorry - this cabin truly was bigger than most - the pictures were not misleading this time! Plus as I said - the bathroom was huge compared to other cabins I had been in - this was my first suite.

[vicocala]

Thanks! I will post my own review when I go!

[DeAnnaC]

For the OP (or any recent visitor) - could you tell if any of the teen upgrades (youth center) have been done yet? We sail on 8-13 and my 13yr old is anxious to have a place to hang out with other 13yr olds (and away from his 10yr old brother).

 

Thanks!

 

DeAnna

[TidePrideGA]

Vicocala -

 

My 20 yr old spent probably too much time in the casino! The first night he won, second night lost, etc. He entered the slot tourney with me and then the blackjack tourney by himself and I had to laugh because there were people there (not his age, older) routing for him! Friends he had made from sitting at the blackjack table. The disco was hopping at night - even though it said no one under 21 yrs old. I think as long as a 20 yr old behaves - no one will kick him out. His room card was punched because of being under 21 - so no drinking under 21 on HAL. Many young people were at the aft pool - activities were held there during the day. Also, alot on the basketball courts. I'm lucky - he still wants to spend time with us so he was never bored and absolutely loved the ship. His last cruise was on the Carnival Destiny for the Millenium - 1999 New Year's Eve so I was worried about how this would compare for him but he loved this as much. I'm sure your 20 yr old will be a "grateful to be there" kid!

 

Paula

That's one of the things I'm afraid of - too much time in the casino! This trip is already costing a king's ransom - we can't double it to keep him enterained :-)

 

Seriously, he enjoys spending time with us also (well, sometimes). I"m sure he'll have a good time - DH is more worried about it than I am. I can't seem to discharge his notion that HAL is still for the "newly wed and nearly dead".... or as he puts it "blue hairs". I keep telling him "Honey, we ARE blue hairs.... "

[psc11]

Teen upgrades were not done yet to the Zuidy - but both all three of the kids (20, 18 and 15) spent time in both of the arcades. The one on deck one is the largest - and there is also one on deck 10 just outside of the kids place. Also, my kids were disappointed that they could not find the "Oasis" - don't believe that is done yet either.

[tourist]

The ship does show some sign of wear - especially on the carpets, but crew were always cleaning and vacuuming. I would love to sail her again after drydock which we were told will be in Norfolk, VA

 

Did they say when the Z would be in drydock??

[tourist]

One other question for PSC11, or anyone that can help...are the doors to the cabins on the Z steel? I may have missed it, but I couldn't find it addressed specifically for the Z.

 

Thanks!

[Candy]

Did they say when the Z would be in drydock??

Sometime in December '05.

 

Candy <-- 11 days out

[psc11]

Tourist -

 

I had to ask my family about the cabin doors and we concur that they are steel - painted of course.

 

And Candy is correct - they told us December for drydock.

[vicocala]

psc,

 

 

Have they put the new pillowtop mattresses in the SS rooms yet or are they waiting for drydock on that too? How about the DVD players and plasma TV's?

[Candy]

No pillowtops or plasma TVs in SS yet :mad:

psc, Have they put the new pillowtop mattresses in the SS rooms yet or are they waiting for drydock on that too? How about the DVD players and plasma TV's?

Candy <-- thought they were flat, not plasma :confused:

[vicocala]

Candy, perhaps you are right, that sounds awfully expensive if it were plasma. I hope you will update your menu's and activities after you sail. I will be interested if there are seasonal changes.

 

Thanks for all the great information you put out!

[Candy]

Candy, perhaps you are right, that sounds awfully expensive if it were plasma. I hope you will update your menu's and activities after you sail. I will be interested if there are seasonal changes.

 

Thanks for all the great information you put out!

 

Look for my review in a few weeks. This time I'll try to post some childrens' program information.

[KP&BP]

Thank you for the great info. My husband and I love the hyro pool and want to purchase the pass - what is the fee for that please if you recall? Thank you.

[bcc99]

Thank you for the great info. My husband and I love the hyro pool and want to purchase the pass - what is the fee for that please if you recall? Thank you.

 

Not sure about the hydro-pool fee...but I noticed that you're on the 9/3 sailing...drop by our thread on the roll call board and say hello. :)

[oliviaonthe beach]

It's really funny how people experience things differently. We were in the Pinnacle at the same time on the first day (6 P.M. reservation) and had phenomenal service. The waiters cut all of my son's food for him and fulfilled all of my nit-picky special requests with a smile.

To the poster who is considering the upgrade to an SS, I say go for it. It is a LOT more room. We looked in on the regular verandah cabins and they are tiny comparatively.

Never been to Disney's isle but I can't imagine it being much nicer than HMC. It is heavenly.

[psc11]

Olivia - were you over by the window in the Pinnacle??? We were away from the window - the back of our booth was facing the windows. It is strange how things happen like that. We still left them a healthy tip but I was disappointed seeing that it was our first night and it was not crowded in the restaurant at that time.

 

As far as the ? about the hydro pool - it was $80 a week per person for the entire week. It seems though that after a day or two if they do not sell the 35 passes they are looking to sell, that gets reduced per days left.

[oliviaonthe beach]

Psc11: We were not by the window. We were in a large booth that was positioned somewhat sideways to the window. The second time we went we had great service again but it was just the two of us and we were in a booth in a separate room.