Zaandam - South America - ? for recent cruisers

[StartrainDD]

The first "Around the horn" cruise of the season disembarked yesterday. For anyone recently back from Zaandam, a few questions that I and our roll call members would greatly like to know...

 

These cruises have lots of tender ports. How is Zaandam currently issuing tender tickets?

 

What fixed dining times are being used on board?

 

Are the shows for 'later dining' late at night (10:00) or before dinner (7:00)?

 

Any information on 'happy hours' being offered is appreciated!

 

What is being charged per day for the "Unlimited laundry package?"

 

Answers to one, a few, or all of these are greatly appreciated!

 

Thank you!

 

Arie & the 12-20 roll call

[HALFans]

The first "Around the horn" cruise of the season disembarked yesterday. For anyone recently back from Zaandam, a few questions that I and our roll call members would greatly like to know...

 

These cruises have lots of tender ports. How is Zaandam currently issuing tender tickets?

 

We got off the Zaandam just over a month ago... here's what was current then: Tendering varied by port. A lot depends on the weather, and whether or not there are a lot of ship shore excursions sold, if the port is supplying a large tender, how many tenders can dock to load/unload at the same time, etc. Sometimes the tender tickets were available a day or two before, sometimes that morning. Just listen carefully to the daily Noon announcement for updates.

 

What fixed dining times are being used on board?

 

Only the upper level of the dining room was fixed seating, and times were 5:45 and 8:00.

 

Are the shows for 'later dining' late at night (10:00) or before dinner (7:00)?

 

Unless there's only one evening show, the normal Late Seating showtime was 10:00pm but sometimes during the 17 days it varied. Check the daily log for accurate time. :rolleyes:

 

Any information on 'happy hours' being offered is appreciated!

 

Often the location and time varied day by day, but again, correct information was posted in the "On Location" daily log. I think it was always 'Buy one, get one for $1 more' but it can vary depending on who knows what. :p

 

What is being charged per day for the "Unlimited laundry package?"

 

We did do the unlimited laundry package, and I'm not sure what the daily charge was (sorry)... The front desk can tell you when you board.

 

Hope you all have a wonderful cruise!

[whogo]

Normally Holland America excursions, Neptune Suite guests, 4 star mariners and above will have first crack at the tenders.

[StartrainDD]

We got off the Zaandam just over a month ago... here's what was current then: Tendering varied by port. A lot depends on the weather, and whether or not there are a lot of ship shore excursions sold, if the port is supplying a large tender, how many tenders can dock to load/unload at the same time, etc. Sometimes the tender tickets were available a day or two before, sometimes that morning. Just listen carefully to the daily Noon announcement for updates.

 

Thank you HALFans!

 

That is the main thing am interested in. On our Alaska Statendam cruise a few months ago they made tender tickets available the day (or two!) before at a certain time. You got tickets for when you wanted (or earliest available - but we never took the earliest!) and this completely avoided the "Go to the showroom and don't leave lest your number be called."

 

I hope Zaandam is doing the same thing. We have four tender ports.