Review - Zuiderdam March 19-29, 10-night Panama Canal Sunfarer

[msmayor]

This was our third HAL cruise and second on a Vista class ship. We loved the Westerdam when we sailed her two years ago so were excited to be in 'familiar surroundings' for this cruise.

 

The Panama Canal is a bucket list item for me and while we were not able to book the longer full-transit, this partial was still a thrill for me. It was also our second 10-night cruise; we always lamented how terribly short 7 nights seemed as you just seem to get comfortable and its time to pack. Those three extra nights are just heavenly! All the other ports (Aruba, Curacao and Puerto Limon Costa Rica) were new to us; Half Moon Cay was also on the itinerary but we'd been there before...I honestly could go there EVERY cruise as it is a simply fabulous piece of beach to enjoy.

 

Our stateroom was a Neptune Suite on deck 7 (7062) just across from the Neptune Lounge. We were offered a very reasonable upsell from the Signature Suite we'd booked almost a year ago and were incredibly spoiled with the space and service. The Zuiderdam does not yet have the suite upgrades (I believe she is getting them while in drydock this fall) but for us, the space was still special and wonderful. We didn't find anything amiss in the room; it was clean and comfortable and everything seemed in good repair. Closet space was much more than adequate and there were plenty of drawers...much of it remained empty as we packed pretty efficiently, intending to take full advantage of the free laundry and dry cleaning.

 

Our attendants, Kadek and Paul, were terrific. They learned our daily pattern very quickly and had our room serviced while we took our morning walk before breakfast or while we were out on excursions. Ferdinand and Maria were our concierge hosts in the Neptune Lounge and as many have said, were incredibly helpful whenever we had questions or needed help. Ferdinand happily took care of printing my boarding passes at the end of the cruise while another passenger was using the computer for guest use.

 

The perks of the suite were a wonderful touch. We loved the Neptune Lounge as a place to enjoy a late-morning cup of coffee and snack or to fix some afternoon munchies to enjoy on our balcony. We enjoyed room service breakfast a few mornings and breakfast in the Pinnacle as well. Note on room service breakfast...some have wondered about the menu items and whether you can 'write' in other things...the concierge told me writing in other items is not an issue as long as you request delivery during the regular dining room hours. If you are asking for delivery before/after the dining room is serving, these write-ins may not be available. As such, we were able to get French toast (not on the menu) as we asked for it to be delivered at 9am.

 

We sent laundry out almost every day. On embarkation,we sent all my husband's dress shirts out for pressing and they were back by the following morning. Some days the laundry went out in the morning and was back by dinner but usually was back by the next day. We had no issues at all with the quality of service and appreciated coming home with very little laundry to do.

 

Considering the ship is scheduled for a drydock in the fall,we thought the ship was in great shape. Nothing seemed amiss and other than the standard bits of rust and worn varnish (which the crew continually cleaned and freshened during the cruise) we thought the overall appearance was just fine. There was a duo from the company that supplies the lifeboats on board between FLL and Aruba working on deck each morning, and on the first morning they blocked off the deck in the area they were located. This was a hiccup in our usual routine of walking laps, so we just turned around when we hit the barricade and walked in the opposite direction until we reached the barricade on the other side. That was the only day the deck was blocked;all other days we were able to complete our 12 laps in the same direction.

 

The digital Navigator was a new feature this trip and provided a bit more detail than the printed “What and Where” provided to us each evening. Very simple to set up and use, it was the perfect way to set up a daily itinerary as the entire cruise’s Navigators were loaded on day 1. It was then easy to schedule spa appointments as we could see what other activities throughout would not conflict. We were able to plan out our days a little more, and anticipate activities and shows as they approached. There is also an option to review your on board account through the app and it was a nice way to quickly see where our account stood.

 

We didn’t participate in too many of the on board activities,attending one of the cooking demonstrations and also “Swim the Canal” on Panama Canal day. We made it to the Screening Room once for a movie, though we would have preferred to enjoy a couple more. The Screening Room really holds my only criticism of the ship…the seating capacity is far too small. While the large theater chairs are quite comfy,there are only 30 or so seats available. A room that space should easily be able to handle more than that. We arrived at the theater 15-20 minutes before a movie we wanted to see and it was full, so we tried the second showing of the day and arrived 30 minutes before. We were lucky to grab the last two seats together as others streamed into find no room available. Another day,we opted to arrive 45 minutes early for the movie and it was already full. We both commented on our surveys that they should consider changing the seating to increase the capacity or consider another venue for at least one showing. I know the movies are shown the following day on the stateroom TVs, but that’s not the same experience as seeing it on a bigger screen.

 

We only attended a couple of the shows and enjoyed those we went to…a German juggler who was hilarious and involved the audience in many of his jokes and comments, and a magician who did some wonderful illusions.

 

Evening trivia in the Crow’s Nest was our standard as we always headed up there for pre-dinner cocktails and conversation with a group of passengers we became friendly with. It was a great group for conversation and fun, and we found we looked forward to this part of our day as a result. The regular barmen up there (Rommel and Roland) were terrific, learning very quickly our drink preferences and providing wonderful service. We almost always ended back up there at the end of the night for a nightcap. By the way, the Trivia was great fun…we always treated it as such and were fortunate to win two of the nights we played.

 

Ports on this cruise were Aruba, Curacao, Panama Canal/Colon and Puerto Limon Costa Rica…plus a stop at Half Moon Cay. We had a perfect day at Half Moon Cay along with the Nieuw Amsterdam; they had the ‘larger’ island tenders while we used the ship’s tenders. We didn’t feel the island crowded where our favorite spot is (further down towards the stables)but we did not eat the barbecue on the island; we opted to skip that fearing a more crowded wait and had lunch after returning to the ship. Since it was an early departure from the island (2:30pm) it wasn’t a hardship to wait until back on board.

 

We took ship’s tours on Aruba and Costa Rica. Aruba by Land and Sea was a bus tour to the California Lighthouse, the Natural Bridge (which collapsed a few years ago, but the ‘baby bridge’ is there now) and the Casirabi Rock Formation. It also included a trip on a semi-sub vessel to view the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. Viewing of the wreck was pretty good, and we saw lots of fish in the area as well. At Costa Rica we went to the Tortuguero Canal and were treated to lots of wildlife spotting. We saw howler monkeys, sloths, a Cayman (in the alligator family), lizards and lots of different tropical birds. We didn’t expect to see as much on the banks of the canal in the way of buildings and population…we thought it was a little more remote…but still an enjoyable tour. When returning we also stopped briefly at a banana plantation but remained on the bus.

 

In Curacao, we grabbed a map and just walked around Willemstad. We enjoyed seeing all the architecture, walked through the floating market and visited the Synagogue Mikve Israel-Emanuel, the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Americas. There was a wonderful museum area that had a very nice collection of artifacts and the synagogue itself was a sight to see. Very glad we stopped there.

 

The Panama Canal was the highlight and I was up early as we entered the breakwaters. While the bow was very crowded, I discovered that viewing was just as good (if not better)higher up on deck 7 forward. I took a lot of photos there and continued to move about the ship as we entered the lake, where we anchored and tendered off passengers taking tours. We then moved more about the ship in various areas as we made the return back through the locks and then on to the dock in Colon. We did not get off at all in Colon, preferring to rest and nap a bit due to the early start on the day.

 

Dining is always a highlight for us on these vacations as well. We had requested (and received)Table 79 for Upper Main Dining, a two-top on the rail. We dined 8 of the 10 nights there and received wonderful service from our waiters Ali and Paul. First night service which can sometimes be uneven as the waiters have a new group of diners was the absolute best ever. Our meal was paced wonderfully and we were done by 9:20pm…so almost 90 minutes from start to finish. We also had very good service from Anne, the wine steward, who established her presence on night 1 and never missed an evening to stop by and take our order. Our drinks were always swiftly delivered.

 

We ate at Pinnacle twice, once for the regular menu and again for Le Cirque. I had booked a Pinnacle reservation for the day and time I wanted but we had the complimentary dinner as well from Explore 4. It was no problem transferring the complimentary dinner to the date and time I wanted,and we received a credit for the amount paid prior to the cruise. Note that if you choose to do it that way,the credit will not appear until the last day when your final statement arrives. Le Cirque evening was simply fantastic,impeccable Pinnacle service and a delicious meal with a box of special LeCirque truffles waiting for me back in the stateroom. Well worth the surcharge.

 

The Dive In was delicious and we ate there a few times. Also very much enjoyed the salad station at the Lido for lunch, and the omelets at breakfast. It was really nice being able to get your toast and bacon right at the omelet station instead of needing to move about to different spots. One line, your entire breakfast...Perfect!

 

Going to the spa is one of my favorite cruise activities and I went for four treatments…two hot stone massages (one at the beginning of the cruise, one at the end), a collagen facial and an ionothermie leg treatment. All services were just fine,and I didn’t experience any ‘hard sell’ of products afterwards. I had booked three of the services on embarkation day and was eligible for the 10-20-30% promotion where the least expensive treatment was 10% off, next was 20% and most expensive 30%. There were regular spa specials every day which could be booked as available.

 

We spend a lot of time in the casino and this trip was no different. Casino hosts and staff were very friendly and helpful to all and we especially enjoyed the variety of table games. Let it Ride was there (my favorite) and a variation of Black Jack that we’d never seen before with Lucky Lady side bet (paid off on any two-card initial deal that totaled 20, with higher payouts for suited or paired 20’s). One version removed all the kings from the 8-deck shoe, which gave higher payout to a blackjack. Betting on all the blackjack tables was $6 minimum and most put $5 on the ante and $1 on the Lucky Lady circle…or you could put $6 on the ante. Blackjacks paid out regardless; no push if the dealer had one as well. You also had the option to surrender and receive half your bet back if you doubled down and weren’t happy with the result.

 

On the 27th (second to last full sea day) the Captain informed us in the afternoon that due to a medical emergency, we would need to go full speed to Grand Cayman for an evacuation. We arrived offshore around 9:30pm and a Cayman tender pulled alongside to take the passenger (and presumably companion)off the ship. We pulled away shortly after and the Captain said we would get an update the next day regarding any impact on our arrival to Port Everglades on the 29th…he hoped it would be minimal.

 

The afternoon of the 28th the Captain came on first to let us know that the evacuated passenger was doing well and we were all grateful to hear that. He then gave us the ‘bad news’ that our return would most likely be 45-60 minutes late; he expected to be alongside the pier by 7:45am. He suggested that Guest Services was available to assist anyone that maybe impacted by that later arrival, but I didn’t hear any grumbling from anyone.

 

Disembarkation went very smoothly. We were in the third group for Suite Independent and were called off around 9am. We quickly found our luggage and, using Mobile Passport, bypassed a very long customs line. Time from walking off the ship to the curb for a cab was no more than 10 minutes; it appeared the customs line was a good 45-50 minute wait. We arrived at the airport in plenty of time for our 12:15pm flight home.

 

We did purchase future cruise certificates but did not book anything specific. We received wonderful news while on this trip that our daughter and her boyfriend became engaged and now have a wedding to plan. I’m sure,though, that my thoughts will turn to planning a cruise to relax and get away to recover from the planning of her big day.

 

 

If you’ve managed to make it through this review and have any questions, please feel free to ask away…I’m happy to give back to the community that helped me so much in planning and anticipating this trip.

Edited April 1, 2017 by msmayor

[canadianbear]

My daughter and I were also on this cruise and really enjoyed it. We were in a Signature ship on deck 6 and had lots of room for all "her" clothes, ha ha!

 

I have done a full Panama transit but this was a first for my daughter and she was up bright and early at the bow.

 

We used the HAL excursion in Aruba-my daughter did the 2 tank scuba diving (she's a certified diver) while I did the catamaran sail, snorkel, beach. We both had great excursions and since we both had underwater cameras had fun looking at each others photos back in the cabin.

 

Again the crew are just fantastic. Our poor room stewards didn't know if we were coming or going as my daughter kept very irregular hours-they were so understanding! When my husband and I travel we have a routine but not with my daughter.

 

Glad you enjoyed the cruise as much as we did. It was our first time in Half Moon Cay and we were blown away by the most beautiful water we have seen. HAL actually has a photo I took of my daughter snorkeling there with the NA and Zuiderdam in the background on their Instagram!

 

We were one of the ones worried about missing our flight back to Vancouver when the Captain said we would be late. We did make it in plenty of time though thankfully.

 

Congratulations on your daughter's engagement!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thank you for taking the time to write your review.

Glad you had a wonderful cruise.

[woodworker&knitter]

Thank you for your review. We are sailing on the Zuiderdam April 9, 26 day sending in Copenhagen.

Can you tell me who the DRM is, and the CD please

 

Barbara

[Bostonjetset]

Thank you for taking the time to write this review!! I'm sailing on Zuiderdam in the Baltics this June so I'm glad to hear she is in good shape!! Funny enough, just like you, the other two HAL ships I've sailed were the Veendam and the Westerdam!! :D Zuiderdam will also be my third.

[msmayor]

Thank you for your review. We are sailing on the Zuiderdam April 9, 26 day sending in Copenhagen.

Can you tell me who the DRM is, and the CD please

 

Barbara

 

I recall seeing the cruise director one time on this 10-day voyage, right before the German Juggler was introduced at showtime one night. I never saw him again around the ship and have no idea what his name is.

 

'Andy' was one of the assistant cruise directors who we saw every day as he ran trivia, and also ran the Swim the Canal event when we sailed through Gatun Locks.

 

I assume you are referring to the Dining Room Manager by DRM? Not sure who that individual was either; Rana Bur Singh was the Culinary Operations Manager though. We saw him through the dining room one evening.

[bluesplayer]

Great to read a "happy cruising" story! Much thanks for your review. My last cruise I sailed Celebrity.. which was fine. Returning to Holland America to sail this fall. Happy to hear news of your enjoyment.

[msmayor]

 

Glad you enjoyed the cruise as much as we did. It was our first time in Half Moon Cay and we were blown away by the most beautiful water we have seen. HAL actually has a photo I took of my daughter snorkeling there with the NA and Zuiderdam in the background on their Instagram!

 

This was our second visit to Half Moon Cay and it is truly a favorite. We spent more time just walking along the beach to feel the warm sun and the sand between our toes. Its perfection!

 

We were one of the ones worried about missing our flight back to Vancouver when the Captain said we would be late. We did make it in plenty of time though thankfully.

I hoped that most would make their flights. We met one woman in the casino the evening of the Grand Cayman stop that was concerned as she had a 10am flight, so not sure how she made out. We didn't see her the morning of debarkation so assume she was ok as well.

 

I was, however, very happy to hear NO grumbling at all from a single passenger about the detour and slight delay. Most conversations we had included comments about the ill passenger, but the sentiment was always 'I hope they are OK'. All of us agreed that whatever the illness, if serious enough to require evacuation we would want the Captain to always choose to accommodate this one passenger over the schedule of all others. Even with the short delay anticipated, he clearly communicated to all that Guest Services stood ready to help with adjusting travel arrangements.

 

Congratulations on your daughter's engagement!

Thank you so much! She and her fiance' surprised us by coming up to our house this weekend so we could see her shiny new ring and celebrate proper. We've already started planning!

[erewhon]

Thank you for reviewing your cruise.

 

Congratulations to your daughter and her fiance.

[brownie1005]

Thank you for your review. We are sailing on the Zuiderdam April 9, 26 day sending in Copenhagen.

Can you tell me who the DRM is, and the CD please

 

Barbara

 

We were on the cruise as well. Great review and great cruise!

 

CD was Saul Orr and DRM was Ozgur Turnuklu.

Captain Van Hoogdalem was very personable and often saw him walking around the ship chatting with guests.

 

Hope you have a great cruise!

[kftw]

Thank you for posting a review.

[Cruizer Bill]

Thanks so much for writing your experiences!

[Rmt1948]

Great to see a review of this cruise. We are making the same trip in November. We hope to have as much fun as you did.

[msmayor]

Great to see a review of this cruise. We are making the same trip in November. We hope to have as much fun as you did.

 

I hope you enjoy it too! My husband and I consider this perhaps our best cruise to date...we really enjoyed the ship and the itinerary very much.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for the review..

[Stella1250]

I have Mobile Passport on my phone, but haven't used it yet. Can you tell me how it works? Thanks.

[3rdGenCunarder]

I have Mobile Passport on my phone, but haven't used it yet. Can you tell me how it works? Thanks.

 

It's very easy. You can put in your passport and voyage information in advance and store them until the end of the cruise. On disembarkation morning, you take a selfie and upload it to the mobile passport. You also have to enter the pier number. You may have to call the front desk or go down and ask them. When we arrived in FLL, I couldn't see any number for the waterside of the building, so I asked the front desk.

 

Once all of your information is entered, you send it. And then you get a "receipt" which will have your selfie and a qr code (the square barcode thing). You get your luggage, and as you go to the customs line, there will be a point where the mobile passport line splits off. Show the receipt to the line watcher, and they'll send you through.

 

 

It's easier than my description makes it sound. Just go through one screen at a time, it pretty much walks you through it. I think HAL gave out instructions, too.

 

Definitely worth the time it takes to set it up!

[Stella1250]

Thank you so much! I am debarking in Amsterdam, so I guess it won't work there! LOL