Almost "Live" Ms Zaandam 14-Day to Alaska (May 21 - Jun 4, 2018)

[IRL_Joanie]

I found the address online two days ago, The phone is not replaceable by ATT but must be returned to Samsung. New phone is being shipped "next" day and will arrive at my home in Albuquerque before I do. Fortunately, I have a tablet with all of my schedules to use and my phone was automatically backed up to my Samsung Account,

 

If I was addicted to my phone, I would be undergoing severe withdrawals.

 

When did they ship the phone? Nothing arrived today. I will keep an eye out for it tomorrow IF it comes by US Mail or FedEx, if not then it will not come until Monday.

Joanie

[Retired 07]

Gravity makes the huge shower head nice but if you remove the shower head from its holder and try to spray water up, the stream is about 3-inches. No shower glass in my Vista stateroom.

 

Finding a window table in the Lido Market for just viewing is nearly impossible. A better solution was discovered on my second day. At the back of Deck 6, there is a door marked "Emergency Exit" but that is only its secondary purpose. It is the exit to a huge balcony that covers the back of the ship and it has lots of loungers. The most passengers that I have seen n this secluded balcony is five in Hubbard Glacier. There are stairs going up that will take you to the aft Lido Deck if you need a snack. There is a large hot air vent that comes in handy in cold temps while on the balcony. The wide view is great for photography. FWIW there is also a similar balcony on Deck 7 using the stairs at the back of the Lido Pool area or the Deck 7 "Emergency Exit" door at the back of the hallway.

 

I cannot recommend any day for Specialty Restaurants. In all of the days I have eaten in them, I have never seen them crowded, My website will soon have all of the daily menus posted so you can choose your "least favorite food" nights to skip the MDR.

 

I am posting this from the Explorations Cafe which has a stable internet connection unlike my stateroom (6217).

I see you are in 6217. We will be in the stateroom next door, next month. Any thoughts on the room location?

[Crew News]

I see you are in 6217. We will be in the stateroom next door, next month. Any thoughts on the room location?

 

If it could not be on the very aft of the ship, this location is the next best. As stated in a previous post, it is close the secret aft balcony and a very short walk to the elevator. It is one staircase down to the Fixed MDR. There is no noise. My Room Stewards, July and David are great. I will have pictures on my website within two weeks.

 

Feel free to ask any questions.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I have an AT&T phone -- simple one. But when it died this past March -- would not take a charge any more, AT&T replaced it free.

[bellwood]

If it could not be on the very aft of the ship, this location is the next best. As stated in a previous post, it is close the secret aft balcony and a very short walk to the elevator. It is one staircase down to the Fixed MDR. There is no noise. My Room Stewards, July and David are great. I will have pictures on my website within two weeks.

 

Feel free to ask any questions.

we will be trying HAL for the first time on a 21 day cruise to Alaska next June I was wondering if you ever visited the Knowles coastal trail in anchorage

[elbodans]

At the back of Deck 6, there is a door marked "Emergency Exit" but that is only its secondary purpose. It is the exit to a huge balcony that covers the back of the ship and it has lots of loungers. The most passengers that I have seen n this secluded balcony is five in Hubbard Glacier. There are stairs going up that will take you to the aft Lido Deck if you need a snack. There is a large hot air vent that comes in handy in cold temps while on the balcony. The wide view is great for photography. FWIW there is also a similar balcony on Deck 7 using the stairs at the back of the Lido Pool area or the Deck 7 "Emergency Exit" door at the back of the hallway.

 

 

perfect! thank you so much!

[TiogaCruiser]

 

 

I am posting this from the Explorations Cafe which has a stable internet connection unlike my stateroom (6217).

I had really good results with an Internet connection by the FCC desk in March. (Right by the Egyptian art- there’s a cone there.)

[packercruising]

In an earlier post, you mentioned that the shower water pressure isn't great. Has that been an issue? I fear 14 days without a well-functioning shower! Also, in the dry dock upgrades to the bathrooms, did they do glass shower doors? Or is it still a shower curtain? I ask only to mentally prepare myself. Thanks!

 

If you turn on the water for the tub, it comes out full force. There is a pressure adjustment for the shower, but it makes no difference where you set it. The water comes out slow.

 

We are on deck 7 and Roger is on deck 6. Both have a large viewing area aft and there are places you could sit, if you want to. I was surprised at the lack of people on both decks when the ship was perfectly positioned. Deck 6 is definitely the preferable deck and if I knew then, what I know now, we would have booked there.

 

I hope your weather for Hubbard is as nice as what we had!

[Crew News]

we will be trying HAL for the first time on a 21 day cruise to Alaska next June I was wondering if you ever visited the Knowles coastal trail in anchorage

 

My time in Anchorage was spent riding a bus to the Wildlife Center, to Whittier for a 26-glacier boat ride, and the long bus ride back.

[Lenliner]

Thanks Crew News! As always, your information is invaluable! 🙂

[Crew News]

Day 12 in Sitka began with sunny skies that turned in overcast before the ship left the port. MCL Jewel proceeded us into port and remained there when we departed.

The Lido Market was crowded with another early port compressing the dining time for those heading for excursions.

 

Those on HAL excursions were issued stickers to be worn on outer apparel to make moving folks in the proper groups. Included with the stickers was a note to not arrive early for your excursion but when we gathered, three excursions were all grouped together. The HAL representative announced that my excursion was cancelled due to a mechanical issue with the boat and that we could proceed to the Visitors Center and book another. I opted to catch the free shuttle bus to town and try to get my cell phone replaced.

 

I learned that ATT does not replace cell phones and that would be replaced by Samsung. New phone will be at my home before I get there. I wonder if other carriers who sell phones do a swap out or follow the ATT method.

 

After a few photos of the city, I returned to the ship to discover that Southwest had opened their holiday flights and spent some time booking flights and hotels for my Dec Konigsdam cruise. The internet connection in the Explorations Café was good and did not disconnect very often.

Dining by myself at Sel de Mer gave me the chance to be more observant of my surroundings. I took photographs of the PG wine tablet menus: food pairings, wines enjoyed by the stars, top sellers, pictures of bottles, questions to choose the proper wine, and wines by regions. The chefs received 30-days training before being certified to serve the Sel de Mer special meal.

 

I was given a sampling of tapenades and warm bread wrapped in a thick napkin. The amuse was a seared scallop with seaweed fronds. The seafood tower, actually three tapered salad cups, was excellent. My Dover sole was filleted table-side and Rudi’s souffle was lighter than air (with just a hint of fruit at the bottom). When I returned to my room, there was another covered plate of chocolate truffles.

Not sure if the ship’s laundry folks read this post but I have not seen any staples through fabric lately.

 

Tomorrow is a sea day and chance to sleep a bit later. It is also Gala Night. There are more than 900 Mariners aboard so there will be two lunches with the medal ceremony after the first seating. America’s Test Kitchen is demoing Tapas at 11:00 AM and Steakhouse Dinner for Two at 1:00 PM.

 

More tomorrow.

[Nightowl11]

We will be in rooms 6214 and 6216 port side in July and I think you mentioned that you are in 6217 which is the same category, starboard. How long are the couches and can they sleep a 6'2" person comfortably when it is made into a bed?

[Sea42]

At the back of Deck 6, there is a door marked "Emergency Exit" but that is only its secondary purpose. It is the exit to a huge balcony that covers the back of the ship and it has lots of loungers. The most passengers that I have seen n this secluded balcony is five in Hubbard Glacier.

Can anyone tell me if there is a similar location on the Eurodam?

[Daisyloo]

We will be in rooms 6214 and 6216 port side in July and I think you mentioned that you are in 6217 which is the same category, starboard. How long are the couches and can they sleep a 6'2" person comfortably when it is made into a bed?

 

I hope so!! Our 6'4" son will be sleeping on it next month.

[Daisyloo]

OP, sounds like you are generally happy with your cabin, 6217. Glad to hear that as we will be in that same cabin starting July 2.

Your report has been very interesting and looking forward to all your photos. Enjoy the remaining cruise and have a safe trip home.

[senior lady]

I hope so!! Our 6'4" son will be sleeping on it next month.

They aren't very big or long. he might have to curl up to sleep..lol

[Daisyloo]

They aren't very big or long. he might have to curl up to sleep..lol

 

I won't tell him before we get there.:lips-sealed:

[Crew News]

Can anyone tell me if there is a similar location on the Eurodam?

 

No There are individual balconies for the staterooms across the back of the ship. The Zaandam does not have aft staterooms.

[takemewithyou]

As your cruise soon comes to an end, I want to thank you for your live reports. They have been very helpful. I look forward to all your photos and other info once you get home! Safe travels and enjoy the rest of your cruise.

[Crew News]

OP, sounds like you are generally happy with your cabin, 6217. Glad to hear that as we will be in that same cabin starting July 2.

Your report has been very interesting and looking forward to all your photos. Enjoy the remaining cruise and have a safe trip home.

 

The stateroom door is a bit heavy so it is wise to hold it open with your foot as you exit

 

The entrance is a bit narrow but there is a lot of closet space. Only one electrical outlet so an adapter t add multiple outlets is a must

 

Internet is terrible so for long term connections, I go to the Explorations Cafe just a few steps away.

 

You will like the four double coat hooks that lets you hang a lot.

 

There is good shelf space, too.. The coffee table is not adjustable and extremely heavy.

 

Let me know if you have any more questions about the room.

[Crew News]

A note from last night after my post was the indoor pool washing over the sides as the ship rolled a bit. Lots of crew members were mopping the entire deck all the way up to the Lido Market doors.

 

Less rolling today with hazy skies.

 

My website is updated with latest menus and When & Where. I will receive the latest menus and W&W tonight.

[Sea42]

No There are individual balconies for the staterooms across the back of the ship. The Zaandam does not have aft staterooms.

Thank you! I hope you enjoy the rest of your cruise.

[oaktreerb]

 

. Deck 6 is definitely the preferable deck and if I knew then, what I know now, we would have booked there.

 

Question to packer cruising.....What do you know now that would have had you choosing deck 6 over deck 7 aft?

[Crew News]

Day 13 began with hazy skies and ended with overcast skies while sailing in the Pacific Ocean. Ship rolling is still present but not as bad as yesterday.

 

Clocks moved forward during the night so my planned sleep-in had little impact on actual restful sleep. Having a late breakfast brought me into contact with those just reading while their fellow passengers searched for empty tables. Just a light breakfast because the Mariner Lunch was just a few hours away.

 

The Mariner Reception had about 200 guests and gave out more than a dozen bronze medals and a few silver medals. I counted 12 fellow 5* Mariners when we were asked to stand. While speaking with my table mates I discovered a passenger who was on my Westerdam Pacific Coastal cruise in April. What a coincidence! The red bean croquets were not something I would eat again.

 

On the way back to my stateroom, I stopped by the Shop’s Deck Sale for a peak at what was truly discounted.

 

After my last visit to the Casino, I checked my account and noticed a $30 refund of port fees/taxes. FWIW Casino cash out must happen before 9:30 AM on Victoria Day.

 

While dropping off more Comment Cards at the Front Desk, the Guest Relations rep asked if we could discuss my previously-submitted negative comments. I was thanked for my comments and promised that all would be addressed as a “Case” had been opened with Seattle. Using the electronic feedback portion of Navigator was another way to get the attention of everyone. It was essential that I explained that my few “issues” were more than balanced with many positive comments crew kudos. When I was asked what she could do to make up for any issues, I took the opportunity to suggest that I be provided some of the kid’s activity programs. We shall see. The half-hour meeting was cordial as we agreed that a free exchange was important to make the ship/crew better.

 

Gala Night had an observed 20 tuxedos, including two white, 60% jackets, and about 40% polo shirts.

 

A few minutes after returning from dinner, the Chief of Facilities was at my door to apologize for the laundry staples. I learned that due to a broken part on the labeling machine, the staples were a temporary fix until they could pick up the new part in Seattle. After the first few days, safety pins were procured and in use so that staples would not damage those items without buttonholes/loops. Maybe they read my post on CC? So next week, the pesky but non-damaging tapes should return. The conversation ended with my commenting that the laundry service of the Zaandam was one of the best I have experienced with HAL. I was assured that the laundry folks would be glad to hear my comparison with other ships.

 

A quick tip for PG tables with fixed seats: there is a lever, on the side of the table, that can be lifted to slide the table (mounted on rails) forward to allow guests in fixed seating to enter/exit.

 

Tomorrow is Victoria around 2:30 PM with another chance to sleep late before starting to pack. Estimated temps in the mid-60’s will be quite a treat as I try to get some great flower pictures at Butchart Gardens.

More tomorrow.

[librarian]

Curious as to which days did the seas seem the worst. Also, did you ever eat at pinnacle at lunch to know the foods then. Really enjoy this and feel ready for June 18th.