Zuiderdam Review Jan 7-14

[mystic51]

Sailed on the Zuiderdam Jan 7-14.. First time with HAL. This was my 16th cruise... have sailed previously with Celebrity, RCCL, NCL, Carnival.

Embarkment was a breeze. Arrived at the terminal around 12:15 and we were on the ship by 1pm. During embarkment we were each given a questionaire regarding whether or not we had been sick with fever, vomiting etc within the last week. We were aware that there had been approximately 2-300 passengers sick on the previous cruise. We also received a letter stating that there had been a number of people ill on the previous cruise and should we decide not to cruise we would receive a full refund and help in returning home. Measures had been taken to sanitize the ship plus additional measures would be in place thru'out the cruise. Which did create a lot of additional work for the crew, plus they were also short handed as a number of them were also ill..... enough about that for now.

Had really been expecting a super clean, updated ship since she had just returned from drydock. Were disappointed that there still seemed to be alot of areas that had not received the attention they should have, but we were still happy to be onboard.

We were in a VA Veranda Aft.. 5184. Cabin was a nice size with a small twin size sofa, queen size bed and a full bath with tub. Nice closet space but was lacking for drawer space.... in fact the only drawers were in the night tables. Balcony was a nice size..... narrow but extra deep as it was an aft cabin. Our aft cabin with RCCL was wider and did accomodate more outdoor furniture, also was more private.. but would still take an aft cabin any day compared to one on the side..

After we boarded, we went up to the Lido for lunch. Nice variety of food. Because of the extra safe guards in place, no one was allowed to serve themselves anything... also a crew member to assist you. Even with coffee, water etc. No salt and pepper shakers were on the tables etc. This did create more time in line, but we were pleased to see the extra effort being put forth. The crew really did do any excellent job thru'out the whole cruise. And even tho' they were working extra hours, they also maintained a cheerful attitude and we were always greeted with a smile. We found that while the food was good..... nothing was really "wow"... poor selection of desserts both in the Lido and the Dining Room at night too...

We were forfunate to have received a table for 2... had an excellent server and his assistant. They were always more than happy to accomodate you in any way they could. Once again the food was consistantly good, but nothing out of the ordinary. Did find the filet migon to be dry and slightly tough both times.... Feel the food on Celebrity to be the finest at sea. Stickly our opinion... but every night was a true dining experience for us on the Century and the Millienium... One thing I really missed was that there was never any music during dinner... not even on the formal nights..

Room service for the most part was good.. Even when an error had been made, it was quickly corrected. Just would have liked to have had more room on our balcony to enjoy breakfast out there instead of in the cabin.

Entertainment was fair... once again I have found that the entertainment was far better on Celebrity, RCCL and even Carnival. Did have some wonderful music for dancing in the Crow's Nest and the Ocean's Bar... And longer time periods than we had found on Celebrity and RCCL. This we truly enjoyed...

Half Moon Cay was outstanding. One of the prettiest beaches I have ever seen. Very shallow and great for just wading. The BBQ was not the best and we found ourselves going back to the ship early to get something else to eat. Do get there early if you want to have a lounge chair. We had rented a clamshell online before our cruise and it was well worth the 9 dollars.

We have been to St. Thomas frequently, so this was just another shopping day for us. I have noticed that during the last few years, St. Thomas seems to be deteriorating.... everything is more run down and not as clean as it once was.. Even Megan's Bay does not have the appeal it once had. We took a cab out just for a quick look after shopping and it was not worth the trip....

Tortola was wonderful. This was my 2nd visit to this charming Island. We rented a jeep for the day and drove all over the island. Beautiful views, foliage, beaches etc. My husband has decided he has found a new favorite place for us to revisit for a longer period of time.... We did not go to the Baths as the water was quite rough.. however, others said the cruise over was not nearly as bad as we had thought it would be...

Now back to the ship..... Because of all the illness, the hot tubs never did open as well as the hydropool... We did peek in to the hydropool area and I must say the area on the Millenium is much larger and there is not an extra fee... At least there was not when we sailed a few years back... The main pool area was never over crowded, even on sea days.... I did miss the Caribbean music at poolside... Just adds to the overall feeling ...... There were also very few pool games etc... No late night buffets.... and the absolute worse casino we have ever been in whether it be on land or sea. We enjoy the casino... and spend alot of time there after shows etc. We never had one winning night... in fact... there was not even "1" Royal Flush on any of the video poker machines during the whole cruise by anyone. Lots of people were commenting on the machines etc. and lack of them. So if you are like us, and enjoy a casino at sea... I would suggest you sail with another cruise line.

I had really looked forward to Sailing with HAL... had read some excellent remarks by others on the HAL Board. However, I have come to the conclusion that those cruisers that are "Loyal HAL Cruisers" overlook alot of areas that perhaps those that cruise on various other lines notice. I'm not sure we would cruise with HAL again. Price and circumstances would have to be very attractive for us to do so. Once again, I really do have to compliment the CREW..... they were excellent and really were one of the best we have had the pleasure to experience... .

[FlorenceItaly]

for taking the time to post your review of the cruise. I really enjoyed reading it. Renting a jeep and driving around Tortola sounds like so much fun.

In regards to Celebrity, I agree, the dining room food and service is hard to beat.

 

Marie

[jimbug]

Thanks for your review--we will be on the Z in 7 weeks and cannot wait. Since you have been to St. Thomas a lot, can you recommend a great place for a casual lunch in the Havensight shopping area?

 

Thanks!

[kingclick]

Ugh. I am sailing on the Zuiderdam on March the 3rd for a private cruise. I'm REALLY hoping this outbreak is handled by then. I really cannot afford to be barfing up my guts for even a day. No mention of how many people got sick on your cruise? Do you know if people did?

 

My first cruise was the Celebrity Century back in June of 2001. I really hope that it's been long enough since then to not compare this cruise with that one if the food truly is lacking compared to Celebrity.

 

I am a very critical person so I have been trying to avoid any Reviews of the Zuiderdam until I leave port but I just couldn't resist this one.

 

I just wish we were able to get our money back and go on a different cruise. But this one is with the business my wife is in so there is no going back.

 

A couple of HAL/Zuiderdam specific questions....

1. How do they handle no Laundromat? Do you just have to buck up and pay the fee for sending out the dirty clothes? Did you notice how big the bag was for sending out the laundry?

2. Did they have decent daily drink specials? I love trying new drinks and this was my way of doing it on my Celebrity cruise. I really don't want to shell out tons of bucks so it's either order in a particular bottle of Alcohol to be in my room, OR order these daily drinks and then get my alcohol from the wine we bring on ship.

[mystic51]

First of all, in St. Thomas I would definitely go downtown to shop and for lunch.... Havensight is the small shopping area by the cruise port (and not the port we were at this time), but the main shopping is downtown. We usually have lunch in any of the number of places one block from downtown on the waterfront.

 

Now for the laundry... A real bargain is to purchase the unlimited laundry and pressing for 45.00... or unlimited pressing only for 35.00.. great buy and you can forget about ironing anything before you leave. They do have a bag for 12.00 and they will launder all you can fit in the bag. you'd be surprised how much you can squeeze into it.

 

Yes, they do have a drink special everyday... usually on drink choice and one martini choice. However, their choices were not the best. Drink prices were rather high... 6-9.00.... I thought that was on the high side.

[kingclick]

Ooooh. Unlimited laundry sounds like a GREAT idea! I'm guessing that wouldn't include dry cleaning though?

[jimbug]

Thanks for your answers! One more question...did they have a "Master Chef's Dinner" on your cruise? If so, what night was it, do you remember?

 

Thanks!

[mystic51]

master chiefs dinner was Wednesday night I believe...

[Coolcruise02]

Thanks for your review. We leave in 2 weeks for our first HAL cruise. I was glad to hear about the dancing in the Crow's Nest. We love to dance in the evening. What type music did they play? Was it live music?

 

I guess we will have to wait and taste the food for ourselves. Our last cruise was on Celebrity (Century) and found the food not as good as Carnival or Princess.

 

Also, how did Magen's Bay disappoint you?

 

Thanks :)

[klasse]

I was wondering if the upgrades to your room had been completed such as the eurotop mattresses, 250 thread count sheets, flat screen tv, etc. I realize this was your first trip but did you see any of these changes. Thank you

[mystic51]

To answer a few of your questions....

 

Dancing in the Crow's Nest was excellent.... Swing to Salsa and everything in between... You won't be disappointed with the music..

 

Megan's Bay.... just not as clean as it use to be.. I would find it hard to believe it is still one of the best beaches in the world..

 

Yes, upgrades were done in our cabin.. mattress was wonderful as was the bedding.. only complaint I would have regarding our cabin, would be the constant vibration in the aft...

[caviargal]

Re Magens Bay, I think there are a lot better beaches in St. Thomas. It was dirty last time I was there a year ago and I would not go back.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for posting your honest review of the Zuiderdam.

 

Long time HAL person. When we returned from our Zuiderdam cruise in May and I made comments about things I noticed on that ship compared to other HAL ships, I was jumped on and flamed.

 

You should try another HAL ship - I do believe that you will like it better.

[ReaganSkyesdad]

We were on the same cruise as Mystic51. I put a "review" in the the thread "Live from Zuiderdam" after our return.

 

I agree with everything Mystic has commented on other than the cabin upgrades. We were in a SB class 6077 and had no upgrades other than the mattress. In fact, our towels were so old they were ragged. The TV was NOT flat screen and the remote did not work half the time. I inquired to the hotel manager about this and was told they had NOT received any upgrades other than mattresses and that linen was ordered but they did not know when to expect it. I was told the work done in drydock was to the "mechanics" of the ship. Although one day there was a small fire on board in an HVAC unit that shut down air to all cabins on Deck 4 until 2 am the following day. I spoke to several people affected by this as we were waiting to go ashore at Nassau and was told HAL offered no apologies and could not tell them when it would be fixed after it happened.

 

Crew members varied. Some were excellent (HUNKY DORY was one who is most memorable in the Lido) but others such as those behind the line were surley. Two days they closed the Lido Buffet early in the evening and had no ice cream available or anything other than old pizza. The second time, I brought this to the attention of Paul Mooney, the Culinary Operations Manager, who I had met on HMC and he quickly got on his phone/radio and got things opened. But staff was not even apologetic (other than Paul) and not respectful to him. I found this troublesome as showed the problems with consistency.

 

I, too, was looking forward to this cruise as I had read so much on this board. But I have to agree that any positive comments must come from those who are "loyal" HAL cruisers. We have discussed it and we would never sail Zuiderdam again and probably not sail HAL either.

 

I did find the entertainment enjoyable and the dancing both in all areas was good. I did not care too much for the DJ as he dwelled too much on certain personal subjects, but this was his last cruise. The Elton John impersonator was pretty good, although on his first night he talked too much and the second night where he appeared with the magician was really not good at all..too corny. The best part was seeing Koda, the magician's white toy poodle in his act!

 

Food selections in Vista pales in comparision to RCCL and even the large Carnival ships! We ate twice in Pinnacle (staying with steaks, people were complaining about the plank seafood) and food it excellent. I was impressed with Room Service and selection. It was tough getting through (particular our first sea day...many were ill and stayed in) but options were good and food was above par.

 

The Norovirus was no issue for us, but I heard it was for a many. I think they handled it well, except for the cruise director (Eric, who is in the wrong profession..he should be an undertaker) who made fun of it at every opportunity using his "alternate personality" Dale.

 

People who have concerns that about this being for those in their 60's and beyond should not really worry. While the age of the ship is older to a degree, I found their were plenty of people who were in their 30's and even 20's sailing and enjoying themselves with the activities provided.

 

I don't think anyone is going to be "wowed" by the experience if you are not an experienced HAL cruiser. But there is good and bad with everything. This was a mediocre cruise in my opinion and disappointing overall.

[janisutx]

I was on the Zuiderdam in November and everyone in our group noticed how dirty the ship was. We rarely saw anyone cleaning the public areas unlike our experience in 2004 on the Westerdam. The crew was cleaning at all times of the day and night. I would never sail on the Zuiderdam again even though we had fun in spite of the lack of attention to housekeeping duties.

[trixiee]

Geez, I sure wish I had known about all this "sh!t" before I booked. What a waste of $$!!

 

Oh well, I guess it's better going with low expectations, and know what I'm getting into, rather than with high expectations, and be sorely disappointed.

[caviargal]

Geez, I sure wish I had known about all this "sh!t" before I booked. What a waste of $$!!

 

Oh well, I guess it's better going with low expectations, and know what I'm getting into, rather than with high expectations, and be sorely disappointed.

 

WHy not just go on with an open mind and see for yourself?

 

I am on the ZUI in 9 weeks and just was on for a tour last weekend. Was I wowed? No, but neither was I turned off. I will wait until I cruise and decide for myself.

[FlorenceItaly]

WHy not just go on with an open mind and see for yourself?

 

 

I agree. Also, keep in mind there are those of us who had a wonderful time. Or, if you are unsure, why not find another cruise? It appears you sail in July so you still have time to cancel this cruise, as you are in the no-penalty phase. I am not saying this is what you should do, but rather am pointing out it is an option.

 

Marie

[Captain Crunch]

WHy not just go on with an open mind and see for yourself?

 

I am on the ZUI in 9 weeks and just was on for a tour last weekend. Was I wowed? No, but neither was I turned off. I will wait until I cruise and decide for myself.

 

caviargal, with all due respect, you've put in more time at sea than most sailors, so a below average cruise here, a marginal one there doesn't make or break your cruising experience. For those either not as privileged as you or who do not or cannot cruise as often, settling for a cruise on ship that many have been disappointing to a few others is almost not an option.

 

From your point of view, the Zui may just be something to experience, but for those not as fortunate to cruise so often, the fact that the chances of the Zui disappointing them is greater than another ship is something to consider.

 

My advise is to bailout of the Zui and find something that has more of a guarentee, or atleast a ship or line that has consistently great reviews.

[caviargal]

CaptainCrunch, I have to disagree. I have had my share of cruises that I would have gladly traded for a week at home and the fact is that I have been cruising for 40 years now and in the business for awhile. I know what I enjoy and, when travelling for pleasure, chose accordingly. For work, I am paid to be there, period.

 

I often cruise for business and can say that some of my least enjoyable experiences were on lines and ships that get rave reviews from lots of people. My recent Glory cruise comes to mind. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it a three. My opinion does not reflect the feelings of many. I was glad to have to work while aboard because I would have been bored to death otherwise. The ship was loud, overcrowded, smoky and annoying. And the food and service were mediocre. If I was not paid to be there, I never would have stayed.

 

Ships that garner rave reviews, like those of RCI's Voyager class, are not for me. But, again, read the reviews and it is obvious these are very popular vessels. For me, they are like floating convention hotels, and I would never choose one for a vacation.

 

I really do not cruise much for pleasure anymore because the ships that I enjoy are really pricey and I would rather do a land based vacation that cruise on a ship I do not like. I work hard for my money and my vacation time, and it means a lot to me.

 

I am looking forward to cruising on ZUI and seeing what it is really like, IMO and from my perspective. It is not a ship I would have chosen if it was a personal trip as (1) the itineray includes only one port where I will even bother to debark, (2) HAL is now owned by Carnival, which I do not like, (3) last time I cruised with HAL 20 years ago, I found the food and entertainment bland. However, the ship was nice enough when I spent a few hours aboard last weekend, the staff and crew were very accomodating, the staterooms looked comfy enough and the food at lunch was good.

 

I really hope I enjoy it to start cruising again for pleasure.

[Candy]

I was on the Zuiderdam in November and everyone in our group noticed how dirty the ship was. We rarely saw anyone cleaning the public areas unlike our experience in 2004 on the Westerdam. The crew was cleaning at all times of the day and night. I would never sail on the Zuiderdam again even though we had fun in spite of the lack of attention to housekeeping duties.

 

I was on the Zuiderdam in November and we noticed how clean and shiny everything was. We frequently ran into crew cleaning and polishing. Which Zuiderdam were you on?

[Candy]

Geez, I sure wish I had known about all this "sh!t" before I booked. What a waste of $$!!...snip

 

You have not wasted your money. You have plenty of time to cancel. We have sailed Zuidy from almost the beginning, when she was blasted for her color schemes and other decor. We have found her to be a wonderful, warm ship with an excellent staff and crew, generous accomodations, great food and a fabulous casino! Go figger.

 

Candy the ZuiderPrincess

[Sammy2]

Thank you all for your reviews. Knowing about the laundry really helps as we are sailing on her for 3 weeks. I am looking forward to this cruise, we don't cruise that often due to finances, but I am really looking forward to the R&R. It is a real treat for me not to have to cook, clean, do laundry, make beds, go to work. I go with no expectations, and am never disappointed. The food always tastes better when you don't have to cook it yourself, and if you don't like it you can return it and order something else. Can't do that at home, or in many restaurants. Don't know yet what cabin we will have, only that it is an outside balcony. I asked for mid-ship, starboard side, we shall see......

Take care everyone, happy cruising. Will post my review after we come home on May 13th.

Sammy2

[trixiee]

We have wanted to try HAL for some time... so I won't cancel. I'll try to have an open mind. I like peace and quiet, abhor raucous behavior. I know sailing on HAL will not guarantee that. (But I was hoping!) We have a nice balcony cabin, and I enjoy spending a lot of time out on my balcony reading, snoozing, watching the water and scenery go past. If the ship is clean, and my cabin is absent of finger prints on the windows and mirrors when I first walk in, I'll be happy. (Have only had an aceptably clean cabin once- on Princess. But now will ask the Stward to make it right for me) Good dining room service and nice variety on the menu are the second most important things for me. (With stain-free chairs) We don't gamble, but enjoy listening to the various live bands throughout the ship - as long as we can do it in a relatively smoke-free area...

 

... HAL has the reputation of being the best for Alaska, and the itinerary seems to be one of the best out there for us. The week we have chosen is the only week we can go away for vacation, so that does limit us somewhat...

 

...I promise to have an open mind, and will try to reel in that little critical alter-ego of mine! :)

[FlorenceItaly]

We have wanted to try HAL for some time... so I won't cancel. I'll try to have an open mind. I like peace and quiet, abhor raucous behavior. I know sailing on HAL will not guarantee that. (But I was hoping!) We have a nice balcony cabin, and I enjoy spending a lot of time out on my balcony reading, snoozing, watching the water and scenery go past. If the ship is clean, and my cabin is absent of finger prints on the windows and mirrors when I first walk in, I'll be happy. (Have only had an aceptably clean cabin once- on Princess. But now will ask the Stward to make it right for me) Good dining room service and nice variety on the menu are the second most important things for me. (With stain-free chairs) We don't gamble, but enjoy listening to the various live bands throughout the ship - as long as we can do it in a relatively smoke-free area...

 

... HAL has the reputation of being the best for Alaska, and the itinerary seems to be one of the best out there for us. The week we have chosen is the only week we can go away for vacation, so that does limit us somewhat...

 

...I promise to have an open mind, and will try to reel in that little critical alter-ego of mine! :)

 

Based on what you have shared, I think HAL is the perfect fit for you and you will have a wonderful vacation :).

 

Marie