Sailed Zaandam July 6th through July 20th

[TwocruisersfromMA]

If you have any questions about the Zaandam I just sailed on her for two weeks. 7/6-7/20

Sue

[ATC]

What was the name of the pianist in the Mix?

 

[ger_77]

Did you enjoy your time onboard?  Any highlights you can tell us about?

 

Smooth Sailing! 🙂🙂🙂

[blythe]

We will be on the Zaandam next week and I would love to hear about the food, entertainment, specialty restaurants, anything that you could share. Also, what did you do in each port? Thanks!

[TwocruisersfromMA]

..The name Joel keeps coming to mind. He was in his 40's and very good.

 

It took hours to use the tender for Bar Harbor. We got in about 7:00AM and we got off the ship around 10:00. Passengers who had booked private tours or no tours were irate.  You could hear them yelling at the reception desk.So if they ask if you have a tour say yes..If not like us plan on being off the ship around 10:00. On the first week only we had to tender to Price Edward Island due to another ship . That was a shock. However we never saw the other ship! On the second week there was no tender. I dont know what your itinenary says but we had a few changes of ships.  This just happened.. So we were delayed in getting into ports.  Alot of yelling about that! People thought we should of been notified prior.

 

 There were two production shows and two comedians.One night there were the 2 comedians together. A must see is Mike Robinson. He is listed as a comedian but is also a ventroquist. He rivals Terry Fator! It was one of the best shows I have seen on a cruise ship. On the second week two singers were sick so they had to cancel a production show. They need to enhance their entertainment with more variety.

 

During the day they had several windows 10 classes. There was also American test kitchen activities and the usual trivia. There wasnt much else. The casino was the smallest I have ever seen and the worst payouts. There was only a few gambling so that is why the payouts were poor. If you gamble..I can tell you where to go in the ports. There is a casino called Casino Novia Scotia in Halifax..easy walk from ship that is great.

 

The food  and service is excellent in the Lido deck and dining room. We had a table for 2-table 26 for 5:15 dinner time. Dewa & Didi were the best waiters we have ever had.

 

We did take an Island Hopper in Charlottetown. You can buy tickets off the ship. That was fun.  People were complaining about the cost of ship tours. People complained about Sydney as there wasnt much to see.

 

We have been on over 60 cruises so I would consider us seasoned travelers. For the last three years we have taken this same 14 night cruise but on other Holland American ships. My husband thinks this is a relaxing and easy cruise . I think for two weeks it is boring so I would only suggest one week. If you are on for two weeks there is a very good library. I went to the movie theater  3 times. I saw Captain Marvel and Maudie and Tolkein. The others offered were Dumbo and another which I have forgotten the name. There were many doing puzzles at the Crows nest and at the library. In fact I was bored and helped to do three ...1000 pc puzzles. I am in my late 60's and felt young. 

 

We were on the Dolphin Deck and loved it, The gangway was only either one deck down or up. Our bathroom had the old fashion  hair dryers . A hose from the wall...If you have long hair that can be an issue. There was a bathtub . Small TV  in the room at a bad angle. You can rent movies for free at the reception desk. 

 

I hope this helps...

 

[T8NCruise]

The Pianist's name was Jamm.
The best thing about the Zaandam is the Crow's Nest is still intact and there is music up there in the evenings.  also a great library.

We were on June 29 - July 13.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thank you for your review.

 

We have done your itinerary -- on the Maasdam and loved it.

 

One week cruises are not for us -- especially because of the flying to get to the embarkation ports.  We prefer 21 days or longer.

[TwocruisersfromMA]

 There are a species of Right whales that need to be protected so it is now mandatory that ships reduce speed. So the schedule times differed at 2 ports.  Quebec was affected and we arrived 4 hours later than scheduled. We were also late at another port. Then tides were a factor.  Hopefully you will not experience any delays.

 

 Sorry-Thats right..Jamm was the name....There is also a singer and violinist at another lounge. We did not attend.

 

In Quebec we walked to the Funicular(Venecular). It cost $3.50 for the less than one minute ride up to Hotel Frontenac. No credit cards. Across from the hotel is a huge information area and tour desks. One year we did the hop on -hop off bus. Plenty of souvenoir shops. In Monteal we just walked around. In the past we found a information place selling hop on-hop off tours. 

 

We never take ships tours. There are plenty of people selling tours off ship. We have been fortunate using them. Our weather fluctuated. I wish I had taken another pair of jeans for our two weeks,. Luckily I brought a light weight fleece. The theater is  on the cool side.

 

In the dining room..if you do not like the offers on the menu you can always order French onion soup..Caeser salad..chicken Picatta, steak, or a fish and other items available every day. They do offer a Surf & Turf one night. If you wish a whole lobster there is an addiitional fee.. It is either $25 or $35.00.. cant remember.

 

The only options for breakfast are room service or the Lido deck. My husband ate their wonderful Eggs Benedict everyday.. I got addicted to their banana pancakes and pastries.. I dont think you need to eat at a speciality restaurant. Save your money!

 

 

We love this ship..You can always find a place to sit down,, elevators are always available and you dont see throngs of people like other ships. It is very organized and low key. Even the cruise director Jude is great. The service is the best ever!

 

This trip is port intensive so that is why I like it. I get bored during sea days on other ships. 

 

Sue

 

 

 

[T8NCruise]

As regards breakfast - you can also get breakfast in the MDR each day, though service can sometimes be a little slow.

[TwocruisersfromMA]

we were told it was only open on the day you leave ship..I wish I had known..was on ship for 2 weeks..lol..We never used anytime dining

[TwocruisersfromMA]

there was no lunch in the dining room..I know that for certain because we went once and saw the sign....Having taken 3- 14 sailing this year..ships are blending together..sorry about that

[Sir PMP]

Jamm the piano player is good, we had him on the Prinsendam to Antarctica..

[T8NCruise]

1 hour ago, TwocruisersfromMA said:

there was no lunch in the dining room..I know that for certain because we went once and saw the sign....Having taken 3- 14 sailing this year..ships are blending together..sorry about that

 

Quite likely as this was such a port-intensive cruise, and on the only sea days (2 in 2 weeks) there was a Mariner's Luncheon.

[blythe]

Thank you so  much for the information. That helps a lot. How early can you get your tender tickets? We have a private excursion scheduled for 10:30 so I am  hoping that will allow enough time to tender into Bar Harbor. 

The group we are with also has scheduled a tour to Peggy's Cove in Halifax. Other than that, we are taking a very laid back approach to activities. I'm sure we will find enough to occupy our time.

May I ask what cabin were you in? We are also on Dolphin deck, in an OV.

[KAKcruiser]

Was Club Orange seating in the dining room in effect?  If so, how did it work?

[TwocruisersfromMA]

We had an ocean view..cabin 1830...We were concerned when booking because it was around a corner from  an elevator..However it was very quiet..I have no knowledge of Club Orange.

 

In Bar Harbor -the first week from Boston we got off the ship about 9:30 AM. We went after breakfast  about 8:30 and received our tender tickets  but waited an hour to be called.Since we said we did not have a tour I believe we were put on a special list. On the way back from Montreal we had to go through immigration , then could pick up our tender tickets and had a wait. We were called at 10:00. 10:30 will not be an issue.

 

One time in Bar Harbor we took Oli's trolley  for a tour. Their business is just up from the tender dock. It was very reasonable and enjoyed it.

 

For those of you who buy souvenirs for the children or grand children I have a suggestion. In the past I would buy the usual t-shirt, snow globe or stuffed animal for the girls. This year at a store called Del Sol  in Bar Harbor which  is only a few minutes from the tender dock I bought nail polish. It is light blue but when you go outside it turns pink. It was a big hit. The store also has headbands and t-shirts that change color outside.

[cormike1]

Thanks so much for your posts.  We are doing a 7-day from Montreal to Boston in Sept. and looking forward to it.  We love smaller ships so HAL's suit us fine.

By the way, Del Sol shops are also throughout the Caribbean.  They were a big hit with my granddaughters years ago to.

Thanks again.

[blythe]

Is there a charge for room service?

[RuthC]

44 minutes ago, blythe said:

Is there a charge for room service?

There is a charge for certain foods (listed as such on the menu), and drinks, but there is no charge for room service itself.
A tip of a few dollars to the server is given by many people.

[blythe]

Thank you Ruth C. Am I correct that breakfast options include the main dining room, Lido, or room service?

We plan to lunch in port, at least on a few occasions, as we want to try a lobster roll!

[kazu]

10 minutes ago, blythe said:

Thank you Ruth C. Am I correct that breakfast options include the main dining room, Lido, or room service?

 

I’m not RuthC, but yes you are correct in the breakfast options. 

[blythe]

We are considering either lunch or dinner in the Pinnacle Grill. Have never

eaten there before so would appreciate some input about the menu, service, etc. Thanks.

[TwocruisersfromMA]

We never ate there or in any speciality restaurant.

[sail7seas]

On 7/27/2019 at 10:35 AM, TwocruisersfromMA said:

..The name Joel keeps coming to mind. He was in his 40's and very good.

 

It took hours to use the tender for Bar Harbor. We got in about 7:00AM and we got off the ship around 10:00. Passengers who had booked private tours or no tours were irate.  You could hear them yelling at the reception desk.So if they ask if you have a tour say yes..If not like us plan on being off the ship around 10:00. On the first week only we had to tender to Price Edward Island due to another ship . That was a shock. However we never saw the other ship! On the second week there was no tender. I dont know what your itinenary says but we had a few changes of ships.  This just happened.. So we were delayed in getting into ports.  Alot of yelling about that! People thought we should of been notified prior.

 

 There were two production shows and two comedians.One night there were the 2 comedians together. A must see is Mike Robinson. He is listed as a comedian but is also a ventroquist. He rivals Terry Fator! It was one of the best shows I have seen on a cruise ship. On the second week two singers were sick so they had to cancel a production show. They need to enhance their entertainment with more variety.

 

During the day they had several windows 10 classes. There was also American test kitchen activities and the usual trivia. There wasnt much else. The casino was the smallest I have ever seen and the worst payouts. There was only a few gambling so that is why the payouts were poor. If you gamble..I can tell you where to go in the ports. There is a casino called Casino Novia Scotia in Halifax..easy walk from ship that is great.

 

The food  and service is excellent in the Lido deck and dining room. We had a table for 2-table 26 for 5:15 dinner time. Dewa & Didi were the best waiters we have ever had.

 

We did take an Island Hopper in Charlottetown. You can buy tickets off the ship. That was fun.  People were complaining about the cost of ship tours. People complained about Sydney as there wasnt much to see.

 

We have been on over 60 cruises so I would consider us seasoned travelers. For the last three years we have taken this same 14 night cruise but on other Holland American ships. My husband thinks this is a relaxing and easy cruise . I think for two weeks it is boring so I would only suggest one week. If you are on for two weeks there is a very good library. I went to the movie theater  3 times. I saw Captain Marvel and Maudie and Tolkein. The others offered were Dumbo and another which I have forgotten the name. There were many doing puzzles at the Crows nest and at the library. In fact I was bored and helped to do three ...1000 pc puzzles. I am in my late 60's and felt young. 

 

We were on the Dolphin Deck and loved it, The gangway was only either one deck down or up. Our bathroom had the old fashion  hair dryers . A hose from the wall...If you have long hair that can be an issue. There was a bathtub . Small TV  in the room at a bad angle. You can rent movies for free at the reception desk. 

 

I hope this helps...

 

I did that b-to-b in May (again and loved it-- again)  My late dh and  I did it Boston to Boston to Boston many times  I it s easy

 

Zaandsm has a great crew and i so enjoyed  them.    Food in MDR ws very much to my taste and  meals I  ate in lido were good. 

 

IT had been a long while   since I sailed Zaandam but I hope to again soon.

 

 

 

sail.noordam@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

On 7/27/2019 at 10:35 AM, TwocruisersfromMA said:

 

 

[Moriah]

17 hours ago, blythe said:

We are considering either lunch or dinner in the Pinnacle Grill. Have never

eaten there before so would appreciate some input about the menu, service, etc. Thanks.

 

Pinnacle Grill on Zaandam is lovely, but keep in mind it has no windows.  So make your reservations for after dark so as not to feel you are missing any scenery or anything!