Not so Live from the Zuiderdam - 5 Day Pacific Coastal April 22nd - San Diego to Vancouver

[zgscl]

Well I am not certain that this qualifies as a live thread as I am disembarking in about 7 hours, but I am going to post anyway 🙂 

 

After a fabulous cruise on Koningsdam, I decided I really did not want to wait until my next cruise in July so I booked a short repositioning cruise on Zuiderdam. 

 

Airport/Transfer: I booked air through Flight Ease and had no issues at all. Delta let me switch my flight to an earlier time and I made my way to the hotel on my own - it is a very easy transfer. Check in at the hotel was easy and my room was ready. Nice room but some noise issues due to construction that was going on. 

 

Over breakfast I got to see the Discovery Princess sail into San Diego harbor. Wow is that a big ship - I was supposed to be on the Love Boat cruise in October but I decided I want to stick with HAL. Seeing her up close really affirms my decision. 

 

Busy day in San Diego Harbor today, three ships - Norwegian Jewel, Zuiderdam & Discovery Princess. 

 

 

 

 

[zgscl]

We were told to meet in the lobby of the hotel at 11  for the bus to the ship, and the bus was a few minutes late. Only 5 of us going to the ship today and due to delays with disembarkation they had the bus stop at the airport on the way. Everything is so close in San Diego this really was not much of a delay and we were at the ship by around 11:30. 

 

By far the easiest embarkation I have ever had, no doubt aided by the fact there were less than 200 total embarkations today. 

 

I was able to complete VeriFLY before heading to the pier which helped speed things up also. VeriFLY took my vaccination about 2 weeks in advance and I was able to load my test results about 2.5 days in advance. At the pier there was a separate line for VeriFLY that let you bypass the health screening, all you had to do was show your pass. While there was not much of a line today I will definitely use this again as you never know when there will be a line. 

 

After health screening we went through security which had no line either. After security was the check in area. Both facial recognition kiosks and some check in desks. Even with the facial recognition there is a staff member there to operate the kiosk. All you have to do is take off your mask and then show your passport. The first kiosk had some issues, but they quickly had me go to another open one and I was finished in about 30 seconds. 

 

That was it and I was able to walk across to board the ship by 11:40. As is the new protocol they scanned my boarding pass at the gangway and I got my room keys outside my cabin. 

[zgscl]

7185 is the typical aft wrap Neptune Suite. Basically identical to the one I had on Eurodam. Smaller couch than the standard port & starboard Neptunes, and some lost space between the bed and the sitting area. What is lost in the cabin is more than made up for by the enormous balcony. After two cruises on Koningsdam I had forgotten how much more storage space there is on the older ships. Probably at least double the closets/cabinets then on the newer ships. Also I had forgotten how nice that dressing room is. The balcony has a good mix of shade and sun with about half of the aft part sticking out. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 27, 2022 by zgscl

[zgscl]

During Embarkation we were handed this flyer with information and instructions on ArriveCAN. We were required to sign and turn in to Guest Services after completion. 

 

 

Our next door neighbor the Norweigan Jewel. I hadn't realized this but it appears to be roughly a similar size to Zuiderdam. I may have to consider trying some of Norweigan's smaller ships at some point if I ever get tired of HAL. 

 

Zuiderdam has officially transitioned to mask optional, including in the theater. Masks are only required during embarkation/disembarkation as well as on tenders. 

 

 

When & Where for San Diego - I noticed that Zuiderdam is still on the old format, which felt very familiar and nostalgic to me after they dared to change the format on my last cruise. 

 

 

\\

 

 

[zgscl]

This cruise is sold both as a 5 day coastal, and a 14 day Mexican Riveria ending in Vancouver. Most folks onboard are actually on the 14 day itinerary (and a lot of them are staying for a back to back with Alaska after). Because of this we did not get the typical embarkation day lunch in the Lido with the fabulous London broil. I guess you can't have it all (pun intended). 

 

I did make do with a nice salad, fried chicken and mac & cheese from the buffet. 

 

 

 

I also was able to go check out my cabana. I really like the design on Zuiderdam and it is much bigger than the ones on Koningsdam. I love that you get a table and two chairs in addition to the recliners. 

 

 

 

 

 

After checking out the cabana I went through the muster drill. Same new format as before. Watch the short video in your cabin, check in at your muster station & listen to the Captain's announcement. I was checked in to the muster station in about 30 seconds (and had already watched the video in my cabin earlier) so I was all set. 

[zgscl]

I think San Diego is probably my favorite sail away along with Seattle and Ketchikan. I love that you get about an hour of scenic cruising on the way out to sea. And I got a cabin on the other side of the ship so it is a bit of a different view than last time. There is really no better place to watch a sail away from than an aft wrap Neptune! 

 

I can't remember who said it, but I agree - next time I need to be on the other ship so my pictures have the pretty HAL ship in the background instead of the ugly Norwegian and Princess ships. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[zgscl]

Embarkation dinner in the Pinnacle Grill did not go well. The servers were wonderful and did a great job serving, but the food was not up to the usual standards. 

 

To start with the caesar salad. The salad itself was OK. The poached egg was troublesome. Normally it is poached medium or hard. Typically soft in the center but definitely firm. This time the yoke was 100% liquid. As soon as I cut into it in my salad, it filled the plate completely drenching the lettuce in uncooked egg. I really should have taken a picture of this it was actually quite comical. Reminded me a bit of a funny incident in 8th grade - my school served caesar salad except someone way overdid the dressing. It was literally caesar soup and to serve it they had to get out a slotted spoon to drain dressing off of the lettuce before they put it on your plate. 

 

 

 

Crab cakes were great, no complaints at all! 

 

For my main I got the ribeye and a lobster tail. The lobster was great and cooked perfectly. The steak was at least 30% gristle and fat. I did not send it back because I had plenty of other food, but it really was not the quality I expect from the Pinnacle Grill. 

 

Now the biggest tragedy is the lobster mac & cheese. I had this several times on Koningsdam and it was amazing. This was a pale imitation. It was OK. 

 

For comparison the lobster mac & cheese on Koningsdam which was life changing. Let me know if you can spot the difference. 

 

For my other sides I had the creamed spinach and sauteed mushrooms, both of which were good. 

 

For desert I had chocolate souffle as is always my go to, along with hot tea. 

 

 

[zgscl]

After returning to my cabin I had received a letter about tender embarkation. Four & 5 Star, Neptune & Pinnacle Suite & Club Orange guests all receive priority. If you are booked on a shore excursion they have you go to the main stage and then they bring you ashore by excursion. 

 

We also received the When & Where for Santa Barbara

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 27, 2022 by zgscl

[zgscl]

We arrived in Santa Barbara in the early morning and I was treated to a beautiful view of the California Coast. The Pacific was rough this morning and the Captain had to turn the ship a couple times so they could block the waves and lower the tenders. I do enjoy having a tender port for the pictures. The ride itself was not bad and it was not too rough getting on the tender. The Captain said that they had to leave the ship in DP mode and use the Azipods and thrusters to hold it at anchor

 

Breakfast in the Pinnacle this morning. I really do prefer the Pinnacle breakfast to the Club Orange one on the Pinnacle class ships. It feels more exclusive and I think the service is better. For breakfast I had the skillet and pancakes. Both were quite good. 

 

 

 

After breakfast I headed up to the Main Stage for our tour meeting point. I signed up for the Coastal Whale Watching and they got us out right on time. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our tenders docked right next to the Condor Express which was the boat for our whale watching tour. The tour was mixed with general public and HAL folks so unfortunately the upper deck was pretty much full when we got there. I opted for a seat in the cabin which was probably better due to weather, and everyone does end up walking around looking for whales. They had a cafe onboard where you could get drinks, snacks and breakfast items. Also they had 3 naturalists onboard in addition to the crew to talk about the wildlife and the Channel Islands. 

 

 

 

We got to see some Sea lions, but sadly no Whales. I was very lucky on my Mexico cruise last month and I think it is just too late in the season to see Whales down here. On the way off the boat they handed us a "Whale Check" so we can get a free tour with them next time we are in Santa Barbara. 

 

 

 

 

I think I will leave it there for tonight, but I will catch up eventually! Even if it is after I get home. 

[liketraveling]

5 hours ago, zgscl said:

During Embarkation we were handed this flyer with information and instructions on ArriveCAN. We were required to sign and turn in to Guest Services after completion. 

 

 

Our next door neighbor the Norweigan Jewel. I hadn't realized this but it appears to be roughly a similar size to Zuiderdam. I may have to consider trying some of Norweigan's smaller ships at some point if I ever get tired of HAL. 

 

Zuiderdam has officially transitioned to mask optional, including in the theater. Masks are only required during embarkation/disembarkation as well as on tenders. 

 

 

When & Where for San Diego - I noticed that Zuiderdam is still on the old format, which felt very familiar and nostalgic to me after they dared to change the format on my last cruise. 

 

 

\\

 

Glad they are still using the Where and when.  I will be on the ship in Nov with my elderly father .  I don’t have a problem with the navigator but I know people who do have the problem.  My dad being one of them, so glad to see this.

 

 

[zgscl]

18 minutes ago, liketraveling said:

 

Got a sneak peak at todays when & where and it looks like they have switched formats to the new one, but paper copies still delivered. 
 

[westcoastsue]

I was wondering where your “Live from” post was. You must have been having an amazing time!

additional comment - you seem wise beyond your years!

[syesmar]

@zgscl Thanks so much for sharing your cruise experience with us! Seems like a fabulous repositioning cruise. My, how I miss cruising! Appreciate your time.

Edited April 27, 2022 by syesmar

[Kristal Blade]

Thank you for posting. We are cruising on Zuiderdam in august with our family. We have booked them into a Neptune suite, but not aft,it is midships. Will it be big enough for 2 adults and 2 kids? The kids are boy, 11 and girl, 8.

Thanks for any input, but it is booked now so we can’t change! Any advice about bed arrangements would help. 

[Florida_gal_50]

Better late than never.  I always enjoy the detail in your live from.  Funny thing about this cruise I was actually booked to do the 14 day Mexico but switched to the Koningsdam.   Looking forward to reading more.

Edited April 27, 2022 by Florida_gal_50

[zgscl]

9 hours ago, westcoastsue said:

I was wondering where your “Live from” post was. You must have been having an amazing time!

additional comment - you seem wise beyond your years!

You are too kind! It is forth comming, but better late than never! 

[zgscl]

9 hours ago, Kristal Blade said:

Thank you for posting. We are cruising on Zuiderdam in august with our family. We have booked them into a Neptune suite, but not aft,it is midships. Will it be big enough for 2 adults and 2 kids? The kids are boy, 11 and girl, 8.

Thanks for any input, but it is booked now so we can’t change! Any advice about bed arrangements would help. 

I think that should work well. I am assuming the adults will share the big bed put together and the kids will sleep on the sofa bed? Definitely a standard Neptune is better than an aft wrap for this, the aft wraps have a smaller couch. If you haven't already you should check HalFacts for pictures of your actual cabin or one close by to get a good idea of the layout. 

[zgscl]

9 hours ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

Better late than never.  I always enjoy the detail in your live from.  Funny thing about this cruise I was actually booked to do the 14 day Mexico but switched to the Koningsdam.   Looking forward to reading more.

I guarantee the lobster mac & cheese was better on Koningsdam! 

[zgscl]

After returning to the ship from Santa Barbara I went to the cabin to freshen up. I was pleasantly surprised by a knock at my door. The Neptune concierge came by with some snacks and a very nice note thanking me for cruising with them. 

 

 

 

 

Weather in Santa Barbara was perfect. Sunny and warm and a great day for lunch in the cabana. 

 

 

 

The cabana attendants came by with an order form for Dive In as well as the full Lido menu so I could circle whatever I wanted. 

 

 

I decided to try an assortment of things which was fun. 

 

 

 

 

Around 3 they brought by the signature chocolate covered strawberries & sparkling wine. 

 

Edited April 28, 2022 by zgscl

[zgscl]

For dinner in Santa Barbara I went to Canaletto. Really attentive service. The restaurant was not full and they told me they are pretty open the whole cruise. 

 

They were out of crab so they substituted half a lobster tail. The dish was good, but still no where near the one I had on Nieuw Amsterdam in July. I think that might have been the anomaly which is really too bad because it was incredible. 

 

Lam was very good, better than the one on Koningsdam but also not as good as Nieuw Amsterdam. 

 

 

When and Where for our first Sea Day

 

 

 

We also received a Canadian customs form to turn in to Guest Services. 

[zgscl]

After dinner I went to BB King's which was fantastic. The group was not quite as good as the last one on Koningsdam but they were truly exceptional. Although the set lists are pretty repetitive at least it is a good one and the musicians are reliably good. 

 

Sunday - At Sea

For breakfast I went to the Pinnacle Grill. Very nice service and the food was good. Of course they still have the dreaded McDonalds hash browns. Oh well, I guess you can't have anything. 

 

 

 

 

The F&B director came by and spoke with guests as well as mentioned that they would have Sunday Brunch in the dining room for lunch. Below is the menu although I did not go. 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Thanks for posting.....It's hard keeping up with live threads.....appreciate the commentary.

 

Interesting about the Where and When - we had a different style on the 35 day South Pacific....long and narrow...

[zgscl]

As is my tradition on sea days I went to the Pinnacle Grill for lunch. The service was great and the food was good. Burger not as good as the ones I have had previously on other ships. I think they used Swiss cheese instead of the Beecher's cheddar. Also there was a bit of a different taste like there was some sort of steak sauce or something. I couldn't quite figure out what that was. Chocolate brownie and caramel corn was good as always. I had it with strawberry sorbet instead of the coffee ice cream it normally comes with. 

 

 

 

[zgscl]

7 minutes ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

Thanks for posting.....It's hard keeping up with live threads.....appreciate the commentary.

 

Interesting about the Where and When - we had a different style on the 35 day South Pacific....long and narrow...

That is what I had on Koningsdam last month! And I saw the one for Alaska and it is back to the long and narrow format. Weird they would switch back and forth. Maybe trying to use up the old stock paper?

[Kristal Blade]

2 hours ago, zgscl said:

I think that should work well. I am assuming the adults will share the big bed put together and the kids will sleep on the sofa bed? Definitely a standard Neptune is better than an aft wrap for this, the aft wraps have a smaller couch. If you haven't already you should check HalFacts for pictures of your actual cabin or one close by to get a good idea of the layout. 

Thanks for this reply. I had wondered if the kids could go in the big bed, converted to twins. The boy is tall for his age, I think he is as tall as me (5’4”) now. Maybe the sofa bed will work for little kids, but we are going to let the parents decide!!

Loving all the photos, it is getting us in the mood. Thanks for taking the time to do this for us.

Off to Halfacts now….