On board Zaandam!

[ellieanne]

On 9/16/2023 at 10:25 AM, Ferry_Watcher said:

Mid morning was windy and sheets of sideways rain.  Temperature was about 70.  Weather forecast was light rain LOL, but as predicted, rain let up around noon.  We will see how the afternoon goes                                         We saw the comic last night, Buddy Fitzgerald.  He did the same routine on our Celebrity cruise.  Tonight there is another comic preforming - looking forward to new material.                                                                    Going to venture out while it has stopped raining - wish us luck!

The comic on our cruise had to be called by name/cabin to go through Immigration in Boston. We thought it was really funny that he had to be singled out. And strange that he had not gone through the process with the rest of the ship's staff. Just a strange cruise from a management standard this time. Definitely not up to the pre-Covid HAL.

[ellieanne]

4 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

Chocolates and towel animals do seem to vary from cruise to cruise or steward to steward. But I have never experienced service like you had on any cruise. Not to say you didn't, but it isn't usual and I agree with @Caribbean Chris, I hope you reported it. 

 

I had a wonderful steward on my last HAL cruise. I usually go to breakfast early, so I would put the sign out so that he could do my room while everyone else was sleeping in. One morning a supervisor was in the hall, checking to see how things were, and I was so happy to see him and tell him how good the service was. 

We got towel animals on my cruise, even though we asked them not to do them. I think they liked posing the teddy bears in our cabin with the towel animals. And there were always chocolates for the teddies in the evening, even though we asked for only once-a-day cleaning and only an ice delivery at night. So I think it depends on the stewards. (We were on Lower Promenade Deck -- my Dad calls it Boat Deck -- port side, forward, great room, just under Lifeboat 4 -- had a great view of the testing of the lifeboats.)

[Kate45]

We know to put towels on floor of bathroom when w e want them replaced and to hang them up when w e will re-use them. But the towels left on the couch in a heap were from the towel animal that fell apart when we moved it off the bed.  The glasses were empty, brought back from the ocean bar filled with ice so we could have cold water (that we purchased in cans) when we went back to our cabin at night. Mostly to take pills. They stayed on the counter empty for 3 days. Our garbage can went for 2 days without being emptied. After 17 cruises, we know what is what as far as us and them, and they dropped the ball this time.

[ellieanne]

1 minute ago, Kate45 said:

We know to put towels on floor of bathroom when w e want them replaced and to hang them up when w e will re-use them. But the towels left on the couch in a heap were from the towel animal that fell apart when we moved it off the bed.  The glasses were empty, brought back from the ocean bar filled with ice so we could have cold water (that we purchased in cans) when we went back to our cabin at night. Mostly to take pills. They stayed on the counter empty for 3 days. Our garbage can went for 2 days without being emptied. After 17 cruises, we know what is what as far as us and them, and they dropped the ball this time.

Interesting, I had exceptional service from all individuals -- room & dining room stewards, bar staff, lido staff, front desk & shore excursions staff, even the photographers were great. The issues I had were with management and decisions. One of our party had debilitating seasickness and we could not find crackers or green apples anywhere on board! We asked everyone and none were to be had. That was the most ridiculous thing I've experienced on a cruise.

[Blackduck59]

7 hours ago, Kate45 said:

It's very interesting reading your posts and comparing them to our experiences. We were on the cruise before you. We did not have a Checklist in our cabin when we arrived, only got Chocolates and towel animals twice for our entire 10 day cruise, and our cabin steward was basically MIA. Didn't clean up used glasses, or garbage for days at a time.

This is interesting, it looks like you were on the cruise after ours. We saw our stewards every day, usually in the gangway or tending to other cabins. We were surprised to find towel animals and chocolates on 2 nights (we weren't expecting any), bonus. We never asked for ice and I didn't know until several days into the cruise that we were getting fresh ice morning and night. I'm sorry you didn't get the service you required, it may have been better to seek out your cabin attendant and discuss your needs. As an experienced cruiser you may have had better service by talking to them.

Edited September 17, 2023 by Blackduck59

[Ferry_Watcher]

When our stateroom Steward introduced himself I asked if there was morning service well as evening turndown service.  He asked me if I wanted both and I said yes.  I think if I had said 'no' they might have skipped the evening turndown service.  We are 5 days into a 12 day cruise and we have received chocolates on one evening (may have been Gala Night), and one towel animal (penguin).  The food has been fine, the entertainment okay, but the crew is quite nice.  I do wish that they offered a list of martini options like Celebrity does at their dedicated Martini bar.  The Zaandam has what looks like a newer bar called Mix which apparently serves martinis, but when I asked to see a menu, I was just told they could mix what I wanted - I just wanted to see a menu to inspire me.  Also, many of the various bars showcase the same list of specialty cocktails.  I missed the drink menus on Celebrity.

[Ferry_Watcher]

LOL @Blackduck59, I just had my spouse check to see if there was ice in our covered ice bucket - there is, and I wouldn't have never know if it wasn't for your post.  ;  )

[Blackduck59]

13 minutes ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

LOL @Blackduck59, I just had my spouse check to see if there was ice in our covered ice bucket - there is, and I wouldn't have never know if it wasn't for your post.  ;  )

Yes, we didn't really need ice, we would get cans of water and put them in the fridge to cool down alas one day we had no cold water and out of pure chance our steward was in the process of filling our ice bucket. Sometimes between talking with the steward and happenstance you find out the service was better than you thought.

[RuthC]

3 hours ago, Dismomx5 said:

Hanging towels are to be reused.

I find they are just as likely to be replaced when I hang my used towels as when I leave them on the floor. 

Last time I cruised I let my stewards know that I wanted the same number of chocolates at the end of the cruise, no matter if they left two per night, or 16 on each of the 4 Dressy nights. So long as I took a full complement home with me. They just left two per night, every night. 
I asked for ice twice a day, which I also got. 

I find if I let them know, clearly, exactly what I want, and ask for it nicely, the stewards are happy to do whatever will please. 

[FlorenceItaly]

1 hour ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

 The Zaandam has what looks like a newer bar called Mix which apparently serves martinis, but when I asked to see a menu, I was just told they could mix what I wanted - I just wanted to see a menu to inspire me.  Also, many of the various bars showcase the same list of specialty cocktails.  I missed the drink menus on Celebrity.

Any martini specials?  Other ships have been known to have an hour each evening with martinis on special.  Thank you.

[Blackduck59]

I'm not sure that "Mix" is a Martini Bar per se. I think it is a bit of a catch all, it's the closest bar to the Casino, they had the Formula 1 race on the TV one morning and I think they had a few games on as well. Part of it is set up like a sports bar with seating facing the TV. The other part is set up as a "Piano Bar" around the piano. I do agree however that they should have menus for all the bars. Maybe they should have one of the bars more suited to martinis with all the appropriate ingredients to make an interesting array of Martinis. I don't drink them myself and personally felt the Martini Bar was a loud and obnoxious bunch on Celebrity cruises.

[gknep]

1 hour ago, FlorenceItaly said:

Any martini specials?  Other ships have been known to have an hour each evening with martinis on special.  Thank you.

The Martini Bar is next to Mix on Deck 5. They don't print up any special menu, but they can make all kinds of variations of the martini. A couple of my favorites from past HAL cruises are the 0010 Martini which is Tanqueray 10, vodka, and Grand Mariner. It is served up with an orange twist. Another one is the Slainte Margarita which is made with Irish Whiskey, orange liquor, lemon juice, and agave syrup. They also do a chocolate martini that was well received by those who ordered it. 

[FlorenceItaly]

20 minutes ago, gknep said:

The Martini Bar is next to Mix on Deck 5. They don't print up any special menu, but they can make all kinds of variations of the martini. A couple of my favorites from past HAL cruises are the 0010 Martini which is Tanqueray 10, vodka, and Grand Mariner. It is served up with an orange twist. Another one is the Slainte Margarita which is made with Irish Whiskey, orange liquor, lemon juice, and agave syrup. They also do a chocolate martini that was well received by those who ordered it. 

Wonderful.  We will be on the Zaandam next year for 28 days.  We will not have the drink package.  Are there any happy hours with reduced pricing for the martinis?  While on our TA in May on the Zuiderdam the Pinnacle Bar offered martinis at reduced pricing for about an hour each evening.  Thank you!

[xjust4fun]

18 minutes ago, FlorenceItaly said:

Wonderful.  We will be on the Zaandam next year for 28 days.  We will not have the drink package.  Are there any happy hours with reduced pricing for the martinis?  While on our TA in May on the Zuiderdam the Pinnacle Bar offered martinis at reduced pricing for about an hour each evening.  Thank you!

Will let you know MARIE we are going to be onboard for 102 days starting Sept. 24 , we have the HIA but will check them  out for you my friend

 

Diane and Gloria.

Edited September 18, 2023 by xjust4fun

[gknep]

52 minutes ago, FlorenceItaly said:

Wonderful.  We will be on the Zaandam next year for 28 days.  We will not have the drink package.  Are there any happy hours with reduced pricing for the martinis?  While on our TA in May on the Zuiderdam the Pinnacle Bar offered martinis at reduced pricing for about an hour each evening.  Thank you!

Yes there are daily happy hours. There should also be organized tastings (beer, and wine) and a mixology class. All for an extra fee of course. 

[albingirl]

1 hour ago, Blackduck59 said:

I'm not sure that "Mix" is a Martini Bar per se. I think it is a bit of a catch all, it's the closest bar to the Casino, they had the Formula 1 race on the TV one morning and I think they had a few games on as well. Part of it is set up like a sports bar with seating facing the TV. The other part is set up as a "Piano Bar" around the piano. I do agree however that they should have menus for all the bars. Maybe they should have one of the bars more suited to martinis with all the appropriate ingredients to make an interesting array of Martinis. I don't drink them myself and personally felt the Martini Bar was a loud and obnoxious bunch on Celebrity cruises.

Ha! The one person in my life who drank martinis was extremely opinionated and kept trying to tell me what a dirty martinis was vs. What! A clean martini. No,  I  wasn't paying attention because I  could have died of boredom right then and there!

[aliaschief]

Sometimes all that is needed is to just ask and one would be surprised what a bartender can offer in drinks not on menu. Got a problem in your stateroom then tell your steward.

 

[CruiserBruce]

Arriving at Corner Brook right now. Off to Gros Marne shortly. Weather is cloudy, but looking better. More later.

[Heidi13]

17 hours ago, Blackduck59 said:

I'm not sure that "Mix" is a Martini Bar per se. I think it is a bit of a catch all, it's the closest bar to the Casino, they had the Formula 1 race on the TV one morning and I think they had a few games on as well. Part of it is set up like a sports bar with seating facing the TV. The other part is set up as a "Piano Bar" around the piano. I do agree however that they should have menus for all the bars. Maybe they should have one of the bars more suited to martinis with all the appropriate ingredients to make an interesting array of Martinis. I don't drink them myself and personally felt the Martini Bar was a loud and obnoxious bunch on Celebrity cruises.

 

Lyle - Unfortunately there won't be any F1 on my cruise, so how about English or Scottish Premier League. Did they show any football, as I might be in withdrawal if no games. 

[VMax1700]

3 minutes ago, Heidi13 said:

 

Lyle - Unfortunately there won't be any F1 on my cruise, so how about English or Scottish Premier League. Did they show any football, as I might be in withdrawal if no games. 

We are boarding Rotterdam this weekend and I am reasonably certain that F1 Japan will be shown on stateroom TV's.  Also MotoGP, and Premier League

The schedules are here:  https://sport24live.com/

 

It was shown when on Nieuw Statendam last month!

 

Edited September 18, 2023 by VMax1700

[Blackduck59]

Just now, Heidi13 said:

 

Lyle - Unfortunately there won't be any F1 on my cruise, so how about English or Scottish Premier League. Did they show any football, as I might be in withdrawal if no games. 

Sorry to say I don't know. I just happened to be passing by and saw the race on. I got the bartender to turn up the volume and watched until we had to go for an excursion. 

Maybe @CruiserBrucecould have a look out or ask at Mix bar if they show the football ⚽️ 

[Heidi13]

7 minutes ago, VMax1700 said:

We are boarding Rotterdam this weekend and I am reasonably certain that F1 Japan will be shown on stateroom TV's.  Also MotoGP, and Premier League

The schedules are here:  https://sport24live.com/

 

It was shown when on Nieuw Statendam last month!

 

 

Brilliant, thanks. 

[0106]

@CruiserBruceThank you for this wonderful thread, all of your insights and your willingness to answer our questions.

Have you seen NFL football in any bars or on your TV?

 

@Heidi13I looked at the schedule @VMax1700kindly posted.  According to the schedule, there is no NFL football shown at sea, only in flight.  That being said,  I was on the Rotterdam last year for Super Bowl and it was shown on the big screen by the Lido pool.  I am hopeful that we will be able to see the NFL games somewhere on the ship on Rotterdam TA this year.

 

@Kate45The service you received from your room steward is unacceptable.  Did you speak to anyone about it while on board? I have always had superior service from my room steward but if I had an issue, I would report it.  I use the Navigator app, for the example, I needed new batteries in my TV remote.  When I returned to my room they had been replaced.  I use it every night to compliment at least 1 employee who has made my cruise special too.

[cwd79]

10 minutes ago, 0106 said:

@CruiserBruceThank you for this wonderful thread, all of your insights and your willingness to answer our questions.

Have you seen NFL football in any bars or on your TV?

 

@Heidi13I looked at the schedule @VMax1700kindly posted.  According to the schedule, there is no NFL football shown at sea, only in flight.  That being said,  I was on the Rotterdam last year for Super Bowl and it was shown on the big screen by the Lido pool.  I am hopeful that we will be able to see the NFL games somewhere on the ship on Rotterdam TA this year.

 

@Kate45The service you received from your room steward is unacceptable.  Did you speak to anyone about it while on board? I have always had superior service from my room steward but if I had an issue, I would report it.  I use the Navigator app, for the example, I needed new batteries in my TV remote.  When I returned to my room they had been replaced.  I use it every night to compliment at least 1 employee who has made my cruise special too.

We were on the Rotterdam in Nov and Dec 2022 and they showed NFL games on TVs at some of the bars. 

[CruiserBruce]

1 hour ago, Blackduck59 said:

Sorry to say I don't know. I just happened to be passing by and saw the race on. I got the bartender to turn up the volume and watched until we had to go for an excursion. 

Maybe @CruiserBrucecould have a look out or ask at Mix bar if they show the football ⚽️ 

And for @0106, the Mix has sports on 24/7. I can't give you a coverage report, but it seems like it is US ESPN,  US sports oriented. 

 

As to NFL, they made an announcement yesterday that they would a feed for selected NFL games available in the cabins. I know the 49ers game was among those shown.