LDinCT Posted March 27, 2006 #1 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Just back from the Zaandam, had an incredible time. Have been on RCI(6), Celebrity, DCL(2) and NCL, this was my first time on HAL and it was great. Pros- it was very quiet, no yelling, crying etc in the halls at night very quiet around the pool always a free deck chair Great service the SOE upgrades, beds were wonderful (need a new pillow now) Explorations- great books and movies dining itinerary/ports passengers were nice, didn't hear a lot of complaining 10 days of sun (well it drizzled in CR, but that was ok because I signed up for mountain biking, so it was good it wasn't hot) HMC is fantastic (get a clamshell) staff- waiters, room stewards, etc minor minuses -kids program for 8-12, traveling with a 12 year old, age ranges are too broad. Also program ends at 10 PM, RCI tends to go later for 12-14 range, until 12. We had late seating so that pretty much means if you eat with your parents you are not going to be able to participate. That said, he had a great time anyway, he ate in the LIDO or came with us to the pinnacle. -pinnacle, ok, not the best of the alternative rests. Of course we ate there like 4 times, so we could eat with our son. Service was good, food was a little boring. Of course, we were raving about it the first night! That's it, I can't think of anything else. Wasn't able to upgrade to a balcony for any amount of $$$. I was a little freaked out about spending 10 days in a large outside, but it was quite nice. Plus we were really low and forward on deck 2. It was cool, you'd see the spray from the waves when we were cruising. My son would sit up on the window ledge reading. Would really like to go back on the Zaandam when she visits Alaska this summer. LDinCT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
csg99 Posted March 27, 2006 #2 Share Posted March 27, 2006 glad to hear you enjoyed your first HAL cruise! We sailed on the Zaandam in 12/03, and we loved it. We're excited because our next cruise is on the Volendam--we enjoy the "smaller" HAL ships more than the Vista class. We agree about the Pinnacle--for us it wasn't that exciting. We enjoy the main dining room more. Great review!:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spot Posted March 27, 2006 #3 Share Posted March 27, 2006 It sounds like you had a wonderful cruise!! Thank you for sharing your insights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atomica Posted March 27, 2006 #4 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Glad to hear you enjoyed your first trip on HAL! I think you'll find, like most people here, it won't be your last :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RlrCstr Posted March 27, 2006 #5 Share Posted March 27, 2006 LD glad you liked the Zaandam, she is a beautiful ship. I sailed on her to Alaska 2 years ago and will be on her to Hawaii in November. You now know what many of us have felt for a long time: you can't beat those dam ships. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arlenez Posted March 27, 2006 #6 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Hi LD: I'm also from CT and will be cruising on HAL for the first time. We have cruised on RCL, Celebrity and Costa, so thanks for the wonderful review of HAL. We leave on April 9th on the Westerdam and two weeks from today we will be in our clamshell on HMC. Thanks again, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gizmo Posted March 27, 2006 #7 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Thanks for taking the time to post. Glad to hear you enjoyed your cruise.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhannah Posted March 27, 2006 #8 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Likewise! We were on the Zaandam last year. She's truly a fine ship. So, when/where is your next HAL cruise? ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuthC Posted March 27, 2006 #9 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Glad you enjoyed your cruise, and took the time to post so. If all goes as planned I'll be on the Zaandam to Hawaii in October---that will complete my set of R-class ships. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
localady Posted March 27, 2006 #10 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Glad you enjoyed your cruise, and took the time to post so. If all goes as planned I'll be on the Zaandam to Hawaii in October---that will complete my set of R-class ships. Ruth- We very much enjoyed the Zaandam, I know you will too! After all, she is the ship designed around music!:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuthC Posted March 27, 2006 #11 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Ruth-the Zaandam, ...is the ship designed around music!:cool: As was I! :D Thanks for the reference, Sher. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elmorejj Posted March 27, 2006 #12 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Thanks for the great review.I have sailed the Zaandam 6 times and it really is one of my favorite ships.......great crew..............welcome to HAL.....:cool: jean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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