Live from Zuidy 11/4 thru 11/11/06

[Candy]

Greetings from the beautiful ms Zuiderdam. The CC Roll Call group had a small, quiet event on Saturday after the safety drill. We had a small turn-out, but it was nice to be able to put faces to names, and I have seen many of them about the ship.

 

Sunday: This cruise is proving to be the most restful yet. Due to inclement weather (gale force winds), and with concern for the safety of his passengers, Captain Van Donselaar cancelled our call at Half Moon Cay. Although I heard no complaints, I'm sure most passengers were disappointed at missing this beautiful islet.

 

That morning we all received a modified Daily Program, offering many of the popular sea-day activities as well as a new Texas Hold'em lesson. I arrived early, but too late to get a seat at the table. I'm happy to see so much interest in this game. When the Zuiderdam first offered the game two years ago, it was held in the small private room off the Explorer's Lounge. It has since been moved into the Casino, near the Craps Table. Jim played last night and said it was a great group of players, and definitely NOT a No-Fold'em Hold'em game (fans will understand this term). The only drawbacks, for some players, are the low limits and the no-smoking policy at the table.

 

I just left the dice table, spotting Jim at the Hold'em table. I'll probably see him sometime before breakfast.

 

More tomorrow about the fabulous Casino Staff and our second first day at sea.

 

Candy the ZuiderPrincess

[Bases5]

Cindy

Thanks for the report. I hope you have a blast.

Save some food for us going next week and leave alittle money in the casino.

 

Is the pool fixed yet? I heard it was broken a couple weeks ago?

What kind of table games do they have in the Casino,

I recently was on a Princess cruise and they had a combo game of let it ride. You could bet in 3 different places, The reg bet, Then a 3 card bet and the bonus bet. I was wondering if they have such a wild version?

What are the limits of the poker table?

 

Thanks for any info and if you don't have time I really understand. Again have a great cruise.

[doone]

Thanks for posting from the Zuiderdam. Sorry you all missed HMC, that's such a wonderful place, but everyone's safety is more important.

 

Do you have that wonderful suite, 5187????

[minner80]

Did the itintery change. We sail next week on the Zuiderdam and my schedule says that we have a day at sea Sunday, Grand Turk Monday, Tortola Tuesday, St. Thomas Wednesday, At Sea Thursday and Half Moon Cay Friday. Has something changed to this schedule???? Thanks

[Bases5]

Minner

 

We sail next week also and yes they have a different literary than we do. It’s reversed.

Our’s didn’t change. Come on over to the Z board under roll call. There is a bunch of us from Cruise Crittic over there chatting who sail next week.

[Pita817]

Glad to hear you are having a great cruise. Sorry you missed Half Moon. We will hopefully get to stop at Half Moon the day before Thanksgiving. Spent last Thanksgiving giving thanks on the beach at Half Moon....believe me, I was very thankful. One questions....where is Hunky Dory?:) Can you arrange for him to be on the Volendam 11/13-11/23?

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Candy, thanks for reporting in from your favorite ship:) I am sure it just feels good to be at what feels like "Home Away from Home" Hope you continue to have a nice relaxing cruise.

[Candy]

Monday (Day 3): Another rainy day, but the seas were much calmer and many more cruisers could be seen out and about the ship. I really wanted to attend the Culinary Arts Demonstration, but that and the Trivia Game were slept through, due to our late-night casino antics last night. I crashed before Jim did, and he didn't come 'home' 'til 3 a.m. After a great Lido lunch (did I mention Marcus is not only our Lido name-rememberer, but our DR waiter as well?) we watched the golf chipping contest at the Lido Pool. The target was the large polar bear, and it was hard to hit due to the retractable roof being closed. There were 81 entrants and many winners.

 

We unfortunately missed the Captain's Welcome Reception, the second one we've missed (the first was on embarkation day in the Neptune)... I may NEVER get to meet him! Oh, well... there are a few days left.

 

Our first (maybe only) formal night was very nice. We had the Beef Wellington and Creme Brulee (one of my faves). Our assistant DR steward showed us a magic tricks, and we had so much fun we missed the beginning of the 'Under the Boardwalk' show. As we headed to catch the end of the show, we were kidnapped by the Casino dealers and 'forced' to play their games. These are such nice guys and gals! I don't want to mention any names as yet, so I'll write them down so I spell them right. They're easy for me to remember, 'cause they're named like my father, son and daughter, and I hope it brings me good luck! I abandoned the dice table shortly after Jim (they now call him 'Doyle') joined the Hold'em table. I won't see him again until about 3:00, so I'll finish this late-night flan and cookies and call it a night.

 

Lisa: We're in 7085, right off the aft elevators, in a great SA suite. I'm trying for 5187 next time!

 

Bases5: The Lido Pool is fixed and putting on quite a show in these tall seas! I'll try to find out the particulars about the casino and Culinary Demos before I leave.

 

Candy the ZuiderPrincess

[shipcafe]

Monday (Day 3): Another rainy day, but the seas were much calmer and many more cruisers could be seen out and about the ship. I really wanted to attend the Culinary Arts Demonstration, but that and the Trivia Game were slept through, due to our late-night casino antics last night. I crashed before Jim did, and he didn't come 'home' 'til 3 a.m. After a great Lido lunch (did I mention Marcus is not only our Lido name-rememberer, but our DR waiter as well?) we watched the golf chipping contest at the Lido Pool. The target was the large polar bear, and it was hard to hit due to the retractable roof being closed. There were 81 entrants and many winners.

 

We unfortunately missed the Captain's Welcome Reception, the second one we've missed (the first was on embarkation day in the Neptune)... I may NEVER get to meet him! Oh, well... there are a few days left.

 

Our first (maybe only) formal night was very nice. We had the Beef Wellington and Creme Brulee (one of my faves). Our assistant DR steward showed us a magic tricks, and we had so much fun we missed the beginning of the 'Under the Boardwalk' show. As we headed to catch the end of the show, we were kidnapped by the Casino dealers and 'forced' to play their games. These are such nice guys and gals! I don't want to mention any names as yet, so I'll write them down so I spell them right. They're easy for me to remember, 'cause they're named like my father, son and daughter, and I hope it brings me good luck! I abandoned the dice table shortly after Jim (they now call him 'Doyle') joined the Hold'em table. I won't see him again until about 3:00, so I'll finish this late-night flan and cookies and call it a night.

 

Lisa: We're in 7085, right off the aft elevators, in a great SA suite. I'm trying for 5187 next time!

 

Bases5: The Lido Pool is fixed and putting on quite a show in these tall seas! I'll try to find out the particulars about the casino and Culinary Demos before I leave.

 

Candy the ZuiderPrincess

 

Candy : Great to hear from you aboard Zuiderdam! Please be sure to say 'hello' for me to my friend Jeff who is an assistant cruise director on board!

[HappiestWhenCruising]

Candy, Has Joel Mason come back on board to entertain? If not, who are the featured acts (musicians and commedian)? Hope you are having a great time and thanks for the on board review.

[Bases5]

Thanks for the report. I hopw the seas and weather improve. I hope you had a great day in St thomas!!!

[ctroeschel]

Could you do me the biggest favor and ask them if the Nov. 18 itinerary is as stated in the booklet ? We have the wedding planned for Wed. Nov. 22 in St. Thomas and I would be in deep trouble if they changed this . I have forwarded your packing list to all of the wedding guests and they and I are so grateful . Did HOL change your itinerary and let you know ahead of time ? Do I sound like a nervous Mom???? Thank you for alll your help . Chris from Md.

[ncruiser]

So nice to hear from live on the Zuidy. We will be on her in January and are really looking forward to the trip. It will be our first on her but our third on Holland. Keep the info coming. Have a great rest of the cruise.

[Candy]

Candy : Great to hear from you aboard Zuiderdam! Please be sure to say 'hello' for me to my friend Jeff who is an assistant cruise director on board!

I'm on it!

 

Candy <-- another Steve Garrod fan

[Candy]

Could you do me the biggest favor and ask them if the Nov. 18 itinerary is as stated in the booklet ? We have the wedding planned for Wed. Nov. 22 in St. Thomas and I would be in deep trouble if they changed this . I have forwarded your packing list to all of the wedding guests and they and I are so grateful . Did HOL change your itinerary and let you know ahead of time ? Do I sound like a nervous Mom???? Thank you for alll your help . Chris from Md.

Hey, Chris... you poor gal! What a nervewracking job, MOB with a wedding dependent on the weather or the whim of somebody else's government!

 

I'll get you as much info as I can tomorrow, but 'ship happens'.

 

Best of luck,

 

Candy the ZuiderPrincess

[Candy]

Tuesday (Day 4): Captain van Donselaar tried his best to arrange another port stop to make up for missing Half Moon Cay, but due to port scheduling and local authorities' insistance on keeping our regular schedule, he was unable to make up for this missed port. He did manage to extend our stay in Grand Turk (a new island for us) by one additional hour. Additionally, he offered us complimentary Caribbean Rum Punch at the Grand Turk Sailaway Party. Our Half Moon Cay port charges were, of course, refunded.

 

The only good thing about missing HMC was NO EARLY MORNING IMMIGRATION STATION in St. Thomas... YEAH!

 

Last night we were sent a note that, due to the great number of pax going on early excursions, room service will be slow and could we please be patient. Somehow our breakfast request was misplaced and when I went to the Neptune Lounge for coffee, our Concierge helped me carry what we could back to our suite. Please understand, readers, that we were not at all disturbed by this unfortunate oversight, and would not have gone any higher up with complaints, as we realize that 'stuff happens'. I did not know it, but she also called Room Service to advise them of the mixup. In a very few minutes, we received another breakfast (similar to what we ordered) but when I lifted the coffee carafe, it was empty! So, I went back to the Neptune Lounge and we all had a good laugh about it. I filled the carafe and didn't think another thing of it. Apparantly, the Concierge was not at all happy with this second gaffe, and notified someone. That evening, the Room Service Manager, personally brought me some hand-made chocolate-covered strawberries and other confections to make up for our inconvenience.

 

While Jimmy worked on his tan, I took a walk around Havensight Mall, looking for trinkets I didn't already own. I barely managed to spend thirty bucks!

 

We had early Pinnicle reservations, and had the ribeye and petit filet, Volcano Cake and Creme Brulee. I did try one of the new salad specials... a grilled romaine with pecans and cheese. I simply did not care for it. The rest of the meal was top notch! Special thanks go to Eric, the Pinnacle Manager, for making this birthday dinner a special event. Thursday we're going back to celebrate Jim's birthday.

 

I dragged Jim out of the Hold'em game to see Julie Barr, who had some funny new stuff. Her late-night show was so popular they moved her from the Queen's Lounge to the Vista Lounge, and it was still packed.

 

I seem to be a day behind... I'll catch up tomorrow.

 

Candy the ZuiderPrincess

[AAAAmerican]

Glad to see your well and your deposits made were induced...

 

Is the Ocean Players Club on here there too?

 

I saw your ship ms ZuiderDam and the one we shall God Willing be aboard, ms Moordam IV again on BLACK SATURDAY 11/25/2006 , are going to be in Port (2) together .

 

The Ports of call are Tortola, BVI

on Tuesday, Nov. 28th 03:00 pm to 11:59 pm

as well on/at

St. Thomas USVI

on Wednesday, Nov. 29th 07:00 am to 05:00 pm

 

Do you know if anyone want to do a Meet and Greet ashore then from that Ship of yours and ours?

 

I'm on it!

 

Candy <-- another Steve Garrod fan

[AAAAmerican]

HAPPY BirthDay to you and Jim!

 

May you have many more health, happy and cruising years !:cool:

 

 

Tuesday (Day 4): Captain van Donselaar tried his best

 

**YIPEE**

The only good thing about missing HMC was NO EARLY MORNING IMMIGRATION STATION in St. Thomas... YEAH!

While Jimmy worked on his tan, I took a walk around Havensight Mall, looking for trinkets I didn't already own. I barely managed to spend thirty bucks!

 

We had early Pinnicle reservations, and had the ribeye and petit filet, Volcano Cake and Creme Brulee. I did try one of the new salad specials... a grilled romaine with pecans and cheese. I simply did not care for it. The rest of the meal was top notch! Special thanks go to Eric, the Pinnacle Manager, for making this birthday dinner a special event. Thursday we're going back to celebrate Jim's birthday.

 

 

I seem to be a day behind... I'll catch up tomorrow.

 

Candy the ZuiderPrincess

[missygirl]

Hello Candy,

Get the Zuidy ready for us, we will be boarding on Nov. 11. We have around 46 CC"s that have been notified for a meet and greet that I"m hosting, wish us luck for a good turn out.

 

Glad you have had a good cruise.

 

Missygirl:)

[Bases5]

Cindy

Thanks for the update, I hope you have a nice day at Grand Turk.

 

I was wondering if you remembered which pier you embarked from? (number)

[DCT61]

If youre speaking of embarking from Ft Lauderdale, they left from pier 26

[Djptcp]

Love reading your "live from the Zuiderdam" reports! DH and I are sailing on her December 16th :D Can't wait!

 

 

Holland America - 2004, 2006

Carnival - 1995, 1998, 2006, 2006

NCL - 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003

Royal Caribbean - 2002

[ctroeschel]

To Jim , happy birthday ,you are so lucky to have married a much younger woman ! Candy thank you for your postings . Believe it or not I am pretty relaxed about the wedding (NOW ),we have a great group of friends and family so it will be so much fun . I will send pictures after I read the manual on my camera . Chris

[Candy]

Real quick... this dialup is convenient, but is driving me nuts! Prolly no more dailies 'cause we're spending tomorrow in the sun and doing the suite buffet thing and everything else we missed while 'relaxing'.

 

Chris... the Concierge is getting the most accurate info for you.

 

Steve... can't find Jeff; still looking

 

All... don't miss Grand Turk. You don't have to do anything, just go to Margaritaville (drinks optional) and enjoy the sun at a crystal clear pool with friendly cabana boys and a whole lot of great people having great fun! Beach loungers are abundant, and you'll have a wonderful afternoon right there at the pier! The shopping district isn't too shabby, either.

 

Birthday girl & boy are having an outstanding time (thus the interruption in reports) and will post the rest of the story as soon as we get back to reality. I'm still trying to figger out a way to stay on board one more week. Any ideas? Hey, that's a great idea for a new thread!

 

Candy the ZuiderPrincess and Sir James

[Shelli]

>>The only good thing about missing HMC was NO EARLY MORNING IMMIGRATION STATION in St. Thomas... YEAH!

 

I'm confused-- you were in Grand Turk, after all, before St. Thomas, right? We were on Zuiderdam the week before you (with a reversed itinerary), and because we were in Grand Turk and Tortola before returning to a U.S. territory, we did have to get up early for immigration on our St. Thomas day.

 

Sorry you didn't get to go to HMC-- we were there last week at this time! Oh, it was so beautiful!