What's to love about THE ZUIDERDAM?

[kchesneylover]

I have been researching HAL and the Zuiderdam's itinerary - which I like the ports of call immensely.

 

I am 35 and my DH is 37. What is there to love about the Zuiderdam? What is there to do?

 

Are the facilities in the spa free?

 

Are their different food stations like Carnival has i.e., Deli, Fish and Chips, Poolside Grill, etc?

 

Thanks again for your help.:cool:

 

Oh, and yes I have done a search and read lots of info. :D

[dexter]

What's NOT to love on the Zuiderdam. My wife and I were on the Zuiderdam two years ago and we absolutely loved it. The number one thing to love about the ship is the elegance compared to Carnival. We felt very special the entire time we were aboard. The number two thing to love about the ship is the Crows Nest. What a way to relax with a nice jazz group playing while you watch the sun go beneath waves as you relax in a leather recliner while sipping on your favorite pain killer. The number 3 thing to love (number one according to my wife) is the bed. It is the most comfortable bedding at sea, without a doubt. Everything about the cruise was first class...enjoy.

[Jen&Rich]

We are getting back on the Zuiderdam in 2 weeks..first cruise was in october of last year. Really enjoyed the Aft pool & bar area.The food is great with tons of selection. Dont forget to book the Pinnacle...its worth it! Also had a spa treatment while we were inport in St.Thomas...was "glowing" (as DH said) all day, very nice. And the staff are THE BEST!

[seaisme]

everything! she's a beautiful ship and we're excited that we will be back on her in April. I particularly liked the thermal spa (there is an additional charge but worth every penney!). HAL service, particularly in the cabin is outstanding...the cabin stewards have always been extremely attentive...and strive to make your cruise a special memory.

 

Enjoy!!!

[MercedMike]

An absolutely beautiful ship. Wonderful crew, great service! Beautiful layout.

 

High points: The buffet is top notch. There are so many different stations, it is hard to decide what you want. Italian, Oriental, sushi, sandwiches, hot specialties, ice cream, pizza -- you can have something different for lunch every day and not exhaust the possibilities!

 

The dining room is fabulous. They have wonderful food, and to top it off the cheese selection is much better than most cruise lines!

 

There are great hot tubs and a nice steam room in the spa, as well as free exercise rooms. Spa treatments such as massages are not free, and neither is the wonderful Thermal Suite, but prices are reasonable.

 

I know you will love the Zuiderdam!

 

For reports of two cruises on Zuiderdam, Caribbean and Alaska, check our web site at the link in my sig.

 

Have a GREAT cruise!

[Atomica]

What's NOT to love on the Zuiderdam.

 

I second what dexter said - we had such a good time this year on the Zuiderdam, that we have booked it next year for Alaska. Wouldn't hesitate to take it again.

[familyofd]

Very Nice Ship, I would say depending on what you like to do will be if you like it or LOVE it, I thought the Lido was great for breakfast and lunch never ate dinner there but sure went to the buffet(11 or so) when the dinner menu wasnt for me.

I didnt think there were many activities, we did play bingo of course

and some game up in the crows nest.

The shows were good and the casino was fun, went to the disco too mostly everything like that was dead around 12-1pm.

We went with a extended family so we made our own fun :)

Our ages were 38 at the time, would I go again sure if the price

was right right now I am now looking to go back on RCCL and see if

Its something to compare to, I would say that HAL is alot different

then Carnival.

[kchesneylover]

Wow. Thanks everybody for your replies.:o

 

I have only been on the Valor and the Magica - both are set up the same. Is the Zuiderdam different?

 

Did you like this itinerary?

[Candy]

We just left her (for the 7th time) 3 days ago, and we're still smiling. The only thing I don't like about Zuidy is that they send her to Alaska in the summer.

 

Candy the ZuiderPrincess and Sir James

[kchesneylover]

Thanks, Candy!!

 

Other questions:

 

Does the Zuiderdam have Tea Time on Sea Days

 

Does the Zuiderdam have any Arts and Crafts on Sea Days?

[Candy]

Thanks, Candy!!

 

Other questions:

 

Does the Zuiderdam have Tea Time on Sea Days

Does the Zuiderdam have any Arts and Crafts on Sea Days?

Tea Times:

Sunday 3:30 - 4:00 Afternoon Tea Time Dining Room, 3

Monday (Seaday) 3:15 - 4:00 Royal Dutch High Tea Vista Dining Room, 3

Tuesday 3:30 - 4:00 Afternoon Tea Explorer’s Lounge, 2

Wednesday 3:30 - 4:00 Afternoon Tea Time Vista Dining Room, 3

Thursday 3:30 - 4:00 Afternoon Tea Time Dining Room, 3

Friday (Seaday) 3:30 - 4:00 Afternoon Tea Time Vista Dining Room, 3

Candy

[DMorris]

SA cat question... do the partitions between balconies open??? We have 4 cabins in a row and want to open the partitions to make one huge balcony.

[npb]

We were on the Zuiderdam 3 years ago and could not wait to get off!

 

The food was mediocre, service poor and decor gaudy. It seemed that the decorators idea of classy was to paint it gold.

[Jen&Rich]

Sorry you didnt enjoy the Zuiderdam npb...we have found the service to be outstanding on the zuiderdam...compaired to celebrity. Always a friendly face and the best name remebering ever!!! Food I must say, is better on celebrity (to me anyways) but the variety and quanity on the Zuiderdam is out of this world! I love the taco bar and grill by the Lido:D Mmmm 3 more days!!!

[Candy]

SA cat question... do the partitions between balconies open??? We have 4 cabins in a row and want to open the partitions to make one huge balcony.

Yes, but not completely. The partition nearest the rail (about 24" wide) can be opened by your cabin steward. Here's a photo...

 

 

Candy the ZuiderPrincess

[cruisnfool]

Candy....are you going to update your daily papers from your recent cruise?

Thanks, in advance

[Candy]

Candy....are you going to update your daily papers from your recent cruise? Thanks, in advance

Yes... I scanned them at home last night but the OCR is lousy, so I'm going to take hem to the office tomorrow and get you good copies.

 

Anything in particular you need?

 

Candy

[bruce-r]

Yes... I scanned them at home last night but the OCR is lousy, so I'm going to take hem to the office tomorrow and get you good copies.

 

Anything in particular you need?

Current menus would be wonderful.

[Candy]

Check back here tomorrow afternoon...

 

Candy

[cruisnfool]

Candy thank you so much...no particular info just new to HAL and want tp know what to expect....helps to plan out the days activities.....also looking at the menus helps us pick our Pinnacle night.

Do you have any suggestions for which night is best for the Pinnacle?

Mabel