Just back from the Jan 12-19 Zuiderdam!

[CPeters40]

Just back from the Zuiderdam!

We had a terrific cruise on the Zuiderdam on January 12th through the 19th! We are a couple in our 50's. We just like to go and relax. My husband likes the casino, and I like the ship's activities.

Saturday - I was sort of worried about the flight schedule, since the arrival time was 2:51 p.m., into Fort Lauderdale, via the Holland America flights. I really think the next trip we will just arrive the day ahead. The flight was on time, but it took time for people to get their luggage and wait for the bus. So, no lines to fight at the terminal. I was a little disappointed that no one escorted us to our room this time around, and no complementary champagne . We got into our room just before 4:00 p.m. We went straight up to the buffet, but it was already closed. So, had a few pieces of pizza, and made our way back down for the muster drill. Our luggage was already there when we returned to our room--5th floor verandah. Since we signed on only 2 months ahead, we had the last seating, which was 8:30 p.m. Our room steward, Fredrik, introduced himself and knew our names when we arrived, and he was the best cabin steward I have had on the 3 Holland America cruises. The sail-a-way party on the aft Lido deck is always the place to be, with the drinks and Jennie and the Halcats. I really enjoyed this particular Halcat group. At dinner we were seated at a table for 6, and we had 2 couples from Canada, who were just really fun. The entertainment were the Singers and Dancers and then a comedy routine from Jim Labriola, who is Benny from Home Improvement. We didn't remember him on the show, but he was very funny. After I stopped by the piano bar, and we met Randall Power, who was just fantastic. We enjoyed him so much, that I went there every night afterward (except Country night). He said he will be playing the role of Edna in Hairspray next April or May, on Broadway, in NYC, so we were all very excited for him.

Sunday was an entire day at sea. I paid for a one day pass to the Thermal Suite and Hydro Pool. I really enjoyed using both and went both in the morning and the afternoon, to get my money's worth. I met a great couple that I talked to during the rest of the cruise. I went to the library every day, while my husband enjoyed the casino. They had an excellent selection of magazines. The book selection to me was a little disappointing, in that I only found 1 book the entire week, that I wanted to check out. In the evening, we had an officer, Andrew, at our table for the formal night, which was fun, as he was young--maybe 23. I had the Beef Wellington, which was delicious. The singers and dancers performed "Under the Boardwalk". And the piano bar had sing-a-long night.

We docked at Grand Turk at 7:00 a.m. on Monday. I seemed to get the Omelet of the Day each morning, because it's something I don't have at home. Today's was Artichoke, Cheese, and Crabmeat, and was delicious. The ship docks here, so we just walked out, and didn't do any activities. There's the ocean and lounge chairs right there, and a few stores. And then there's Margaritaville, which we had a few, and listened to the Jimmy Buffet music, and used their river-type pool, that you can walk around a long circle in the water. Many people were using the hop on bus, to see the sights, but I never did find out what they thought. Tonight's entertainment was Joel Mason and his Elton John Tribute, and that was just Fantastic!! His show was 90 minutes, and he totally captivated everyone there. It's a Must See Show! I had a problem with the internet connection in the room--it wouldn't shut off, so I did go to the office, and they said I had to see the Internet manager the next morning. I did that, and she took off the $9.00 charge, and changed it to $1.50, which is what I use on my laptop, to send and receive mail. I was pleasantly surprised to find I could use the laptop in our stateroom on this ship!

Tuesday we were suppose to dock at Tortola, but the ship had an engine problem, and had to tender us in, instead. We had a 1:45 tour of the island, and got to the tour at 2:00 p.m. but since it was a ship tour, all the buses were waiting. We did Tortola Secrets. This was a bus tour up to "the top", where we had a stop with a complementary punch or beer. There was another lookout stop, and one stop for a little shopping for 30 minutes, before going back to the ship. We didn't leave this dock till 10:00 p.m., since we were so close to St Thomas. We had the Indonesian Entertainment, and the Not So Newlywed Game. In the afternoon, after we got back, I took the Ipod Art tour of the ship, which took just under an hour. Fun to hear all the various art work described.

Wednesday we had to get up early, since we had to present ourselves through customs for entering StThomas, starting at 7:15 a.m. We just had to bring our passports, and we went right through. We docked at Crown Bay, which is the newer dock, and has very few stores. I was disapponted we weren't at the Havensight dock, which has many more shops. The shuttle into town is $4.00 a person, or $5.00 if you want to go to Havensight dock. We got off, and saw our dinner companions, and went on a private tour of the island with them, for $25 each, in an air conditioned van. He took us up, and we saw the ships from below, (Mountain top and Drakes Seat). He let us stop at "Mountain Top", which had a little shopping and a bar. We all had Margaritas there. And he took us directly back to the ship, which the other 4 wanted, since they had already shopped. I went to the Trivia every afternoon, but never managed to be on a winning team. I forgot about the evening show being before dinner tonight, so I missed about half of the Magician's show. He was "ok", from what I did see. We went to the Captain's Reception after that, and the 3 Bailey's were very delicious. Finally won a luggage tag at the Piano Bar trivia that night.

We both overslept on Thursday, a sea day. Ate breakfast just before 10:30 a.m. So, when I read the invitation to the Mariner's luncheon, that was at 11:30 a.m., I was full, so I just skipped it. Well, that was a mistake, because I found out later that that is where you get your Holland America Cruise Ship Tiles. So, went to the office later in the day to get those. I was disappointed because now they are generic--you don't get a tile of the ship you are on. It just says Holland America Line. Maybe others will like them. The Indonesian High Tea was fun. They had a variety of teas and 2 types of coffee drinks to choose from, and some different type appetizers than at the regular tea.

Tonight was the 2nd formal night, and they had the little tiny lobster tail, with the tiny little sirloin, but it was delicious, as was the Baked Alaska. Jim Labrioa had a late night comedy show which was fun. I believe we had the singers and dancers again.

Friday is Half Moon Cay day! We got off the ship mid morning, and walked to the end of the last cabins and just went into that warm ocean--the water is so clear, and the white sand is so smooth. I just really enjoy this day.

The barbeque was excellent. There were big prawns, and a choice of fish, chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, along with salads. This day was a dedication of the 10th year and they had the Bahama Prime Minister and some Holland America dignitaries there. We didn't go to the speech, but the public was invited. It was just a nice relaxing day.

Joel Mason did another terrific show, along with the Magician. Joel is just fantastic--another 90 minute show. I can't say enough about him!

And I just have to say that though Cruise Critic, I remembered 2 great guys from the Oosterdam last year! That was so fun to see them again!

Disembarkation was very smooth. The people that choose to carry their luggage off the ship were able to leave at 7:15 a.m. The next call for the rest of us wasn't until 8:10 a.m., and our call was 8:20 a.m. The customs line went quickly, and the bus was right there to take us to the airport. I just have to say it was a great cruise!!

Chris

Zuiderdam Jan 12-19, 2008

Oosterdam Jan 2007

Volendam Jan 2006

Galaxy Jan 2005

[twinkletoes4445]

What a wonderful review! We did the same cruise last Feb. (2007) and we also had a wonderful time.

[May4]

Thanks for taking the time to write about your trip. It really sounds terrific.

 

Your review brought back happy memories:)

[rebeljohn]

Glad you had a good time. Zuiderdam is a wonderful ship........

[bevo44]

We just returned from that same cruise, and had a great trip. I wish I had the time to write up a full report, but I think I'll leave that to my friend Dawn. She's a professional blogger, eh?

[dawnanne]

Semi-professional at best, "sorry".

(ah, teasing our Canadian lingo never gets old, does it??)

 

Great review... here are a few additional random thoughts...

 

Joel Mason WAS absolutely amazing... I checked out his website afterwards but don't see a future events schedule to say which ships he might be on next... but if you ever get the chance, on land or sea, don't miss him.

 

Everything was excellent on the ship, the ports were great too. It was too bad that Tortola was only an afternoon because it would have been nice to stay longer at Cane Garden Bay, which served THE BEST Pina Coladas. We had planned to go to Josiah's bay for surfing that day, but we had a hard time finding someone who would take us there... could have been that it was later in the afternoon. We'll definately try again for Josiah's next time we're in Tortola. CGB was beautiful, though... and not as busy as we'd expected.

 

Other Personal Favs...

 

Favorite Beach: Half Moon Cay.

 

Favorite Buffet Offerings: The pasta bar with made to order toppings, the cinnamon swirl french toast, fresh squeezed OJ every morning, amazing wraps for lunch.

 

Favorite Dinning Room Entrees: Coconut Scallops, Four Mushroom soup, Mushroom Ravioli.

 

Pleasant Surprises: Chai Lattes in the Windstar Cafe... only $2. (I pay $4-something regularly at Starbucks!)

 

Service: What's not to love about smiling, helpful, hardworking gentlemen & ladies doing all they can to make your week aboard the best it can be.

 

Photos: We're not usually drawn to the "classic" portraits they offer on ships... but one night there was a very funky chair on a white background where they were shooting black & whites, and they are amazing photos. They did an beautiful job! If you are looking for something "different" in a portrait, just ask one of the photographers what they are offering and when.

 

 

Things I wish I'd though about...

Next time I will bring a bottle of our local wine to give as a gift to our tablemates (sorry Bevo... you'll have to come visit us to taste our Okanagan wine!)

Next time I will double check to make sure my husband packs his dress shoes :-)

 

One thing to keep in mind... do a bit of research to find out how many ships will be in port each day. The St. Thomas beaches were very crowed by mid afternoon... just so you know what to expect or can plan to get to the beach early.

 

Also, keep your eyes open for extra food stations by the pools... there was Indian food one day, Shishkabobs another day, little treats here and there.

 

I am so curious about what they will be doing to the ship at drydock, because there was very little visable "wear" as far as we could tell.

 

Future cruisers on the Zuiderdam are in for a great week!

[CPeters40]

Semi-professional at best, "sorry".

(ah, teasing our Canadian lingo never gets old, does it??)

 

Great review... here are a few additional random thoughts...

 

Joel Mason WAS absolutely amazing... I checked out his website afterwards but don't see a future events schedule to say which ships he might be on next... but if you ever get the chance, on land or sea, don't miss him.

 

Everything was excellent on the ship, the ports were great too. It was too bad that Tortola was only an afternoon because it would have been nice to stay longer at Cane Garden Bay, which served THE BEST Pina Coladas. We had planned to go to Josiah's bay for surfing that day, but we had a hard time finding someone who would take us there... could have been that it was later in the afternoon. We'll definately try again for Josiah's next time we're in Tortola. CGB was beautiful, though... and not as busy as we'd expected.

 

Other Personal Favs...

 

Favorite Beach: Half Moon Cay.

 

Favorite Buffet Offerings: The pasta bar with made to order toppings, the cinnamon swirl french toast, fresh squeezed OJ every morning, amazing wraps for lunch.

 

Favorite Dinning Room Entrees: Coconut Scallops, Four Mushroom soup, Mushroom Ravioli.

 

Pleasant Surprises: Chai Lattes in the Windstar Cafe... only $2. (I pay $4-something regularly at Starbucks!)

 

Service: What's not to love about smiling, helpful, hardworking gentlemen & ladies doing all they can to make your week aboard the best it can be.

 

Photos: We're not usually drawn to the "classic" portraits they offer on ships... but one night there was a very funky chair on a white background where they were shooting black & whites, and they are amazing photos. They did an beautiful job! If you are looking for something "different" in a portrait, just ask one of the photographers what they are offering and when.

 

 

Things I wish I'd though about...

Next time I will bring a bottle of our local wine to give as a gift to our tablemates (sorry Bevo... you'll have to come visit us to taste our Okanagan wine!)

Next time I will double check to make sure my husband packs his dress shoes :-)

 

One thing to keep in mind... do a bit of research to find out how many ships will be in port each day. The St. Thomas beaches were very crowed by mid afternoon... just so you know what to expect or can plan to get to the beach early.

 

Also, keep your eyes open for extra food stations by the pools... there was Indian food one day, Shishkabobs another day, little treats here and there.

 

I am so curious about what they will be doing to the ship at drydock, because there was very little visable "wear" as far as we could tell.

 

Future cruisers on the Zuiderdam are in for a great week!

 

Hi,

Wish we had met you at the Cruise Critic meeting--sounds like you had a super time. Anyway, at the Cruise Critic meeting, the Cruise Director said that the ship would be more like the Eurodam, where they take the Explorations Cafe and Library up to the Crows nest area, make that area into stadium seating for movies. And they are adding 11 more staterooms rooms to the aft area of the ship. Sounds fantastic!

I forgot my dress shoes one year--used my black Tevas with a long pair of pants that covered them, and that worked--will never forget them again!

I actually downsized to one suitcase this year, with the carry-on that held the laptop. Hoping I can do that on next year's cruise.

I want to mention that they have copies of the bread pudding recipe right there, next to this delicious dessert, and this year they have different toppings to try on it too, which was fun.

Glad you had a super cruise!

Chris

[cccole]

We leave on the Zuiderdam on February 16 and really enjoyed your reviews. I made notes on your favorite things. It sounds like there is not much to not like about the ship and it's crew. You didn't mention a barbeque on deck for dinner one night. Did they have one and you did not attend?

 

Thank you for the reviews, we can't wait.

[fann1sh]

On our December 2007 Zuiderdam cruise, we also had Frederik as our cabin steward. Or, as we called him....The Amazing Frederik!

 

The best cabin steward in over a dozen cruises, including 6 on HAL!

 

Hope you, like us, made time to write extra praise on the comment cards.

 

And if I may answer the BBQ question - yes, there was one on our sailing, and like the OP we didn't attend. Had dinner on our cabin's balcony that night.

[CPeters40]

On our December 2007 Zuiderdam cruise, we also had Frederik as our cabin steward. Or, as we called him....The Amazing Frederik!

 

The best cabin steward in over a dozen cruises, including 6 on HAL!

 

Hope you, like us, made time to write extra praise on the comment cards.

 

And if I may answer the BBQ question - yes, there was one on our sailing, and like the OP we didn't attend. Had dinner on our cabin's balcony that night.

 

HI,

Yes, I mentioned Fredrik (that was the spelling on his name tag). especially on the cruise reviews!

And yes, we did have the BBQ one of the nights--my husband and I had some of the meat at the BBQ, and then went on to the regular sit down dinner that night. They also would have some type of foods out by the pool at lunch every single day, besides the Cheeseburger station. So much food, but I controlled the urge, and didn't gain any weight. Mostly by eating only breakfast and dinner and having a tiny snack for lunch. They also had the late night Chocolate buffet out on the deck, and the lines were huge, so I wasn't tempted there. The fruit skewers dipped in fresh chocolate looked very tempting through, but I was on a break from the Piano Bar then, so I just had to skip it. It was just a fantastic cruise!!

Chris

[ger_77]

I enjoyed your review - we experienced our first HAL cruise on the Zuiderdam and thoroughly enjoyed the ship. I have a question - when did you get complimentary champagne on HAL? We've been on 5 different ships and haven't ever been offered complimentary champagne on boarding. Just wondering . . .

 

Smooth Sailing! :) :)

[CPeters40]

I enjoyed your review - we experienced our first HAL cruise on the Zuiderdam and thoroughly enjoyed the ship. I have a question - when did you get complimentary champagne on HAL? We've been on 5 different ships and haven't ever been offered complimentary champagne on boarding. Just wondering . . .

 

Smooth Sailing! :) :)

 

HI, maybe I am confusing HAL, with Celebrity, in receiving the complimentary champagne upon boarding? Oh well! It's a wonderful idea for Holland America to take as theirs, I would think!

Chris

[Harry1954]

We are on the Zuiderdam in April and May and truly appreciate your taking the time to let us know in advance how your cruise went ..

harry

[Protseq]

Your review was excellent, thanks alot for posting it.

 

We will be on the March 1st sailing of the Zuiderdam.

Our first time on Holland American, so we are looking

forward to it. Tom

[Stuart&John]

Hi Chris!

 

Thanks for mentioning us in your review! Never thought we were "something to write home about," but your comments made us feel pretty special! And it was totally ironic to run into someone we have sailed with before!

 

For the rest of the readers, especially those who are about to board the Zuiderdam, I can only say one thing: Half Moon Cay is just about the most beautiful place on earth. This must have been our third or fourth time there, and it just gets better and more beautiful each time. Heaven on earth!

 

I also want to advise those about to sail that SO FAR the much-discussed As You Wish Dining has not yet hit the Zuiderdam. But from what we hear, its arrival is imminent, though I am not sure whether that means before or after the dry dock. It would be nice if HAL would just forget about this program, but they seem hell bent on rolling it out.

 

We also would say that we had always heard about HAL's tradition of excellent service but, until this sailing, had never really experienced it. (I am not saying that we ever had BAD service; I am just saying that the service on the Zuiderdam last week was extraordinarily supreme.)

 

Yes it was sad to come back to western NY, and our daytime highs in the teens (FAHRENHEIT!), but now we can start planning for our NEXT cruise....and the planning is half the fun, isn't it?

 

Stuart & John

[Stuart&John]

HI, maybe I am confusing HAL, with Celebrity, in receiving the complimentary champagne upon boarding? Oh well! It's a wonderful idea for Holland America to take as theirs, I would think!

Chris

 

I did the same thing! (But John informs me that it is Celebrity that does the white glove/champagne flute welcome aboard. They used to take you to your cabin, but not sure that they still do that...)

 

Stuart

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for your review.

 

At least your Mariner's Lunch was a little later than ours.

 

I started a thread in Last year about the new tiles and asked people to report in from the various ships as to which tile they were getting.

[CPeters40]

Hi Chris!

 

Thanks for mentioning us in your review! Never thought we were "something to write home about," but your comments made us feel pretty special! And it was totally ironic to run into someone we have sailed with before!

 

For the rest of the readers, especially those who are about to board the Zuiderdam, I can only say one thing: Half Moon Cay is just about the most beautiful place on earth. This must have been our third or fourth time there, and it just gets better and more beautiful each time. Heaven on earth!

 

I also want to advise those about to sail that SO FAR the much-discussed As You Wish Dining has not yet hit the Zuiderdam. But from what we hear, its arrival is imminent, though I am not sure whether that means before or after the dry dock. It would be nice if HAL would just forget about this program, but they seem hell bent on rolling it out.

 

We also would say that we had always heard about HAL's tradition of excellent service but, until this sailing, had never really experienced it. (I am not saying that we ever had BAD service; I am just saying that the service on the Zuiderdam last week was extraordinarily supreme.)

 

Yes it was sad to come back to western NY, and our daytime highs in the teens (FAHRENHEIT!), but now we can start planning for our NEXT cruise....and the planning is half the fun, isn't it?

 

Stuart & John

 

Hey,

I did really enjoy meeting you guys again! I still can't believe you guys had a perfect score of 60 on that Broadway trivia quiz! Wow! I volunteer usher for our performing arts center in our city, but it's not enough to know every single musical song ever done! We came back to the temperature of minus 9--it was terrible, after being in the 90's in St Thomas--a 100 degree difference! Hope to see you guys on the boards next November or so, when planning the next warm weather cruise!

And I totally agree about Half Moon Cay being so beautiful! It's my favorite beach ever!

Chris