RevNeal Reporting from the Zaandam

[JerseyShore]

We will be getting on the ship on Thursday in San Diego...its nice to hear from somone who is getting a head start on our journey. Have a great time & we join the party on Thursday.

[Host Walt]

Here's a link to a related thread.

 

Click here: Rev Neal's itinerary

[RevNeal]

First Day

 

Arrival:

 

The Flight from Dallas to Vancouver was excellent and quiet. On arrival we crawled through a VERY LONG Customs Line, but then we quickly collected our luggage, turned it over to the HAL representatives outside the security zone, and then waited to take the bus to Canada Place. This was a pleasant 40 minute ride. Once arriving at Canada Place we went quickly through security, then on to check-in where there was no line. We checked in with no trouble, then immediately boarded the Zaandam. We were greeted, a steward took our carryon luggage and escorted us to, and into, our J-category (3343) cabin. All in all, from landing at YVR until walking into our cabin, it took us 2 hour and 25 minutes (an hour of it spent in the Customs line, 30 minutes waiting for the bus, 40 minutes in transit from the airport to Canada Place), and about 15 minutes to board the ship. Relatively painless.

 

Departure from Vancouver:

 

They had a very nice sail away party, and the Margaritas were nice, but I was amazed at how few people showed up for it. Perhaps they were too tired? I don’t know. But it was nice for those who were there.

 

Dining Room Service Thus Far:

 

As good as ever. We’re at a table for 8 in the central section of the Rotterdam Dining Room. Our Waiter is “Yogi” and his assistant waiter “Gofar” , and they are both sharp and fast in responding to requests and needs. When I expressed an interest in a different entree -- one that I’d never seen before (an Eggplant Enchilada) -- he suggested that he bring me it at well as my main entree ... which he did and Christopher and I shared. We ate at 8 pm, and were done and leaving the table by 9:30 pm.

 

Entertainment

 

The first evening entertainment was pretty awful. A singer did a series of impersonation songs ... horrible ... and the Zaandam cast is simply as cute and frenetic as ever.

 

Second Day -- Victoria BC:

 

Breakfast this morning was in the Lido ... outstanding Omelet and selection of other traditional breakfast foods. We then had the morning free. I set up my laptop with internet access and then we spent a while walking around the ship, taking photos and enjoying the minor differences between the Zaandam and the Volendam (with which we are very familiar) -- mostly just variations in decor.

 

We ate a small bite (a piece of pizza for me) for “lunch” then went ashore for the Craigdaroach Castle and Empress High Tea Tour. EXCELLENT tea (though were stuffed ourselves and were not at all hungry for dinner).

 

Dinner was excellent, service was fast and superb. We didn’t go to the show, but rather sat in the Explorer’s Lounge and enjoyed after dinner drinks, classical music, and conversation with table-mates.

 

Third Day -- Astoria Oregon:

 

This was a very long day ... took the land tour to Mt. Saint Helens. Wow, that was wonderful ... a beautiful sight, and what awesome power! If one hasn’t been before, one really should go see the devastation ... even 24 years later, it is breathtaking.

 

Dinner in the Rotterdam was another success. Several excellent dishes, including a very delicious chicken parmesan. The waiters continue to improve -- with 8 people at our table we still managed to finish dinner by 9:15 .... 1 hour and 15 minutes. Fast, efficient, and pleasant. The waiters even had time to stand and chat. It’s so sad that other people, particularly those on the Zuiderdam, haven’t been able to experience this excellent level of service.

 

The show that evening was really quite good: Black Tie was a quartet of 2 men and 2 women, the women on piano and cello and the men singing music from Broadway, classical opera, and some traditional favorites. I enjoyed them.

 

A few more remarks on the Zaandam: I’ve noted several minor areas where maintenance is underway ... glass being replaced where it had broken in some places. The crew is working hard, and seems to be happy. There has NOT been a decline in quality of service ... at least, not on this ship.

 

Seas have been mixed. HEAVY swells between Victoria and Astoria, but the day at sea since Astoria has been rather nice ... almost no swell and just chopping water which the ship’s stabilizers are having no trouble smoothing down. We’re at sea -- you can feel the motion -- but its not at all unpleasant.

 

Wish you all were here!!!!! No, truly I DO!!!!!

 

 

 

 

[RevNeal]

Okay, my friends and fellow virtual cruisers, here's what I'm going to do. I've downloaded the this thread as of right now. I'm going to read and write up a few responses off-line, then I'll get back on a little later today and upload answers. I LOVE being able to do this off line. :) Saving money is always a GOOD thing.

 

I'll be posting a link page with some photos REAL soon (as in today), so keep an eye out here!

 

Peace!

[ekerr19]

Hi Revneal - Thanks for posting! I am so glad to hear you are enjoying the cruise thus far!

 

I am REALLY happy to hear about meals and service levels - what a relief! I hope it will be the same on the Volendam.

 

Keep checking in - WE WISH WE WERE THERE WITH YOU TOO! :D

 

Laura

[HeatherInFlorida]

RevNeal, SO exciting to read your review in real time! So happy you're having such good service. Always sad to read anything other than the level we depend on HAL for!!!

 

Heard on the news this morning that Mt. St. Helens is very likely going to erupt again (they don't know when). Did you have anything to do with that;) ?

Keep writing and keep enjoying:) and we'll live through your experience.

[RuthC]

It's funny, but a few minutes ago I was thinking of bringing this thread to the top to send virtual waves to encourage you to post.

Ya beat me to it! :)

Thanks for the update. Since you've been known to frequent the Piano Lounge would you be will to make a longish stop there and let us (me?) know all about whoever is playing there? And if you should enjoy yourself in the process, well, so much the better! :D

[Ziggy7]

Thanks RevNeal, we are with you there in spirt and of course in virtual cruise thru your reports :)

Waiting patiently for those pics hehehehe

Really thanks for taking the time to share your cruise and pics with us!

[dakrewser]

This was a very long day ... took the land tour to Mt. Saint Helens.

If only I'd known! Could have been looking for you on the Mt. St. Helens web cam :rolleyes:

http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/volcanocams/msh/

 

-dave

[starysacz]

Rev Neal: Keep the reports coming. Have always enjoyed your reports and cruise reviews with pictures in the past.:)

[akeka]

I really appreciate the posts and am enjoying it vicariously. We'll be boarding the Volendam Saturday and following you (a few days behind, I think).

 

I am too bringing my laptop for the first time and will try to post regular updates as well.

[DFD1]

Thanks, Rev; Good Stuff ! Keep it coming.

[CanSail]

Thank you Rev.

Reading your post is making me look forward to my cruise on the Zaandam on the 16th. I can't wait...needing a restful and relaxing week.

I hope you are enjoying every minute.

Sending you my best wishes for a wonderful cruise.

CanSail

[lka1012]

I saw on the news the St Helens is rumbling again. Is that from you Rev. Hope you have a great time. I hope to take the same cruise one day. I know my folks enjoyed it when they took it.

[RevNeal]

Here are a few responses to some of the questions asked on this thread earlier. If I didn't answer your question, bear with me. :) Today is the first day I've had any free time to do anything but scratch!!!! And BOY, are there a LOT of things to do aboard ship today! They've got every 30 minute slot filled with activities!!!!

 

***

 

GN:

 

“ Have you heard about the ferry incident in Alaska? Any Damage to the Zaandam?”

 

No, I hadn’t heard about the incident. However, there’s no visible damage to the Zaandam.

 

***

 

Cruiseoften:

 

“ You post some great pictures of your cruises - have you taken a look at the wall panels in the corridors of the Zaandam - they appear to be on silk with gold embroidery.

 

Maybe you will photograph and post.”

 

I intend to do a full photo-tour and video-tour of the ship. But, I’m waiting for San Diego when half the ship gets off ... things will be relatively quiet then and I’ll be able to take a lot of good pictures.

 

***

 

Djokilot:

 

“When you send your report (please let us know how the Zaandam looks, and how the service is). We are very curious about the changes that have taken place.”

 

As I’ve already written, it looks like there’s been very few changes made on the Zaandam. Staff is attentive and quick ... they know their jobs very well. I really can’t see any neglect at all on the ship; indeed, crew are visible all over the place doing regular maintenance and upkeep. She is well-take-care-of.

 

***

 

Laffnvegas:

 

“ What day will you be in San Diego? We can then go to the Web Cam web site to wave at you”

 

We’ll be in San Diego on Thursday, along with the Statendam. projected time of arrival is 6:30 am, and we’ll be pulling out at 5 pm.

 

***

 

Kruzkeen:

 

Good question regarding dress code. We received the same folder upon check-in, and it contained that notice about dress code. While I think I see where you’re coming from relative to shorts not being allowed in the dining room and Pinnacle Grill, the directive is written within the context of “dress for each evening.” At lunch today (Tuesday, Sept 28) I noticed 2 men in shorts. They were not turned away. However, last night I overheard as a fellow at the table behind ours was asked to leave and put on long pants, even though it was a casual night.

 

“ What about the Zaandam cruising to Florida? Did you receive the same info?”

 

What about it? We’re on the 21 day cruise, so of course we’re going to Florida. :D

 

I hope my observation on dress has been clear. The no-shorts rule would appear to apply in the dining room and Pinnacle Grill during the EVENINGS, not during Breakfast or Lunch. I’ll keep watching, however. Tonight is our first formal night! I look forward to seeing if anyone tries to come to dinner in less than formal attire ... and what happens to them.

 

 

***

 

JerseyShore!

 

You will be welcome aboard the Zaandam! About half our fellow passengers are getting of in San Diego, and we’ll be getting some new ones.

 

[RevNeal]

I saw on the news the St Helens is rumbling again. Is that from you Rev. Hope you have a great time. I hope to take the same cruise one day. I know my folks enjoyed it when they took it.

 

We heard from a park ranger that there was a possibility of steam or maybe even a small explosion, and that the ground temperature levels had risen some over the last few months. We were not allowed to take any of the paths toward the mountain from the closest observation post.

 

Got some great pictures from there.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for reporting in to all of us who can't be on the Zaandam with you.

 

I started a thread yesterday for those who don't know that you will be in San Diego on Thursday as well as link to view the Zaandam going through the canal on Oct. 10.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Panama Canal links:

www.seacruisechat.com/panamacanal

www.panamacanal.com

[RevNeal]

Here are a few photos from the trip thus far.

 

 

Departing Victoria

 

Mt. Saint Helens

 

Greg and Chris at Mt. Saint Helens

 

In Astoria we were joined by the Amsterdam. Here's a photo!

 

The Amsterdam in Astoria

[longtimecruiser]

Thank you so much for posting while on your cruise. I have enjoyed your post and pictures so far. I am anxiously awaiting your next installment. I always say that if you can't be on a cruise, reading about one is the next best thing.

[Lovebirds]

Uh, RevNeal, about that picture of you and Chris at Mt. St. Helens, did you forget the first rule of sunlight photagraphy? The sun should be behind the photographer so your faces won't be in the shadows. You're just have to go back and go around to the other side of the mountain and try again:D

[bobpatj]

Rev., how nice of you to invite us along on your cruise. What a beautiful clear day you had at Mt. St. Helen's. Your pictures and posts are such a treat. Thank you!

[dakrewser]

In Astoria we were joined by the Amsterdam. Here's a photo!

 

The Amsterdam in Astoria

 

Were those tents in the parking lot where the natives set up a tourist market? Were there lot's of "real Oregonian" trinkets? :rolleyes:

 

-dave

[debblue]

enjoy the cruise i just arrived back home form the statendam god bless you and your fellow cruisers happy sails to you

[CanSail]

Rev.

Thank you for your photos.

Best to you and Chris.

Can you please, please sneak a picture of one of the S suites for me?

Just tell the passenger in the suite that you are the new cabin steward.

Love CanSail