Ship:  HAL's ms Zuiderdam Saturday, May 22-29, 2004 Ft. Lauderdale, Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas, Tortola, Nassau

Shopping & Booking & Stuff: After the last Zuidy, we had no trouble at all choosing her for our Tenth Anniversary Caruise.  It was a special occasion and we wanted to do it right.  Initially we had a Cat A Balcony (#7131) booked and would have been quite happy.  Two weeks before cruise time we had not yet received our CruiseDocs.  This is usually a sign that the Upgrade Fairy is holding them.  Sure enough, our agent, Lori Cunningham, notified us that HAL had offered an upgrade to a Cat S on the wake (#6167) for $270 pp and I grabbed it.  I did not, however, tell Jim about it.  This was excellent timing for me because I had not yet found a great gift for him.  The docs finally arrived the next day with the old cabin number on it, so Jim didn't expect a thing!

Prior to embarkation:  Our flights were uneventful and we arrived in Ft. Lauderdale (through Atlanta) at about 10:30.  Our bags were first off the carousel and we got a cab and were at the pier before 11:30.  Here's where the fun starts...

Embarkation:  We handed our luggage over to the dockman where I was able to check the manifest to verify our cabin number (hoping HAL had upgraded us to the Penthouse Suite).  Our contract still had the old cabin number on it, but I had the email with the S confirmation on it.  Inside, we encountered several lines of about 300 passengers  It looked like we'd NEVER get there.  Before we got in line, I pulled Jim aside and handed him his Anniversary Card and told him there was something inside he could wear.  I had enclosed the priority boarding sticker from our last cruise, and he didn't recognize it, but he stuck it on his shirt anyway.  I pointed to the little lady in the check-in booth all by herself.  I told him it was OK to go over there and avoid the big lines, but I nearly had to drag him.  It took a long time for him to realize we belonged in the Suites Line (We received our IDs and cabin key cards) and it  didn't really sink in until we went through the Golden Door.  There was the beginning of the embarkation line, complete with photographer.  I pulled Jim over there and said, "Watch this!"  The attendant held out her arm to nudge the line people (who had been waiting for their numbers for a long time) out of our way and said, "Oh, you are priority passengers... step this way."  We had our welcome aboard photo and were on the ship less than 10 minutes after we left the taxi.  Jim still can't believe it.  We were escorted to the Neptune Lounge where we enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and cappuccino.  While you're waiting, you may:

• Make reservations in the Greenhouse Spa
• Make reservations in the Pinnacle Grill at the Odyssey Restaurant
  
• Visit the Lido Pool Bar,  Atrium Bar, Seaview Bar, Ocean Bar
• Have coffee in the Windstar Café
• Lunch in the Lido Buffet (until 3:45) or Pool Grill
• Check your E-mail in the Internet Café
• Check your dining reservations (staff will be in the Smoking Room)
• Browse the Art Gallery
  

We went up to the Lido looking for Imam (Honky Dory), and met his replacement, Shy.  Shy asked our names and sang me a little song and said he would always remember us.  We found our cabin (astonished by the huge veranda) and I knew the Cruising Gods had smiled upon us.  Our bags were delivered, unpacked and all put away by 3:00, so we took the first of many naps before the drill.

Cabin: Suite 6167, our Cat S Deluxe Verandah Suite, was a tiny bit smaller than this typical Cat S shown, partly because of the huge veranda, partly because of its handicap-accessability.  We had a huge couch (but not as big as the wraparound version) with two end tables, two occasional chairs with coffee table wall-to-wall desk area under the window, refrigerator, CD player, drawers and three closets in the main room.

The new "Signature of Excellence" linens on the bed were beautiful (matching duvet, sheets and cases) and were soooooo luxurious.  In addition, we counted about a dozen pillows found on the bed and in various cabinets.

In the dressing room there were huge angled mirrors, three mirrored closets and a dressing table with 3 drawers (one containing a permanently mounted hair dryer), two outlets and an adjustable lighted 5X makeup mirror.   While the dressing table and hassock were comfortable, the lighting from above was all wrong. (They're still trying to figure out the lighting needs of the average woman).   The marble bathroom was very large with a single sink, tub with shower, and a walk-in (wheel-in) shower.  Amenities (2 soaps, lotion, shampoo/conditioner) found in this room were surprisingly sparse and were not replaced as used. 

 

 

     

 
Suite Perks:  Cat S and above are afforded the use of the Concierges (whose office is in the Neptune Lounge) who will happily assist you with reservations for Odyssey dining, excursion reservations, account transactions and anything else you may need.  You will also have:

• Complimentary bottle of champagne (ours was a California Chase-Limogère Brut)
  
• Complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning
• Feather pillows (on request)
• DVD and CD players and complimentary rentals
• Whirlpool bath in cabin
• Complimentary breakfast and lunch in the Odyssey throughout the cruise
• Fluffy terrycloth robes
• Corsage and boutonniere on the first formal night
• Priority tender passes when at anchor
• Umbrella and binoculars to use during the cruise
• Complimentary high tea and hors d'oeuvres served in cabin daily (upon request)
  

Ship facilities: For those of you who love HAL, you will experience the best and the not-so-great aspects of this marvelous vacation experience.  Overall, the decor (variations of red/orange and turquoise) of this new Vista class ship was, to be kind, bright and colorful... not that there's anything wrong with that... and might not fit your image of a classic HAL ship.  You won't find neon and outrageous glitzy disco stuff all over, but the color schemes are, well, in your face.  Other than that, we found a mix of classic and eccentric furnishings nicely upholstered and accented with fine woods and marble.  The artwork throughout was typically expensive and elegant, and the ship was adorned with HAL's signature fresh flower arrangements.  I came to prefer this decor to the understated luxury of some other ships, and found it to be enervating.  The public areas are spacious (you'd never know there were over 1,800 passengers aboard), and you never feel crowded.  There are plenty of elevators (including glass ones) which make it very easy to get from here to there.  The modest 3-story atrium offers many little alcoves where you can relax with a cocktail or coffee and gaze out at the ocean or people-watch; the traditional cruiser may enjoy a stroll around the teak wrap-around promenade.

Pools:   Both pools are located on Lido deck, on either side of the Lido Restaurant.  Activities were centered around the covered Lido Pool, but we preferred the soothing ocean sounds and quieter crowd at the Aft Pool.  It was always fairly easy to get a chaise by the pool, even on sea days.

Spa:  The Greenhouse Spa & Salon (a premier, luxury day spa brand) offers the widest variety of beauty treatments, water floats and facials, in addition to the sauna and steam rooms and the fabulous seawater hydrotherapy pool.  Hair appointments should be made early for formal nights.  Since we were celebrating an anniversary, we were offered the following specials (on port days only until 1 hour before sailing):

Fitness Center:  We did not use these facilities, but I saw many treadmills and bikes overlooking the ocean.  Yoga, Pilates and aerobics programs are also offered (some require a modest fee).

Movies:  In the Queen's Lounge they showed "Big Fish",  "Mona Lisa Smile",  "Against the Ropes", "Along Came Polly", "The Big Bounce", "Love Actually", and "Win a Date with Tad Hamilton".

Vista Dining Room: Rather than offering the traditional two seatings for dinner, HAL is experimenting with four staggered seatings in this beautiful two-story dining room.  We found seating for 2 to 10 guests; tables were arranged with adequate space between and not too close to serving areas.  We were seated at an 8-topper in the center of the stern, upper level, and had a very nice view with no vibration problems at all.  As for the food, we found the menu to be somewhat limited when compared to years past, but still varied and beautifully prepared and presented (see menus). 

 
Odyssey Restaurant (Pinnacle Grill): This alternative dining venue offers elegant service in beautifully furnished rooms and serves the finest cuisine on the ship (you must try the Chocolate Volcano).  This romantic dining experienced is enhanced by choice wines of the Northwest.  Some tables near the windows provide a beautiful view as well.  The menu does not change daily, so if you visit more than once, you'll have the opportunity to try something different. (See Menu) The $20 per person charge (only $10 on Embarkation night) for this dinner may or may not include a tip (consult the new tipping guidelines).

Windstar Café: This comfortably decorated room with a wonderful view serves delicious trendy coffees, teas and pastries (unfortunately for an extra charge) for the ultimate caffeine-charged experience.

Room Service:  We ordered breakfast service every day (coffee, pastries, fruit), and they only got it right once. Toward the end, we checked the tray each time it was delivered so the steward could fix it right away.   It's so easy to fill out the card the night before, hang it on the doorknob, and at the appointed time a steward will deliver your order fresh and hot.  The usual tip for this service is $1-2 (depending on the number of pax served) at time of delivery.

Soda Cards:  Unlimited fountain soft drinks (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale and Tonic Water) by the glass are available as a package for $27.50 per person for the entire cruise.  This is valid in all public lounges, bars and the dining room.  They will put a special sticker on your passenger ID/KeyCard so there's no extra card to carry.

Crow's Nest: This is possibly the greatest lounge afloat.  We were impressed with the beautiful wraparound vista (try one of the lounge chairs overlooking the bow), comfortable seating, large dance floor and outstanding band!  During the day we also enjoyed some of the trivia games.  At cocktail time you'll be treated to hot hors d'oeuvres and live music, and after dinner can enjoy livelier dancing late into the evening.

Ocean Bar: This beautiful lounge is cleverly separated into two main areas spanning deck 3 from port to starboard and divided into more intimate areas, offering a dance floor and seating for large or small groups.  Here you might get to know some of the waitstaff and may be treated to an impromptu magic show or enjoy hot hors d'oeuvres before dinner. 

Queen's Lounge: This much more intimate smaller lounge serves as showroom for smaller audiences such as port and shopping talks, and doubles as the movie theater.  Good news!  Tom Drake is still aboard and keeping pax in stitches in his SRO late-night shows.  Tom Drake's act has been called "An Attitude with a Tie", with his likeable style and hilarious observational skills.  Tom has been spending many weeks at sea entertaining cruise ship passengers in more than 30 countries for Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Holland America cruise lines as a showroom headliner. And he has the jokes to prove it!  A seasoned performer and a veteran of many stages, Tom is most proud of the fact that he can make audiences of all ages laugh without offending anyone, - and get paid for it!.

Shops: We found nothing special about the shops.  If you've cruised before, you can expect more of the same.  Prices seemed a little high, but that's relative.

Photo-Flash:  In addition to selling the beautiful candid and formal shots taken by the ship's photographer, you can drop off your film at drop boxes located around the ship.  Sorry, I don't know about the price or if it can be burned on a CD.  They also offer a Cruise Chronicle Video of the activities on your cruise together with some stock footage.  This customized 40-minute video features your fellow guests and highlights, ports of call, tour of the ship, a glimpse behind the scenes and a Farewell from officers, staff and crew for only $34.95.

Casino: The Zuiderdam's casino is typical, although they tended to close the craps table early.  I had an absolutely wonderful few days at the Craps table.  I bet a lot and won a lot, but never got a rating letter.  Maybe I wasn't there long enough. 

Internet Café:  You can find this place on Deck 3, aft, (open 24 hours) and offers these packages for use on their equipment or yours:

•     1 Minute   for 75¢ (+ $3.75 service charge)
•   40 Minutes for $24.00
• 100 Minutes for $50.00
• 250 Minutes for $100.00
• Dialup acces in your cabin is 50¢ per minute.
• WiFi access was in the Internet Center, the Library, Lobby and some other public rooms.  You may use your own wireless-enabled laptop or rent a wireless card ($10 per day; optional insurance $3/day).  You can also rent a laptop/wireless card combination if required (IBM ThinkPad $20 per day; optional insurance $10/day).
  

Enter the Raffle anytime the first day and maybe win 100 free minutes.  I didn't go online this time, but when I visited at various times during the day and evening and there were always terminals available.

Future Cruise Shipboard Credits:  To qualify for these credits you must dial a special number that connects you with Seattle (no charge) and book your next cruise while onboard.  Credits range from $50 pp for a 7-9 day cruise to $150 pp for 15 days and longer.

Excursions: This is my stock advice.  I print it with every review.  When you arrive at your cabin you will find a Shore Excursions brochure listing the various activities available shoreside.  You may fill out the order form at your leisure and deposit it in the Express Drop Box at the Shore Excursions Desk.  Please keep in mind that the most popular trips sell out very fast.  If you are traveling with friends and want to go together, put all the tickets on one room card.  One time we ordered separately and one couple got the tickets and one couple didn't .   I'll describe the various excursions in my daily log below.

Ship Activities: Casino, ship and Spa tours, Spot the Fake Ring, Liquor Tasting, Long Drive Golf Competition, Hollywood Trivia, Pizza & Dance Party, Walk-a-Mile, Adult Lap Swimming, New Body Step or Pilates, Taboo, Hole-in-One Golf, Catch Phrase, Shuffleboard, Trivia in many forms, Ping Pong, Yoga, Volleyball, Scattergories, Closest to the Pin Competition, Bad Hair Day Seminar, Perfume Seminar, Slot Clinic, Port Shopping Talk, Cooking Demo, Digital Camera Seminar, Slot Tournament, Facial Demo, Gem Stone Seminar, Pictionary Madness, Wet & Wacky Pool Games, Slot Tournament, Jewelry Seminar, Bar Tending Class, Name that Tune, Outburst, Blackjack Tournament, Tennis, Dice Lessons, Cigars Under the Stars, Hole-in-One Golf, Ice Carving, Line Dancing, Not-so-Newlywed Game, Open Mic Night, and finally... what would a cruise be without SNOWBALL JACKPOT BINGO and ART AUCTIONS! 

Music and Dancing:  Crossover plays dance music in the Crow's Nest; Steven Mills plays piano in the Ocean Bar; Midnight keeps you dancing in the Ocean Bar; New Wave plays island melodies poolside; Steve Lowenthal plays piano in the Piano Bar; Champagne Strings play light classics in the Explorer's Lounge and DJ Marc spins the hits in the Northern Light Disco.

Staff: The Dutch officers were formal, yet friendly.  Waiters and stewards were mostly Indonesian, and ship activities were led by enthusiastic young people from a variety of countries.  Our Cruise Director Dottie Kulasa is a 16-year cruise veteran, and made the experience most enjoyable!

Smoking:  There is no smoking in the restaurants, show lounges, public hallways or elevators.  There are designated smoking sections in select lounges.  Pipes and cigars are only allowed on the outside decks and in the aft room of the Explorer's Lounge.

Motion: We were blessed with nearly flat seas the whole week, so I can't attest to the motion-worthiness of this ship.  I will say that I prefer at least enough motion to remind me I'm at sea.

Laundry:  Your cabin steward can provide you with laundry ($12 per bag) and dry cleaning services.  There are no self-service machines on this ship.

Debarkation:   Color-coded luggage tags are issued according to your flight time.  Suite pax are offered preferred baggage handling.  Cat S and PS pax, upon notification to Housekeeping, may keep their luggage in their suites until 6 a.m. debarkation morning instead of leaving it in the hallway the night before.  We were the second "color" to be called and were off the ship by about 9:00.

HAL is now also offering FedEx shipping for suitcases ($34.95) and boxes ($24.95).  Fill out their form and you'll be provided with packing materials and instructions.

This is a picture of the man who said, "I don't need no fargin' veranda.  I won't sit out there.  It's a waste of money."

The Zuiderdam is by far our favorite ship; HAL is our favorite cruise line and we always consider HAL first when planning the next cruise.  Our third Zuidy will be in November, 2004, and know we will have an outstanding cruise!

Saturday, Ft. Lauderdale, Embarkation Day:

Whew!  We made it!  We took the customary cabin photos (before we "lived" in it) and went to the Lido for lunch followed by a much-needed nap and the lifeboat drill (had to drag Jim out of bed for this one).  This first "getting acquainted" day offers tours of the ship, fitness center, spa, Club HAL, internet service sign-ups, excursion reservations and a Half Moon Cay talk, followed by the SailAway party on the Lido Deck.  Dress is casual for the evening, as some pax might not have had time to unpack yet.  Showtime in the King's Lounge was "Under the Sun" featuring the Zuiderdam Cast and Tom Drake previewing his comedy show. 

Sunday, Half Moon Cay:

We were the only ship so there were plenty of lounges, but the temperature was a bit cool.  We had reserved floats (all we do there is go out on floats and turn over once in awhile) but the water was too cool (for us) to swim, so we returned our mats for credit.  We did get a little sun, though.  We skipped the Bar-B-Que and went back to Zuidy to shower and nap.  We usually try to get in all the Trivia Games, but I don't think we made it that day.  After dinner, Joel Mason put on a wonderful "Tribute to Elton John" in the King's Lounge.

Monday, At Sea:

We really enjoy the sea days, although we have fallen into a napping pattern that prevents us from enjoying some of the activities we love.  Anyway, a "don't miss" item was the Captain's Welcome Reception which is held before the evening's Formal Dinner.  There are great opportunities for formal portraits (several choices of backdrops) and a chance to become acquainted with the staff at their "best".

Tuesday, Road Town, Tortola:

Excursion	Duration	Cost
St. John National Park Island Tour	4 - 4 ½ hours	$49 / 24 child
St. John Trunk Bay Beach Tour	4 - 4 ½ hours	$49 / 29 child
St. John Eco Hike	4 - 4 ½ hours	$64
St. John Champagne Catamaran Sail & Snorkel	4 hours	$79
St. John 5-star Tour	4 - 4 ½ hours	$69 / 44 child
St. Thomas Island Tour & Mountain Top	2 hours	$24 / 12 child
Paradise Point & St. Peter Greathouse	3 hours	$49 / 29 child
St. Thomas Historical Highlights Tour	3 hours	$49
Tropical Paradise Island Tour & Tram	2 ½ - 3 hours hours	$69
Accessible Adventures Scenic Tour	2 - 2 ½ hours	$44 / 34 child
Screamin' Eagle Jet Boat	1 hour	$349
Mini Boats Adventure	3 ½ - 4 hours	$84
Sea Trekking Helmet Dive & Coral World	3 hours	$94
Coral World, Snorkeling & Beach Outing	3 - 3 ½ hours	$42
Coral World & Magens Bay Beach	3 ½ - 4 hours	$59 / 44 child
Turtle Cove Sail & Snorkel	3 hours	$54 / 29 child
St. Thomas Kayak & Snorkel Adventure	3 ½ - 4 hours	$79
Ultimate Undersea Exploration	3 hours	$52
Kon-Tiki Party Cruise	3 - 3 ½ hours	$34
St. Thomas Non-Certified SCUBA	3 ½ - 4 hours	$99
St. Thomas Certified SCUBA	3 ½ - 4 hours	$99

Thursday, At Sea:

Friday, Nassau, Bahamas, Noon to 7 PM:

Saturday, Debarkation Day, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida: