Ship:  HAL's ms Zuiderdam Saturday, October 4-11, 2003 Ft. Lauderdale, Key West, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Half Moon Cay

 
MiniComments:  This is the best cruise we have ever taken.  The accommodations and ship amenities are first class and the food and service superb!  Jessica H. wins the award for best staff member!  Imam the waiter always remembered our names and wished us a "Hunky Dory Day".  It'll take me awhile to fill in these blanks:

Shopping & Booking & Stuff: Booking this cruise was an easy project.  We are avid HAL fans and wanted to experience HAL's new Vision Class ships.  The itinerary and dates worked perfectly with our crazy schedule, and Lori got us a fabulous deal, so it was a no-brainer.  We had originally chosen Class SS Suite 6117.  This was zigzag configured  inside corner with a balcony facing forward and starboard.  After our docs arrived, Lori called us with an upgrade to Class S Suite 7087 which was directly above and seemed twice as large as the one we originally booked.  This upgrade afforded us luxuries which helped make this cruise the best one we have EVER taken.  We booked our own air reservations so we could have more control over the connections and save a couple hundred dollars to boot.

Prior to embarkation:  We flew down from Savannah to Ft. Lauderdale (through Atlanta) on embarkation day, arriving about 10:30.  Somehow our luggage missed the carousel and when the conveyor belt stopped without our bags we went to the AirTran office to report them lost.  While I was filling out the forms, Jim went back for one more look, and a porter found the bags in the unclaimed section.  Whew!  We thanked the AirTran agent for her time (very nice lady), loaded the bags into a cab and were at the dock by 11:15.

Embarkation:  Our contract still had the old cabin number on it, but we persuaded someone to look at the manifest to find we were entitled to priority boarding and were next in line for boarding passes.  Other passengers were given numbers and told to wait until they were called.  We received our IDs and cabin key cards and went upstairs to the boarding area, where we were photographed and escorted onboard for an elevator ride to the Neptune Lounge.  We were treated to hors d'oeuvres and cappuccino and visited with fellow suite passengers until it got crowded.  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
  

Instead of checking our carry-on bags with the Concierge, we took them with us to the Lido and had a light lunch out by the aft pool.  At 1:15 the announcement was made that everyone was allowed to go to their cabins.  I know you will find that this VASTLY improved embarkation eliminates that long, long wait for number 47 to be called.  Plane to cabin, 2 painless hours.

Cabin: Suite 7087, our Cat S Deluxe Verandah Suite, was easily double the size of our regular cabin, as was the verandah.  This cutaway doesn't do it justice, as we had extra room at the doorway and the verandah door on an angle.  We had a huge couch 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.  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). They still haven't figured out the lighting needs of the average woman.  While the dressing table and hassock were comfortable, the lighting from above was all wrong.  Knowing I've had problems with this in the past, I brought my 5X lighted makeup mirror.  Unfortunately, the outlets provided were blocked by the little rack they built in so you could keep your stuff on the counter without it moving around in rough seas.  At first they brought me an extension cord, but that wouldn't plug in either.  The maintenance guy couldn't remove the rack, so there was effectively no power in the dressing room.  I hope other cabins did not have this problem.  The marble bathroom was huge with wall-to-wall mirrors, two angled medicine cabinets, ample lighting with shaver outlet, double sinks, a whirlpool bath/shower and separate shower stall.  Amenities (2 soaps, lotion, shampoo/conditioner) found in this room were surprisingly sparse and were not replaced as used. 

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.  Hair appointments should be made early for formal nights..

Movies:  Bruce Almighty, Daddy Day Care, The Italian Job, The In-Laws, and Identity were shown in the Queen's Lounge.

Vista Dining Room: HAL continues to maintain the traditional two seatings for dinner (although they will be experimenting with four staggered seatings in 2004) 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.  As far as vibrations are concerned, we were seated with the Chief Engineer and he said that the problem has been rectified and during dining hours the engines are slowed down to minimize vibration.  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 below).  Sadly, our usual request for jumbo shrimp cocktails on formal night was denied.  Our waiter was efficient, but reserved, and was quick to take our orders but a little slow to serve.  Our empty plates were not removed to my liking, but  that's my problem. 

We never stood in a line behind more than 2 people.  The most outstanding server of the whole cruise was Imam, who will remember your name every time he sees you.  He made dining there so enjoyable we went back the last morning and tipped him.
 
Odyssey Restaurant (Pinnacle Grill): This alternative dining venue offers elegant service in beautifully furnished rooms and serves the finest cuisine on the ship.  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.  The $20 per person charge for this dinner neither includes a tip, nor is there a place provided on the check, so we had to tip the waiter when we dined there the second time.

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 only used room service for very early breakfast (coffee, pastries, fruit).  We filled out the card the night before, hung it on the doorknob, and at the appointed time a steward delivered our 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. 

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. 

Vista Lounge: This is the main showroom where you may see the production shows, magicians, comics or the larger audience participation games like Not-So-Newlywed Game or Bingo.  We arrived just before performance time and couldn't even find standing room.  We noticed that when we did get a head start on the crowd, it took awhile to find seats that were not obstructed.  This can be a problem if your showtime is after dinner and you must hurry through dessert (no one should be expected to hurry through dessert). 

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.  Tom Drake, the late-night comedian was very funny, and we saw both shows..

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.  The room never seemed crowded or smoky. 

Internet Café:  This place is open 24 hours and offers these packages:

    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 (cards for your own laptop are available).

I paid by the minute and my bill was $27.20 for 31 minutes.  I visited at various times during the day and evening and there were always terminals available.

Excursions: 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:  I still have a hard time getting Jim to dance with me, but if we did, there was great entertainment:  Time After Time (favorites), Meir and Rae Ann (dance music), Pantastic (Island Sounds), Gayle Leall (at the piano), Rosario Strings (light classics), the HAL Cats (contemporary hits), and DJs Lucky Luke and Mike.

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.  Jessica H. from New Hampshire was particularly enthusiastic (she loves her job!) and made game-time a fun experience.

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.

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.  We are sailing her again in May of 2004, and know we will have an outstanding cruise!

Saturday, Ft. Lauderdale, Embarkation Day:

Monday, At Sea:

Wednesday, Georgetown, Grand Cayman:

Thursday, At Sea:
Friday, Half Moon Cay:

Saturday, Debarkation Day: