We just returned from the March 19, 2012 sailing on the Zuiderdam, visiting Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Panama Canal, Costa Rica and Half Moon Cay. We are three 50-something ladies who get together to have some R&R and good laughs every other year. 2010 was the Emerald Princess, this year the Zuiderdam was our choice because of the itinerary in both cases.
PreCruise:
We stayed at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort for two nights before the cruise. The hotel was right across from the beach, but we had no idea that it was spring break and it made for some very interesting people watching. We ate at H20 and at Casablanca Cafe. Both were excellent choices. We purchased 6 bottles of wine for our cruise at Total Wine and have to say that we were very disappointed with their recommendations. Next time we'll stick with wines that we are familiar with. We each purchased splits of vodka, baileys and gin and tucked them into our toiletries. I also took several small bottles of gingerale. We also purchased three large insulated to-go cups from Target. We used these extensively because the water from the tap in the cabins was yucky. So we filled our to-go cups with ice water in the Neptune Lounge and in the dining room several times a day. Bottled water is available for purchase in the room and throughout the ship, including the dining rooms. I also packed a water bottle to take with me when I went off the ship.
Fabulous cabin with an amazing wrap around balcony that is large enough to accomodate a table with two chairs, two easy chairs and footstools and three lounge chairs with room to spare. The balcony is completely covered so there is shade available most of the time. Lots of closet space and cabinets, spacious bathroom with shower stall and full size jetted bath tub. Two medicine cabinets and a shelf under the two sinks. A small dressing area and makeup magnifying mirror with closet space just outside the bathroom. The hideabed sleeps one and is very very comfortable. There was some vibration but it was soothing more than irritating. I suffer from motion sickness so I took a Bonine every night and even with rough seas on several nights, I did not have a problem.