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- I sure hope HAL reads these reviews.
- Thanks to all who post here and on Boards
Of all the cruises we have ever taken, the Zuiderdam was lowest in our estimation.
- BEWARE of Cabins 1083 and 1085
We were shocked that there was an unidentified noise underneath these
cabins - like a chain being dragged. The vibrations actually shook
the cabins. We complained and later found out these cabins are above
either the incineration (or the trash compactor?) The noise and
vibration went at various times all through the day...even in the
early a.m. Although we were happy at first with the extra-large cabin
and their mid-ship location on Main Desk near the Purser and Shore Excursion
Desk and elevators, the aggravation was not worth it. Since it was a
14 day Holiday cruise, the ship was fully booked and the one statement
Guest Relations offered us was not suitable. Eventually, HAL offered
us on board credits, but not enough to take away the displeasure
of the noise and vibrations.
I don't know how far down the hall on that side of the ship the noise/
vibrations reached, but be very, very careful of booking those cabins.
- Not much in poolside entertainment and....
On other ships, there is always music, pool games, etc. going on
during the day, especially days-at-sea. Here, very little. In fact,
rather a sedate, quiet cruise. Surprised us that - here we are in
the Caribbean - and no traditional island music. Poor programming.
The Shows were generally retreads - and the singers were awful.
Mike Bliss - the comedian, juggler, magician was excellent.
- Kudos for the Microsoft at Sea classes. A bright spot.
- Food
Standard cruise fare ....not terrible, but the Dining Room dinners
were over-salted and over-sauced. The Chef menus were a bit pretentious.
Stick to the simple selections: fish, grilled steaks, etc. offered daily.
Pinnacle Grill was excellent.
Canaletto - over-salted ...we didn't eat the spaghetti and meatballs
entree it was so bad.
Best was Breakfast in the Dining Room ...lots of choices
and the smoked salmon (lox) excellent.
- Casino
Small, not very interesting.
Bottom line: An older ship - and it shows, despite the dry-dock refurbishing.
Unless the itinerary is a must-do, skip this ship. Sad, because our
other HAL cruises (Noordam, Maasdam) were much more satisfying in terms
of service, food, and entertainment.
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