This was our sixth cruise on the beautiful 3-year-old ms Zuiderdam, which says a lot about both ship and crew. Having been accustomed to the tasteful elegance of HAL past, we have warmed to the energizing color schemes and decorating un-style of this innovative ship. She still boasts the huge, over-the-top floral arrangements and expensive art found in other HAL ships, but is approaching a more eclectic mix of textures and colors. We never tire of the luxurious stateroom accommodations, spa facilities, and generous public areas. We enjoy the many shipboard activities as well as take an occasional foray into the 'unknown' (to us) ports. There have been a great many days when we simply don't care to leave the ship. Aaaahhh...

Shopping & Booking & Stuff: Our goal on this cruise was simply to enjoy our favorite ship in a comfortable cabin, so we chose a sail date that fit into our business schedule. Our excellent travel agent always gives us the best price of all, so we selected cabins and booked a lovely Cat SS6117. We sneaked a peek at this cabin when we left our last cruise, and it has that extra angle space in the sitting area that makes it roomier. The veranda is kinda funky, but the trade-off worked for us. A few days before sailing, our TA called us with an upgrade to a full suite midships, and we couldn't refuse. I couldn't surprise Jim with it this time, 'cause he was within earshot when she called [See my May '03 Review].

Prior to embarkation: We usually book our own air transportation because we like to have control. Well, let me tell you this before someone turns me in to the Complacency Police... Read more