Zuiderdam Review
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This was our first time with HAL and we loved it! Our cabin, 6132 was in the rear of the ship and near the elevators. Perfect location. It was quiet and while we did feel the gentle rocking of the ship at night, there was not excessive motion. It was our first balcony room and we are spoiled now. Our room stewards were wonderful. We chose open seating for meals because we don't like dressing for dinner every night. The Lido was a good choice for us but we did wish there was more variety of foods for supper. The lunch had a deli, Asian, Italian, Mexican bar, hamburgers, salad bar, and the hot food. At supper, only Italian and the hot bar. We discovered too late that the Dive Inn burgers was open until 5 if we didn't like the menu. The formal nights we went to the Vista DR and got seated right away. The service was great and the food was excellent.
We went to the show room most evenings and found the entertainment to be mostly good. The Chapman brothers were the highlight for us. We also spent time in the BB King Blues Club and really enjoyed the all star band. I found the ports to be all I had hoped for and more. After an exhausting day of touring, I couldn't wait for the next site. St. Tropez was the only port that was a little disappointing but it was a quaint small village with a Citadel and lots of shops. We didn't do any tours from there so we just hung out on the ship most of the day. I felt in awe everywhere we went. To be walking on 2500 year old roads and be drinking coffee in a 800 year old village and walking through 1500 year old churches is just phenomenal, bringing history to life was a dream come true.
We did not have enough time in Rome but thanks to HAL granting permission for our tour to stay an extra hour, we were able to see the Vatican. The Pope was in the square speaking when we arrived (an added surprise) so the Sistene Chapel and the church was closed until 1. Thank you, HAL!
Cabin Review
Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom
Located on the port side in the back section. It is near the elevators that lead to the Lido Restaurant and the Seaview Pool. We loved having the Verandah.
Port Reviews
Venice
We stayed 2 nights in Venice at hotel columbina in St. Marks square and did a Viator tour of The Doge's Palace, St Mark's Cathedral, the city and a boat tour of the canals. A long day but we saw a lot
Katakolon (Olympia)
We went with Katakalon Express to Olympia for a small group tour of the site and museum. Great tour and had lunch in an olive grove at Hotel Europa. this is a must see!
Athens (Piraeus)
Wonderful trip to Athens, also with Katakalon Express. Saw all the important sites and ended up at the Acropolis/Parthenon. Had lunch in the Plaka, Athens old city
Kusadasi
Loved Mary's house, Ephesus and the Terrace Houses!!! The history is amazing and you can walk down in the ruins. You are walking in the very places that Mary, John and Paul walked. that was intense. I did not like that the tour took us to a leather shop under the pretense that we were just killing time until lunch at the carpet factory was ready. They were totally expecting us with their fashion show and tea. Lunch was included followed by a demonstration of how they get silk from the worms and how they make the beautiful carpets.
Mykonos
we just walked around on our own in Mykonos. It is a beautiful place and easy to get around. Lots of shopping and restaurants if you like that. ...
Rhodes
we booked a private tour with 6 others from CC with Jeep Safari. We drove into the mountains over some of the roughest roads we've ever been on. It was a blast! We basically crossed right though the middle of the island and came out the other side onto a beach for lunch at Gramma's. On the way home the roads were even worse which was even better. When we got back to the ship we went into Old Medieval City which is surrounded by ancient castle walls. It was right next to port so you can just do that if you don't want to book tours.