You can get a reasonable tour of the island from mini bus drivers just outside the port - There is a bar to the right when you come out of the port - maybe half a block down - up a flight of stairs - It is called Local Bar - free wifi and very reasonable cold beer.  Nice staff.

Aruba

The Island has quite a bit of damage from Hurricane Sandy - the lush greenery is brown, I guess from sea water washing over it - the beach is not quite as big as it used to be.  The water is still nice to swim in though

Half Moon Cay

This was way more fun than I thought it would be - I don't like to be contained but the ceilings were high and it was light and airy inside - it was wonderful to see the fish so close.

This was a wonderful excursion to see the Panama Canal up close from a smaller boat and all the way to the Pacific.  

The bus takes you back to the port of Colon where the ship is docked - there is quite a large shopping area there - many stores with the similar items but different prices so check around.  

There was rioting in Colon a few weeks prior to our cruise and two ships skipped this stop so I was glad we were able to enjoy it

If you take this tour be sure to sit on the side of the boat that the driver is on because he seems to spot the most wildlife and the boat is turned to that side most of the time.

We were lucky enough to see sloths, howler monkeys and lots of birds.  After the boat ride we had about 10 minutes to shop, eat fruit and drink beer.  Then we went to see a banana plantation.  Our guide was obviously very proud of his country and provided great information.

For shopping, there is quite a large shopping area right at the port - a market with free wifi, cheap beer and you can have a massage or manicure or pedicure.  The shopping is more reasonable than we found after the boat ride.

Air conditioning issues

MAJOR toilet issues

Great balcony at the back with wonderful view.

Very quiet cabin

As usual the food on Holland America was excellent - not a single complaint there - 

The staff was excellent but we certainly noticed that there are definitely fewer of them - especially noticable in the dining room - After dinner the 3rd night took well over 2 hours we went to the Lido for dinner - in all the cruises I have taken this is the first time I have gone to the buffet for dinner.Embarkation at 11:30 was quick and easy - went directly to our room which was quite nice - the carpet was a little worn (but ship is in drydock for new carpets in a few days) but otherwise it was OK - until we went to use the toilet - made flushing sound but no flushing!!!!!

Zuiderdam Review

Panama Canal Sunfarer - some good some bad

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Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom

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