This was my second cruise on the Zuiderdam. The first being Oct 2003 Eastern Caribbean. This was my 26th cruise and the Zuiderdam still remains at the top of all the ships I've been on tied with the HMS Sagafjord (Cunard Alaska cruise 1988) We were again in a class SS cabin on deck eight. Personally I think for the money this is the best class on this ship. It is spacious and nearly as large as a small hotel room. All the amenities were functional and was most pleased.
Embarkation was slow, hampered with computer problems. Nevertheless, we were on the ship by noon after waiting about an hour. Since HAL has changed their disembarking procedure to allow passengers to stay in their cabins until their turn to leave the cabins were not available until 3:00 PM. I find this a very minor inconvenience.
We left Fort Lauderdale on schedule bound for Key West. After giving my companion a cooks tour we settled in the Crow's Nest Lounge for a libation and rest as is was quite hot.