Zuiderdam Review
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Additional details
My only cruise experience was with Renaissance back in the 90s and I hated it. Decided to try again, and my sister and husband are 4 star mariner and loves HAL, so we went along. Also decided to go with the Neptune level to increase the potential for a great cruise. It worked! (this ship has 1900 passengers, the Renaissance had about 300, so it was a large ship to us)
Our suite was very roomy, 500+ sq. ft. with huge balcony on deck 7. We did not see wear on the ship as other reviewers have mentioned, everything looked really nice, with great decor. I love the fact that we unpacked once and did not live out of a suitcase.
We left port late March, and unlike the January cruisers, we had perfect weather. I saw rain for 20 minutes max, the whole cruise. Cartegena was hot but the humidity was not bad anywhere. We took a tour through Expedia in Cartegena that was excellent, through the city, down streets full of street art, to the church on the hill, and through the old city. Our guide took us where we wanted to go and didn't lead us to emerald stores like many others.
Cabin Review
Neptune Deluxe Verandah Suite
Cabin was over 500 sq ft, comfortable bed, A/C was so good we had the heat on slightly. Towels folded like animals every night, along with chocolates. Shower and tub in bathroom, although shower stall was pretty tiny. More closet space than we needed, with a safe. My only negative was the wood rails on the veranda needed sanding and varnishing. No big deal.