Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnM
My wife would like to do a Caribbean cruise this winter and we are looking at one offered by HOLLAND AMERICA on their ZUIDERDAM.
Any comments on this cruise line, this ship or recommendations on accommodation types (interior/oceanview/balcony/suite)?
Any general cruise suggestions also welcome as it has been a few years since our last cruise and I am sure much has changed ...
John
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I do not even check the prices on other lines. Great service.
The first question is what do you want to do? Rock wall climbing? Then Holland is not for you. If you like a relaxing atmospheric, nice dinner and a show Holland will work for you. The larger ships (other lines) have more activities and will probably have more children and a younger crowd.
You will have two formal nights for each week of cruising. You can skip them. I wear a suit and my wife a pare of dress slacks. No need to go all out.
I would look for 10 to 14 days. 7 just seems to short, but then you are close to the port. Pack light. Some of the ships have coin operated washing machines you can use. They all will do laundry for you at a price.
I would like to spend my money on lots of cruises so I would book an inside cabin. I do not spend a lot of time in my cabin. If money is not a concern book a balcony. If you book guaranteed you may get a free upgrade or an offer of an upgrade at a possibly reduced price. The way a ship is filled (if they have a problem) is to keep selling inside cabins and no view (you can see the deck but not the ocean) outside cabins and then upgrade the booking to a more expensive cabin they could not sell.
The advertised price does not include port fees, taxes and tips. You can book on line and in the process you will see the port fees and taxes. Tips are about $11 per day per person. You can request to have these removed from your bill and tip on your own or do bothe. A fuel surcharge is also possible but I think the lines have not charged it in a few years. It is in the fine print.
Your biggest on board expense might be drinks. At each port you can take excursions. No need to if you do not want too. I generally stick with excursions arranged by the ship. The reason is if they get back to the ship late the ship waits for you.
Buy 100 shares of Carnival stock (they own Holland) and you will get shipboard credit. For a 14 day cruise it is $250. Less for shorter cruises. You have to send Holland proof of ownership before you sail. You can call or email them for the details.
You should have passports.
Be sure to read the cancellation rules in case you miss the cruise. They are not user friendly. Trip Insurance? I skip because I figure I would spend more on it than if I missed a cruise and lost my money. If you get it make sure your understand what is actually covered. Don't assume your emergency will be theirs.