[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

[TednRobin]

While I am by far not an expert on cruises, we have been on 5 different cruise lines on at least 10 cruises. I found Holland America one of the best, esp. for the food and it's presentation. For entertainment we find Royal Carribean on top of the list.

[skyc6]

I went to Alaska on the Veendam. Incredible service, food, everything!

[Trish Crocker]

I've been on Norwegian, Carnival and the last 4 cruises have been with Princess. They have always treated us well but I'm willing to try others. As far as the room type, I love having a balcony. It makes the room seem larger. There are times we will go to our room, one of us will nap while the other sits on the balcony with a book, also, it's so nice to just sit out there late at night and have a glass of wine while looking at the stars. I'm sure the suites are great but more than we wanted to spend. One tip that I can give...if you don't choose 'anytime' dining, I would take the early dinner. This way, you are free each evening for the entertainment. I'm not sure how anyone else feels but we didn't care much for the Southern Caribbean cruise. The only highlight I found was Aruba but the other islands weren't as nice. Also, if the two of you are traveling alone, make sure you ask for a table with others...that's how we found out about the Villages...one of our tablemates lives there. Have Fun and Happy Cruising!!!

[Bryan]

If it has been awhile since you cruised, and if you are interested in going with a group of Villagers, and if transportation from The Villages to the cruise ship and return interest you, you may want to look into a January 14th 7-day eastern Caribbean cruise sponsored by The Villages Hospital Auxiliary on the Holland American MS Eurodam. As for rooms, they offer a variety but I recommend one of the middle to upper balcony class rooms such as Category VB, VA, V or VQ. I think you won't go wrong with those. The individual coordinating the trip for the hospital auxiliary (no, you don't have to belong to the auxiliary to go on this cruise) in Shelly and you can call him at 259-2753 for more details and information.

[ladylake1]

I have been on many cruise lines bu Holland America seems to fit us the best. We've been on the Zuiderdam a few times and it is fine. If you are looking for wave pools, rock climbing, etc. then find another line. Holland is morfe low key but with lots of interesting activities. A balcony is always nice but sometimes we go for ocean view as we don't spend alot of time in our room. Don't do interior if you like the light or get somewhat claustrophobic. I'm sure you will enjoy your trip!!!!

[juneroses]

Sometimes, to pick a favorite, one has to get really picky. My favorite cruise line is Holland. Why? Because they have full width promenade decks with teak chaises and pads. I bring a book, pick the shady side, and enjoy the afternoon reading a book and viewing the scenery, admittedly with an occasional catnap.

I didn't realize the ability to accommodate chaises on the promenade deck was a particular advantage of Holland until I sailed on Celebrity and Princess. Their decks are narrower so the seating is chairs. One can certainly enjoy lounges on the pool deck in sun or shade but I prefer the peace of the promenade - Holland spoils me in this respect.

[missypie]

We went to the Panama Canal on the Zuiderdam a couple of years ago. Older ship, stunning crew. The nicest and most helpful I have ever met. The food was wonderful. The afternoon teas were not to be missed, always a different country represented. Not the best for taking any kids along from what I noticed. But wonderful cruise.

[SeaCruiser]

My spouse and I are avid cruisers. We have been on 28 and are now scheduled in December for our 14th Holland America cruise. Holland America is the only line we cruise these days. Last December we sailed The Westerdam out of Fort Lauderdale and the experience was wonderful. We've also sailed on the Zaandam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Veendam, The Amsterdam, Ryndam and the Volemdam... not The Zuiderdam.

Since we moved to Florida we take advantage of a lot of special rates. Be sure and sign up on the HAL website for emails. Over the years we often booked economy cabins (inside) but now we enjoy the verandah cabins. We book the guarantee rates. It does not assign a cabin until about 2 weeks prior to sailing but you also usually get upgraded and the rates are really good.

I also suggest you do a little research on www.cruisecritic.com. They offer member reviews

There is a bus service available from Lady Lake to the port.

Any other questions??

[Skip2MySue]

Originally Posted by SeaCruiser

My spouse and I are avid cruisers. We have been on 28 and are now scheduled in December for our 14th Holland America cruise. Holland America is the only line we cruise these days. Last December we sailed The Westerdam out of Fort Lauderdale and the experience was wonderful. We've also sailed on the Zaandam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Veendam, The Amsterdam, Ryndam and the Volemdam... not The Zuiderdam.

Since we moved to Florida we take advantage of a lot of special rates. Be sure and sign up on the HAL website for emails. Over the years we often booked economy cabins (inside) but now we enjoy the verandah cabins. We book the guarantee rates. It does not assign a cabin until about 2 weeks prior to sailing but you also usually get upgraded and the rates are really good.

I also suggest you do a little research on www.cruisecritic.com. They offer member reviews

There is a bus service available from Lady Lake to the port.

Any other questions??

We've been using www.cruisecritic.com for years. It's a great site for any and all info you may want to find. 100 Thousand + members that will supply answers to any question you may think of. Roll calls for the ship you are sailing on gets you introduced early to fellow cruisers going on your ship. Nice little ice breaker and usually activities are planned with your group for meet & mingles, slot pulls, cabin crawls, mini golf tourney's and a way to meet great people that are looking to enjoy the cruise as much as you. It's a free site that is easy to join. You won't be sorry.
Skip 2

[JohnM]

Originally Posted by SeaCruiser

Any other questions??

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO RESPONDED ... once again TOTV has proven itself to be an incredible resource ... "any other questions" ... YES (you asked ):

1. Where do you generally find the best "deals" ... online (cruisecritic.com, etc.) or travel agent?

2. The options are daunting ... it appears you (1) pick itinerary you want and travel date(s), (2) then pick the cruise line(s), then (maybe) the ship(s), then (4) accommodations that fit your preferences & budget, then (5) find the best deal .. then CRUISE ... do I have it about right?

3. I see mention of all kind of what I will call "extras": "on board credit", "upgrades", "preferred embarkation/disembarkation", "silver/gold/platinum/diamond?[fill in the blank] traveler", access to "private" on board clubs, etc. ... I gather some/many of these marketing gimmicks you find out about AFTER you book or go on the cruise ... I suspect it varies by line ... is it possible to learn some of these "experienced cruiser" tips before hand .. like from TOTV ... any recommendations?

4. When we went on the QE2 years ago, dress was very formal - for men suits for every dinner and many had a tux for the Captain's Dinner ... is it still that formal ... even in the "casual" Caribbean ... does it vary by cruise line?

THANKS FOR ALL THE INFORMATION!

John

[jackz]

[QUOTE=JohnM;374031]THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO RESPONDED ... once again TOTV has proven itself to be an incredible resource ... "any other questions" ... YES (you asked ):

1. Where do you generally find the best "deals" ... online (cruisecritic.com, etc.) or travel agent?

We have been on a number of cruises over the past few years and I have come to rely on using Vacationstogo.com to obtain some great deals. You can sign up for free and each week you will receive an email update on upcoming cruises. They have a 90 day Ticker which shows the best deals in the next 90 days and you can also use their search engines to find future cruises. Once you select your cruise you call their 800 # and speak to a real person who wil answer all your questions and help with the booking. We have gotten great deals and alot of On Board Credits as well as Comp bottles of wine in our room on arrival.

For research purposes, I agree with previous posters concerning cruisecritic.com. Wealth of information on that site to help you including information on your port stops.

[swrinfla]

JohnM:

Some thoughts from this cruiser (completed #16 in March, #17 and #18 are already booked) and former travel agent.

I personally favor Holland America because they make no real secret of the fact that they cater to Seniors! Now, please do not see a bunch of grey-hairs pushing their walkers along the deck! But, like Villagers, see a group of, shall we say, "seasoned" individuals enjoying the fruits of their labors and being treated respectfully by the crew!

My second choice is Princess.

I frankly stay away from those lines who appeal to the younger generations (say, our children!). My principal reason: I am NOT into Hairy-Chest Contests around the Lido Pool. I am NOT into loud, raucous disco-style night clubs. If you are, then I'd say look elsewhere than HAL or Princess!

As to how to book, that's an increasingly difficult question to answer. Back in the day when I was travel agent (more than 10 years ago, now) there was so very much less interaction on line. The good travel agents were sometimes considered as True Gurus! Nowadays, you must do much research on your own or expect to be forever confused.

I agree that the cruise critic site is helpful, but also recommend cruiselinefans.com. This is set up and uses the same system as TOTV, and has participants who are just as friendly as they are here!

SWR

[rjm1cc]

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

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.

[2newyorkers]

There are now "specialty" restaurant on cruise ships. You pay extra. They can be steak, Italian, Japanese, Johnny Rockets, Starbucks, etc. You can also pay to be part of the Captains table. When you eat at the main dining rooms, buffet, room service, it is still included in the price of your cruise. If you enjoy meeting others, choose Anytime dining and when you go to your assigned dining room agree to eat with others.
I agree that you should enroll in cruisecritic.com. Read member reviews of the ship you are choosing. Go to the boards and every question you have will be answered.
If you are a veteran, always request a veterans discount from the cruise line. They do not advertise this discount but it is available on Carnival owned cruise lines.
Cruising is still the best bang for your buck.