Itinerary:Panama Canal Sunfarer
Sailing Date: January 18, 2009
Age: 67
Occupation: reviewer
Number of Cruises: 4
Before taking this cruise
I read reviews which were both for and against but very
few, if any, reviews were after the renovation of the
Zuiderdam in April 2008. My brother and I took the
Zuiderdam from Ft Lauderdale to the Panama Canal. It was
our first cruise on a Holland America ship. This was our
4th cruise. We can not recommend the Zuiderdam enough,
from the crew to the food to the entertainment, tours,
etc.
My brother and I usually go away in January to break up
the winter in Boston. August 2008 he expressed interest
in joining me on a cruise. I chose the HAL Panama cruise
as we have never been to Panama.
We are the odd couple, he is Oscar and I am Felix, so I
chose a cabin with ample room. Little did I realize at
the time that we would be treated royally? We would have
complimentary laundry, use of binoculars and umbrellas,
priority boarding, just to name a few. We went to Men’s
Warehouse and ended up purchasing two tuxedos; thought
that we might as well play the part.
On January 17th we flew
from Boston to Ft Lauderdale on Jet Blue and stayed at
the Holiday Inn, Ft Lauderdale Convention Center. This
is near the cruise port; there is an $8 shuttle to the
cruise port and they pick you up at the airport. On Jet
Blue we paid $185 roundtrip each as I had a credit; the
hotel stay was free due to a rewards program. I have
stayed near this hotel before and like the location. It
is also near a 24 hr Walgreens which is good for last
minute purchases. Several restaurants are also nearby.
On January 18th we headed to the Zuiderdam at 10am but
did not board the ship until 4pm as we were told the
Zuiderdam had a virus problem and the ship had to be
cleaned. They did allow us to board the ship, but did
not allow us to enter our cabin. So we went to the Lido
dining with our baggage for something to eat. Then at
4pm we were allowed to enter our cabin and fetch life
vests for the mandatory drill.
My brother thought the trip was too expensive when I
first told him about it several months ago. When he saw
the size of the cabin, he was very impressed. I also was
impressed. Pictures sure do not tell you everything.
We had a Verandah Suite which is debatable. One only
needs an inside cabin, that is what I started out with,
for you have use of the same ship as those with suites.
I started out with an inside cabin. However, after the
first cruise I paid the few extra dollars for a window
while still maintaining a reasonable cabin then I grew
to a balcony which I still maintain using a suite only
when necessary.
We found the crew to be courteous, friendly, and helpful
and always cleaning up the ship. There are many hand
cleaners around.
The first thing we did when we got to the cabin was to
unpack, especially our tuxedos and prepare to have them
pressed for formal night. As I got several compliments
while wearing my white dinner jacket that will accompany
me on future cruises.
Now a review of some of the public areas:
Vista Lounge - Decks 1, 2: this is the formal we went
here for sit down meals and to be waited on; our dinner
was at 5:45, early but we still did not make the 7pm
shows. On one formal night a gent showed up in sandals
hoping to be seated.
Shore Excursions - hours vary & Front Office
open 24/7 both on Main Deck 1: these are self
explanatory.
Atrium - Decks 1, 2 ,3; open space.
Explorers Lounge - Deck 2; for drinks
Pinnacle Bar - Deck 2: for drinks.
Pinnacle Grill - Deck 2:
eating is $20 extra. My brother thought the food and
service was better here than the Vista Lounge. This was
true but the menu was the same each night whereas it
varied in the Vista Lounge.
Queens Lounge & Culinary Arts Center Deck 2; some of the
shows are here also cooking demonstrations
Northern Lights Night Club; Sports Bar; Piano Bar – all
on Deck 2: drinks
Vista Lounge Decks 1, 2, 3: this is where most of
nightly shows are, usually at 7 & 9; also a meeting
place for some of the tours and lectures.
Casino – deck 2; there were slot machines for $.01 on
up; money spent could be charged to your room or you
could use cash. I chose the former and broke down for
$10. The last evening we were informed that the casino
operation is separate from the ship so I cashed out for
$10.
Photo Gallery – deck 3; one could argue that it is less
expensive to take your own photos, but still…
Meeting Rooms – deck 3; no experience here
Screening Room – deck 3; this is where movies were
shown, the seats were very comfortable!
Lido Restaurant – deck 9; this is the informal
restaurant where people who wear sandals can eat! Hunkey
Dorey was on this deck.
Crow’s Nest & Explorations Café – deck 10; this is one
big room with a great view forwards; a library, dvd
rentals, and the internet cafe which is open 24/7.
Observation Deck – deck 11; this also has a great view
forwards.
