Southern Caribbean Reviewed by Bill

1. My wife and I just returned from the Zaandam (Southern Caribbean 13-23 Dec 2000), our third HAL cruise. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would continue to recommend the ships and cruises of HAL to everyone. Needless to say, HAL continues with their gracious service and attention to detail that we have come to know and love (both via our experiences and those of others on the RTC). We are scheduled to leave on 17 Feb for 10 Day Panama Canal aboard the Amsterdam. 2. The Islands we visited were wonderful. Half Moon Cay (HAL Private Island), US VI, Dominica, Trinidad, Martinique, and St Kitts were all beyond our expectations. We only wish we could have done two excursions instead of one. Notable trips & Tips -

Whale watching on Dominica. We did not go but a friend did and had the time and thrill of a lifetime spotting 7 sperm whales.

The Saint Louis Fortress tour in Fort-de- France, Martinique, presented a wonderful view of the harbor, city and surrounding mountains. IT WAS a great pleasure to tour this historic fort.

Savannah drive in Port of Spain Trinadad. Churches in Port of Spain Trinadad.

Brimstone Hill Fortress in St Kitts. Ice Cream and Bread Pudding trips on the ship (just seeing if you were paying attention).

3. Problems for discussion -

Zaandam Piano bar has been redesigned from original concept of an enclosed little club. Now it is noticeably open and you don't feel the intimacy and party atmosphere as on the Veendam with the enclosed piano bar.

Marco Polo Alternative Restaurant - Dam...we tried to coordinate schedules with our dining partners and could NOT get a table in the restaurant save for two slots on the last formal night and very last evening. I am not sure who held the parties but there were two large parties that took up the entire restaurant for two hours. MAKE sure you get your reservations in early.

Captain & Officers - Lack of interaction with Passengers. I saw the Captain EVERY day in the gym, at the pool, or on the observation deck laying out in the sun. I spoke or tried to speak with him daily and got a simple NOD. I never saw the Captain or any of his deck officers stop and chat with any passenger (except with the guests in suite 7001). This was really broght home after I spent five minutes talking with Captain Jonathon Harris, of the Veendam (from two previous trips) when we were docked beside the Veendam in Martinique.

Bridge Tour with the Cadet - WHY would they turn a 19 year cadet loose with 30 elderly interested passengers (WWII Navy vets, ship nerds, senior HAL Alumni, etc) on a bridge tour. Get real. He did a good job of explaining the ships bridge gadgets, but he did not have the experience to handle other questions.

Sports Deck Jogging/Walking track has VERY NARROW corners forward where they added the staff cabins, There is only about 4-5 clearance on the forward corners.

4. GREAT THINGS REPEATED -

Bread Pudding
Service with a smile
Dining Room
Name/Face Recognition
Decor
Food
Layout
Passenger Space Ratios
Cabins Space (closets, setting area, etc)
Did I mention the FOOD
Passengers
Fitness Center
Bow observation areas with their limited access
Performers - Despite HAL reputation for LACK of entertainment we found it fantastic. All were excellent, entertaining, and VERY personable off stage. Comedian Patrick Murray & Matilda; Paul "Fingers" Minard in the Piano Bar; Comedic Violinist David Levesque; Magician Bob Tunell; and Comedian Carl Guerra (who we were fortunate enough to take a tour with on Dominica).

5. New Things worth mentioning

Observation Deck is now glassed in for better viewing and sun bathing (less wind) Internet Access
More stairways & elevators on the newer HAL Class ships New pool layout off of the Lido deck and more room on the Sports deck aft. New layout of piano bar (although it looses something of the intimacy it GAINS in access for many other patrons). Marco Polo - Dam it. Friends who ate their said it was a REAL first class 4 star restaurant. The Atrium Organ was really special, especially when it played (which as far as we can determine was 2 and 4pm.