21 Nights Perfect Caribbean Escape Cruise

Great Cruise

We had a great time on our repositioning cruise on the Zuiderdam. The crew was the friendliest we have met in our 30+ cruises. Iwan and Ruben kept our room spotless with all our needs met. We enjoyed the free room service and would often have a late night snack delivered. We used the buffet for most meals. The food was great and Rusty made some great pasta for us each day. The evening music was great each time we stopped by to listen. If there are any downsides it would a lack of variety in the buffet. THe ports of call were fun and the ship had a very relaxing vibe. Definitely and older crowd on board. The embarkation and debarkation were well organized. The crew made this trip an amazing adeventure. The price we paid was very reasonable. We would love to sail the Zuiderdam in the furture..

Great world cruise segment

Loved doing the Sydney to Cape Town segment of this grand world voyage. I addition to HAL’s usual excellent food and guest services, the wine events were outstanding. I was lucky to be on to enjoy both the events developed and delivered by Cellar Master Jacques Louw and those provided by The World Wine Guys, Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen. This was my first cruise of this length. Good mix of sea days and port days (close to 50/50), and a really nice itinerary. I especially enjoyed the ports in Australia (Sydney, Moreton Island, Airlie Beach, Cairns and Darwin) as well as Komodo Island, Bali, Singapore, Phuket, the Maldives and Seychelles, Durban and Cape Town. In terms of entertainment, the Grand World Voyage Band was outstanding, particularly their Santana tribute show. I also took advantage of the Morimoto and Tamarind pop-ups, guest chef dinners, and Chef’s Club. Everything was beautifully executed — food quality, wine pairings and service.

Across the Mighty Pacific from FLL to Sydney

It was an amazing itinerary across the Pacific ocean. The captain and cruise leader were outstanding. The trip to Machu Pichu was worth all the effort to get there. The altitude changes were daunting for some. It was truly incredible. We were able to stop at Easter Island and Pitcairn which often is not possible. All the musicians were special. It was hard to choose who to listen too. We are not classical fans, but have become so with their trio. The young couple pianist and violinist we had fallen in love with on a different cruise. They were joined bya great young celloist that made their performances even better. The ballroom dance instructor, Matthew was fun and excellent at helping everyone learn to dance. We filled the Rolling Stones lounge twice a day. He was the perfect combination of professional and encouraging. He easily dealt with people of all dance levels.