The review team arrived at the airport in Fort Lauderdale,
Florida at approximately 6:00 a.m.
We were all exhausted from the
long flight that had us traveling the entire night before.
The team decided that we needed a little rest if we were going
to
take on the enormous Zuiderdam cruise ship later that day.
So we checked in to the nearby Sheraton
Hotel for a little nap and rejuvenation. May we suggest any one considering
this cruise that you come a day ahead, so that you will have some
recovery time and the opportunity to get accustomed to the time
change?
After a nice six hour nap our team
boarded the shuttle to take us to the Fort Lauderdale Port. As
we arrived, we could see the grand new ship for the Holland America
Fleet, The Ms Zuiderdam. One team member said it looks bigger
than the Titanic! Yes, she is as a matter of fact. This new vessel
was
recently commissioned in December of 2002. Everything on board
was like new. Our team made our way on board after giving our
bags to the ships porters. The first stop before coming aboard
was a “Welcome
Aboard” photo, one that will always be remembered by the
FHS review team. It was also our company’s retreat so it
was necessary to bring some of our family members. A good thing
too, because it gave us an opportunity to “Kid Test” some
of the features for families so that we may pass the information
on to our readers.
The excitement and anticipation was beginning to build since some
of our group had never cruised before. Our team quickly located
their cabins and settled in. The cabins were comfortable with nice
large windows, not tiny portholes like some would imagine a ship
to have. Two of the cabins had large balconies. Overall it was
a very pleasant living environment for the staff and their families
for the week.
At 5:00 p.m. it was time to depart the sunny port
of Ft. Lauderdale. We gathered the whole team up on the Lido deck
to wave goodbye. They offered music and dancing as we sailed out
of the port for a couple of hours prior to dinner.
The meals on board were absolutely amazing! There were such
varieties to choose from, and always freshly prepared. If you
had a hard time deciding, you could have it all! Rumor has it,
that one of our reviewers gained an excess of ten pounds on the
trip, but she has happily recovered from the experience.
Holland America Lines and Jeanne Jones, a well-known chef and
author of several books on healthy eating, have created the "In
Balance" spa menu.
Very nice rooms with large windows!
Spa cuisine and healthy shakes are
available free of charge to spa guests throughout the day, and
each breakfast, lunch and dinner
menu includes a light and healthy alternative entrée,
that some of our staff members took advantage of.
The seven day Western Caribbean cruise took us to four different
destinations encompassing the large island of Cuba. The first stop
we spent the day at Key West, Florida.
To most who have been there, the memories are wonderful of the
tropical landscaping; beautiful emerald colored waters and warn
tropical breezes that all can enjoy. There was great off shore
snorkeling and water sports to take part in as well. Not to mention
the immense amount of small boutiques and shops to choose some
sort of souvenir.
Our second day was a day at sea.
Not to worry
though, for there is plenty to do on the twelve level ship.
We could take part in
a number of out door activities including basketball, shuffleboard,
volleyball, golf, poolside games, and if you must, just lounging
by the pool with an ice-cold margarita. After all the fun and
games, it was time to get ready for the extravagant formal
Capitan’s
Dinner.
Information
on upcoming events at certain
spas
