New Zuiderdam,your impressions
 

<BR>We will be sailing on the brand new Zuiderdam on Jan. 11, 2003. Has anyone out there sailed on this new ship? What do you think of it? We will be in a Verandah Suite. How was the food? <BR> <BR>We enjoy wine with dinner. What is the custom? Is wine ordered by the glass? Can one order a bottle and then drink it over several evenings? <BR><BR>What special benefits are given to &quot;repeat&quot; travelers on HAL?

Hi Richard,<BR><BR>I walked through it a few days ago when it was previewed and it is spectacular. I did not cruise.<BR><BR>As with other HAL ships you certainly can order a bottle of wine, drink a few glasses and the steward will save the remainder for other nights.<BR><BR>Most sailings have past-passenger discounts. There are two levels. The better discount is if you sailed HAL in the past and the second is if you sailed any of Carnival Corporation ships.<BR><BR>Paul

Hey Paul--<BR><BR>Does HAL and Carnival, etc. keep past passengers names in a data bank of some sort or do we have to supply names and dates to show past sailings? I can't keep track of all my sailings but would like the discounts.<BR>Thanks!

Go to Cruisecritic.com, on the HAL board they are all excited about the inaugural and some will be posting.<BR><BR>A much more active and informative board.<BR><BR>We need some new blood on this board!

You're asking for new blood. Well, new blood gets tired of the insults and tirades between posters, and Fodor's irrational editing, so they just go away.

Jan,<BR>Call HAL and ask for the Mariner society. If you've sailed with HAL before, they should have a record and will give you a memeber number. Keep this handy! You might have to give them a ship name and sailing date from previous sailings --- can't remember about that aspect. From then on, you'll recieve notices of sales and special sailings throughout the year.

Thanks, Dawn!