Hi and Welcome to HAL.
About your questions:
Has anyone traveled on Ms. Zuiderdam recently (Eastern Caribbean) I have a few questions....
We have cruised 6 times on Zuiderdam but it has been a while since we sailed on her. All of those cruises were wonderful and we would not hesitate to return.
Can I bring a travel iron with?
No. Travel irons are a definite no-no on ships. They are not allowed. Zuiderdam (and all HAL ships) has great laundry/pressing/dry cleaning service. The prices are reasonable and they do a fabulous job. If you need something pressed, give it to your steward and he will bring it to the laundry for you. You're on vacation..... let someone else do the work. [Some HAL ships have guests self service laundries on the ship but Zuiderdam (and none of her sisters in the Vista class of ships) have those laundries.
you need "cash" for the casino?
Yes. Cash. But I think you can get cash advances in the casino. I've never done it so do not know the details. Someone else will help you with that.
What does it mean when it says "tender required"? (I'm new to cruising)!
It means that the ship will not tie up to a dock. It will drop anchor in the harbor of the port you are visiting and will lower it's own small boats to be used as shuttles to get from ship to shore and back. You will be advised when the ship has been cleared in your 'tender port' to go to a designated lounge and collect a tender ticket. You will wait in that lounge until your number is called and will then go to the gangway. They will have dropped 'stairs' coming out of the side of the ship. You will go down those stairs (just about a normal flight in height) to the platform where sailors will assist getting into the small boats. Unless you have some physical disability, it is a very easy process. If you have limitations, HAL is great about providing assistance. The sailors are there to help us. When you get to shore, you step off the tender onto a small dock and you go on your way.
Are there any good shows aboard the ship that are "must sees"?
There is a show every night. We can't know very far in advance just which shows will be on a given cruise. If you happen to be aboard with the Elton John impersonator (Joel...... can't think of his last name), don't miss his show. It's terrific. He sometimes is on Zuiderdam. Puts on a terrific show.
Hope this helps.
Any other questions, ask away.
