Zuiderdam Category BB

I just wanted to know if anyone could give us some info, we are going sept 6 2003.
1. Is this ship geared towards older people (I'm 26)
2. How is tipping done on this ship.
3. I've heard that this ship doesn't have a good nightlife, is this true.
4. Anyone else going to be on this cruise
If anyone else wants to send pics or something else send a email.
Oh yea this is our first cruise.

Thanks Ron

[bluefish]

You should post this on the HAL board, if you haven't already done so.

You might also consider asking on the other cruise message boards;
Cruiseaddicts.com
cruisecritic.com

Ron:
I'm the family cruise editor here and just sailed on the Zuiderdam with my family in March. We loved the ship (we have two children) -- great service, good food, and attractive, energetic decor. The ship does seem to be more geared towards families and older couples. (There won't be as many families on the ship in Sept since it's back to school month.) However, there is a disco, nightly shows, etc. for younger passengers like yourself. We met up with some parents in their early 30s who would have liked more action at night than there was on the ship. (We have a toddler who is up at 5 or 6 a.m. so we were happy to go to bed early instead of hanging out late!)
As for tipping, you don't have to tips as much on HAL as other ships, however, the waiters and stewards do seem to get smaller, additional tips from pax. We did give them some money at the end of the cruise -- they were very gracious and efficient and truly deserved it.
Let me know if you have more Q's.
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor