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Holland America Line

MS Zuiderdam

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Mike and Pat Scott
# previous cruises: 2
Date of Trip: June 5, 2004
Itinerary: Caribbean

The Zuiderdam offers a genteel, relaxing cruise experience for all. Activities are run on schedule, the officers and crew are friendly and accommodating and the ports of call are interesting. I would particularly recommend to cruisers over the age of forty.

The Zuiderdam is a large ship with an intimate "feel". The public areas are well designed and we never felt part of a crowd. The pools were busy, but deck chairs were never unavailable. The wrap-around promenade deck featured very comfortable teak deck chairs that were perfect for reading or sleeping. The casino is small, but seemed to offer adequate opportunities for those who wished to challenge the table games or slots. Finding our way around was easy and elevators were plentiful. We also found the public areas spotlessly clean.

The food in the Vista dining room was of consistent quality and quantity. Portions were sized as they should be in a five course meal. Service in the Vista was superb! Our waiter, Yefry, and his assistant Edy serviced multiple tables, but had a talent for making us feel very special. Our requests for additional portions or deletions were instantly fulfilled.

The Lido buffet which we frequented for breakfast and the occasional lunch offered multiple stations which helped with crowd control, particularly during breakfast. The pizza is very good and the ice cream among the best we have ever had.

Room service was prompt and accurate.

A note about vibration and strange smells that seem to be mentioned in every review of the Zuiderdam:

We encountered no strange odors of any kind. We did notice vibration in the Vista dining room at dinner. We were seated in the lower level close to the stern. The vibration is there, but we found it only a minor distraction on the first night of the cruise. On some legs of the cruise the Zuiderdam must average over 20 knots to make port on time. Once you realize you are on a moving ship and not in a land based restaurant you just get used to it.

We had a category B Deluxe Verandah on the Upper Promenade deck. We had more that adequate storage space - three closets - two for hanging items and one with shelves and the personal safe. Night stands each contained two drawers and there were two additional drawers under the love seat. The cabin also featured a mini bar and television. We enjoyed the verandah (about 40 sq. ft.) - a good place to watch the sea go by with coffee in the morning while awaiting your turn in the bathroom.

The bathroom was typical cruise ship (tiny), but featured a medicine cabinet and an under the sink full width shelf. The shower was large enough for me (6'3"/225 lbs) with seemingly unlimited hot water. The soaps and shampoos provided were of high quality. HAL likes to brag about their towels and we agree - large fluffy and soft.

Our Cabin Steward, Ivan, was exceptional. He was always available, while at the same time unobtrusive. Ice was constantly in our ice bucket, the towels were replaced like magic and on the last night of the cruise he left us a paper ship "Baby Zuiderdam" as a remembrance. I believe my wife values it more than the baubles she picked up in St. Thomas.

We visited the Vista Lounge (really a theatre) on four occasions. The review shows were cruise ship average and I would recommend only if you don't have something better to do. The other entertainers in the Vista - jugglers, magicians, comedians were quite good.

Throughout the ship you will find pianists, string trios, etc., performing in the various bars. All were talented and entertaining.

The cruise staff was basically service oriented and helpful. However, during certain activities such as trivia contests, some appeared bored. We found the shopping and port lectures delivered by Chris to helpful, informative, and even entertaining. The Captain's reception on the first formal night was a nice touch - photo ops and champagne.

If you like to shop, St. Thomas is ideal. All of the normal Caribbean discounters are present plus a great deal of local flavor. Tortola is sleepy and not particularly commercialized with a very friendly populace. If you make it to Tortola, don't miss Pussers. We didn't care much for Nassau for the exact opposite reasons.

Zuiderdam appeals to an older crowd. The average passenger was late forties to fifties. Although HAL is attempting to attract younger passengers and offers children's programs there were not that many on board. The atmosphere is more staid than a Princess or Carnival ship. Formal nights are just that and almost all aboard observed the suggested dress. Our fellow passengers were friendly and courteous, but not what I would call "party animals"