We so looked forward to cruising again, and although we had a great time, we were very disappointed in the service we received. We are scheduled for a 45 day cruise on the Zuiderdam next October. We are re-evaluating our options.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
We were assigned 1:40 boarding and found it difficult to find the correct line or procedure. We managed to be on board by 2:00. The lines to board looked long, but it moved along once our boarding time arrived.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The ship was understaffed. Although the dining room was attractive, it often took us long to enter, only to further wait service. There were empty seats, just not enough help. The food, although satisfactory, lacked imagination. The same salads were continually on the menu. One morning when my husband asked for Rice Krispies, he was told they were out. The next morning they were out of Raisin Bran. Were they really out of basic supplies or only too understaffed to resupply from below? The Swedish pancakes served for breakfast in the main dining room were fabulous! The Pinnacle Grill meal was excellent, but while it used to be routine to order a surf and turf, now it came with an extra $10 charge. The Baked Alaska served at the Pinnacle was as large as a small loaf pan, far too much for any of us to finish! But it was a great alternative. We avoided the Lido buffet because of the crowds all looking for seats. The Dive-In served great hamburgers and delicious fries.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
We took this cruise to relax, so the only activity we did was to walk to the dining rooms, walk to the pool and hit tub, and walk to the bar. The pool was always full with screaming children so we didn’t spend a lot of time there.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Lincoln Center performances were fabulous. We attended two dance performances in the World Stage which were very good. The Music Walk area often overlapped but we’re well attended.
Service and Staff
1 out of 5
Our cabin steward was great and worked around our personal routine. Although all waiters and servers were positive, courteous, and friendly, they were obviously overworked. They literally ran from table to table. Perhaps an outbreak of covid caused the issue, but no matter. We received horrible service. When we went to the Ocean Bar, we often waited so long that my husband went to order drinks himself. When I requested a cocktail napkin with my martini, I was given a paper towel. This was not first class service!
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was beautiful and immaculate.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Our cabin was well positioned between two elevators. It had a large balcony and we really loved the glass enclosed large shower, so much better than those pesky curtains.
Thanks for the review. Traveling currently requires patience, flexibility and lowered expectations. Things are not the same as pre-Covid and may never be exactly the same as before.
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