Nice but very moderate activity

Zaandam Cruise Review to Mexico

Glenda

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 10

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Mexican Riviera (San Diego Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 10, 2012

Ship: Zaandam

Cabin type: Oceanview

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 12 years ago

Review summary

We recently sailed Holland America Zaandam ship to Mexico out of San Diego. I didn't expect such an older crowd. My husband is 61 and we were among the youngest. I imagine because of this the activities were minimal. We loved the tennis courts(and they closed this court after 3 days) and volleyball courts but that was the only out door sport available. They did offer water aerobics and that was a good work out. I felt there could have been more outdoor activities offered. After 8 cruises, this one was by far the least active. We did enjoy the shows and they had a comedian ventriloquist that was awesome. The fact they didn't allow smoking in there bars was an absolute plus in my book. Normally we would love to join in the sing a longs around the piano on other ships but they allow smoking. This time we were able to enjoy all the bars including singing, dancing and just listening to music. The talent was wonderful. On one occasion I asked for ice water from a bar attendant walking around taking orders. He informed me that he only delivers alcohol drinks. I was very disappointed. However, I found out from other guests that he was an exception and they WERE supposed to deliver any drink I requested. The fact that you could walk around the entire ship on the 3rd floor was fantastic. Other ships we have sailed didn't offer this. The crew were friendly but everyone commented on the lack of enthusiasm on the lido deck. They didn't offer trays which cut down on the amount you ate because you couldn't carry more than two plates at a time. I thought that was a good Idea, but I always had to make two trips when I had a bowl of fruit, a lunch plate and then needed a drink. I'm not sure how the elderly people managed. In my opinion, if you are used to being sedate and not wanting to move much, this was the cruise for you.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

The food was great. We were told to get reservations if we wanted to eat by 5:30 but when we called in the morning\, we were told that there were none available. We always ate with other people and everyone was friendly. We showed up at 5:15 to be seated and never had any trouble. The food was good the waiters were excellent. The desserts were lacking in flavor\, but then that's good for ones diet.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

I felt like the activities were too short and not active enough. The bocce ball game\, ring toss and putting game were just too short and not challenging enough even for a 90 year old in my opinion. We did enjoy water aerobics and the tennis courts and the dance classes were fun.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

The guy at the coffee bar was extremely helpful and friendly. The guys walking around delivering drinks weren't as accommodating if you were not going to buy alcohol or soda.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

The ship was small but clean. The 3rd floor walk around outside was a big plus for us. At one point in the public restroom near the theater\, they ran out of toilet paper but did supply kleenex.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

We signed for an indoor cabin but were pleasantly surprised with an ocean view. The rooms had LOTS of storage. More than on other ships. The attendants were great with cleaning all the time as expected from other cruises. I loved the animal towels and candy at night also.

Pros: We loved being able to walk around the entire ship without climbing stairs on the 3rd Floor.

Cons: The activities were lacking\, they closed down the tennis courts after 3 days. That didn't leave much to do while at sea.

Recommends Zaandam? Yes!

1 Comment

TGE 11 years ago

Why do you feel the necessity to be constantly entertained? Why did you not increase your activity levels on your own? Are you incapacitated/? Have you no initiative? Why is it that cruises are filled with passengers with less than average IQs? The constant whining on these cruise reviews shows more about the passenger than the cruise line.

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