Not exactly what I was expecting!

Item: Zaandam
Rating: 3.4
Author: Chelly151

Zaandam Cruise Review to South America

Chelly151

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 42

Overall rating:

3.4 out of 5

16 Night South America Passage (Santiago To Rio De Janeiro)

Sail date: October 18, 2018

Ship: Zaandam

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 7051

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

The Itinerary was good, but Zaandam wasn’t, never had cause to criticize a ship like this one, never been subjected to such controlling tactics as on this ship-will never go with Holland America again! Drinks packages two and a half times the price of ANY other cruise line, and the bars closed at 11.30pm on Zaandam. Disgusting!

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

I was excited at the prospect of 5* dining, but was quite disappointed when what I received, was at best 3*+ We enjoyed what there was, one night we had lobster, I’m not that fussed over it, but my partner said it was good. Other evenings the food was just ok, certainly not 5*, as ice had it on Cunard. We often decide to eat in the Pinnacle grill, that was good and I’d certainly recommend it, although quite expensive.

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5

On the Zaandam, there were very few activities, and we named this cruise the “One foot in the grave” cruise, as mostly Americans and Canadians only wanted to sit, chat, and fall asleep in easy chairs. When, (according to the Cruise director) we had to audacity to criticize the lack of things to do or lectures to listen to, we were told and I quote here “This is not the Holland America way!”, when we heard this and stated that others have a lot more to do and experience, we were told that Holland America doesn’t have any completion from other cruise lines! Such arrogance and the fact that we had spent a fortune on this cruise was enough incentive for us to cancel another Holland America cruise that we had booked.

Entertainment

2 out of 5

No entertainment to speak of in the bars etc, 2, and a very poor presentation in the theatre, which left a lot to be desired, as shown by many empty seats every night.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Good service in the bars, they tried to make fun of all the misgivings we had, but service in the restraint was abysmal, taking at least an hour to get our starter and then another hour to get the main course. We left twice in order to see a show. One reason why we dined often in the Pinnacle grill.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

It was nice and overall comfortable, but I’ve had better on Celebrity, and the bathroom smelled of urine as it seemed to be ingrained around the toilet bowl. Not the best for the price paid.