Don't go on this ship
Zaandam Cruise Review to Canada, New England, New York
Contributor Level:
Deck Hand
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 38
Review summary
Things have changed on the ship and not for the better. Pick a different cruise.Embarkation
Seemed unorganized.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
No more lobster night. The food was not good. In the dining room, the filet mignon was substandard that I'm not so sure it was filet mignon. Everything good is an upcharge. Room service sent green bananas. Am I supposed to wait a week to eat those? They didn't get the order correct both times that I used them. The food was not cooked properly, either overcooked or undercooked. The only good place to eat was the Pinnacle Grill which is a restaurant that cost extra, of course. The hours of the buffet were too short. If you didn't come and eat on their schedule, your choices were very slim.
Onboard Activities
There was a lack of organized activities. Most were activities that wanted to sell something. There was a pickleball court that was fun but that was about it.
Entertainment
I only saw a portion of one show, but that was all I needed. It was not very good
Service and Staff
I talked to customer service regarding the 1960 style single television in my room. The picture was small and bad. The location that was supposed to have the second tv was covered with a fake painting. Her response was "You have a tv, don't you". It is the same as tossing a mattress on the floor and telling me that I have a bed. I don't go on a Holland America cruise to be treated like that. I expected better treatment.
Ship Quality
The ship appeared to be clean, but I think drinking the on board water upset my stomach. I finally took pepto bismal and switched to canned water and my stomach got a little better. No more bottled water, just cans that you have to pay for.
Cabin / Stateroom
Lots of squeaking, only one old television instead of two flat screens. Things are very old and need updating.
Ship tip
Don't go. Spend your money on a different cruise. No more chocolates on your bed at night. The Ship is too old.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Disembarkation
Easy to get off the ship, but the line for a taxi was very long.