Great Relocation Cruise - Fort Lauderdale to Montreal
Zaandam Cruise Review to Canada, New England, New York
Contributor Level:
Third Mate
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 96
Review summary
Once every so often a relocation cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Montreal. It was the Zaandam's first trip since the Covid shutdown. Coming out of drydock in Cadiz, Spain the ship was mostly ready for taking on passengers in Florida with new crew and knowing the cabins were untouched for two years. Service, food and people were great as usual. Port select was good with Ft.Lauderdale, Boston and Bar Harbor for the US and Halifax, Sydney, Quebec and Montreal for Canada. Our 2nd time on the Zaandam (Alaska 2017), HAL did update the cabins and common areas.Embarkation
Verifly worked like a charm. Dropped the bags with the porter, in the room 15 minutes later.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Zaandam's first cruise since the pandemic shut down, new kitchen crew. It was better than expected considering.
Onboard Activities
Fitness center, pools, Crow's Nest, Entertainment all good.
Entertainment
Expectations met.
Service and Staff
Expectations met.
Ship Quality
Our second cruise on the Zaandam and ship was very clean. New carpeting and other décor updated.
Cabin / Stateroom
Big enough for two and expected comfort. Downside: Our Oceanview window needed exterior cleaning, hot water was sketchy, TV was out of date (soon to be replaced we understand).
Ports of call
Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
One extra day, water taxi thru Ft. Lauderdale
Thumbs Up
1
Spent four days in Montreal, saw EVERYTHING. Rented a car spent a week driving to Niagara Falls before flying out of Buffalo.
Disembarkation
Leaving the ship - Great, Going thru Canadian customs- Fast. Getting an Uber - not so good. No phone service in Canada, used the terminal wifi but the cars were not allowed next to the terminal. About a 1/4 mile from terminal to pickup spot.
Traveler Photos
