Zaandam Cruise Reviews - Reviews

This was a special trip arranged so that we could meet my parents in Seattle and enjoy an Alaskan Cruise together. The Zaandam lived up to the high expectations I had of Holland America Line. It was a beautiful, well maintained ship with an outstanding crew that provided exceptional service. The majority of the passengers were mature (my Dad is over 70 and he referred to the "elderly" passengers), which we expected for a sailing in late September during the school year. My parents enjoyed meeting and interacting with the other passengers and we didn't find that we significantly missed the late night scene we have enjoyed on other cruise lines. The Cruise Director, Eric Holland and his staff were wonderful - and arranged a "Red Hat Society" event that my Mother and 6 other "Red Hat" passengers attended. We went to every show - as they were the best I have ever seen on a cruise ship for the variety of costumes, stage design and quality of performers. We appreciated the fact that HAL is supporting the Komen Foundation "Walk for a Cure" and offers an "On Deck for the Cure" 5K walk on the promenade deck, which my husband and I joined for a small donation. We proudly wear our t-shirts we received when we completed the 13 laps around the ship. We sailed on the very last sailing of the Alaskan season, and found that the onboard activities and shore excursions were not curtailed, even though late in the year. We took full advantage of the variety of games, lectures and activities on board - one of our favorite locations was the coffee bar and extensive library. One afternoon we took in a movie in the theatre and attended special lectures on the art of the Native Alaskans and a discussion on the wildlife. Dining was one of our highlights - although late dining was difficult and did not encourage a leisurely dinner, we found the variety of dishes and quality of preparation outstanding. We had a memorable meal our night we booked into the Pinnacle Grill. My filet and my husbands 22 oz porterhouse steaks were melt in your mouth delicious! All in all, this was a delightful trip that I would recommend to other adults who would enjoy traveling with friends and family.

The ship was very clean and well-maintained. Food was excellent, entertainment delightful. Staff was very attentive and helpful; we were always greeted with a smile.

The Zaandam was very nice. I liked the fact there were only 1400 passengers. It was nicely appointed and the beds were wonderful!

We haven't been on a cruise for several years. The occasion was our 30th wedding aniversary. Our accomodations were very nice and the staff and crew were very accomodating

The ship was small enough to give a comfort level and large enough to spread the people about without any feeling of crowding. One still had the pleasure of sailing, not encased in a cavernous mall. The vessel was always immaculate with pleasing works of varied art throughout the ship.

We enjoyed all the aspects available to us.

This is our 5th cruise and 4th with Holland America. As I anticipated, the service was excellent on board the Zaandam in every area. The food choices were excellent and varied during the course of the cruise. The boarding and disembarkation was handled efficiently and effectively. Best we have ever experienced on any cruise that we have taken. I was impressed with the cleanliness of the ship and attention to detail. Cabin Stewards and Dining Stewards spoke to us by name individually. Laundry was handled excellently and returned daily. Great Service!! I feel we really the cruise that we paid for. I was very pleased. Thanks for a great, relaxing and excellent vacation.

Ship was luxurious with lots of nice touches (e.g. bathrobes in the rooms and the crew was efficient and friendly. Evening bed turndown included animals made from bath towels, which included chocolates (usually as the eyes).

Once again, our experience on Holland America's MS Zaandam was fabulous. I wish we could have brought our cabin steward home with us - his service was more than we could have asked for. I can and do recommend Holland America every chance I get. Their staterooms are large, the service is outstanding and the food's not bad (just need more choices).

The ship was delightful. This was our first cruise on Holland America Line, but it won't be the last!!!! Loved the library, shows, casino and shops on board.

Overall, our Holland America cruise was very good. We had very good service wherever we went on the ship, and the crew were always helpful and informative. The formal nights were not as "formal" as we thought they would be. They were more "relaxed" formal, which was more comfortable for us. We would definitely cruise with Holland America again.

Leaving the ship for the airport. We Paid$80.00 for 4 for a 15 Min ride to the airport which was OK but was put on a 50 Passenger bus and droped off a half mile from the airline gate and had to walk their with a luggage porter.Expected a van to get use to get us to the gate.

The ship is a beautiful ship. Very clean and attractive

A port intensive Holiday cruise. This is a lovely small ship but there are some issues to be prepared for.

This was the first time we sailed on a cruise longer than 10 nights as a family of 4 and over the Christmas holidays. What a fantastic and stress-free way to spend the holidays as a family. There was something for everyone and plenty to keep amused for the whole family. We love sailing on the mid-size ships.

This cruise was recommended by friends and was well worth the trip.

I plan to do this sail again. Repeat worthy. Amazing scenery, food and destinations.

Loved that cruise and the Zaandam is a beautifull ship!

Overall a very fun cruise. Smaller ship with an older quieter clientele. Ship is super clean and looked brand new. Beautiful art and sculpture through. Lots of space to get away and be alone. Beautiful scenery and the ports were great. Enjoyed the break from Carnival and enjoyed a relaxing week. Only big issue was the quality of food.

This cruise was perfect for a family or couple who enjoys exploring new places, walking and for relaxing. Service was efficient, polite and food was tasty and plentiful. Excellent for people who don’t like crowded ships- as this was not!