Zaandam Cruise Reviews - Reviews

embarked Vancouver 7/31/2016.  No problems at 10:30 am check in or customs.

Dissapointment #1 - Lack of dining venues.

Rotterdam Restaurant - no charge - open for short time for Breakfast and about 2.5 hours for Dinner.  Many dishes what I suggest are for "foodies", not a lot for the meat and potatoes crowd.

Lido cafe/buffet - Breakfast, then close for two hours, Lunch then close for hour and half, Dinner then close for hour and half, open at 10:30-11:30 for late snack.  Get hungry between their open times?  Then room service is your only option.

Of course if you like good hamburgers, hot dogs and tacos, they are available next to the pool from 11:30-5pm.

2 additional food venues available at additional cost of $10 for one, or $29 for the other.  Neither one in my opinion was worth the cost.

Disappointment #2 - Entertainment/activities.

If you like 20 minute trivia games, they are available several times a day.  If you want instruction on how to use windows 10, it's available twice a day.

If you enjoy piano tunes for 45 minutes you have a venue twice a day.

If you enjoy contemporary music, late night at 11:30 for an hour.

One movie daily at 4 different times daily.  A show nightly at 8pm, repeated at 10pm, lasting one hour.  No A or B list entertainers, but I enjoyed the comedians and magician.  Very simple shows.

Enjoy Karaoke?  It's featured once a week.

Of course, there are times for ping pong, checkers and chess, bridge and other card games for free.

Disappointment #3.  I enjoy the use of a steam room and sauna to ease the pain in my back.  This was offered to me in a health club package for $129 per week per passenger, or 2 passengers for $249.  I found this to be an excessive charge so I passed.

Daily beverage packages available at astronomical prices.  I find it disgusting that a cruise ship charges $2.50 (including about $.12 tax and mandatory tip) for a 12oz soda that I can buy in a store for $.25.  Don't mind a small markup, but that is ridiculous.  The only free beverages are available in the Lido buffet, and consist of water, coffee, hot and iced tea and lemonade.

 

Of course, the Zaandam features all the normal revenue-enhancing activities such as Bingo, card tournaments and more, but bring your wallet 'cause they aint cheap.

All in all, I found my time onboard ship rather boring, as there were not enough daily activities to keep you interested.  Will not be back on H-A or any other smaller ship (Zaandam carries 1400 max passengers)

First and foremost, cruising along the coast of Alaska was extraordinary with magnificent views throughout the majority of the trip. The scenery was truly magnificent. We had dolphins and whales swimming next to the boat at times which was thoroughly thrilling for all. However, there was nothing extraordinary about the Zaandam. It offered the typical cruise activities on board, average food and average crew and personnel.  

Prospective customers of Holland America Line should be forewarned that simply because you have paid for the transfer service which is advertised by HAL that takes customers and their bags to/from airports and to/from cruise ships, that they cannot be relied up to provide the services as represented.  In my situation, I paid for this service on their ship Zaandam between Buenos Aires on 2/22/16 and Valparaiso, Chile on 3/6/16.  Notwithstanding full notice to HAL of my air flight arrangements (and the flight being on schedule), no representative met us at the Buenos Aires airport, and we were left to fend for ourselves to get to the cruise ship with our luggage.  

 

At the conclusion of the trip, I discovered that my suitcase, which had been entrusted to HAL as they had directed, was not delivered to the ship terminal in Valparaiso, so I had to return home without knowing what had happened to it.  This negligence by HAL was compounded by an absolute lack of responsiveness to my numerous requests for assistance.  I finally received my suitcase on 3/31/16—25 days after I left Chile.  I then discovered that numerous items had been stolen from my suitcase, and HAL has not been responsive to reimbursing me for this theft, acknowledging some of my inquiries, or even apologizing for their negligence.

We have taken 6 cruises before, indeed this cruise was the second in 2015 (the other in July 2015 with P&O, and it was the second with HAL. Therefore we are quite experienced to know what is good or not. Well this HAL cruise was bad - very bad. We had a mid ship outside cabin main deck. Firstly the good points - the navigation crew went out their way to visit places other cruise lines probably would not bother. Indeed against big winds and rough seas we did actually managed to visit the Falkland Islands - which is what most of the other cruise ships failed to do at that time. Now the bad points. No fridges in any room despite 32C degrees temp.The food was dreadful!!! In the buffet was a sign saying FULL BUFFET, well it was neither full nor was it a buffet. Most of the items were served to you - more over the portions were ridiculously small. The first day breakfast we were given a tiddly over cooked sausage one over cooked rasher of bacon, a tiddly amount of baked beans and five mushrooms. We both returned the plate (along with those behind us in the queue) so the plate could be filled correctly. Not that that happened anyway. In any event the food was over cooked and was cold so it hardly made any difference. The mushrooms were off and going toxic. The second day we decided not to return the plate but actually count what was on the plate. Well I had been served 9 baked beans and my wife 14!!!!! The portions were a complete joke. The mushrooms once again were not fit to be served and had gone funny and we never again ordered them. The so called buffet had limited opening times. It was never open outside those times but even during the stipulated times great sections were frequently closed off meaning the limited choice was even more limited. They had other food concealed behind the shutters but would not release it. This even applied to bread rolls on at least three occasions. I could go on, but in short the so called buffet was a complete joke. very very small portions, cold food every day, poor quality food cooked to death, really horrendous. Buffet score 1/100. The main restaurant was little better. we were second sitting as every cruise we do we alternate. Second sitting on this ship on this cruise is a big mistake. The service was dead slow. We would arrive promptly at 8PM and would still be waiting for the third course at 10PM. The shows start at 10PM also. The delay was not the volume of food on the plate, as the portions were only slightly better than the buffet but service was just so slow, Every meal we had was warm at best or cold. A big complaint many had. In the end we got fed up with returning stone cold food. Another problem is that the meals were not structured. You would get one slab of hot meat (which was cold) and a ludicrously small amount of one vegetable. On day one we asked for fries for every day to give the dinner some structure, this was agreed but we were never given any at any time. On one day we noticed 4 or 5 different vegetables were being cooked (only one type of vegetable per meal of course!) so we asked for the different vegetables to be put on our plates. This was agreed but no. What resulted was the vegetable (singular) I should have received was removed to be replaced by a spoon full of cold rice and two slithers of carrot. The two slithers of carrot amounted to about one twentieth of one carrot. On week two we changed (unofficially) to any time dining. So many were changing that they could only agree one night, but in week two we just turned up anyway. The food was just as bad but the service was rapid. One day the prawns in the prawn cocktail (all 5 of them) were hot due to being out in the heat for too long and it was obvious they were going off. They were sent back but obviously no replacement as that would have cost them another 30 pence. On another day peas were included. well we missed that one, but a couple we had met had that meal with the peas, and like us on day two, counted them and they had both been served 9 peas each. And so I could continue. The fact is HAL have got the fine art of stone cold stingy portions off to a fine art. The entertainment was also a joke. The theatre lounge is small and not really large enough. We should not have worried. The entertainment was so poor that in week two the theatre was barely 15% full on most days, something the entertainment staff kept referring to. By week two most passengers had found better entertainment elsewhere in smaller venues but that usually always meant standing. Over all we saw the Falklands which other ships copped out about visiting so that was a good point. Just about everything else was rubbish as direct result of stingy penny pinching. The July P&O cruise was not fantastic but their food and entertainment were both top notch. HAL should go on the P&O Aurora (a ship of similar size) and see for themselves what good entertainment and good food should be about. as for us - Well it is the second but last time ever with HAL unless they have complete re-think.   

Entertainment was a little sketchy.  Our main issue for not rating it as 5 star was the charge for internet access.  The charge was excessive considering he exceedingly slow speed of access. 

We went on a land and sea journey with Holland America during the first 2 weeks in September.

We were hoping to see the Northern Lights as it was a new moon and fall. We had one opportunity but because we moved rooms they failed to call so all we saw were pics from some guys cell phone. Note, don't count on a wake up call...  The trip went as follows: Fairbanks, Riverboat, Bus to Denali for 3 days, Rail to Anchorage, Rail to Seward then the 7 day cruise. We have cruised 5 times over the last 3 years with Holland. Most of our fellow travelers were on their first cruise. The Riverboat consisted of a trip of about 2 miles down the river with a take off and landing of an old float plan, stops along the way included a dog sled kennel from the side of the boat with commentator on shore talking about the operation and you in the middle of the river as the audience. The Alabaskan village stop you actually got off the boat to see the demos. The meal afterward was meatless stew with a decent salad. The land portion was very disappointing as the accommodations were awful in Denali at the Holland compound. They first put us in the Canyon Lodge across from the second floor elevators, laundry room, garbage shoot, and smoking room. Asked to be moved which resulted in a worst room at the Cottonwood. Two days no hot water because the unit kept tripping off and takes hours to recover once reset. Also, "were in Alaska for the view" but our windows looked out on parking lots. Ask Travel agent to request a river view if possible before leaving. We bought the land meal package for $700 which included the Music of Denali dinner show. They served you thin cut brisket that is tough as leather and a BBQ sauce that is indescribably awful. The waiter/actor/chefs try really hard but come up way short of entertaining. The cruise lines have the entrance to the park pretty much to themselves with a few other places to go most notably Pizza and Subway. Otherwise the food made us sick with diarrhea and is very expensive if you don't have the meal package. The trip included a bus trip into Denali park for roughly 72 miles of which 30 or so are paved. The bus was a Blue Bird prison bus that had few operational windows and leaked dust making us all sick. Once in Denali the wildlife is few and far between but we did see everything albeit at a distance. Mount Denali was shrouded in clouds but we did see the North and South peeks apparently an unusual event. We went on a Black Diamond ATV tour which is done in Healy not in the park. Expensive at $239 per person for 3 hours. Expect to pay a lot for any extra tours. Rails to Anchorage and Seward have great views but freight trains have priority so it was a long trip, Each car has a narrator which became a real pain after listening to them take about themselves and provide little information about surroundings. The domed cars were comfortable on the trip to Anchorage but totally uncomfortable and no dome to Seward. Scenic and beautiful sights along the path to both cities,  The Hilton in Anchorage was sub standard with our room window looking at a wall. Holland has a select menu of about 10 crappy items from a 50 item interesting normal hotel offering. The Zaandam ship experience was not any better. Everyone was sick with colds and who knows what else. The roomer mill said 30% were having gastrointestinal issues with the others fighting colds. Yes, we started off healthy only to get sick with colds on retuning home. We stayed in our room and out of public areas most of the trip. At least our room had a balcony and the ship turned to allow viewing from both sides.  The in-room dinning was good and we could order anything served in the dinning room even if it wasn't on the menu. The late night seating was warmed up leftovers and not to Holland's standards we expected. We figure one night would have crab legs but the chef said Holland was to cheap to buy them. The gala night also left a lot to be desired with a very limited menu. Please note the room only has one outlet so bring a multi plug adapter. The shore excursions we expensive and because this was the last ship of the year the staff wasn't much in the mood for anymore tourist. The towns have been overtaken by Caribbean stores selling at twice the price. Overall we had very high expectations because of all the good we heard from friends and neighbors. We have always wanted to see the Northern Lights. We found the towns in Alaska distressed and grim and people to match. Not a lot to do unless you are flying, cruising to see whales, or kayaking to see wildlife or glaciers all at premium prices if you can afford them. The fall colors added to the trip making it a varied landscape. Bucket list checked off, been there done it but very disappointed. We met a couple who were upgraded to a suite for $200 per person so ask your travel agent to call one week before and day of embarkation for upgrades.

 

Rain was the norm but seas where calm so it could be a trade off. For some reason the ship was VERY cold so I kept bundled up even in my cabin. Only gave it a good because the crew and ship operation was fine but entertainment was only average for me. Glacier bay was very nice since the weather was cooperating and the ship really made a effort to please. Embarkation/disembarkation was smooth.

Real reason for trip was the tour through the Yukon which had great weather. Trip became a problem when HAL allowed a contractor to dump us without being involved at Denali. I would be very careful in booking a expensive tour (mine was a Denali overflight) since they allow contractors to do anything they want, to your detriment, without being involved until its too late to help you. Their final word was it shouldn't have happened but too bad we can't do anything.

If you are a fan of Gold Rush  Haines is the home of Grandpa John and Parker and talking with the locals about them was interesting and show that they are real people.

The tour leader on our train trip from Anchorage to Seward son was a crew member on the Deadliest Catch which gave real information about the show and how hard it is to fish the Bering Sea.

 

 

 

 

 

We were very pleased with our cruise experience on the Holland America Zaandam. The service is top notch. Every request was fulfilled.  

Each meal was prepared beautifully and was delicious. We ate breakfast in the Rotterdam Dining Room each day, and ate there for some lunches and dinners. We also ate at the Pinnacle Grill twice($29.00 up charge).  The service at the Pinnacle is a bit slow, but I think that is mostly so that you can savor the experience.  The filets there are the best, not to be missed. The desserts were also outstanding - Baked Alaska, Chocolate Volcano Cake, and assorted gelato.  We also ate at Canaletto ($10 up charge). Well worth it.  This Italian fare is amazing with generously sized portions.  We loved our meal but could not finish it. Since we had a Neptune Suite, we could also enjoy the various small plates available in the Neptune lounge, which were always beautifully presented and truly a treat.  The staff in the Neptune lounge is most gracious and accommodating, taking the cruise experience to the next level.

All of the ports of call on this cruise are excellent featuring varied activity offerings.  The day in Glacier Bay National Park ranks as our favorite. This day was truly a highlight. Keep in mind that in Alaska, the weather varies and it rains frequently.  For that reason, I suggest waiting to book shore excursions until you have arrived so that you can assess the weather and make decisions accordingly. Boat tours, whale watching, and glacier tours are a go, rain or shine.  

Our tour also included a land week that followed the cruise week. I think Holland could have done a better job communicating the specifics of the land tour a week or two before we sailed.  This would have helped us better understand the logistics of this portion.  Holland does do an excellent job coordinating the land tour and taking care of transporting the luggage, even to the airport at the end of the trip. This made the experience manageable even for older clients.

In Glacier Bay our cruise ship was not allowed to go in to the glacier because there was only two ships allowed per day.  Disappointed!!!     At the Salmon Bake there wasn't enough time to eat and get to the Theater in time for the show start.  When we got to the theater it was so crowded we were squeezed into the back of the theater.  Bad timing!!!  The Salmon Bake in Juneau was very nice.  The food was great.  The Panning For Gold wasn't that good a experience.  The process with the Dredge was interesting.

We have been on 8 other cruises & on 2 other cruise Lines!! Holland Am tops them all with above the call of duty atmosphere!! We loved the personal attention, because of the size of the ship!!! The Alaska Cruise was awesome. It was our 3rd Alaska Cruise!! We were very pleased with the price, service and food!!! 

I like the older style ships over the newer style. I like that I can go find a seat in the common area and be able to look down over side, and not have to walk outside to look down over the side.

First, the up-side. 

Holland America Line (HAL) delivered on its itinerary.  We embarked in Valparaiso, Chile.  We disembarked two weeks later in Buenos Aires having sailed around the Horn.  There were two ports along the way where we were supposed to stop, but didn’t.  The Captain probably made the right decisions in the interest of safety.  One was weather-related.  The other due to a forest fire and a lot of smoke. 

The food was great, plentiful, and available just about every minute of the day.

The cabin was clean and everything worked well.  The boat is getting a little old, but it is well maintained.  Our cabin steward was excellent.  He was incredibly cooperative, conscientious, and attentive.

Now, for the downside.

HAL maximizes its revenue by selling use of limited boat space to vendors who make good use of a captive audience.  There’s a wrist watch shop, a jewelry store, people bugging you all day long to buy photos of yourself, a place that sells clothing, and a smoky casino.  Pardon me, but if I want to buy a watch, some earrings, or a sweatshirt, then I’ll do it on land before I leave for the trip.  And I won’t pay an inflated price.  We would like for HAL to use all that vendor space for something more productive - like a place to sit and look out the window at the fantastic scenery.  The most amazing hustle of all is the Park West Gallery art “auction,” complete with the “auctioneer’s” confederates circling behind you, telling you when to raise your card.  It was offensive. 

HAL seems to be a generation behind in the areas of on-board entertainment, restaurant décor, and mid-ship sculpture.  The comedy and dance presentations could compete for the Lawrence Welk audience.  The fancy restaurants looked like 19th century brothels, complete with servers sporting costumes and a level of fake formality calculated to encourage heavy drinking.  A hideous, organ-shaped sculpture consumes the middle of the ship, unavoidable on decks three through five.  HAL would make more friends if it traded the artificial opulence for brighter, more contemporary furnishings and service. 

In short HAL, as an independent company, was a first-class cruise line for the first nine decades of the last century.  Carnival bought it in 1989, and has now completed the culture shift.  Today HAL is a reflection of the lowest common denominator.

Freezing public areas do to very strong air condition . Half of my journey I had the flu.

Services , food , entertainment was excellent.

Expensive excursions .

Great entertainment to the bar ( music from  50' s , 60's, 70' s) and beautiful piano and violin concerts and also beautiful shows.

 

Freezing public areas do to very strong air condition . Half of my journey I had the flu.

Services , food , entertainment was excellent.

Expensive excursions .

Great entertainment to the bar ( music from  50' s , 60's, 70' s) and beautiful piano and violin concerts and also beautiful shows.

 

Freezing public areas do to very strong air condition . Half of my journey I had the flu.

Services , food , entertainment was excellent.

Expensive excursions .

Great entertainment to the bar ( music from  50' s , 60's, 70' s) and beautiful piano and violin concerts and also beautiful shows.

 

Freezing public areas do to very strong air condition . Half of my journey I had the flu.

Services , food , entertainment was excellent.

Expensive excursions .

Great entertainment to the bar ( music from  50' s , 60's, 70' s) and beautiful piano and violin concerts and also beautiful shows.

 

Freezing public areas do to very strong air condition . Half of my journey I had the flu.

Services , food , entertainment was excellent.

Expensive excursions .

Great entertainment to the bar ( music from  50' s , 60's, 70' s) and beautiful piano and violin concerts and also beautiful shows.

 

Freezing public areas do to very strong air condition . Half of my journey I had the flu.

Services , food , entertainment was excellent.

Expensive excursions .

Great entertainment to the bar ( music from  50' s , 60's, 70' s) and beautiful piano and violin concerts and also beautiful shows.

 

Freezing public areas do to very strong air condition . Half of my journey I had the flu.

Services , food , entertainment was excellent.

Expensive excursions .

Great entertainment to the bar ( music from  50' s , 60's, 70' s) and beautiful piano and violin concerts and also beautiful shows.

 

Very nice cruise ship with friendly staff.