Summer folks loved the Zuiderdam

Zuiderdam Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 42

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Verified Review
Zuiderdam

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 16, 2008

Ship: Zuiderdam

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 16 years ago

Review summary

Smaller than the mega-ships, but with lots to offer in the way of service, efficiency, food and fun. Seven families travelled together so there were many opportunities for fun - despite initial concerns with this line being geared to "older" groups - we all enjoyed ourselves immensely and rated this a top pick for cruises!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Food in the late seating upper dining room fantastic and appealed to everyone in our group - both kids and adults alike. Everyone rated the ice cream on the Lido as "best ever". Variety and quality, even for a buffet, was surprisingly good - sushi, taco bar, and everyone's favorite bread pudding.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
We traveled as group of 27 comprised of 14 adults and 13 generally teenage kids. Ports were excellent and we all appreciated a full day in each port, rather than short visits.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5
Since we effectively brought our own kids' program with us, only the younger kids used the kids program, checking themselves in and out as they desired and activities suited them. The advantage for us of going on an "older client" line, was that both the adults and kids had plenty of room at the pool, space in the bars, and no lines at activities.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Always helpful and attentive, from the dining staff to our room steward to the always cheerful "hand santizer guys". Photographers were great on formal night - hint, go after the late seating for no lines and more fun.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Other reviews noted dated decor as the Zuiderdam is scheduled for retrofitting this year. That aside, the ship was a great size for acessability and finding other friends. Ammenities were spotless with great attention by all the staff.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
We had a balcony cabin, shared with two teens, and it was adequate for space - very comfortable beds and the room was always spotless.

Ports of call

San Juan, Puerto Rico

3 out of 5

Grand Turk Island

3 out of 5
Tried Snuba for the first time, and as it was beach-based, relatively little in the way of fish and coral. Great to try, but a bit disappointed in the total package.
Don't Miss: Leave Margaritaville - see what the island is really like!

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

5 out of 5
Did a private charter leaving Sapphire Beach for snorkeling, lunch and beach on St. John - excellent day for all 27 of us!

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)

5 out of 5
Beach, sun and lots of fun for the kids on the Rock, Iceberg and trampoline.
Don't Miss: Rent the private oasis if you can - such a treat!

Pros: Fantastic service, food and ports

Cons: Little to like least..

Recommends Zuiderdam? Yes!

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