AndrewS5 Cruise Review on Zuiderdam on

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 165

Review summary

This was our first cruise on Holland America, previous cruises have been on Royal Caribbean, Princess and Radisson.Embarkation was smooth - the main elevators were very busy with two of them closed off to passengers for baggage transport. However, we headed to the forward elevators and found our own way to our room - we arrived to find our baggage already there - this was a first on any cruise.Room steward was the best we have had... always a smile, always responsive and prompt with every request. We had an A Level veranda stateroom on the Rotterdam deck - essentially the same size as we have had on Royal Caribbean. While our rooms did not have robes, our steward supplied us with them within moments of our request. Room service was excellent. Unlike the previous reviews listed here we found the Main Dining Room service to be superb - prompt, excellent service staff, food was certainly up to Holland America standards. There was a vibration and prop shaft noise - we were told this will be corrected when the ship goes into dry dock.Bar staff was great - always remembered our names and our choice of beverage.The age group was mixed - around 40% were of retirement age. This is not a ship for small children or teens - something we were grateful for.... families would be better suited to Royal Caribbean or Carnival.We prebooked our excusions - did the ATV tour in St. Kitts - excellent. The excursion to Sting Ray cove in Nassau would have been great had it not been for the number of people in the water at the same time (how many times do you want to get kicked in the head?).The ship is maintained within an "inch of its life - never saw trash or overflowing trash barrels ( saw this alot on R.C. ships). Attention to detail is excellent.Ship decor is a departure from "normal" Holland America style - brighter and more trendy.Overall, a great vacation.