Older cruisers make for a quieter vacati

Item: Zuiderdam
Rating: 3
Author: Lori1977021

Zuiderdam Cruise Review to Caribbean

Lori1977021

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 32

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

11 Night Panama Canal Sunfarer (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 14, 2011

Ship: Zuiderdam

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 12 years ago

Review summary

Nice not having music piped everywhere onboard like we have experienced on other ships. Does need some TLC, but overall other than several public restrooms out of order at various times an enjoyable trip. Wish all cruise lines would take into consideration non-smokers vs smokers and make one side of ship nonsmoking-including the balconies. We had smokers fore of us and between the cigarettes and cigar smoke could not use our balcony half the time for the smoke engulfing us when we tried to go out and enjoy what we paid for.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

We found an excellent set of waiters on our 2nd nite (had when we wish dining) and so booked each night thereafter in their area and had the best service we have ever had (15th cruise) and rewarded them well for it. Extra $ for extra service.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Not as flashy as some we have seen but enjoyed all of the shows we saw. Magician was terrific and the Steel Drum Band was one of the best shows we have ever seen at sea.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Very friendly, tons of smiles everywhere and amazing how they remembered our names by the 2nd day.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Have to go through smoke filled casino and bar area to get from dining room to Vista Lounge for shows. Ship is kept very clean, always painting and cleaning and polishing everywhere but its age is showing in spots.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Nice comfortable bed, enjoyed the larger bathroom with a tub so didn't hit the walls when showering. Daily cleaning not as great as I would have liked, but they have so much to do so willing to overlook a few issues

Ports of call

Willemstad, Curacao

1 out of 5

The footbridge was interesting, closed most of the day for repairs but we did get to cross it. Some type of local festival going on so the crowds were insane, didn't enjoy the port due to fighting to just walk anywhere.

Thumbs Up 0

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

3 out of 5

Oranjestad, Aruba

3 out of 5

We didn't do excursions on this cruise, decided to just relax so can't rate what was offered. Shopping was ok, if you have done a few trips to the Caribbean you know it ends up being same crap with a different name on it at most ports.

Thumbs Up 0

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)

5 out of 5

Beautiful white sand beach and perfect weather this trip. Enjoyed this day very much. p.s. Don't forget sunscreen

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Relaxation is what we came for and what we enjoyed.

Kralendijk, Bonaire

1 out of 5

Colon, Panama

1 out of 5

Filthy scary place. Do not venture past the dock areas little tent shopping unless you have a big tough guy with you. Beggars and homeless people everywhere, the smell is terrible and be very aware of the park area unless you have several people with you. Called the "armpit" of the Panama Canal for a reason.

Thumbs Up 0

Pros: Quietness of decks-didn't have loud music everywhere

Cons: SMOKERS

Recommends Zuiderdam? Yes!

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