A clean ship with pitiful entertainment
Zuiderdam Cruise Review to Transatlantic
Review summary
The Zuiderdam was our first experience on Holland America and will probably be our last. We were in a balcony cabin which was nicely appointed and the Cabin Stewards were exceptionally good. They needed to be since the bath tub didn't drain properly and the A/C was grossly inadequate. These issues were eventually addressed and made good, only as a result of continued persistence by the Stewards. We experienced heavy seas between Cadiz and the Azores resulting in substantial amounts of salt being deposited on the balcony and the balcony furnishings. They were never adequately cleaned in spite of the cabin stewards best efforts. The entertainment on board ship was pathetic. A 5 piece band, overweight and over aged dancers and singers and an entertainment schedule that was the worst we've ever seen and we've been on dozens of cruises. The food on the other hand was good and the service in the dining rooms impeccable. The wine list was exemplary. The itinerary was the reason we chose the Zuiderdam and it was as advertised. The Captain did a great job keeping us informed but why he allowed the apathetic level and sub standard entertainment schedule remains a mystery.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
If you enjoy quality entertainment of the type provided by Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and NCL then don't sail on the Zuiderdam.
Ports of call
Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy
Palma De Mallorca, Balearic Islands
Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida