These are the Locks to Pick
Zuiderdam Cruise Review to Caribbean
Review summary
Overall the cruise was very nice. The Zuiderdam is getting the refurbishment it needs. We heard it called the "Tiredam" and the "Black Pearl" while on board. Holland America is trying to revive the older ship. Some of the ship staff needs a break. The entertainment is was very young and fresh. The singer and band in the BB King Lounge was unbelievable!! The singer was the best we have seen & heard on any cruise. The ship casino was the worst we have ever experienced. The casino was very smoky and very little in payouts. The ports we stopped at were good. The Panama Canal is something everyone should see. At least watch a documentary about the construction of the Panama Canal prior to see the locks in action. The locks are fantastic to see. A few negatives about the cruise. Many of the passengers were rude. Never heard a "please" or "thank you" from too many of them. The piped music on the ship was completely inappropriate in either location or type that was played. In the Thermal Spa room, there was 80's music playing while meditation music was playing on speakers 2 feet away. On Lido pool deck there was loud heavy rock music for 80 year old passengers. Lastly, we heard a number of staff saying that they couldn't wait to leave the ship. The employees were brutally honest which is nice but it says there is something wrong about working on the Zuiderdam. Lastly, the Guider dam was not as clean as the Eurodam (which we cruised on last year). One person said that the Eurodam is controlled by a leader who has high exceptions of cleanliness and order. Our room was very nice and mostly up to par. The room attendants were very good and friendly. The hand sanitizing should be encouraged by the ship staff. The food was mostly good quality. The Thermal Spa is need of a major cleaning and renovation. The steam room is very moldy. In conclusion, go on this cruise to see the ports and the Panama Canal. Don't bother to go on this cruise for the ship, the other passengers, the cleanliness, the casino or Lido entertainment.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Don't expect the quality of the other Holland America ships. The Zuiderdam is older and is indeed of direction.
Ports of call
Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)
Enter Panama Canal At Cristobal
Cruise Gatun Lake (Inside Panama Canal)
Cruise Gatun Lake (Inside Panama Canal)
Cruise Gatun Lake And Panama Canal
Exit Panama Canal At Cristobal