12 day baltic cruise with Holland America
Zuiderdam Cruise Review to Europe - Northern Europe
Review summary
The ports of call were great, especially St. Petersburg. Used SPB tours there for both days and it was great. Ran you ragged but we saw and did lot. Entering and leaving the various ports was quit interesting and make sure you wake up and see that.
Basically a nice staff on the ship, somewhat friendly, but the ship is way past its prime time. It needs a major overhaul and that may have reflected on the crew.
The ship only had one area where a crowd could gather, and look out, the Crows Nest. So it was crowded, as people staked out prime seats seats early in the day so it became hard to watch the boat leave ports and have a cocktail.
Food was OK, but dinner at the upscale restaurant was excellent. Recommend the Pinnacle Grill. Our dinner server in the Vista though, was really good. Used his recommendations for dinner and he was spot on.
Service - Had a hard time getting drink service especially during happy hour, and for the first night at dinner where they never showed up to ask for a second round. Learned to order two drinks at the same time - good idea if your on the drink package.
The wi fi service was expensive and slow.
Again the itinerary was excellent. Except for the major cities you can go out on your own, but the Hop on Off bus were poor in every city but Copenhagen.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Skilled captain but old ship - get a balcony room on the port side. The reality of the trip is that you really do not have any time in Copenhagen - you get in late in the evening and leave by mid morning the next day. We stayed over as flights so we had 3/4 day and really enjoyed open canal tour
Ports of call
St. Petersburg, Russian Federation