Zuiderdam and the Panama Canal cruise 12/11-12/21/16

Item: Zuiderdam
Rating: 4
Author: janiejanept

Zuiderdam Cruise Review to Caribbean

janiejanept

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 26

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

Sunfarer & Western Caribbean Collector

Sail date: December 11, 2016

Ship: Zuiderdam

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 10010

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

It was a great experience to enter the lock system at the Panama canal. The cruise on the whole was wonderful. However, as a long-time cruiser with Holland America, I noticed a change in quality, especially in the dining room. I think it was grossly understaffed - in the kitchen and the wait staff. One night dinner took 2 1/2 hours because of delays between courses. The shows were great, I enjoyed them all. The tours were well-worth the money, except for the Folklorica tour in Cauracao.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

The portions are right-sized. The selection was different and sometimes not to my liking. However, there were standard meals available.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Children's Programs

No kids. NA

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Dature was our cabin steward and the service he provided was great. I feel the staff tried very hard, but in many areas, they are understaffed.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

There is something really wrong with the HVAC system. It would be freezing at times, then, especially during the middle of the night, it was as if someone put the heat on. The cleanliness was ecellent.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

See above comment on the HVAC system.