The good,the bad, and the ugly
Zuiderdam Cruise Review to Transatlantic
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 92
Review summary
Holland America stock reflects the attitude of squeeze every penny you can out of the passengers. Cutting back on services, poor entertainment, happy hours are not ship wide and do not reflect where the customers are. Seaview pool had one happy hour. Only ready to expire coors light was available. Room was habitable but sleeping comfortably was not a ship priority. Smokers are third class passengers. On the good side, BB Kings and some entertainment was exceptional. I question if I will look to travel with this line in the future.Embarkation
Good flow, not along wait to board
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
As always good food, many staff members were exceptional. Specialty restaurant was good, wait times between courses dragged on with not a lot of diners to warrant the wait.
Onboard Activities
Hot tubs on seaview pool were only warm, jets cooled the water considerably. Pool was cleaned at inopportune times.
Entertainment
Good comedians, BB Kings and first piano duet in billboard were exceptional. However the second pair were painful to listen to while in casino, actually got me to quit playing. It appears the new CEO is trying to save money on entertainment and speakers.
Service and Staff
Some were exceptional, some were indifferent and some were down right obnoxious in coffee shop. Was told one thing on coffee mug purchase with 6 premium coffee offer, then told another at the coffee shop. Ruined my day, had to complain to get fixed.
Ship Quality
Elevator was inoperable for entire trip, windows on glass elevators were not cleaned or maintained
Cabin / Stateroom
Needs updated, USB ports good but lack of AC plugs for CP machines by bed. AC was intermittent. Appears to shut off around 0300 till 0500. Hard to sleep, many other people commented on sneezing and coughing attacks during this time of night.
Ship tip
Very limited happy hour offers.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
Hop On/Off was great before trip. Plan on being in Boston a day or two before trip start.
Cruise Prins Christian Sund, Greenland
This passage was the highlight of the 35day cruise. Breathtaking, Jessica was outstanding at narrating the day. Speakers on ship were very weak.
Disembarkation
Boston disembarkation was slow but fluid.