The cruise was what we wanted although the leaves had not yet turned. Ports and shore excursions were super. The only port we did not enjoy was Boston. Everything was under construction and torn up. Took the HOP ON bus and never got off due to conditions. Enjoyed the Beer and Mussels and Lobster Bake excursions. Zuiderdam is a superior small cruise ship. The Z is not overwhelming in size and is easy to get around on.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Easy on the ship.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
MDR was fine with mostly great wait staff. DO NOT waste your time and money on the Pinnacle Grill. “Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes” we’re neither jumbo nor lump. They were about 2-1/2” in diameter and made with stringy crab meat. Wedge Iceberg lettuce salad was served at room temperature with congealed dressing in a ladle. Baked potato was just warm and hard, obviously prepared hours in advance. Ribeye was tough and sent back, replaced with an acceptable filet. Snooty, overly made up hostess with an attitude. Big plates and lavish Place setting do not make up for poor quality food and service. Do not waste your money. Canaletto was underwhelming as well. Noisy and right nest to the buffet area.
Pinnacle Grill
3 out of 5
Very disappointing. Snooty hostess, fake “Jumbo Lump” crab cakes. Tough steak, warm salad, the high class decor does not excuse the sub-par food. Not worth the money.
Canaletto
2 out of 5
Noisy and just separated from the Lido buffet by a 4’ wall. No Veal Parmesan, limited “Italian” menu. Not worth the cost.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Enrichment activities were interesting.
Guest Services / Excursions
5 out of 5
Excellent and efficient.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Seen several on the Z before in May. Comedian was great as was the female singer on the last night.
Library
5 out of 5
Quiet, well equipped reading area. Up to date books. Very nice.
Children's Programs
Adults
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Gus the waiter in MDR was super. Ram the cabin steward was outstanding. Overall ship staff were wonderful.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Ship was older, yet very clean and well maintained. Fresh flowers were everywhere and enjoyed by both of us. A nice top level touch.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Clean and roomy. Well appointed. Ample room. My only complaint was the shower curtain kept clinging to my body.
Ship tip
Wonderful library. Don’t waste money on the Pinnacle Grill. Get the 12 oz. Lobster tail in the MDR on Gala Night for the $20 supplement. Try all the soups.
I was just on the Zuiderdam we had room 7009 about a month ago and I pretty much agree with your review. And I would also have to agree that Ram our cabin Stewart was fantastic
Thank you for the honest truth about the Pinnacle Grill, we had the same problem on the Westerdam. My husband had 3 steaks brought out from the kitchen, the first one wrong kind of steak, the next one was over cooked on and the third one is exceptable. We both had the crab cakes and they were very disappointing. We were on the Koningsdam in 2021 and 2022 ant the crab cakes were great all 4 times we had them.
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