Absolutely Marvelous First Cruise
Zuiderdam Cruise Review to Transatlantic
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 15
Review summary
Please make sure the staff is given as high a rating as possible. If we were allowed to give higher than a ten, the staff definitely deserved at least an 11. I simply can't think of anything that could have made our first cruise experience any more perfect. Thank you Holland America Lines! Good job of hiring such great staff!Embarkation
Very well organized! They made it easy for a handicapped traveler to get onto the cruise.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
I don't think I could figure out a way to make things any easier for cruise traveling. The flexibility of dining room and buffet open hours were great!
Onboard Activities
Swimming, fitness center
Entertainment
Some of the entertainers were phenomenal, but one group made every song and routine look just about exactly the same throughout the evening session.
Children's Programs
No kids traveling with me
Service and Staff
All of the staff were so very helpful! I even had a very unique situation to resolve, but that didn't stop the room steward from making sure it was handled promptly. When my granddaughters wanted more vegetables -- specifically broccoli and carrots, the waiter made sure they got an ample portion at each meal. The waiter always had my hot tea ready for me without asking when I came to eat.
Ship Quality
Easy to get around. Common areas were very clean. I was surprised how often the staff was working to tidy up an area at any time of day or night, without interfering with my stay.
Cabin / Stateroom
The cabin met all our needs. But I certainly wouldn't entitle it a "large" stateroom. It was quite small but not cramped.
Ship tip
Do it asap! All of the staff were so friendly, pleasant and helpful. Everything about our cruise was better than anticipated.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
Ijmuiden (Amsterdam), Netherlands
Disembarkation
I'm amazed at how very uncomplicated the crew made our disembarkation experience.