Vikings, Icebergs, Volcanos, Oh My!

Zuiderdam Cruise Review to Europe - Northern Europe

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 9

Overall rating:

4.8 out of 5
Verified Review
Zuiderdam

21 Night Ultimate Viking Explorer (Amsterdam-Ijmuiden Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 08, 2024

Ship: Zuiderdam

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8098

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 2 months ago

Review summary

We took this cruise with two other couples. We are all retired. We had a great time. Many days in port I had over 10,000 steps, yet I still gained 5 pounds!

Embarkation

4 out of 5
The cruise terminal in Ijmuiden is small and so there was a long line outside to get on board. Arrive earlier than they say. It's a good walk from the terminal to the ship.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
We are not heavy drinkers so we did not purchase a drink package. The food on board was very good. The steaks often did not have much flavor unless you added A1 or something. I ate the many other choices. The Asian and Chinese food was good, but rarely was soy sauce available. The best was the fish and chips after we visited Iceland. We ate almost all meals in Lido Market.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
It was too cold to swim in pools. Many participated in the polar plunge when we crossed the Arctic Circle.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Enjoyed the singers, magicians, comedians and dancers.

Children's Programs

We did not have kids with us.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Very friendly staff and room stewards. Captain kept us well informed and was great to talk to.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
They clean constantly. It was well kept. Sometimes special events in Lido pool area were too crowded.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Room was perfect for the two of us. The stewards come twice a day and keep it perfect.

Ship tip

Stabilizers keep the ship from too much roll in heavier seas. Smooth ride. Older ship remodeled in 2019.

Ports of call

Ijmuiden (Amsterdam), Netherlands

5 out of 5
We went three days early and stayed near Van Gogh museum. Went to the museum, Anne Frank house, dinner cruise on canals, and walked around old town.

Oslo, Norway

5 out of 5
walked the town and main street. Toured the old castle which is worth the time.

Cruise Oslofjord

3 out of 5
Not much too this.

Djupivogur, Iceland

3 out of 5
not much here if you are not taking an excursion

Isafjordur, Iceland

4 out of 5
did not take excursion. Walked the town and main street of shops. Ate at a great bakery.

Cruise Isafjardardjup

3 out of 5
just leaving port views

Qaqortoq, Greenland Did not visit port

clogged by icebergs

Paamiut (Frederikshab), Greenland

5 out of 5
clogged by icebergs. Instead, we sailed up the Arsuk fjord.. Stayed overnight and sailed back out the next day. Wonderful views. Sailed past large icebergs.

Reykjavik, Iceland

5 out of 5
Took Golden Circle Tour with horse show. Great!

Stornoway, Isle Of Lewis, Hebrides

5 out of 5
Visited the ancient stones and other tours. Walked the trail from the castle to the ship. Very pretty.

Portree, Isle Of Skye, Scotland Did not visit port

We had to wait a day to get to Stornaway due to strong winds. This resulted in us having to miss Portree.

Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland

5 out of 5
Took excursion.

South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland

5 out of 5
Took excursion to Edinburgh Castle. Wonderful history.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Bought the transfer to the airport which worked out great.
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