Zuiderdam Cruise Reviews - Reviews

Weather was good (and cool).  Sights were excellent especially fjord boat trip out of Stavanger and Hop on/Hop Off out of Oslo and Belfast.  Third time in Edinburgh is not enough.  Need a week to see everything,  Almost too many ports...needed more sea days to rest. Food on board is great and service was excellent.  Norway and  Denmark are expensive.

great ,but it was too short, not enough time for all 12 days, wish cruise all 24 days, will enjoy 2nd leg of the cruise, maybe next time,not enough time for all 12 days, will try to do next summer, love the countries, clean, nice places, thoroughly enjoyed.

the ship was nice. But the staff? Outstanding. Literally everyone was outstanding. The dining room food was above average, the buffet was not very good. The Italian specialty restaurant was not very good at all! But the Pinnacle Grill was outstanding! 

   great cruise      excellent ports       excellent food     reasonable drinks vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvtttttttttttttttttttttttttt

We really enjoyed the cruise.  We were first-timers, so were not sure exactly what to expect.  We were very pleased with the ship itself and the wonderful service provided by our room attendants and the dining room staff.  All the other staff were also very helpful.  Of course, the food was delightful, as we expected.  We also enjoyed the nightly shows in the main Vista Lounge and some others that we got to.  One of the main pluses of a cruise is that one only has to unpack once and then you can stay in the same bed for the whole trip.  We really liked that.

We had a couple of complaints.  One is that the shows provided by the Zuiderdam Singers and Dancers, while excellent and generally enjoyable, were too loud, and in some  places too sexy for our comfort.  Talent and professionalism were there, but there was just too much skin showing on a lot of the costumes, and it really wasn't necessary.  We noticed some other passengers around us in the auditorium who seemed to be experiencing the same feelings we were. 

Second, the activities on the ship seemed too much centered around alcohol.  As teetotalers, we simply felt left out of some activities.  It just seemed a little odd to us that every "prize" in competitions seemed to be free or reduced prices on drinks.  And the "pub crawl" activity was very noisy at its starting point on Deck 10, annoying not just us but a number of other passengers who were sitting in the observation chairs or enjoying quiet activities in the library.

Third, we were a bit surprised at how many extra cost things there were.  We knew that the basic meals were included in the base fare and were pleasantly surprised to find that room service dining was free.  We also knew that there would be an automatic gratuity charge.  However, we were taken aback by the extent to which the ship staff seemed to be encouraging the purchase of drinks of all kinds, and were surprised that even soft drinks cost extra.  The shore excursions were also pricey.  As frugal people who ordinarily travel on our own arranging our own transportation and lodging we were unaccustomed to the extra costs associated with the cruise.

Another complaint was probably specific to this particular voyage.  The satellite internet connection became essentially non-functioning after the first few days.  I had purchased an internet package of 100 minutes but was only able to use about 20 minutes of it because the whole system was just not working.  The ship staff put notices on all the computers in the library that the internet connection was not working, and it was very frustrating.  I had been planning on maintaining contact with family members through email but was only able to send one email before the system stopped working.

As to the destinations, we thoroughly enjoyed all of them that we got to. Because of issues with high winds we were unable to make the scheduled port calls in Helsinki, Finland, and Helsingborg, Sweden.  We were sad about that, but pleased in knowing that the captain had made the best decisions for the safety and comfort of the ship, its passengers, and crew.  We stopped in Warnemunde and Kiel, Germany; Stockholm and Gothenburg, Sweden; Tallin, Estonia; and St. Petersburg, Russia.  Each was enjoyable and seemed to capture the special characteristic of that country's culture.  We also unexpectedly were able to spend a few unplanned hours in Copenhagen because of the cancellation of the Helsingborg stop, and we thoroughly enjoyed that opportunity.

We may take another cruise, but not in the immediate future.  It's a little pricey for us, and we tend to take trips to areas not reachable by ships.  We loved living on the ship, having a comfortable cabin, lots of delectable food, and staff of all types ready to help us with questions or problems.

Ship was nice but could have some sprucing up as some of the furnishing show considerable wear.  It is kept very clean and neat though, and the service is exceptional, as all personnel are well trained and extremely friendly.  They address you by name once they meet you and will do anything to make you comfortable.  The food was also exceptional with enough variety to please any taste.  Entertainment was above average with something for everyone and plenty to do.  This was our 16th cruise on 5 lines, and if this was not the best, it was surely number 2!!!

I cannot recommend this ship (or its sisters) until HAL devotes a lot more time and a lot more money toward ship's maintenance, better menus and better wine lists.

Sailing from Ft. Lauderdale we enjoyed mostly calm seas with only a day or two of some moderate rocking.  Food was good and some of the entertainment was good.  Annika in the piano bar was fantastic.  Two major problems were encountered.  First of all after three days at sea we both contracted an upper respirator illness, but it wasn't only us.  As we interacted with larger numbers of passengers it became apparent that this was a widespread problem.  A number of us think there is an air quality problem on the boat.  Add to that the serious condensation we encountered in the Vista dining room. 

The other problem is that every day men were working outside our cabin on the lifeboat mechanisms.  This consisted of grinding and hammering ALL DAY!  Needless to say afternoon naps were hard to come by.

Fantastic cruise, Azores are ordinary but Bruges, Cherbourg  and Copenhagen are beautiful.

Quality,variety and presentation of food in the dining room is exceptional.

Basic drinks too expensive, $7.50 plus 15% service charge.    

We were fortunate to have good weather at every port of call. It may have been a bit cold (normal at this time of year) but it didn't rain. Our general experience was quite good. Only on the last port of call where tenders were in use to get us ashore and back did the captain encounter a problem with an increasingly choppy sea that forced him to stop tender operations and get the people already on shore back to the ship through a short bus trip to the next destination (Copenhagen). We had the usual courteous service of Holland America, the seas were generally not too choppy, we had no norovirus epidemic or problems, and we had a normal pleasant cruise. This is not to say that everything was absolutely perfect, and there is room for improvement suggestions for Holland America (which I won't make here). But frankly, one comes back from a cruise like this with plenty of very good memories about the people we met, the places we saw, and the good times we had. 

For over 100 sailing days, we have had the fortunate pleasure to have a Catholic priest on board and my wife, Jan, has lead the singing at every single Mass except the one time years ago that she slept beyond the 8 am start time!  Her reward has been expressed in personal thanks by several of the passengers and priest over the 5 cruises. In fact, some of them have been repeat voyagers and have been happy to make our acquaintance again.  So, bottom line is: please keep sending priests aboard Holland America cruises.

Our cabin stewards in room 4104 were excellent. Yadi and Umar need to be promoted; they were right on top of everything from the time we walked aboard.

Walking around the ship, almost everyone we met said “good morning or good afternoon” and they really seemed to mean it.  A nice atmosphere!

We had two Adagio’s on board. First was Oleksiy and Kateryna. They were the best we had seen of all the Adagio groups. I would recommend you hire them again.  A nice “extra” was they volunteered on their own time to play a couple of selections at our weekend Masses.  They definitely were a nice addition to our liturgies.

The second Adagio were Yegor and Maksym and they were wonderful. In addition to their fine playing, during their breaks, they stayed in the lounge and kibitzed with the audience.  They had standing room only every night.  They should play in the Vista lounge and I wish we could have stayed on board longer just to hear them.

The front office staff were mostly helpful, but I’m not sure they understood, at times, what I was asking. But they tried.

Since we spent most of our time with the Adagio groups, I didn’t catch many of the shows. David the pianist was good as was one of the Zuiderdam singer shows. We were not interested in jugglers, magicians, contortionists and the like.  We did the like the ompah band that came on in Warnamunde.

We were on anytime dining and were able to make reservations for certain tables after the first night.  We had one problem in the 2nd half of the cruise at table 192, but after that the staff were very solicitous.

The ports were why we came on the cruise and for the most part, they were very interesting to us.  St. Petersburg and the rest of the Baltic ports were fun to tour, although the ship could have done a better job of letting us know about shuttles, and their costs, etc.  The communication via the daily bulletin was not as good as in past cruises.  We did not go ashore in Helsingborg as, based on my 34 years in the Coast Guard, I declined to ride the tender once I saw the weather. A good decision as 500 folks were stranded on the beach.  One point that I thought was good customer relations was the Captain and other senior officers on the ship greeting the bussed passengers in the terminal before they got back on the ship. There were some negative comments, but the Captain handled them well.

To sum up the positives, great having a priest on board, Adagio groups were terrific, hospitality of the crew and the variety of ports.

Now for why it was also the worst cruise we’ve taken with Holland America.  We booked our stateroom 4104 fully knowing it was an obstructed view; we’ve had them before and we booked it for two reasons, price and even with obstruction, there was a floor to ceiling window letting in plenty of light.  What we didn’t know was that from day #2 of the cruise up until the last day, there were 25 extra people brought on board to chip, grind, use needle guns and paint outside of our cabin and other cabins on the port side.  So somewhere between 7:30 and 8:30, the guys were climbing up the ladder by our cabin, bringing all their equipment, and hammering away.  And when there wasn’t room to do the maintenance, they lowered the lifeboats toward the rail, creating even more noise.

We couldn’t leave the curtains open because at any time of the day, someone would be either right outside or walking by on the platform.  And forget about taking a rest during the day, even with the curtains closed. The sound was enough to drive one mad.

After a few days, I complained to the front office. I probably formed it wrong, but I wanted to find out when they were going to move away to some other area, figuring that might ameliorate the problem, at least as far as we were concerned.  No result. At the first port, I saw the First Mate on deck right below our cabin, lifeboat #14. I kindly asked him when they were going to be done or move or something.  He got on the phone and reported that it would be a couple of days more.

I thought we had made it through the cruise, but on the last day before Copenhagen, they must have discovered they had not done something right outside our cabin. Almost all day, the needle gun was chipping right on our cabin outside bulkhead or on the walkway attached to the bulkhead. I literally could not stay in the room and I couldn’t go ashore (see above comment about tendering).

Then a banging noise started at night while we were underway. Something was loose outside our cabin or near to it. Since it was night, it was too dangerous for someone to check it out. Apparently they did so in the morning as it didn’t return until a few days later. I did get ear plugs from the front office.  It started again on one of the overnight sails, but I guess it resolved itself since I didn’t hear it again.

Now that the days were getting longer, the guys had to work even in the evening some of the time.  That didn’t make them or us happy.

The front office did suggest moving rooms twice probably 2/3 of the way through the cruise, but I had to decline. One room was on the 10th deck up forward and the other (mentioned to me a few days later) was on the 7th back near the stern. As my wife was suffering from acute bronchitis (which she saw the ship’s doctor for) and a broken metartasal foot bone (which she has been dealing with before the cruise), she was in no condition to move anywhere, even with help.  Earlier in the cruise would have been a far better option.

We did receive a Pinnacle dinner and $200 shipboard credit, but that doesn’t nearly cover the anguish of hearing that damn needle gun and the associated other maintenance sounds.  I pity the poor people on the starboard side of the ship as the maintenance people seemed to be gearing up for that endeavor.

I know Holland America is not in business to lose money, but if it were me, I’d cancel a couple of cruises in order to get the maintenance of the Zuiderdam up to where you want it without inconveniencing the passengers that paid for what was supposed to be a relaxing cruise.  Of course, there were rumors floating around the ship that it is soon to be sold!

We cruised on the Zuiderdam last Fall and did not experience any problems such as the above. I did note that the same plumbing problems in some of the public restrooms seemed to exist on this cruise as on last Fall’s cruise.

We will have to think long and hard about making another cruise with Holland America.

Now for why it was also the worst cruise we’ve taken with Holland America.  We booked our stateroom 4104 fully knowing it was an obstructed view; we’ve had them before and we booked it for two reasons, price and even with obstruction, there was a floor to ceiling window letting in plenty of light.  What we didn’t know was that from day #2 of the cruise up until the last day, there were 25 extra people brought on board to chip, grind, use needle guns and paint outside of our cabin and other cabins on the port side.  So somewhere between 7:30 and 8:30, the guys were climbing up the ladder by our cabin, bringing all their equipment, and hammering away.  And when there wasn’t room to do the maintenance, they lowered the lifeboats toward the rail, creating even more noise.

We couldn’t leave the curtains open because at any time of the day, someone would be either right outside or walking by on the platform.  And forget about taking a rest during the day, even with the curtains closed. The sound was enough to drive one mad.

After a few days, I complained to the front office. I probably formed it wrong, but I wanted to find out when they were going to move away to some other area, figuring that might ameliorate the problem, at least as far as we were concerned.  No result. At the first port, I saw the First Mate on deck right below our cabin, lifeboat #14. I kindly asked him when they were going to be done or move or something.  He got on the phone and reported that it would be a couple of days more.

I thought we had made it through the cruise, but on the last day before Copenhagen, they must have discovered they had not done something right outside our cabin. Almost all day, the needle gun was chipping right on our cabin outside bulkhead or on the walkway attached to the bulkhead. I literally could not stay in the room and I couldn’t go ashore (see above comment about tendering).

Then a banging noise started at night while we were underway. Something was loose outside our cabin or near to it. Since it was night, it was too dangerous for someone to check it out. Apparently they did so in the morning as it didn’t return until a few days later. I did get ear plugs from the front office.  It started again on one of the overnight sails, but I guess it resolved itself since I didn’t hear it again.

Now that the days were getting longer, the guys had to work even in the evening some of the time.  That didn’t make them or us happy.

The front office did suggest moving rooms twice probably 2/3 of the way through the cruise, but I had to decline. One room was on the 10th deck up forward and the other (mentioned to me a few days later) was on the 7th back near the stern. As my wife was suffering from acute bronchitis (which she saw the ship’s doctor for) and a broken metartasal foot bone (which she has been dealing with before the cruise), she was in no condition to move anywhere, even with help.  Earlier in the cruise would have been a far better option.

We did receive a Pinnacle dinner and $200 shipboard credit, but that doesn’t nearly cover the anguish of hearing that damn needle gun and the associated other maintenance sounds.  I pity the poor people on the starboard side of the ship as the maintenance people seemed to be gearing up for that endeavor.

I know Holland America is not in business to lose money, but if it were me, I’d cancel a couple of cruises in order to get the maintenance of the Zuiderdam up to where you want it without inconveniencing the passengers that paid for what was supposed to be a relaxing cruise.  Of course, there were rumors floating around the ship that it is soon to be sold!

We cruised on the Zuiderdam last Fall and did not experience any problems such as the above. I did note that the same plumbing problems in some of the public restrooms seemed to exist on this cruise as on last Fall’s cruise.

We will have to think long and hard about making another cruise with Holland America.

Overall a very good trip with the following exceptions:  1.  Too many of the port cities were on holiday, making the excursions less than great.  Holland America was aware of this and should have detailed this in the sales brochures.  I felt that we were purposely deceived so that HA could sell more excursions. 2.  There were several people that should have been quarantined due to colds which rapidly spread through the ship.

Great trip. Great boat, crew, accommodations, passengers.

Impressed by the racial, ethnic. and age variety of people on the trip/ The ship service was excellent, and the entertainment great. 

Enjoyed the off boat excursions into the various countries.

Except the entertainment on the sea days everything was outstanding.....Food ,service was great...Casino was one of the friendliest...Panam canal is a place must see........

This cruise is a great way to see the Panama Canal if that is on your bucket list. The Holland America Line takes good care of you, the facilities are nice even in the lowest price rooms, and the food is decent. The entertainment on the ship was top notch. We took excursions at the various ports, but on the Panama Canal we did not, as we could enjoy the Canal visit just fine from the ship. The captain said only 800 of the 1800 passengers got off in Panama, so many people had the same idea. Very good cruise.

The boarding was smooth. The staff was great. The food was good. On the formal night they need to have someone guiding people to the proper side for the reservations or any time dining. The ship is showing its age. A main pipe broke down stairs and all the water was turned off for an hour. I was in the shower covered in soap and had to rinse off with bottled water. A nice surprise was the Pickle Ball court. The court is on the very top deck and is all enclosed with netting. they supply the balls and paddles.

This was a good cruise value on the size of ship I enjoy. Everyone should see the panama canal and the ports that we made a stop at.. Wish  that by booking with AA I would have received a ship board credit, but so be it. We can't have everything we wish for.I Iwill be taking a lot more cruses as long as I can find ones that do not charge for 2 people, since I am single.

The cruise provided an excellent get away for us and at the time we purchased the tickets excellent value.  However we will probably use other cruise lines in future; even though we are in our late sixties the apparent absence of passengers below the age of 50 dampened the overall atmosphere.  My belief is that a better mix of passengers would provide a livelier / fun cruise.

It is not that I want to be dancing to the latest hit songs all through the cruise but I do think that restricting the music to the fifties and sixties is boring.  Overall I found that the entertainment in the lounges was better than on the main stage, although the presentations by the cruise director on the canal and behind the scenes were very good.  I really enjoyed the enjoyed piano violin duo in the evenings.  Also the music in the BB king lounge was great although it was also stuck in the 60’s pop style and I had expected that at least some of it would have reflected the blues BB King was known for.   

Overall the dining was good although it did come as a shock initially not to have a full blown buffet where I could pick and choose particular piece of food rather than having someone behind the counter make the selection and portion control.  Yes I know I could ask for more and often did but at a buffet I want to be in total control.  The upside is I probably didn’t put on as much weight.

I had noted in previews reviews of the ship that there were numerous maintenance issues, allot of rust, slow drains and smells in the bathroom, etc., so these did not come as a surprise and I did see crew and what appeared to be contractors working to improve the ships condition.  Also we were told that she would be going in for refurbishment in 2017.

We have been on many cruises but  this crew was the best!!!  Dining staff and Room stewards were totally attentive and were always there for whatever we needed.

thank you all.

Holland America definitely came through with its excellent service and amenities.  The food was outstanding and we enjoyed the piano bar most evenings.  We thoroughly indulged in the Greenhouse Spa and all it had to offer.  The thermal suite is such a treat!  The Panama Canal was awesome!  It was a amazing to watch the workings of such an accomplished fete of engineering.  We were a bit disappointed in the beach on Aruba: it was dirty and littered with cigarette butts...a real turn off.  Half Moon Cay was fabulous with its perfectly groomed sand and crystal clear water.  Again the attentive staff of Holland made for an exceptional cruise.