Zuiderdam Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,028 reviews

Panama Canal on Zuiderdam enjoyable but..........

Review for the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Zuiderdam
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Ozseagirl
2-5 Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Apr 2012
Cabin: Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom

My husband and I had decided a couple of years ago to take a cruise through the Panama Canal. After extensive homework, we settled on Holland America's Zuiderdam for this adventure mainly because of the itinerary and frequent port visits. We had never sailed on Holland America but were happy to give it a try. Two days prior to boarding the cruise we arrived into Fort Lauderdale and stayed at the Crowne Plaza Port Everglades. It is a very nice, non smoking only hotel offering a shuttle to the port.

Embarkation: There was quite an extensive line up to get on the ship which we had never really encountered with other cruise lines we had travelled with. We had to wait out in the sun for about 30 minutes before actually entering into the cruise terminal building. Check in went fairly smoothly except for when we were handed our stateroom key cards. It was printed on them that we were booked in for early dining. We had specifically asked for any time dining which was on our boarding passes and had been confirmed with us on several occasions. When I pointed this out to the check in clerk, she said there was nothing she could do, we would have to take care of it on board the ship. So we board the Zuiderdam knowing that all is not going very smoothly.

When we got to our stateroom we were happy to see it was nicely set out with a mid sized bathtub/shower which we had never had on any previous cruises. Our excursions tickets were waiting for us but where was the beverage card we had pre-ordered and paid for? Down to the Front Desk we go to enquire about the dining mistake and to find out about the beverage card. Of course, a long line up awaits us and we patiently wait our turn. Nothing can be done for the dining error at the front desk. You must see the maitre'd in of all places - the bar. As for the beverage card, they are not sure why it is not in the room as it should be. Please wait a little while and it should be delivered shortly. We managed to get the dining arrangements settled with the maitre'd and set out to explore the ship all the while awaiting the delivery of the beverage card so we could partake in the cocktail of the day. Needless to say, we never did have the cocktail of the day as we waited and waited for the arrival of the beverage card only to find out that the printer was broken and no card could be produced. The card did arrive as we were heading to bed on Day 1.

Cabin Review

Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom

Very nice stateroom with a great balcony and nice view up to the bridge (we had binoculars and could watch the captain and crew up there). Quiet hallway area. Never heard anyone outside of the room.

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