All things considered, this was a wonderful cruise; Sept. 05 of the Western Caribbean. I'd been on one cruise before on the SS Norway, the last of the real ocean liners from the 1950's (nee' SS France).

The Zuiderdam was beautiful, and was kept immaculately clean at all times. You could eat off the floor and everything sparkled. At one point during the week I saw crew cleaning the honeycomb covers over the fluorescent lighting with Q-Tips. No speck of dust left behind.

Service ~ The service was absolutely outstanding. Kusnanto our cabin steward and Sumi our waiter were the most attentive men on the planet, and it was evident that it was because they enjoyed their vocations, and weren't just trolling for tips. Service throughout the ship was stellar. If you came upon ANY crewman anywhere, there was always a friendly smile and polite care. There was even a shopping directress who held seminars on how to smart shop at places ashore. She obvious enjoyed her work and was good at what she does. Room service was good, on time and right each time. Read more