Zuiderdam Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was my first cruise on Holland America and also my first solo trip. Overall, I would say I am very pleased.
I found 98% of the staff very knowledgeable and friendly. Hamem is a great cabin steward. I was in cabin 5184. I was assigned table 50 in the MDR. It was a table for 8 but I was the only one there. I felt I was getting the royal treatment every time I ate there. Ohde and Bangkit were the best table stewards ever, however, Bangkit the assistant, is now on vacation. Hamish was the Cruise Director and I found him to be welcoming and available. Mixology classes were great. I went to them all and got the bartender certificate for proof! Ask about a drink called a Wang, Wang. The Philippine bat tenders will know it. It is not in the book.
The highlight for me was the BB King Club Band, featuring the BB King All-Stars. This was a high energy R & B band that rocked it every night, 3 times per night, except the 2 nights they were off. They are top quality musicians and singers from Memphis. If Holland America is smart, they will keep this act going. Another highlight was Mike Robinson, ventriloquist and comedian.
Cabin Review
Hamem is a great cabin steward. The cabin itself was fine and the deck was great. The aft balconies on the 5th deck are completely covered. I am not a person that requires perfection. Small signs of wear are par for the course and some rust is expected. Neat, clean and functional are my standards. The A/C worked well and so did the heat. The toilet flushed, the sink and tub drained and the water was hot when needed. Maintenance power washed the decks. I was not impressed with the mattresses. They were beyond wear and tear. It was time for them to be changed.