Zuiderdam Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,028 reviews

Nice Time with Family and Friends

Review for the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Zuiderdam
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TurboArrow
10+ Cruises • Age 80s

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Sail Date: Feb 2015
Cabin: Pinnacle Penthouse Verandah Suite

There were 8 of us traveling together on this trip. We flew in a day early and stayed at the Rodeway near the pier. It really needs some refurbishment and we had a couple of roaches on our floor so the overnight bag we opened went up on the desk very quickly. They are friendly and efficient there so that helps and the shuttle to the pier went nicely.

The Zuiderdam seemed in pretty good condition. There were just a few worn spots here and there but they clean and straighten a lot so that can be overlooked. The consensus of opinion in our group was that the food is only ok in the main dining room. Seems they could do lots better but since they are catered, they don't have a lot of leeway. The planked halibut and the steaks are excellent in the Pinnacle and the Lido is pretty good for buffet food.

The staff onboard are pleasant and helpful which is a positive since we were concerned that they would not be attentive due to the automatic gratuities. There were 4 cabins in our group and all were acceptable to good. We were in a Pinnacle Suite (bought an upgrade when time to sail came closer) and it was huge. We were kind of the gathering place for our group with afternoon canapés and happy hour. We have to say it took 3 days for the requested canapés to be brought according to our easy requests but it did come together. One complaint that we have is that there is not a dedicated phone line to call for our cocktails to be delivered to our suite at happy hour or any other time. We really think that should happen for the Pinnacles for what we paid. We're not snooty and fancy but rather than dressing and running to a bar and handing our cards over for a couple of drinks, why can't they dispatch a steward with the couple of drinks. Oh well, a bit of sour grapes. About the "house" wines, they are only ok but not terrible. Usually we drink cabernet but the merlot was much more full bodied so that became the wine of choice. Their chard was also not terrible but just ok. The general drink prices are quite ok. They pour some really nice top shelf stuff for $5.95 like Crown Royal and Gray Goose. Their champagne is not too bad either. The Neptune Lounge concierges are very helpful. They offered to run for our drinks but we only had them do that one time and then we decided they had better things to do than be cocktail runners.

Cabin Review

Pinnacle Penthouse Verandah Suite

Cabin PS

Did it for our family and friends. Won't need to go so big again. Probably should have stayed with the Neptune 7151 that we originally booked.

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