My husband and I (early 60s) booked this cruise for my birthday. Had read many reviews of the Zuiderdam (some negative) and were beginning to feel a bit reluctant prior to our sailing. However, overall this was a great cruise. We have cruised 12 times, first cruise on Holland America. We choose this line because HAL is supposed to provide excellent service.
Embarkation was a little slow and we were surprised that we were not permitted to go directly to our cabin as in the case in every other line on which we have sailed. Promptly at 1:30 we were permitted to go to our cabin. Our cabin steward was right there to introduce himself. The ship is definitely in need of some sprucing up and that will happen when it goes to Italy in the spring for refurbishment.
We requested a large table, but were seated at a table for six. On the first night, no other diners showed up. The service was the slowest we have ever experienced on all our other cruises. Dishes sat in front of us for more than 15 minutes. Second night, little faster, but still no other diners. When we returned to our cabin that evening, the steward had not been to our room (11:30 PM). On third morning reported these happenings to the front office. Immediately everything was addressed...the maitre d greeted us by name that evening in the dining room and escorted us to our new table with a really fun group of people. Chocolate covered strawberries, accompanied by a free photo gift and a letter of apology arrived soon after that. So score a big "hooray" for the service.