Zuiderdam Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,028 reviews

First-Time Cruisers Disappointed with Poorly-Kempt Hotel, Incessant Gouging

Review for the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Zuiderdam
User Avatar
TheChicagoDude
First Time Cruiser • Age 50s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Apr 2015
Cabin: Signature Superior Verandah Suite

This was our first cruise ship experience, and we won't be traveling on Holland America any time soon.

At the outset I should note we've got years of travel experience internationally - from our first trip from the US to Mainland China in 1984.  We're very familiar how the hospitality industry SHOULD work.  HAL is the kind of organization that stinks from the head down, with policies and employee attitudes that are clearly reflective of senior management.

The first overall issue with HAL is their attitude towards "Customer Service".  There is none.  We had emails with HAL months before the cruise that guaranteed certain amenities to be provided.  One example was the "VIP Package".  An in-cabin bottle of wine, flowers, and other amenities that were never received.  When we inquired with the front desk about it (including their reviewing the email we received), they refused to act on it saying only "they would need a response from their head office (which of course is closed on US weekends and holidays).  I've never heard of customer service people that weren't empowered by management to take action on behalf of the customer.    

Cabin Review

Signature Superior Verandah Suite

Cabin SS

Walk 30 minutes on the carpet and your feet are black. Maybe the reason so many ships have norovirus problems?

3 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Find a Zuiderdam Cruise from $489

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.