Zuiderdam Review
Excellent Partial Canal Cruise on the Zuiderdam
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Additional details
This was our 14th cruise, our first on Holland America. We cruised with another couple that was on their second cruise, first on Holland America.
Boarding in Ft. Lauderdale went very well. We were on the ship by 11:30 and able to go directly to our rooms. We had also booked a Family Cabana for this cruise and went up to meet our attendants - Rod & Henry. We loved having the cabana - made it seem like we were on our own boat a lot of the time. We aren't much for crowds, noise or vying for chairs, so this worked perfectly for us. We had requested Costa del Sol previously through ship services and were given that cabana. This was the corner away from the staircase so there was less traffic. Only a few cabanas were booked for the entire cruise, some additional ones were booked for the day here and there.
We were told that the cabanas were available from 9-5, but they were really available just about anytime we wanted them. As we had 5:30 dinner, we were usually gone by 4/4:30 so we did not use them very late. On Canal day we arrived about 6:30 am and Rod and Henry were already placing the cushions and getting them ready. We typically ate before coming up, but if not (such as canal day), Rod or Henry would get us an omelette or whatever we wanted. They were very accommodating with champagne, mimosas, ice cream, bottled water, fruit, etc. They had a great attitude and were a joy to see every day.
Cabin Review
Signature Superior Verandah Suite
This cabin is toward the back of the ship, and is right before the hallway juts and the cabins get smaller. Because of this, the room juts out to allow for the turn and the room is larger and the balcony is larger. Our friends were next door and the steward was able to open up the divider for the duration of the cruise. Wang was our attendant and he did an excellent job. This room had a ton of storage, we didn't even use all of it. It was very close to the rear elevators, under the Lido deck, yet extremely quiet. It was very easy to pop up a flight of stairs and grab a cup of coffee or an omelet.