We are experienced cruisers, recently sailing on Crystal, Azamara Club, and Princess. This was our first Holland America ship in over 15 years. My wife has mobility difficulties, so we booked a special cabin. The cruise was 21 days long, the highlight a three day cruise of the shores of Antarctica. We chose HAL because the itinerary suited our desires and the price our purses.

The itinerary was excellent. We had fine weather throughout, notably in the Falklands and the Antarctic. The cruise of the Chilean fjords and glaciers I also found fascinating. The Zaandam stopped at 4 Chilean ports: Punta Arenas, Chacabuco, Castro, and Puerto Montt and all were interesting. The excursions, though pricey, were very good – we visited 3 separate penguin sites, near Puerto Madryn, in the Falklands, and in Isla Magdelena (the most spectacular) and all were different as well as fascinating. The Antarctic experience was less satisfying because although plenty of icebergs there was comparatively little wildlife. To see more watch a BBC nature documentary or take an adventure cruise where zodiacs bring you closer to the shore. The Antarctic lecturers, however, were excellent, plentiful, informative, and interesting.

The Zaandam is in good shape, very pleasant public spaces, the two-floor dining room impressive. Our room was cramped, though the special washroom was large and certainly accessible. Staff was always friendly and helpful. The Lido buffet was amongst the best I've enjoyed (by contrast the Star Princess was loathsome), clean, organized, lots of variety, full of tasty treats at all times – as a foodie, this was the best feature of the cruise ship. The poolside grill was also tasty and efficient. Read more