Zuiderdam Review
Zuiderdam Panama Canal - Great Ship and Cool Internary
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Boarding Process: Since both Eurodam and Zuiderdam were in port together, Zuiderdam was not docked in her usual spot. We had to take a free shuttle from parking deck to ship. Line was much longer than other two HAL cruises we've done, we arrived around 12:30 PM, and process a bit slower than I was used to. But we were onboard by 1:15 PM and started our 10 Day Partial Panama Canal Cruise!
SHIP: We cruised the Westerdam two years previous, the younger sister ship to Zuiderdam, so I compared a lot between them. Zuiderdam is a couple years older and in a few spots she showed some age, but overall she is still an elegant and beautiful ship. There was less marble flooring on her, but the oil paintings, antiques on display, were just a tasteful as Westerdam and wood trim throughout remind you this is a HAL ship. Her lounges were still in excellent condition. We spent a lot of time in the Explorer's Lounge listening to many sets by the ADAGIO String Quartet. These four young people, classically trained, were the BEST string players I have ever heard on any cruise - their playing was passionate and their technique excellent, they have the talent to play concert halls! I listened to at least one set every night but two. The entertainment in the Vista Lounge was good/average. You have to get there early as seating is limited and a number of seats have obstructed viewing. The signature Crow's Nest was in excellent condition and as usual we enjoyed the feeling of navigating the ship from it. The Coffee Shop, Library and Internet Cafe are located on the starboard side of Crow's Nest which I felt was an excellent idea - sipping a Cafe Mocha while either reading or looking out upon the endless sea before you.
OVERALL: I found the Zuiderdam a beautiful ship, well maintained. Yes, I noticed a few times where maintenance was taking place, but the repairs were usually completed quickly. Our VA balcony cabin was cleaned twice each day and quite roomy. We spent a lot of time on our balcony, the chairs and all comfortable and in good condition.