It was our 30th wedding anniversary cruise -â€" 18 months late. (that is another story, but lets say work schedule didn't work well). There were 4 of us in our "group", me and DH, my dad and a family friend who platonically shared a cabin (they are both widowed). We chose the HAL Zuiderdam because of the itinerary.

We have never been to the Panama Canal, and didn't have time, nor did we really want to go through the headache of a full transit -â€" so this cruise is perfect -â€" 10 days, including the Canal. What could be better.

The ship -â€" about a 7. It is showing its age, and needs the refurbish (hear it is going in next year). Areas of worn carpet, broken tiles, cabin had a cabinet with a broken door , restrooms on deck that were habitually out of order. Nothing major, just a little worn around the edges. We were on the Nieuw Amsterdam last Thanksgiving, and while the floorplan is very similar -â€" that ship seemed more open. Several of the lounges and other spaces seemed a bit closed off on the Zuiderdam. Regardless -â€" we enjoyed the ship. Not too big, not too small but as Goldilocks would say Just right. One pet peeve -â€" in the main lounge -â€" there are support poles on the floor. They really messed up sight lines and made it difficult to see the stage. Hope the update that -â€" pick seats carefully Read more