It has been about 10 years since we first started cruising, and the Zuiderdam was our first ship… then it was a seven day East Caribbean itinerary and a very good first experience. And now, after ten years, we are back on the Zuiderdam. It was an 11-day itinerary from Ft Laud to Panama Canal and back – our longest cruise. It was also the oldest crowd we had ever sailed with – most 65+ and only 5 kids on board. Also, while creaky and slow moving, it was the happiest crowd I can remember. The Indonesian crew was great, as usual.

This is our 9th cruise, and 5th on HA. This time, for a reasonable price, we upgraded from a superior verandah to a Neptune suite

First of all, I wish to comment some recent Cruise Critic reviewers that described the tiredness and lack of maintenance on the Zuiderdam. These comments sharpened my focus as I walked anywhere thoughout the ship. We have not found any of the claims to be true…the ship has a few rust spots but it is mostly pristine. I can only presume that this is in the eye of the beholder. I saw no thread bare furniture, worn or stained carpets, or smelly bathrooms. The ship has obviously had several makeovers in the last ten years, and it looks just great. We were told that Zuiderdam was rated as 11th in the HA fleet last year, and now 5th this year – which the crew was quite proud. Read more