There have been several harsh reviews of Zaandam on the boards and I thought it was time for a current review that would give a "fair and balanced" review for this ship. About me: I have 141 days on Holland America ships. This was my first on Zaandam. I have cruised Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. I have other cruises from lines that are now bankrupt so I do have a wide and diverse cruise history. HAL is my favorite. Let us begin with embarkation. The dreaded news spread faster then the disease, "norovirus" was on board. Well, it must have disembarked at San Diego because I never heard anyone say that they knew someone who became ill, or heard of someone becoming ill. We were delayed approximately 2 hours on our boarding, while HAL went through the super cleaning they now do after the virus as appeared. I want you to know that HAL was so careful that they sent teams out into the waiting area and they sprayed all the bench seating with the anti-viral spray and wiped it all down to protect their passengers. We did not go "code red" although I did miss the salt and pepper shakers on the Lido for the first few days. We were issued packets of salt and pepper with our trays. There was no other visible signs of noro unless it was how scrupulous everyone was about using the hand sanitizer.

Once on board, we discovered cabins were ready. So we went straight there and dropped our stuff. Met our steward and he asked how many pieces of luggage we had, we told him, and when we got back from lunch...our luggage was there. We were unpacked and settled before the lifeboat drill. San Diego was wickedly chilly, which meant lifeboat drill was also. They are having an abnormal winter in San Diego so check the weather and dress accordingly.

This was the Zaandam's first voyage facing the challenge of "as you wish" dining. Let me tell everyone that they have a system in place that is remarkably efficient. I was able to make a reservation every night to get the table for two and the time I wanted. I called everyday precisely at 8 when the reservation line opened. Now if you are not so prompt, do not fear, there were days when I called as late as two in the afternoon and still got what I wanted give or take a half an hour. Try this system, you may like it. Read more