Zuiderdam Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Holland America’s 11 day western Mediterranean cruise proved to be quite interesting. The main attraction were the ports of call; and even though security concerns necessitated a last minute change of itinerary with Sardinia replacing Tunisia, it turned out to be quite an experience. The revised charts took us from Rome to Barcelona via Naples, Palermo, Olbia (Sardinia), Livorno, Calvi (Corsica), Monte Carlo and St. Tropez – some of these not generally visited if you are doing the touristy bit in Italy and France.
We sailed aboard the Zuiderdam, a fairly large vessel designed to carry approximately 2000 guests and a crew complement of 800. The ship itself was quite striking – with its 3-story atrium and auditorium and all the other facilities. 11 decks, two swimming pools and any number of bars and lounges spread across the ship made sure we were always far from the madding crowd. Just out of refit, the Zuiderdam was all spit and polish, very tastefully decorated and displayed a lot of bling – overall, very Holland America’esque,
We had a verandah stateroom; quite spacious, well appointed, extremely comfortable and the bathroom even had a tub (I kid you not!!). The best part was the verandah – it comfortably seated three people and of course, a view to die for, all through.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom
Excellent cabin towards the rear of the ship. Lots of storage. Best feature was the very attentive steward service. The room was always neat and clean whenever we returned from a meal or an excursion.
We were 3 adults in the room and did not feel a lack of space.
Port Reviews
Rome (Civitavecchia)
We stayed a few days prior to the cruise in a small apartment (booked through airbnb) near Rome Termini. took the metro everywhere as well as walking around the town. Conducted tours to the Vatican museum and Colosseum are a must.
Naples
15 min walk (or take the free shuttle) to the ferry terminal from where one can get ferries to Capri. Spent the day there walking around the isle.
If you want, one can also take a ferry to Sorrento
Palermo (Sicily)
a short walk and you are into the city center. easy stroll through town . get a free map showing the main sights. We walked to the station (30 min) through the town and too a train to Cefalu. 1 hour each way. Beautiful seaside village- walk through teh old city as well as a pristine beach
Florence (Livorno)
Need to take a taxi from the port (25 euro) to the station. Trains every 20 min to Florence. Walked around Florence and then stopped off in Pisa on the way back. Took a taxi at Pisa station to the Leaning tower area.
Monaco (Monte Carlo)
take the local bus (5 euro for the day). #1, #2 bus routes cover the entire country !! Made a few trips during the day. Went to the Palace (changing of the guard at noon is not a big deal). Casino was smaller than I imagined ...
Great to just wander around - the Formula 1 race was the week after we docked so we walked around the circuit visualizing the cars racing around..
Saint-Tropez
Went on shore using tender.
Rented a car at Hertz office just near where the tender dropped us. Drove around the area - Grimaud , Ramatuelle , Gassin, Bormes-les-Mimosas were the villages we visited.
Barcelona
One of my favorite cities. A shuttle for the port to La Rambla and then the hop on-off bus . 3 different routes covers the whole city. Walked the La Rambla , Picasso museum, and the usual Gaudi buildings