If I were a first time cruiser I might have thought our 22 day Mediteranian cruise on the Zuiderdam was wonderful. We have been cruising with Holland America for more than 20 years and just within the past five years there have been what must be systemic changes throughout the cruise line to cut costs and increase profits at the expense of the sailing passenger. Gone are the days of free water and sodas, midnight buffets, first class entertainment, desert night, ice carvings, fruit carvings and the list goes on. Beyond that the food, that used to be so good each guest was given a souvenier menu to take home for each night is a distant memory. The food throughout the ship excepting the Pinnacle Grill is average and repetitive at best. Service, due to personnel cutbacks is again a shadow of its former self. Shore excursions were fine, but vastly overpriced and while disembarkation itself went well it was not thel case after you were off the ship and had made arrangements to have Holland America get you to the airport. Yes we were taken to the airport in a timely fashion, but once there didn't see any signs for American Airlines. The HA rep said all would be explained once we got off the bus. Got off the bus and were told all would be explained inside. No one inside. Passengers were bouncing around like pinballs trying to figure out where to go. Bottom line is that these problems do not appear to be exlusive to Holland America so we will not be cruising again.