This was our forth Holland America cruise and we picked the Zuiderdam because of going through the Panama Canal. The stop at the port in Columbia was another reason as was the BB King band that we had heard on another cruise. Going through the locks in the Panama Canal was exciting and the port in Columbia was one of the best ever; however after only a few nights in the Queen's lounge, the BB King band disappeared from the ship??? That was the best entertainment and one of the important reasons for us taking the cruise; we were disappointed to say the least, and it happened without explanation.

Our balcony cabin was very small but adequate and the cabin crew did an exceptional job and were very pleasant, , , definitely doable! As for the dining, as on all Holland America cruises, it was very good. The only complaint with the food was at breakfast time when they served their smoked salmon plate (beautiful presentation with lemon and capers) with only a 5 cm wedge of tomato. Come on now, there should have been at least two slices!

Another disappointment was the Lido Pool Deck, it was where we wanted to rest and chill- out on the chaises and maybe read a book and snooze off! Well that was not to be, , , every time I was just about dozing, someone would go in and out of the ladies room and the door (something was the matter with the spring) would crash with a terrible bang and an echo . I complained about this numerous times, but nothing was done. Read more