Zuiderdam Review
Barfly60
First Time Cruiser • Age 70s
Rating by category
Cabin
Value for Money
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Additional details
Sail Date: Jan 2018
Cabin: Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom
Our first cruise ever was on the MS Zuiderdam from Jan 7, 2018 to Jan 17, 2018. It was an initiation for sure! The weather was not the greatest to start with and progressively worsened throughout the cruise. After our second last stop in Colon, Panama the weather really turned nasty and the ship truly started to rock. The weather was so bad, that the captain decided that it was unsafe to dock at our last port of call Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. So we proceeded back to Ft. Lauderdale and spent the last part of our cruise on rough seas for 3 days. It was not much fun!
To be fair, the weather was not Holland America’s fault and we and they attempted to make the best of an unfortunate situation.
For the most part, we did enjoy our cruise especially the stops at Half Moon Cay, Aruba and Curacao. However, the cruise through the Panama Canal was boring and if you did not partake of one of the many day excursions offered through EXC Tours then you were not allowed to disembark from the ship at Gatun Lake (there was absolutely nothing there).
Cabin Review
Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom
Cabin VA
Our cabin was average size and comfortable for two people. I cannot image more than 2 existing comfortably in a cabin of this size, although there was an overhead bed that can be lowered if required and a sofa bed in the cabin.
There was plenty of closet space for clothes and space under the bed to store your luggage. The bathroom was about the size of a good-sized recreational trailer.
It was clean and well maintained.
Port Reviews
Half Moon Cay
The view and the beach were wonderful!
Colon (Cristobal)
It is an industrial port and the only place to visit were the shops inside the terminal facilities. We were warned not to venture past the terminal property as it was considered unsafe. No tours were offered beyond this facility.
11 Helpful Votes
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