Zuiderdam Review
After a slow start, a very pleasant cruise.
Rating by category
Additional details
Our December cruise on the Zuiderdam was our third, all on Holland America ships. The first two were on the Eurodam. My wife is in her mid 60s and I am 71. We are generally fit, like to visit new destinations and we enjoy meeting other travelers. On this cruise, we traveled with two cousins.
Unfortunately, the cruise got off to a bit of a rough start as the Zuiderdam was late getting back into Port Everglades from its previous cruise. When we arrived at the ship at about 11 am, we found passengers from the previous cruise still disembarking. Apparently, the ship had had a mechanical problem the night before. This, of course, caused long lines and delayed embarkation. Surprisingly, however, luggage was in our rooms by around 4pm and the ship was only delayed in sailing by an hour or two.
We found the Zuiderdam to be showing its age a bit - at least compared to the newer Eurodam. Rubberized flooring around the central pool had a few stains that apparently can not be removed and there was the occasional spot of rust. Wall coverings are getting a bit tired and in our cousin's room the refrigerator failed early in the cruise. The deck crew, however, was constantly on the job of polishing and repainting.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom
We found our VF balcony cabin forward on the Upper Promenade level quite satisfactory although a bit cool at times.
We learned that VF balconies on Holland America have solid steel plating below the hand rail so you can't see shore from inside the room and we may upgrade on our next cruise to do so.
We had plenty of storage space even though we both brought formal clothes as well as many changes of everything else.
The king size bed was very nice and the room was well decorated.