I enjoyed a recent Alaskan cruise on the ms. Zaandam southbound from Seward to Vancouver following a land-tour package from Fairbanks. The number of arriving passengers at the Seward terminal was minimal at 11:30 and our bus group was able to board the ship immediately. The cabins were prepared and I dropped off my carry-on bag and met my cabin steward, Dio. Lunch for incoming passengers was available in the Lido and, as the ship was departing later that evening, the buffet and tables weren't inundated with people as many passengers had taken the train excursion from Anchorage or were on early shore excursions.

The Zaandam is a well-maintained vessel and cleaning was continuous as well as painting/varnishing on exterior parts of the ship. Yes, there are a few stained carpets here and there but this does not detract from the overall attractive appearance. Some windows needed cleaning but these concerns are addressed according to the ship's maintenance program. My inside stateroom was cleaned twice-daily and there was ample closet space with two additional pull-out drawers under the bed. Some reviewers mention a "lack of closet space" -- my feeling on this is that if you run out of room in the closets, you've probably brought too much clothing! The bathroom will need some attention during a future dry-dock period as there are a few loose tiles near the baseboard and a small bit of rust at the base of the door--small things!

I ordered room service breakfasts each day. Every day of the cruise, they were delivered just slightly before the requested time. A staff member from the room service department called twice during the cruise to ensure that everything was fine--nice touch! Lunches were taken in the Lido and I found no problems there--there didn't seem to be any confusion on the part of other diners as to which station provided which particular food. For the first 48 hours, meals in the Lido are served by the kitchen staff to minimize gastro-intestinal illness. I ate most dinners in the Rotterdam Dining Room which was well-appointed and meals were served by an excellent waiter, Ekky, who also did a few magic tricks at the conclusion of each meal. I had one meal in the Canaletto restaurant which was very good. The subject of "food" comes up frequently in other reviews. I can truly say that EACH meal in the Rotterdam was served at the correct temperature and perfectly prepared. There appeared to be some confusion on the part of a few passengers who felt they didn't need to bother with the prescribed dress code. On THIS cruise, some ill-dressed diners were turned away. Face it, folks, if you don't like dressing up, enjoy your meals in the Lido! Read more