We just returned from a trip to the Panama Canal on the ms Zuiderdam. This was not an enjoyable trip. We have sailed with Holland America before in the Mediterranean on the ms Noordam and that trip was very nice, what I think a Holland America voyage should be like.

The Zuiderdam was a tired and worn ship. Furniture was broken, worn and stained. Our room was not as clean as it should have been. There was rust and peeling paint various places on the outside, most noticeable on the stairs to the tenders. The vinyl in that area was buckled and was a fall hazard. The deck chairs on the promenade deck were in serious need of varnish as well.

The Lido restaurant was hot most of the time. Trying to eat a meal while dripping sweat was not enjoyable. They have designed these ships so the Lido restaurant is between two pools which promotes this heat and humidity problem. It also creates a traffic flow problem in the restaurant. There is very little room to maneuver around the food stations and if someone stops it blocks up the pathway. People are always coming and going from the pool area which creates more congestion. The temperature on this ship was hot in places and freezing in others. Minor, I know, but the windows were very dirty everywhere. Sitting in the bar for a glass of wine in the evening, you could hardly see out for the dirt and salt grime. Read more