Welcome to Your Favorites, where you have the opportunity to share your travel experiences with fellow Internet Travelers around the world.

Holland America Line

MS Zuiderdam

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Allen Blehl
# previous cruises: 8
Date of Trip: June 25, 2005
Itinerary: Caribbean

I've been on several Holland America cruises, and I have to say that I thought my most recent cruise on the M/S Zuiderdam was the best of them all. The cruise was 7-days out of Ft. Lauderdale, FL to the Eastern Caribbean. We called at Half Moon Cay, Tortola, St. Thomas, and Nassau. I didn't think there was enough sea time, but the islands were very nice. The food was excellent and the staff was most helpful.

All of the public areas were very comfortable. The lounge I enjoyed the most was the Ocean Bar. There I thought the staff was the best. The showroom was comfortable; the Northern Lights Night Club (adults only) was great at night; the casino was large and not that crowded; the Crow's Nest had a nice view; all the lounges were nice.

The food and service in the Dining Room was absolutely exceptional. Anything you ordered came out perfect, with any special requests and it was speedy too. The Lido, which I ate at for breakfast and lunch, had delicious food. I really loved the 24-hr ice cream bar in the Lido. New exotic and luscious flavors everyday.

The cabin I was in was very spacious compared to other ships. It was larger than I thought it would be. I believe it was 189 sq. ft. There was just enough closet space for the three people in the cabin. The shower was large enough and it had a bathtub in it. You couldn't hear anything outside the cabin, so it was very quiet. The verandah had a beautiful view and deck.

I didn't attend any of the shows while I was onboard. The cruise staff had planned many fun activities and I enjoyed the ones I went to.

While I was onboard, during the days at sea, I mainly ate, relaxed, danced, and played BINGO. The cruise called at Half Moon Cay (HAL's private island), Roadtown, Tortola, BVI, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and Nassau, Bahamas. I was usually ashore all the days we were docked. There were two public pools onboard and one in the spa. The pools were fresh water. I didn't use the health club, but I did peek inside, and it was very elegant-like. The teen-progam, which I attended, had very attentive counselors, and fun programs and activities planned. Babysitting was available during the day and evenings for a nominal fee.

Most of the passengers were past-cruisers, and were overall very friendly. I got the names of many of my friends and do keep in contact with them, and I plan to in the future.