Age: --- 58

How many cruises taken previously: --- 118 (honest!)

Traveller Type: --- Family and Friends

Name of cruise line and ship: --- Holland America, Zuiderdam

Cabin category and comments: --- Outside, 6A. Plenty roomy, well appointed

Embarkation/Disembarkation Experience: --- Flawless. No long wait and documents all in order.

Food and Service: --- Nothing but excellent

Entertainment: --- Varied and entertaining.

Shore Excursions: --- None taken

Onboard Activities: --- We're participators, so we enjoyed the passenger participation games.

Children’s Program: --- Did not use.

Overall impression of the Ship: --- Rather sedate, stately, upper crust.

Any comments that you may have that would benefit future cruisers who are contemplating sailing on this ship? --- Environment more suited for older cruisers. Not good for teenagers or single young adults.

Posted: 01/08/2007

Age: --- 89

How many cruises taken previously: --- 56

Traveller Type: --- Travelling with my daughter, son-in-law, and a friend

Name of cruise line and ship: --- Holland America, Zuiderdam

Cabin category and comments: --- Inside 4A

Embarkation/Disembarkation Experience: --- Excellent, they were ready for us and we were on the ship within 15 minutes.

Food and Service: --- Excellent service and a nice selection of excelent quality food, especially at the Pinnacle Grill.

Entertainment: --- All the entertainment was adequate, and entertaining.

Shore Excursions: --- Didn't use.

Onboard Activities: --- I enjoyed watching the games and playing the daily trivia games which were well attended and the pries were nice too.

Children’s Program: --- Didn't use.

Overall impression of the Ship: --- Clean, well kept up, roomy, with a very European feel to it.

Any comments that you may have that would benefit future cruisers who are contemplating sailing on this ship? --- If you are an older cruiser like I am you will appreciate the laid-back, quieter nature of this ship.

Posted: 01/08/2007

Age: --- 59

How many cruises taken previously: --- 9

Traveller Type: --- Couple

Name of cruise line and ship: --- Holland America, Zuiderdam

Cabin category and comments: --- Deluxe Verandah Suite – room was enormous as was the balcony which we spent a lot of time on relaxing and having breakfast delivered as well as cocktails in the afternoon. Deck furniture was wicker, and very comfortable. Bathroom had 2 sinks, a shower and a bathtub, wow! I had a dressing room with a large closet and there were more than enough drawers for clothing. They provided binoculars and we had a concierge lounge on our deck with all kinds of amenities. By far the best accommodations we have ever had on a cruise ship!

Embarkation/Disembarkation Experience: --- Priority boarding – we were the first on board – it was great. Disembarkation went just as smooth.

Food and Service: --- Excellent – every meal was spectacular.

Entertainment: --- Only saw minimal entertainment. The casino was large and had all the games we enjoy.

Shore Excursions: --- Swam with the dolphins in Tortola – best experience we have ever had on a shore excursion. Their private island was unlike any other we have ever been to. Be sure to reserve a clam shell before you get to the beach.

Onboard Activities: --- Took a class in the Culinary Institute with the executive chef that was very informative and entertaining. He also took us on a private tour of the galley – he was extremely down to earth and very proud of his staff and his kitchen and the way they prepared food there.

Children’s Program: --- N/A

Overall impression of the Ship: Very crisp and clean. Tablecloths on pool deck were impressive. Bright colors and interesting furniture throughout the ship.

Any comments that you may have that would benefit future cruisers who are contemplating sailing on this ship? --- We have traveled on all of the other cruise lines and found this to be the best overall cruise ship.

Posted: 12/29/2006