Tell me about Zuiderdam?

[Natmar]

We are considering sailing the Zuiderdam in August with our two children (8 & 12) and were wondering if someone could tell us what we can expect aboard the ship. The children have been on Disney and Carnival (once each) and seemed to enjoy the programs. Hubby and I have also cruised on RCCL twice and really like them. Disney was nice but pricy and we really didn't care for Carnival (sorry) but we just aren't the party/drinking type. We are thinking about an oceanview stateroom in Cat-E (a balcony would be nice but I'm not sure if he price difference is worth it).

Curious as to what the staterooms are like, food, service, children's programs, shows etc. Also, do they offer soda cards for the kids or do they have lemonade or something available during the day for free? Any info would be appreciated so we can make up our minds on what we are going to do. THANKS for all your help!

[Tak8]

We were on the Zuiderdam last summer (son was 9 ) and Disney magic 2 years ago.
Food: Holland has more variety and overall the food was good to very good. Service was better on Disney. We had very slow service and not as friendly. It may have been our servers. The Lido buffet is excellent. Disney specialty buffets tops them, but in the day to day buffets Holland is excellent. We really enjoyed palo's, but the Odysessy was very good and children can go. We took our son.
Chilldren's program. Disney has the edge. My son enjoyed Holland's program, but there were more activities and more available times on Disney. I don't send my child to the children's area all day, but I like him to be around other kids at times. Usually at night after dinner for a few hours and once or twice on sea days if he finds an activity he likes. Hollands staff was very friendly.
Cabin: Both had great cabins. We were bumped up to an SS, so this may not be a fair comparison. The one area I really loved on the Disney cabon was the separate bath areas. Holland has a nice balcony and the stateroom had a DVD which was helpful to keep son happy while he got dressed for dinner. We had the best cabin stewart on the Z.
I hope this helps you in deciding. We are going back on the Z next summer, so obviously we enjoyed it. I liked Disney and would go back again but price and need to vary itinerary keep me away.

[SuperGenki25]

The Zuiderdam is a great ship. I thought great service, food and amenities. It definitely caters to an older crowd, though. There aren't as many (that I remember) kid centered activities. I don't remember seeing an arcade, there's no waterslides, and generally very few, if any, kids onboard.

[Lokalona]

The Zuiderdam is a great ship. I thought great service, food and amenities. It definitely caters to an older crowd, though. There aren't as many (that I remember) kid centered activities. I don't remember seeing an arcade, there's no waterslides, and generally very few, if any, kids onboard.


There is an arcade but no water slide. There are 2 pools, aft and lido. There is a basketball court and shuffle board, huge chess game and some great ice cream...The ship is more sedate than what your kids have been on. In summer there may be more for kids to do on the ship than in Nov. which is when we went. There were only 16 teenagers and probably that many younger ones as well. Half Moon Cay is fun for the kids, and the shore excursions make the days in port all the more busy.