wyplum
July 27th, 2004, 09:58 PM
Can anyone compare the cruise experience on the Radiance with the Zuiderdam?
torpeedo
July 28th, 2004, 11:49 AM
We sailed the Zuiderdam in Dec 03 and Radiance in Jan 04 so we had the opportunity to compare both ships. Overall, both were positive experiences and we would sail again on either ship.
Radiance was the most beautiful ship as far as decor and overall appeal is concerned. The ship had many windows and is very light and airy. The decor is very art deco and well done. Radiance is a little larger ship with more passengers but you did not really get the feeling of crowds. The Zuiderdam was well laid out and is a beautiful ship. Did not have a large atrium which the Radiance has. Radiance has a good deal of entertainment surrounding that large atrium which was very popular with the cruisers.
Entertainment over all goes to Radiance. Their shows were great and there were many evening activities all over the ship. Zuiderdam shows were actually better than most Holland ship shows but not as good as the Radiance. Zuiderdam has a great comedian, Tom Drake ( if he is still on), who was wonderful.
We had different accomodations on both cruises so it is hard to compare. We had a suite on the Radiance which was wonderful. One thing that the Radiance suite has that Holland does not have is an open bar cocktail hour in the Concierge lounge with hors d'ouvres. Plus after dinner drinks as well. The Conceirge himself was outstanding. ( we have sailed in Holland Suites many times as well and this Concierge was very professional and passengers loved him). We had an AA cabin on the Zuiderdam which was very comfortable and spacious. Cabin steward service was equal.
Service throughout the ship was comparable.
Now when it comes to food there was a big difference. Zuiderdam/Holland has much better food than Radiance (in our opinion) in both the main dining room and the lido. Radiance did not offer as many entree's and they were not appealing to our taste. Personally it looked like retread meals. I have heard other people who have done RCI tell me that they did not enjoy the food either but that is all hearsay and opinions! We did eat in the alternative restaurants on both ships. Radiance has two alternative restaraunts and we did both. We prefered Chops ( steak house) over Portifino but both were good. We dined at the Pinacle on the Zuiderdam and had fair service but the food was also good.
Passenger age group on the Radiance seemed a bit younger than on the Zuiderdam. Probably around 45 might have been the average on the Radiance. ( just guessing) I think that led to more passenger participation in activities later into the evening.
Pool area on the Radiance was very nice. They have a Solarium pool that is for adults only that seemed to be enforced. Nice padded chairs and tropical feel to it. It was covered when we were on it and it made for a real nice atmosphere.
We had a great time on the Zuiderdam as well. We have sailed Holland 9 times prior to that cruise and it was all you would expect from Holland and more.
Overall we loved both ships and would sail both again. Differences that would sway us one way or the other is price and itinerary. If it were a tie, based on the food, I would go with Zuiderdam.:)