Where are the Zuiderdam reviews post drydock

My wife and I were originally scheduled to sail on the Zuiderdam for its first trip post drydock and have seen very little information regarding the changes and how people felt about them. Most of the info I have seen comes from people currently sailing on her. Maybe everyone missed us not being on the trip that they were too sad to make comments 😉😉. Hopeful to see more comments as we are trying to plan going in February.

Not ignoring you.....in my case it' that I've been under the weather....caught something aboard on the last full sea day and finally got diagnosed with pneumonia yesterday. Haven' even gone through my photos yet and been sleeping a lot.

I really enjoyed the cruise....there was still some work in progress (aft pool didn' open until late Monday afternoon). All new carpets, new furniture in Lido buffet, new carpet in cabins, ours had new furniture (loveseat), new 40" interactive TV. Crows Nest completely redone. Looked nice. The music venues were all redone and I enjoyed the entertainment. Usual great service from staff. The crystal seahorse is still in the atrium. I was never on the Zuiderdam before, so I could just go by the pictures I saw prior to the cruise.

There were some issues (air conditioning inconsistent, plumbing, staff turnover, etc). Although the issues didn' affect my cabin, those that weren' happy made sure we all knew they weren't to the point they were looking for the most trivial things to complain about. I truly felt sorry for some staff members who were taking the brunt of it all. I think a lot of it was because they didn' know it was just coming out of drydock so weren' prepared for what to expect.

Thanks Lorraine. Sorry to hear that you are under the weather. Hope you get better soon. :)

There will always be people that look for the slightest issues to complain about. Understand for some it might be more serious than for others, but we intend to just enjoy our time when we do go. Glad you enjoyed it. And thanks again for the update.

Maury

If I can figure out how to post photos once I download them I will. Any day on a cruise is a good day in my books! Oh, and as an aside, we did Rudi's Sel de Mer. It was fantastic!!!!! Something worth considering.

Look forward to seeing pictures when you can.

If Linda weren’t allergic to seafood, it would definitely be on the list.

Maury

We are sailing into Puerto Limon now. There are always minor "it could be better" quibbles but I have no real issues to report. This is my first time on HAL and I'm slightly younger by a decade and a half than the most common demographic onboard. I love the low key atmosphere. I haven't seen any of the drunken roudiness that has become synonymous with cruising. Its freshing.

We are sailing into Puerto Limon now. There are always minor "it could be better" quibbles but I have no real issues to report. This is my first time on HAL and I'm slightly younger by a decade and a half than the most common demographic onboard. I love the low key atmosphere. I haven't seen any of the drunken roudiness that has become synonymous with cruising. Its freshing.

That's what we like too.....low key and relaxing.

We are sailing into Puerto Limon now. There are always minor "it could be better" quibbles but I have no real issues to report. This is my first time on HAL and I'm slightly younger by a decade and a half than the most common demographic onboard. I love the low key atmosphere. I haven't seen any of the drunken roudiness that has become synonymous with cruising. Its freshing.

There is certainly nothing wrong with peaceful and calm. Can’t wait.

Maury

Just returned yesterday from 11 days on the Zuiderdam. A few observations about the ship after drydock.

I loved the decor on the ship. As before, it is still reflective of old world Europe with muted colors, beautiful artwork and statues with a definite theme of Venice. Very warm and wonderful.

As always, food is very subjective. We ate dinner in the Lido more times than we normally do since we were just too lazy to change. The food was wonderful. Beautiful prime rib, steaks, fish (can't tell you what kind since I didn't order it) and many different sides. We did go to the dining room on the gala nights for the escargot and the lobster. Yummy as usual. We also thoroughly enjoyed breakfast in the Lido with so many options. Speaking of the Lido it appeared to us that there were many more tables which made life much easier. They have also widened the aisles between the buffet serving areas and the tables so walking through the Lido was also a much easier process.

The casino - we do tend to spend way too much time in the casino and always have a great time in spite of the outcome. The casino on the Zuiderdam is now non-smoking. This was not advertised and there were a lot of angry people. As I found out later, this was not done because it just came out of dry dock but because there is no barrier between the casino and the area where the Billboard on Board piano players (singers) perform and the smoke was bothering them. It is my understanding that the setup is different on the Koningsdam and there is a separation between the casino and the area where they play. The other issue with the casino is that it was always freezing. I never get cold but had to wear a hoodie to the casino each night. This was another thing that everyone complained about.

Speaking of freezing - the other two areas of the ship that were always cold are the Lido and the hallway leading from the elevators to the mainstage.

Speaking of smoking - the main area to smoke was the Seaview bar. It was packed constantly and there really was not enough seating. It is a fully canopied area with exposed pipes. Just one little problem - the pipes leaked! We had some torrential downpours with slanted rains swirling about. While this was happening a large number of the pipes began leaking on everyone. It was really a difficult situation that they will need to address.

The Crows Nest - they did a beautiful job of new furnishings and plenty of space for seating. This is also where you will now find the future cruise office and the excursions desk. The few times I was up there (during the day) it was pretty empty.

The cabin - we were in our favorite location - cabin 6091 - a verandah, midship right next to the outside elevator. We were quite surprised at some of the changes. No glass shelves in the bathroom...there is now a small medicine cabinet. The counter space in the bathroom also seemed smaller. In the cabin itself we had a lot less storage space. There was a picture over the sofa instead of the 2 normal storage cabinets. The desk area accross from the sofa included the refrigerator and a small storage area where they had wine glasses. The old desk area contained 3 drawers for storage on either side which is now gone. I am not sure if the furniture is the same in each verandah cabin or if other cabins are different. The flat screen TV was in a great location right across from the bed and easily seen from the sofa.

Entertainment - the shows with their singers and dancers is usually a hit or miss situation. The group on our Volendam trip in March 2017 were the best we have ever seen. This group on the Zuiderdam - not so much. We did go to see the comedian who we found hilarious. But the group that stole the show was a group called the Island Magic Steel Band. Everything you think you know about steel bands - just throw those thoughts out the window. There are 4 people and they sound like a full orchestra. They performed on 2 nights - one night doing Caribbean music and the other doing show tunes, classics from the 40's, 50's and 60's and a few operatic tunes that are familiar to all. On both nights they closed to a standing ovation. I also spent some time listening to the BB King group and they were excellent. The two piano players, who also sang, were a little painful to listen to at times. Sometimes they were simply off key. But the piano area was packed every night. HAL should really figure out a way to go back to a cozy piano bar since there are so many who love it.

So those are some of my observations of the Zuiderdam after dry dock. The staff was fabulous but that's how it is for us on every HAL cruise. We booked a 7 day Christmas cruise on the Koningsdam. I'm anxious to see the new ship since some love her and some hate her. From what I've heard the decor is much more modern and very different from the other HAL ships. We shall see!!

Helen

Just returned yesterday from 11 days on the Zuiderdam. A few observations about the ship after drydock.

 

I loved the decor on the ship. As before, it is still reflective of old world Europe with muted colors, beautiful artwork and statues with a definite theme of Venice. Very warm and wonderful.

 

As always, food is very subjective. We ate dinner in the Lido more times than we normally do since we were just too lazy to change. The food was wonderful. Beautiful prime rib, steaks, fish (can't tell you what kind since I didn't order it) and many different sides. We did go to the dining room on the gala nights for the escargot and the lobster. Yummy as usual. We also thoroughly enjoyed breakfast in the Lido with so many options. Speaking of the Lido it appeared to us that there were many more tables which made life much easier. They have also widened the aisles between the buffet serving areas and the tables so walking through the Lido was also a much easier process.

 

The casino - we do tend to spend way too much time in the casino and always have a great time in spite of the outcome. The casino on the Zuiderdam is now non-smoking. This was not advertised and there were a lot of angry people. As I found out later, this was not done because it just came out of dry dock but because there is no barrier between the casino and the area where the Billboard on Board piano players (singers) perform and the smoke was bothering them. It is my understanding that the setup is different on the Koningsdam and there is a separation between the casino and the area where they play. The other issue with the casino is that it was always freezing. I never get cold but had to wear a hoodie to the casino each night. This was another thing that everyone complained about.

 

Speaking of freezing - the other two areas of the ship that were always cold are the Lido and the hallway leading from the elevators to the mainstage.

 

Speaking of smoking - the main area to smoke was the Seaview bar. It was packed constantly and there really was not enough seating. It is a fully canopied area with exposed pipes. Just one little problem - the pipes leaked! We had some torrential downpours with slanted rains swirling about. While this was happening a large number of the pipes began leaking on everyone. It was really a difficult situation that they will need to address.

 

The Crows Nest - they did a beautiful job of new furnishings and plenty of space for seating. This is also where you will now find the future cruise office and the excursions desk. The few times I was up there (during the day) it was pretty empty.

 

The cabin - we were in our favorite location - cabin 6091 - a verandah, midship right next to the outside elevator. We were quite surprised at some of the changes. No glass shelves in the bathroom...there is now a small medicine cabinet. The counter space in the bathroom also seemed smaller. In the cabin itself we had a lot less storage space. There was a picture over the sofa instead of the 2 normal storage cabinets. The desk area accross from the sofa included the refrigerator and a small storage area where they had wine glasses. The old desk area contained 3 drawers for storage on either side which is now gone. I am not sure if the furniture is the same in each verandah cabin or if other cabins are different. The flat screen TV was in a great location right across from the bed and easily seen from the sofa.

 

Entertainment - the shows with their singers and dancers is usually a hit or miss situation. The group on our Volendam trip in March 2017 were the best we have ever seen. This group on the Zuiderdam - not so much. We did go to see the comedian who we found hilarious. But the group that stole the show was a group called the Island Magic Steel Band. Everything you think you know about steel bands - just throw those thoughts out the window. There are 4 people and they sound like a full orchestra. They performed on 2 nights - one night doing Caribbean music and the other doing show tunes, classics from the 40's, 50's and 60's and a few operatic tunes that are familiar to all. On both nights they closed to a standing ovation. I also spent some time listening to the BB King group and they were excellent. The two piano players, who also sang, were a little painful to listen to at times. Sometimes they were simply off key. But the piano area was packed every night. HAL should really figure out a way to go back to a cozy piano bar since there are so many who love it.

 

So those are some of my observations of the Zuiderdam after dry dock. The staff was fabulous but that's how it is for us on every HAL cruise. We booked a 7 day Christmas cruise on the Koningsdam. I'm anxious to see the new ship since some love her and some hate her. From what I've heard the decor is much more modern and very different from the other HAL ships. We shall see!!

 

Helen

Thanks much for the detailed review of Zuiderdam, I really appreciate it! One thing that caught my attention was the mention that the casino is non-smoking. I wonder if it will remain that way or if they plan to create some separation between it and the Billboard area? I hope it's the former as we like the casino but cannot spend much time in most ship's casinos due to the smoke, even with a designated non-smoking section.

Thank you again Helen!

Just returned yesterday from 11 days on the Zuiderdam. A few observations about the ship after drydock.

 

I loved the decor on the ship. As before, it is still reflective of old world Europe with muted colors, beautiful artwork and statues with a definite theme of Venice. Very warm and wonderful.

 

As always, food is very subjective. We ate dinner in the Lido more times than we normally do since we were just too lazy to change. The food was wonderful. Beautiful prime rib, steaks, fish (can't tell you what kind since I didn't order it) and many different sides. We did go to the dining room on the gala nights for the escargot and the lobster. Yummy as usual. We also thoroughly enjoyed breakfast in the Lido with so many options. Speaking of the Lido it appeared to us that there were many more tables which made life much easier. They have also widened the aisles between the buffet serving areas and the tables so walking through the Lido was also a much easier process.

 

The casino - we do tend to spend way too much time in the casino and always have a great time in spite of the outcome. The casino on the Zuiderdam is now non-smoking. This was not advertised and there were a lot of angry people. As I found out later, this was not done because it just came out of dry dock but because there is no barrier between the casino and the area where the Billboard on Board piano players (singers) perform and the smoke was bothering them. It is my understanding that the setup is different on the Koningsdam and there is a separation between the casino and the area where they play. The other issue with the casino is that it was always freezing. I never get cold but had to wear a hoodie to the casino each night. This was another thing that everyone complained about.

 

Speaking of freezing - the other two areas of the ship that were always cold are the Lido and the hallway leading from the elevators to the mainstage.

 

Speaking of smoking - the main area to smoke was the Seaview bar. It was packed constantly and there really was not enough seating. It is a fully canopied area with exposed pipes. Just one little problem - the pipes leaked! We had some torrential downpours with slanted rains swirling about. While this was happening a large number of the pipes began leaking on everyone. It was really a difficult situation that they will need to address.

 

The Crows Nest - they did a beautiful job of new furnishings and plenty of space for seating. This is also where you will now find the future cruise office and the excursions desk. The few times I was up there (during the day) it was pretty empty.

 

The cabin - we were in our favorite location - cabin 6091 - a verandah, midship right next to the outside elevator. We were quite surprised at some of the changes. No glass shelves in the bathroom...there is now a small medicine cabinet. The counter space in the bathroom also seemed smaller. In the cabin itself we had a lot less storage space. There was a picture over the sofa instead of the 2 normal storage cabinets. The desk area accross from the sofa included the refrigerator and a small storage area where they had wine glasses. The old desk area contained 3 drawers for storage on either side which is now gone. I am not sure if the furniture is the same in each verandah cabin or if other cabins are different. The flat screen TV was in a great location right across from the bed and easily seen from the sofa.

 

Entertainment - the shows with their singers and dancers is usually a hit or miss situation. The group on our Volendam trip in March 2017 were the best we have ever seen. This group on the Zuiderdam - not so much. We did go to see the comedian who we found hilarious. But the group that stole the show was a group called the Island Magic Steel Band. Everything you think you know about steel bands - just throw those thoughts out the window. There are 4 people and they sound like a full orchestra. They performed on 2 nights - one night doing Caribbean music and the other doing show tunes, classics from the 40's, 50's and 60's and a few operatic tunes that are familiar to all. On both nights they closed to a standing ovation. I also spent some time listening to the BB King group and they were excellent. The two piano players, who also sang, were a little painful to listen to at times. Sometimes they were simply off key. But the piano area was packed every night. HAL should really figure out a way to go back to a cozy piano bar since there are so many who love it.

 

So those are some of my observations of the Zuiderdam after dry dock. The staff was fabulous but that's how it is for us on every HAL cruise. We booked a 7 day Christmas cruise on the Koningsdam. I'm anxious to see the new ship since some love her and some hate her. From what I've heard the decor is much more modern and very different from the other HAL ships. We shall see!!

 

Helen

I was on the Zuiderdam last year and loved the decor. The Commedia dell'Arte figures were my favorite of any HAL ship's art. I was hoping they stayed on the ship post, dry-dock so I could share them with my husband on our New Year's Cruise on the Zuiderdam this year. Are they still there?

Loved the nonsmoking casino!!! I know this is subjective based on addiction (mine is not smoking) but wow it was fantastic not to have to deal with The Cloud.

My Chief Complaint (quibble really) was the lack of non-mobility restrictive shore excursions. I saw quite a few physically fit seniors on this trip. Really they are out there, Holland America Brass! I wish that there had been more options for more adventurous EXC trips with hiking etc. Why not offer one version of an excursion that is for those with walkers and mobility restrictions and another for passengers who have no restrictions? Drop that in the suggestion box!

Yes, I will be back on HAL; loved the Zuiderdam and her crew.

This is a good idea..in addition to showing you how high the level of activity is for each excursion.

I'm one of those people who prefers bus tours with a bare minimum of walking(though I did go on an excursion in Spain that had a lot of walking-went out of my comfort zone there for sure.)

I was on the Zuiderdam last year and loved the decor. The Commedia dell'Arte figures were my favorite of any HAL ship's art. I was hoping they stayed on the ship post, dry-dock so I could share them with my husband on our New Year's Cruise on the Zuiderdam this year. Are they still there?

Yes...they are still there and still beautiful!

Helen

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I was on the Zuiderdam last year and loved the decor. The Commedia dell'Arte figures were my favorite of any HAL ship's art. I was hoping they stayed on the ship post, dry-dock so I could share them with my husband on our New Year's Cruise on the Zuiderdam this year. Are they still there?

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Helen,

Thank you so much for the review. I am glad that it appears that the changes are being well received for the most part. Non-smoking in the casino sounds like a winner. Know that won’t sit well with smokers, but a sense of fresh air in such a public place will be good.

DW and I look forward to sailing on her in February.

Maury

Thanks for your review. We will be on the Zuiderdam in February and are looking forward to our cruise. Love that the casino is now non-smoking.

We have have always found the food on the Zuiderdam very good and hope that it remains so. Did you go to Sel de Mer? Would love a review of that.

Terri

Thanks for your review. We will be on the Zuiderdam in February and are looking forward to our cruise. Love that the casino is now non-smoking.

 

We have have always found the food on the Zuiderdam very good and hope that it remains so. Did you go to Sel de Mer? Would love a review of that.

 

Terri

We did not go to the Sel de Mer but friends went and said it was outstanding.

Helen

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Thanks much for the detailed review of Zuiderdam, I really appreciate it! One thing that caught my attention was the mention that the casino is non-smoking. I wonder if it will remain that way or if they plan to create some separation between it and the Billboard area? I hope it's the former as we like the casino but cannot spend much time in most ship's casinos due to the smoke, even with a designated non-smoking section.

Thank you again Helen!

Once all 4 Vista ships and the Eurodam/N. Amsterdam finish their refits to have Billboard Onboard and the Gallery Bar the Casinos on those 6 vessels will all be completely non-smoking. Not sure what the long term plan is for the rest of the fleet.

Dropping in to share that Cruise Critic will be on Zuiderdam to check out the changes in late January. I wrote the original review of the ship, so I'm looking forward to getting back onboard and seeing what's new!

I can't to see an updated photo collection in the Reviews section for Zuiderdam - I absolutely LOVE that feature here on Cruise Critic and use it often when researching ships!!!!!!!!

Jim and Karen were on the cruise that ended 11/26.

Some notes:

The lobby bar was never open.

There are now only three available computer terminals, all on deck one.

There are two tables in the Crow's Nest for jigsaw puzzle fans, however there is no light above the tables.

Airflow in the Pinnacle Bar is non-existent.

Sip & Savor was a rare event.

One crew member told me that Holland America was eliminating the book exchange! I wrote to guest services in Seattle about that.

Three times in the Dining Room on deck 2, the waiter apologized for lateness of the entree; each waiter blamed it on the kitchen staff.

There are three cracked windows in the Crow's Nest (right after dry dock?).

Jim

We just disembarked Sunday as well. The public areas and new flooring look great. Loved the new TVs and new furniture in stateroom.

We noticed some leaks here and there and one badly cracked window in the crows nest. We too were surprised they weren’t fixed. A lot of doors were missing the glass balls and some cracked mirrors here and there. But. Overall she looks great.

Strangely there were some areas of the floor that were concave and some convex.

Biggest disappointment was dirty worn out lounge pads and broken teak deck chairs. That needs to be addressed!

But we had a great cruise!

Thanks to all for the reviews!

Sorry to hear there are still cracks in the Crow’s Nest windows. We had imagined they would have been repaired during dry dock.

Can anyone advise if they’re is there still a dance floor in the Ocean Lounge, and whether a live band still plays there in the evenings?

At his cruise end presentation on 11/25 Capt Wouter suggested the cracks in the Crows Nest were post-drydock. The change from dry to wet causing materials to shrink/expand. One lady on the cruise expressed that she saw it happen right in front of her. Capt Wouter (cannot spell his last name) expressed dismay and said a glass vendor was available in FLL port to fix it eventually.

There is no dance floor. I believe it was the Hotel Director who said it was never in use and seemed to belong to a different era. So the space was updated.

Also it seems odd to me that comments suggest the Crows Nest was lightly used. Every time I was in it there was a big group drinking, napping, reading, knitting, playing chess, researching shore excursions, putting together puzzles, gabbing, etc. Were we on the same ship?