Overall Score
| BERLITZ'S RATING |
| |
Possible |
Achieved |
| |
| Ship |
500 |
431 |
| Accommodation |
200 |
165 |
| Food |
400 |
282 |
| Service |
400 |
276 |
| Entertainment |
100 |
77 |
| Cruise |
400 |
312 |
| |
Zaandam’s hull is dark blue, in keeping with all Holland America Line ships. Although similar in size to Rotterdam, this ship has a single funnel, and is a sister ship to Volendam.
Zaandam has three principal passenger stairways, which is so much better than two stairways, particularly from the viewpoints of safety, accessibility and passenger flow. There is a magrodome-covered pool on the Lido Deck between the mast and the ship’s funnel.
The interior decor is restrained, with much traditional ocean liner detailing, wood accenting, and the design theme of music incorporated throughout. Music memorabilia is scattered throughout the ship, in fabrics, posters, and – believe it or not – real instruments. The musical instruments and other memorabilia were acquired from the “Pop and Guitars” auction at Christie’s in London in 1997. They include a Fender Squire Telecaster guitar signed by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood and Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones; a Conn Saxophone signed on the mouthpiece by former US President Bill Clinton; an Ariana acoustic guitar signed by David Bowie and Iggy Pop; a Fender Stratocaster guitar signed in silver ink by the members of the rock band Queen; a Bently “Les Paul” style guitar signed by various artists, including Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Robert Cray, Keith Richards and Les Paul (perhaps the ship should be named Rockerdam).
New additions include The Oasis outdoor relaxation areas (aft of the funnel, including a waterfall and family gathering areas), Explorations (an excellent combination coffee/tea café, internet connection center, and library; and children’s and teens’ play areas. Popcorn is even provided at the Wajang Theater for moviegoers (just like ashore), and this location now incorporates a fully equipped kitchen for HAL’s “Culinary Arts” program, which involves visiting chefs and interactive cooking and tasting demonstrations.
The casino has blackjack, roulette, stud poker and dice tables alongside the requisite rows of slot machines. Adjacent is a sports bar.
The ship’s focal point is a three-deck-high atrium, around which the ship’s main offices can be found (reception desk, shore excursions desk, photo shop, and photo gallery). It also houses a real showpiece – a fancy 22-ft (6.7-meter) high pipe organ that comes complete with puppets that move in time with the music; it is one of the largest such Dutch band organs ever built (it was custom-built in Hilversum in the Netherlands especially for Holland America Line).
As in Volendam, the Lido Deck swimming pool is located one deck higher than the Statendam-class ships, so that you can now have direct access between the aft and midships pools aboard this ship (not so aboard the S-class ships). This provided more space on the Navigation Deck below for extra cabins to be accommodated.
With one whole deck of suites (and a dedicated, private concierge lounge), the company has in effect created a two-class ship. The charge to use the washing machines and dryers in the self-service launderette is petty and irritating, particularly for the occupants of suites, as they pay high prices for their cruises.
Holland America Line’s “Signature of Excellence” program, now introduced fleetwide, provides passengers with more choice, and has given a boost to the cabin toiletry amenities provided. Communication (in English) with many of the staff, particularly in the dining room and buffet areas, can be frustrating. Room service is poor. Non-smokers should avoid this ship, as smokers are everywhere. Standing in line for embarkation, disembarkation, shore tenders and for self-serve buffet meals is inevitable aboard large ships.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
