Overall Score
| BERLITZ'S RATING |
| |
Possible |
Achieved |
| |
| Ship |
500 |
429 |
| Accommodation |
200 |
163 |
| Food |
400 |
283 |
| Service |
400 |
280 |
| Entertainment |
100 |
77 |
| Cruise |
400 |
313 |
| |
Zuiderdam (sister to Eurodam, Noordam, Oosterdam and Westerdam) shares a common platform and hull shape (Zuiderdam is pronounced Zider-dam), and is designed to appeal to younger, more vibrant, multi-generational family-oriented passengers. There are two funnels, placed close together, one in front of the other, and not side by side as aboard the smaller Amsterdam and Rotterdam. This placement is the result of the slightly unusual machinery configuration. The ship has, in effect, two engine rooms – one with three diesels, and one with two diesels and a gas turbine. A pod propulsion (see page 29 for definition) is provided, powered by a diesel-electric system, with a small gas turbine located in the funnel for the reduction of emissions.
A complete wrap-around exterior promenade deck is enjoyed by many. Exterior glass elevators, mounted midships on both port and starboard sides, provide fine ocean views. There are two centrally located swimming pools outdoors, and one of the pools can be used in poor weather due to its retractable magrodome (glass dome) cover. Two whirlpool tubs, adjacent to the swimming pools, are abridged by a bar. Another smaller pool is provided for children.
When you first walk into the ship’s interior, you’ll be greeted by the small size of the lobby space that spans just three decks. It has a stairway, and its focal point is a large, 10-foot high transparent seahorse. In keeping with the traditions of Holland America Line, there is a large collection of artwork. The decor is extremely bright for a Holland America Line ship, and an eclectic color and pattern mix that assails you from all directions.
There are two entertainment/public room decks, the upper of which has an exterior promenade deck – something new for this traditional cruise line. Although it doesn’t go around the whole ship, it’s long enough to do some serious walking on. Additionally, there is also a jogging track outdoors, located around the mast and the forward third of the ship.
The most dramatic public room is the Vista Lounge, the ship’s showlounge; it spans three decks in the forward section of the ship. The main floor level has a bar in its starboard aft section. Other facilities include a winding shopping street with boutique stores and logo shops.
The casino is large (one has to walk through it to get from the restaurant to the showlounge), and this is equipped with all the gaming paraphernalia and array of slot machines you can think of – all designed, of course, to entertain you while you are relieved of your money.
Children have KidZone (an indoor/outdoor facility), and Cub Hal for ages 5–12 (sleepovers aren’t allowed, though), with dedicated youth counselors. Teenagers get to use WaveRunner, which includes a dance floor, special lighting effects, and booming sound system. There’s also a video game room, and big-screen television for movies.
The information desk in the lobby is small in comparison to the size of the lobby. Many of the private balconies are not so private, and can be overlooked from various public locations. Many pillars obstruct the passenger flow and lines of sight throughout the ship.
Communication (in English) with many of the staff, particularly in the dining room and buffet areas, can prove very frustrating. It may be difficult to escape from smokers, and people walking around in unsuitable clothing, clutching plastic sport drinks bottles.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
