Panama Canal Cruise |
1 of 1 people found this review informative
|
| |
|
Reviewed By: Hui, Chesterfield on 15th Jan 2010
|
| Cruise Line: Holland America Cruises |
Times cruised before: 3-5 |
| Cruise Ship: MS Zuiderdam |
Sailed:
December,
2009 |
| Destination:
Panama Canal
|
Age: 56-65 |
| Cabin: Inside |
Occasion: Birthday |
|
We went to the Panama Canal cruise over Christmas and New Year 2009. There were 17 of us all together with friends and family.
The morning we were due to leave to go to Manchester Airport only to find out that BA had cancelled their flight from Manchester to London due to the weather . We therefore found ourselves having to drive to London very quickly and also having to find a long term stay car park so that we can catch the connecting flight from London to Miami.
After all the hassle we were relief when we arrived at Miami Airport. A coach came to pick us up and took us to the hotel where we stayed for one night. Next day a short coach trip was supposed to take us to Fort Lauderdale to embark our ship Zuiderdam. We were only to be told that there was a case of GI in the previous cruise. The ship needed to be totally sanitised before we board. We were only delayed for about two hours before embarking the ship. Boarding in Fort Lauderdale was very smooth since we had our on-line check in done at home.
For the first two days, we were not allowed to touch the food ourselves due to the precaution on recurrence of GI. We had to be served in the buffet area (the LIDO) until Christmas Day. We were then free to serve ourselves.
The Ship
The ship was better than we expected. The cabin was of a good size and the shower room and toilet were clean, although, we did find the furniture a bit old. It was adequate. It was easy to get around the ship. We did find the Atrium small but enjoyed the shopping area.
The stewards around the ship were friendly, courteous and helpful.
The Restaurant
The food in the Vista dining room was good although for the first few evenings the food was served warm/cold and the service was very slow. We didn’t think it was the waiter’s fault as he was really very busy. Perhaps he could have done with a little help from the head waiter as he was only walking around asking everyone ‘is everything alright’. It is basically a case of serious short of right level of waiting staff.
Quality of Food
We enjoyed the food in the VISTA and the LIDO especially the steaks. We were unable to enjoy the Pinnacle Grill because it was fully booked very quickly.
The Gym
We were not impressed with the equipment in the Gym. The room was small and the equipments were dated or not functioning at all. We have to queue to go on anything so much so we gave up at the end.
Activities
Activities could have been better perhaps more dance classes. Only 2 line dancing classes (half an hour each) on the whole cruise - certainly not enough judging on the popularity of those two classes. After 12 in the evening there was only a disco for younger people and the casino. Otherwise the only option is to go to bed.
Entertainment
Enjoyed the singers and dancers – they were excellent.
Ports of call
Ports of call on this cruise: Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line Private Island was excellent. We really enjoyed this private island, clean, beautiful soft sand and clear turquoise blue water – just what you would expect in such a beautiful island.
It was amazing watching the ship going through the Panama Canal and it was such a lovely sunny day too!
Excursions
We did not join any because we think they were over priced. We did our own things which were much more value for money.
Overall
Overall, we enjoyed the trip especially going through the Canal and the Half Moon Cay Island and liked the ship, but probably would not try the same ship again.
|
| Quality of Food |  |
| We enjoyed the food especially the steaks. | | Entertainment |  |
| The 4 singers and dancers were excellent. | | Shore Excursions | n/a |
| We did not join any excursions. | | Staff | |
| The stewards around the ship were friendly, courteous and helpful and our cabin steward was also very courteous. | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities |  |
| Not really as mentioned above. | | Cabins |  |
| Our cabins was clean and of a good size, although the furniture was a bit dated! | | Overall Rating | |
|
Receive a FREE copy
of Fodor's
Complete
Guide to
European
Cruises
|
Previous Cruise Reviews
