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Zuiderdam sails year-round out of Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean. Depending on the cruise, these are among Zuiderdam ports of call: Key West, FL; George Town, Cayman Islands; Costa Maya, Cozumel; St. Thomas, USVI; Nassau, Bahamas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten. All Zuiderdam passengers call at Half Moon Cay, Holland America's private island.
Launched in 2002, Zuiderdam features a large number of balcony cabins (pictured).
Storage space is generous and cabin size is ample. However some amenities that travelers who stay in better hotels expect will find them absent from Zuiderdam. Complementary bathrobes, brand-name amenities, and clock radio/CD players are not provided in Zuiderdam balcony cabins.
Uncle Bill, who was a longtime Holland-America customer, has not been impressed with the cruise line's newer ships like the Zuiderdam. He says, "Holland-America’s gone downhill since it was bought out by Carnival; they cheapen things and take a lot of shortcuts. The only good change was the addition of a pizza bar."
Although Zuiderdam has good facilities for children, there were few on a May cruise. Zuiderdam kids' staff says more children come aboard during school holidays and summer cruises.
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Check out a Private Balcony Aboard the Zuiderdam
The majority of Zuiderdam's cabins feature a private balcony. But unless you are in a higher-level or penthouse stateroom, balcony space is minimal and table and chair are plastic.
Eat at the Zuiderdam Lido Cafe
At the Zuiderdam's Lido Cafe (buffet area) a variety of serving stations offer different types of cuisine, but none are comparable to mid-level restaurants on terra firma.
Room service can be a bit haphazard as well. Cereal and yogurt ordered for breakfast were delivered with a knife and fork, but no spoon. After calling for the spoon, a teaspoon was brought half an hour later.
Visit the Vista Dining Room
Zuiderdam's two-level Vista dining room accommodates guests at two seatings (early and late). There is a limited number of tables for two, so you are likely to meet other passengers at dinner. If you find your table mates or location unsatisfactory, ask the maitre d' to switch you to another table.
The food may be the most disappointing part of the voyage. Careless preparation of low-quality ingredients in the Main Dining Room made dinners most nights a huge disappointment.
Sample Delicacies at the Zuiderdam's Dutch Tea
The highlight of any voyage, mid-afternoon Dutch Tea features sweets and savory canapes. There is also one mid-day Chocolate buffet. You will want to attend these, as they offer the best-tasting free fare on board.
Dip In the Zuiderdam Aft Swimming Pool
If you choose to stay onboard during a port day, you may find that you have Zuiderdam's aft pool practically to yourselves.
Stay Connected at the Zuiderdam Internet Cafe
Use one of the Zuiderdam's PCs in the Internet Cafe or bring your laptop. Passengers who bring wi-fi equipped personal computers can access the Web and email -- if they set up near the Internet Cafe.
Toast Yourselves at the Zuiderdam Atrium Bar
Zuiderdam's Atrium Bar is one of many public spaces that are rarely crowded.
The casino aboard Zuiderdam features slot machines and table games including blackjack, roulette, and Caribbean stud poker.
Night owls can dance the night away at Zuiderdam's Northern Lights disco.
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