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The Zuiderdam is the first
in a series of five new ships for Holland America. Carrying
1,848 passengers the Zuiderdam is Holland America's largest
ship to date. Another first for the Holland America's
Zuiderdam is that 85% of the cabins are outside and two thirds
of them have verandahs. At 82,000 tons the Zuiderdam is of the
same size several other cruise lines are putting 2,200+
passengers on. The ship truly feels more spacious than most
ships.
The contemporary decor on the Zuiderdam more accurately
reflects Holland America's younger clientele than previous
ships. The woods and fabrics are must lighter and brighter
than past ships. While the ship has the multi-dollar signature
Holland America collection of original works of art it also
has a couch in the shape of Mick Jagger's lips. The Northern
Lights Nightclub (disco) is done in a bar and white theme like
a Gateway Computer box. The ship still retains it feeling of
elegance as with past Holland America ships but without a old
world stuffy feeling.
Zuiderdam has many new features not found on other Holland
America ships. They include 4 glass elevators on the outside
of the ship, a dedicated sports bar, a golf simulator room,
very extensive spa facilities and a hydrotherapy pool. The
120+ seat Odyssey Restaurant is stunning and in my opinion the
smartest restaurant at sea today. Done in a white and silver
decor with silver chairs this restaurant is a MUST do for
groups. The new Windstar Cafe is a very comfortable room with
the feel of a sidewalk cafe to enjoy coffees, ice cream and
pastries.
The Queens Lounge offers cabaret-style entertainment at night
and movies during the day. This is an ideal location for
private functions and meetings. The ship does offer three
dedicated meeting rooms that can be opened up to one big room
for maximum flexibility. The Crow's Nest offers two smaller
rooms that lend themselves to board meetings as well as being
available for larger group cocktail parties and receptions.
The two level main dining, La Fontaine, has a suspended
bandstand balcony for live dinner music. The room is itself
has numerous areas for groups of most any size. Like all
Holland America Dining there are two grand staircases on
either side of the atrium. Rosenthal China, fine silver and
crystal still are a Holland America trade mark that makes for
one of the nicest dining rooms at sea. Holland America's
service still earns them ranking as the TOP PREMIUM CRUISE
LINE in most travel magazines poles. The food and service
during my short three day cruise was excellent.
The redesigned Lido Restaurant now features "Food Court" style
food stations. Not only does this offer more variety but it
also cuts down on the lines that are so common at most
buffets. The Lido is also open for dinner as a more casual
option. Rounding out the food outlets is the Terrace Grill for
people who want to dine around the pool.
The Lido deck also houses the two swimming pools and Jacuzzis
on the Zuiderdam. The main pool located mid ship can be
covered during cool or wet weather. The aft pool is a quieter
place to relax and soak up the sun or enjoy your book both
offer full waiter service.
The three level Vista Lounge is the main showroom on the ship.
Sight lines are not the best due to numerous columns (to be
corrected on the next ship) but it is still an impressive
room. As with all Holland America ships Bob Mackie does the
costuming for the shows and they are exceptional.
As mentioned earlier the vast majority of the cabins come with
a generous sized verandah. The standard verandah cabins are
254 sq ft including the balcony. All of these come with
bathtub, shower and sitting area. In keeping with the rest of
the ship the cabins are lighter and brighter than in the past.
Additionally there are about 100 Superior verandah suites that
are 384 sq ft that come with full size whirlpools baths, dual
sink vanity, vcr and a very comfortable sitting room. Again
Holland America leads the way with having the largest cabins
in the business and in particular the large ship premium
category.
The Zuiderdam will operate year round from Ft Lauderdale
offering eastern and western Caribbean itineraries.
The Zuiderdam is a great ship to consider for groups who are
use to a refined atmosphere and expect superior service.
Holland America still offers the nice touches of complimentary
canapés nightly in the various interior bars and lounges, a
great ice cream bar, lavish floral displays and 24 hour room
service. |
