Holland America Zuiderdam
You might say that the Zuiderdam is not the Holland America you are familiar with. Her decor is certainly out of character if you compare her with the rest of her family, or the other "dam" ships you have come to know and appreciate. Certainly, this is Holland America "with attitude", and I must admit I welcome this upbeat change in personality.
True to form, Holland America still delivers one of the finest dining experiences in the premium/mass market. Although the buffets are not much different than other ships in this category, dinners in both the Vista Dining Room and the Odyssey (alternative restaurant) are a class act. The selections are superior and expertly prepared. Sure, there were a few food and service issues during this three-night shake down cruise, but nothing that won't be fixed in the first few months of operation.
The decor is bright and vibrant - with lots of deep reds, purples, blues and other complimentary colors. Throughout the ship, you will find unique seating, mostly done in rich leather in a variety of hues. In the Crow's Nest, look for the navy blue Scandanavian recliners that face the sea. Once you get in, you won't want to get out. At the pool bar, you will sit on upside-down brass fish tails. Seating in the Odyssey restaurant is stunningly done in silver and ivory. In the Windstar cafe, the natical "deck chairs" have wood back rests featuring the HAL logo. I don't know the last time I cruise on a ship and even remembered the chairs. Here, they are hard to forget!
Oddly enough, on a vessel of this size - 82,000 tons and accommodating 1,848 passengers - there is a very tiny three level atrium. If you are familiar with the rest of the fleet, you know that there is usually a large statue or sculpture in the center of the atrium. Happily, the Zuiderdam has a lovely and intimate bar at the bottom of this atrium, done in an art deco theme with bold colors. Here you will also find the shore excursion and front offices.
On the next level is the Odyssey Restaurant. For a $15 per person fee, you can dine on delicious steaks and seafood in true Pacific Northwest fashion. The room is lovely with windows facing the ocean on one side, and a clear view into the atrium on the other. Inside is a small bar for guests waiting to be seated.
Across the atrium on the opposite side is a wonderful additon to Holland America cruising. Done in the syle of a sailing ship, is the Windstar Cafe. The tables are made from coiled rope and transparent plexiglass. The chairs look like they belong on the deck of the Windsurf. There is even a Windstar replica encased on the wall at the far end. But what makes this cafe so special is the coffee. As you probably know, Holland America is headquartered in Seattle...the land of coffee - and this new venue is their answer to Starbucks! If you can dream it, the baristers can make it - for a small fee of course. You can also enjoy frozen beverages and specialty sodas. The desserts were spectactular - particularly the chocolate ones. And something I have never seen anywhere but at an amusement park...the Windstar Cafe sells "dipping dots" - a pearlized ice cream that melts in your mouth! Bravo, on a job very well done!
On the last level, also known as the promenade deck is the very busy, very popular Ocean Bar. The bar wraps around the atrium, and is the center of excitement prior to dinner on most nights. At the very top of the atrium is a rotating Waterford seahorse. Of course the cruise line takes full advantage of this by selling Waterford crystal replicas in the gift shop so that every passenger can take home an appropriate souvenir.
The Crow's Nest, located at the front of the observation deck is the perfect place for drinks, dancing and of course - cocktail parites. There are a variety of sections that can be used to make smaller events seem more private. I especially liked the intimate Oak Room, just aft of the Crow's Nest. Here, you can do an indoor/outdoor party in an elegant and cozy atmophere, as the room has a sliding glass door leading out to a covered terrace. The Oak Room features a faux fireplace and white leather club chairs.
The two-level Vista Dining Room is lovely with very comfortable seating and lots of space between the tables. Service was friendly but a little slow. I attribute this to the newness of the vessel, and I am sure they will be up to the Holland America standard in no time. The menus are wonderful, with many new and exciting choices. I was most impressed with the appetizers and desserts, as they were certainly a cut above the competition. Rosenthal china and lovely silverware adorned the tables. On formal night, the chairs are clad with elegant white covers, giving the room a Waldorf Astoria feel.
The Lido restaurant definitely had some issues in terms of flow through the various stations. Holland America has created a food court of sorts with a deli, Italian Bar, Seafood Bar, Asian Bar, Salad Bar, Dessert Station and a more mainstream hot food section. I have seen this concept work better on other ships, but Holland America's version will not put a damper on anyone's program.
From past experience, it was no surprise that the cabins are among the finest at sea. The layout is absolutely perfect. The storage space is generous and easily accessible. I like the addition of a storage cabinet over the couch in the balcony cabins. Although the bathrooms were completely drap without much in the way of decoration, they are large and wonderfully functional - most with full-size bathtub/shower combination.
The spa is much expanded over those on the last series of ships for this line. Of course you will find the traditional treatment rooms, but there are so many "appetizing" additions. First, the thermal suite and hydrotherapy pool are much along the lines of what Celebrity offers on their ships. The thermal suite offers a variety of hot steam, dry steam and aromatherapy steam rooms. In addition, there are four aromatherapy showers, each with its own unique and delicious scent. Ever take a passion fruit shower? Trust me...it is amazing! Here, you can lie on a "throne" of heated mosaic tiles and completely relax. If you move on to the hydrotherapy pool, you will enjoy the powerful jets while bathing in warm mineral water. You can remove weeks worth of stress in this spot alone. And the menu of therapies has definitely been expanded. There are several different massages and facials to choose from. Try any number of herbal wraps and even a "dry float" for the ultimate in relaxation. All I can say is "ahhhhhh."
The Queen's Lounge replaces the Wayang Theater for meetings, movies and award ceremonies. Holland America needs to rethink the seating in this room, as the chairs were somewhat uncomfortable. With a minor revision, this would be the perfect spot for incentive groups to take care of business! Of course, the ship has a trio of dedicated meeting rooms for breakouts or office space, should your group require such facilities.
You won't want to miss the Northern Lights disco. The decor is certainly a little "out there", with cow print seating and an iceberg off to the side of the dance floor. Love it or not...it was a fun place to dance to current music and get in touch with your wilder side.
With so many new places and innovations - take heart....some of the tried and true Holland America "landmarks" are still to be found. Of course, the magradome-covered center lido pool is as wonderful as ever. Rain or shine, you can swim in the heated fresh-water pool, or relax in a padded lounge chair. There are certainly plenty of tables for casual dining. The Explorer's Lounge is always a favorite for drinking and socializing after dinner. The three-tiered Vista Lounge is the place to take in a show or concert. Although there were some poles, I thought that for the most part, the sight lines were fine. I understand that on future ships in this series, the company is considering a suspended ceiling without any interference.
Bottom line - Holland America has decided to market to the baby boomers, and the change is certainly welcome.
For more information on the Zuiderdam, and the rest of the Holland America fleet, visit www.hollandamerica.com.