holland-zaandam2

Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Rick @Diane Richardson
Email: brichar499@erols.com
Age: 53
Occupation: Economic Development/RN
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Zaandam
SailingDate: 8/26/00
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
Cabin: Outside
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 70
GoodForHoneymoon: 80
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 95
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess: 95
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 60
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 80
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 03 Sep 2000
Time: 08:51:35
Remote Name: 207-172-63-217.s217.tnt3.rcm.va.dialup.rcn.com
Remote User:

Comments

I had a ready answer to the frequently asked question from fellow passengers: Why did you
choose Holland America? Because we’re finally old enough. Just kidding, of course. Seriously, we
were always concerned that we would end up the youngest on board if we took this line. Previously,
we have sailed with Carnival, NCL, Princess and Celebrity. HAL does have the oldest median age
of our collective experience (we are 53 and 55). However, they are making an effort to appeal to a
younger crowd, particular families with children. The Club HAL program for children was very well
organized. Where HAL suffers, however, is in the entertainment and activity areas. There was less
available activity programming than has been our experience on other lines. We were particularly
disappointed in the entertainment. The theater was actually dark (closed) on one evening. The
alternative entertainment in the lounges was mediocre and geared to an older crowd. A final
criticism might reflect our growing experience in cruising. I felt that the value in the shore
excursions had reached a new low. Everything appeared overpriced by at least 50%. For example,
a brief nature tour on the private island was $15 per person, a walking tour of Old San Juan was
$39. As many reviewers write: do your homework and organize your own tours.

On the positive side – and there were many positives – the line and this new ship, ms Zaandam,
reflect a refinement and sophistication not often seen. Large fresh flower arrangements, fruit in
your room, wonderful art and appointments on the ship, excellent food, free ice cream counter, and
gracious service made the trip memorable. Having cruised on Grand Princess, one of the biggest
afloat, I was concerned about going back to a smaller ship. However, the Zaandam seems just
about the right size. And it was the least crowded ship we have sailed.

I would not recommend HAL to the party set, however seniors and, more recently, families with
children, should seriously consider this line.

Name: Dennis A
Email: dcadc@aol.com
Age: 44
Occupation: Musician
NumberOfCruises: 9
TravelAgent: Yes
Ship: Holland-Zaandam
SailingDate: August 12
Itinerary: Eastern Carribbean
Cabin: A
FoodDiningRoom: 94
CruiseDirector: 92
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService: 93
CruiseStaff: 97
CabinAmenities: 98
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 97
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 97
ShoreExcVariety: 92
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 98
ShoreExcValue: 92
GoodForHoneymoon: 95
CasinoStaff: 93
PrivateIsland: 98
GoodForFamilies: 96
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 98
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 92
WheelchairAccess: 95
ExerciseFacilities: 98
EntertShowLounge: 93
OverallPortsofCall: 92
BeautySalon: 94
EntertainmentPoolside: 94
CruiseActivities: 94
Casino: 96
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 98
Stabilization: 99
ShopsOnBoard: 94
SpaceRatio: 97
OverallCruiseValue: 99
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 04 Sep 2000
Time: 15:28:29
Remote Name: 206.128.78.236
Remote User:

Comments

This was our family's first experience with HAL. It was near perfect. From the time we stepped onto the
ship everything was first class. Not being a sun worshipper like my family, I found other very interesting
things to do. The tour of the ship's control room was great. To see all of the computers in action really
was interesting. Every single piece of food that my family or I ate was superbly prepared; there was
nary a residue of fat from the french fries. This was one example of how well the food was presented. I
personally spoke with the head chef aout his exquisite offerings, and he was very nice and
communicative. The ship was spotless. HAL met and exceeded our expectations. We have cruised on
RCCL and NCL, and HAL was right there as far as all aspects of the cruise. Pleasant staff. Very
secure exiting and entering the ship. Outstanding exercise facilities with EVERYTHING WORKING.
Pools immaculate. Plenty of activities for kids. Cabins super quiet. Stabilization outstanding. Our 14 yr
old daughter was kept very, very happy the whole cruise. We had fabulous table mates. We tip our
hat's to HAL and look forward to our next experience!

Name: Scott Brown
Email: sbrown12@wans.net
Age: 35
Occupation: Facilities Management
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Zaandam
SailingDate: 9/2/00
Itinerary: W Carribean
Cabin: Suite 7008
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 98
FoodLidoDeck: 93
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 96
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 92
ShoreExcValue: 95
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 100
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 10 Sep 2000
Time: 19:17:26
Remote Name: a020-0940.tamp.splitrock.net
Remote User:

Comments

This is my second cruise on HAL and sixth overall. My cruise was a 7-day Western Caribbean trip in
suite 7008. My only other HAL cruise was two years ago when my wife and I traveled to the Southern
Caribbean for ten days on the Ryndam.

First, let me comment that HAL is no longer reserved strictly for seniors, and the average age on this
ship was about twenty years younger than that of the Ryndam. Both ships were remarkably beautiful,
and what the Zaandam gained by her youth the Ryndam countered with her experienced and delightful
staff.

Instead of a play by play description of my entire trip, I will simply point out some of the advantages
HAL and the Zaandam offers to cruisers of all ages:

The alternative dining room on the Zaandam, the Marco Polo, is a must see (and taste). Food
presentation, food quality, and service are on par with some of the better four and five star restaurants
I have encountered. Food quality in the dining room and Lido restaurant is typical HAL (not quite
Crystal, better than Royal Caribbean or Carnival). Suite guests may eat in the Marco Polo every night,
and my wife and I would have done just that if it weren’t for our wonderful table guests in the main
dining room.

The Lido cafeteria appeared larger than the Ryndam's and offered an ethnic foods counter where I
found an excellent chicken curry one-day during lunch.

The cruise director on the Zaandam was humorous and intelligent.

For shore excursions on our Western Caribbean trip, we chose the Jeep Safari in Cozumel and the
Mountain Bicycle Ride in Ocho Rios. The Jeep Safari was nice, but the Mountain Bicycle Trip is a must.
Not only was the trip a blast, but the cove they let you swim in at the end of the trip was remarkable.
We love the water and beaches at Grand Cayman so we decided to simply spend the day at the
Hyatt’s beach. Stingray City is a must see if you haven’t ever visited that area of Grand Cayman.

Overall the Zaandam is a great ship on a remarkable line. I would recommend this vessel for all ages
and interests, although extremely active people or party animals may find Royal Caribbean or Carnival
more attractive. Other than that, there is not much difference between the two ships.

Name: Robert Mason
Email: ShipNOut@aol.com
Age: 46
Occupation: Architect
NumberOfCruises: 50
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Zaandam
SailingDate: August 26, 2000
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
Cabin: 7019/Suite
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 95
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 30
SpaceRatio: 80
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 11 Sep 2000
Time: 22:41:50
Remote Name: a213-199.hstn.tx.verio.net
Remote User:

Comments

For a relatively new ship (only 3 months sailing when we were on it), the service is remarkably polished
and efficient. The variety of lounges are enough to keep everyone happy; from small, quiet spaces, to
the large main showroom, where there is not a bad seat in the house (at least from the main floor
seats).

We especially enjoyed the harpist who played every evening in the Explorers' Lounge, and during
special events (ie: special suites' luncheon and VIP cocktail parties). She brought a welcome elegance
to the evenings.

There was a completely differnt show every evening, with not a single repeat performer during the
entire 7 day cruise.

Food is available almost everywhere, almost continuously. There is always fruit, coockies, sandwiches
in the Lido, and the coffe urns run 24 hours.

Holland America has the best designed suites afloat. They are huge (nearly 600 sq.ft) with a balcony
that is larger than most standard cabins. The service in the suites is spectacular, and all of the special
amenities that come with being in a suite (special boarding, priority tender tickets, private luncheons,
dinners, coctail parties, the day's menus delivered to your suite, evening appetizers, and more) make
these rooms worth the extra cost (in our opinion).

Half Moon Cay has got to be the prettiest and most relaxing private island in the Bahamas.

Overall, Holland America provides a very good value. And the Zaandam is another in HAL's current
series of nearly identical ships, that makes us continue to sail with HAL.

Name: Gerald McKiernan
Email: gmckiern@hotmail.com
Age: 63
Occupation: Retired Military
NumberOfCruises: 7
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Zaandam
SailingDate: Aug. 26, 2000
Itinerary: E. Caribbean
Cabin: 1904
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 98
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 98
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets: 95
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland: 98
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 98
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 92
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 92
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 85
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 98
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 12 Sep 2000
Time: 05:59:24
Remote Name: 1cust38.tnt5.daytona-beach.fl.da.uu.net
Remote User:

Comments

Embarkation was quick but the clerk was untrained and could not provide a room card for my wife and
did not handle our on board account properly. We were escorted to our cabin and were met
immediately by our room steward. Our luggage was delivered promptly by our steward. We informed
him that champagne had been delivered in error to our cabin. He muttered that was a problem with the
bar staff. Two days later the champagne was still in our room and my wife took the delivery tag to the
purser's office and it was finally removed. Food in the main dining room was of a good variety and well
prepared. Soups were not served hot and we were never offered ice tea. Food in the Lido was great.
So much so that we never took anything but dinner in the main dining room. Lines in the Lido were
sometimes long but the cruise was booked full and with some patience we were always served a full
variety. Entertainment was of the family variety with one exception. It was varied and professional.
Service in the casino lounge was the highlight of the trip for us. The bartender, Fabian, remembered
us from another voyage even to include my drink. His assistant, Mayla, was a delight and went out of
her way to insure we were well taken care of. The ship's stabilization is great. Never felt a rock or roll in
the cabin (lower deck, mid-ship) despite gale force winds and high seas. The cruise director was the
best we ever experienced. The stop at Half Moon Cay was a pleasure, as always. The officers and
crew were pleasant but did not seem to go as far as those on the Maasdam to create a warm
atmosphere. Debarkation was a breeze; we were in our car on the way home by 9:45 AM. Would we
sail with HAL again --- in a heart beat. Was the cruise worth the price --- absolutely.

Name: Denis Pantle
Email: dpantle@ncs.com
Age: 41
Occupation: Systems Engineer
NumberOfCruises: 7
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Zaandam
SailingDate: 9-2-00
Itinerary: Western Carribbean
Cabin: 3339/C
FoodDiningRoom: 89
CruiseDirector: 82
CabinComfort: 92
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 92
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 92
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland: 95
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 80
TenderService: 92
GoodForSeniors: 92
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 92
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 92
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 88
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 92
DiscoNightclubs: 92
DeckSpace: 92
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 92
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 92
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 12 Sep 2000
Time: 17:25:49
Remote Name: 130.sanantonio-06-07rs16rt.tx.dial-access.att.net
Remote User:

Comments

We sailed the Zaandam on the 9-2 Western Carribbean cruise. We arrived at the terminal at 3:00, and
were led to a processing line, which took about 10 minutes. We then were given a boarding number,
and were led to a waiting room. After 30 minutes, our number was called, we boarded, and were
greeted by a steward who escorted us to our room.

Our room was on the lower Promenade deck midships, a class C outside cabin. It had a queen bed,
loveseat, and plenty of room and closet space. There was a room safe, which was operated by a credit
card, but we opted to use a frequent flyer card, so we wouldn't have to carry a credit card around. The
bathroom was spacious and nice with a tub/shower and tile everywhere. Very Nice!

We proceeded to check out the ship, and to get a bite at the Lido. This meal, as well as all the meals
we had there were better than any other line we have sailed. For lunch there was the regular buffet
line and a grilled deli sandwich counter. There was also the usual bugers, dogs, and taco's(and taco
salads) in the lido pool area. The ship, being new, was impressive and clean. The artwork featured
mostly music themes, and a Tutenkamen display. The Atrium is dominated by a three story pipe organ,
which in my opinion, took up more space than it was worth. All the public rooms were loaded with fresh
flowers and plants.

There were about a half-dozen lounges on board, all of them very nice. The showroom was two story,
with fantastic views from all seats. The casino was good size with about ten tables, blackjack, roulette,
and craps. Many slot machines, all of them new. We played blackjack all week, and ended up 10
dollars downfor the week. We considered ourselves winners!

The Dining Room is two story, with great views, crisp linens, and new place settings. Very nice to dine
every night on the new stuff! Service in the dining room was very good, and the staff seemed to get
friendly and familiar with us quickly.

Service around the ship was pretty good in most respects, with the exception of the crows nest and the
pool areas. Since there is no tip included with drink orders, do your self a favor, and tip a small amount
at your favorite places right off the bat! Afterward, you'll find the friendly Phillipino wait staff very
attentive and respectful. We tipped all these people at the end very well, because they really did make
a difference.

On the order tipping, this was our first cruise with HAL, and we felt thier "no tipping required" policy
confusing. We understood that this policy didn't mean "no tipping", but were at a loss as to what
constituted a fair amount. We just ended up tipping the same amount as is recommended on other
lines, and felt that these tips were well earned by everyone who served us! These people were as
customer oriented as they come.

The cruise staff was pretty friendly, but the cruise director was in dire need of a personality! He was
non-existant, except for evening showtime, and when he spoke, it was like listening to someone
reading out loud! We didn't expect a cheerleader on this line, just a warm body.

I'm not going into the itinerrary of this cruise, It was a basic western Carribbean, however, Half Moon
Cay was cool! First time for us on a private island. Plenty of beach, beach chairs, bars, water toys, and
a nice food pavillion. We spent most of the day enjoying the perfect beach and the water.

All in all, we were very happy with this cruise. Nice ship, great staff, and the passengers werent the
Geritol crowd. We met some older people, but they were full of life! I wouldn't hesitate to sail with HAL
again!

Name: linda heavenridge
Email: lheavenr@va.mediaone.net
Age: 55
Occupation: executive manager
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Zaandam
SailingDate: 9/16/00
Itinerary: southern carribean
Cabin: 2515
FoodDiningRoom: 94
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService: 92
CruiseStaff: 92
CabinAmenities: 98
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 96
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 97
ShoreExcVariety: 98
FoodVariety: 98
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 98
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 96
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 96
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 96
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 96
WheelchairAccess: 96
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 94
OverallPortsofCall: 96
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 96
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 96
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 99
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 98
OverallCruiseValue: 99
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 23 Sep 2000
Time: 23:00:32
Remote Name: va-24-30-255-62.va.mediaone.net
Remote User:

Comments

My husband and I have just returned from a wonderful week on Ms. Zaandam. Since she is just six
months old and I had read some scathing reviews about the food and staff, I didn't know quite what to
expect. I have to say that all my hopes were not just met, but exceeded. Our inside stateroom, was
truly beautiful; very large with a sofa, vanity/dresser, very large mirror, comfortable queen-sized bed
and numerous drawers and closets. The bathroom was indeed a nice size, and of course the room
was sparkling clean. Our cabin steward kept our room clean and tidy at all times. The ship itself is so
pretty and well kept. The contempory art and antiques were a unique and surprising mix. The food was
fabulous, a good variety and prepared to your specifications. The Marco Polo offers very tempting
Italian food, make your reservations early in the cruise, it fills very quickly. The Lido Restaurant has a
huge selection of buffet foods, salads and deserts. The lounges are each different with a
contemporary flavor. The Java Cafe offers cappicuino and express most afternonons, along with
freshly baked cookies. The food selections and service in the main dining room is equal to a four star
restaurant. It was always a pleasure to see what was in store for us at dinner. We enjoyed this cruise
so much, that we are taking another Holland America cruise next month on the Westerdam. They say
the Westerdam is even better, I find this hard to believe.

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