A Floating ***** Hotel
Written: Aug 01 '02 (Updated Aug 03 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Immaculate, well appointed ship
Cons: Sewage odor on several occasions, expensive, uninteresting ports
The Bottom Line: This ship is just two years old so really sparkles. It is spacious and easy to get around if you can remember which is aft and forward.
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| blimbach's Full Review: Holland America Zaandam |
Imagine sitting in a luxurious lounge, by a lovely pool, or on your own veranda while passing by snow-capped jagged mountains. That is what you would experience on an Alaskan cruise on the Holland America's ship, the Zaandam.
We just returned from a 7 day round trip cruise from Vancouver to Skagway and Glacier Bay, Juneau, and Ketchikan, returning back to Vancouver. I can't wait to take another cruise on this ship. This is rather amazing as we have been on three other cruises, vowing to never take another one. Let me tell you why we went on this one and why we love this ship.
I had been to all the other 49 states and wanted to see Alaska in a relaxing style. We are retired and no longer care to drive long distances. Since this cruise followed the inside passage it was always within sight of land, often on both sides of the ship. It was never rough with only small waves.
When we got to the port to board the ship, we were pleased that there was a very orderly method of boarding. We sat in a large room at the pier until our group number came up.
They assigned numbers as we arrived so we did not have to stand in long lines.
Immediately on boarding we went to our cabin and were absolutely delighted with our accommodations. We had chosen an inside room (no window) to save a little money, but we chose the large size room in that category. Our room was twice the size of most cabins even in the large category. We must have just been lucky because there were only two rooms that size on our deck. The rest were much smaller. If possible, try to book cabin 2554 which is on the main deck.
We had five closets with places to hang long or short clothing and there were many shelves. The two twin beds could be placed together for one large bed if desired. The loveseat, adjustable coffee table, ottoman, desk with three large drawers, a chair, another storage cabinet
and two bedside tables completed the room. The wall where a window would have been was completely draped and had a light along the inside that made it appear light was coming in. The many different lighting options could be chosen from switches near the beds or door. The only problem was knowing when it was getting light out in the morning. :-)
Our bathroom was wheelchair accessible, containing a sink with counter space, toilet, and a shower stall that ran the length of the wall, as large as a tub. Included was a shower stool. A large mirror, corner mirrored medicine chest with very adequate storage, and hair dryer completed the room. Water never flowed from the shower to the rest of the floor even when the ship tilted as there are clever drainage channels built into the floor covered with a chrome grating.
Our cabin steward serviced the room twice a day and any time on request. He cleaned the room while we were at breakfast and seemed to know when the room was vacant to bring more clean towels and turn down the bed at night. Any request was promptly filled. The main desk even checked to see if a squeeky hinge was fixed although we did not request it
The public rooms were beautifully decorated. The ship had a musical theme so beautiful instruments like a gilded piano were displayed in glassed in niches in the walls. The three-storied atrium contained a three story organ with ornate carvings three stories tall centered in the tall space. There are plentiful lounges where you can enjoy a drink if you wish while watching the scenery. They never pressured us to order anything. Areas were never crowded despite the 1400 passengers. One of our favorite spots was the Explorer Lounge which featured a string quartet playing light classical music. The friendly waitresses passed out fabulous chocolates as a special treat.
Another wonderful spot was the Crows' Nest high on the 9th deck at the front of the ship. It was huge with lounge chairs and ottomans, club chairs, and padded benches under the huge windows. A small bar and dance floor with a live combo completed this area. We sat there watching the waterfalls and mountains pass by.
Most cruises are known for the food. This was no exception.
The ship was staffed with people from Indonesia and the Philippines. They knew our wants before we did! They were full of humor and seemed truly happy to serve us. The menu was fantastic in the two story Rotterdam dining room. The menu included caviar, shrimp, cold salmon in dill sauce and other marvelous appetizers, to soups, the best Caesar salads among others, many choices of
entrees (salmon, chateaubriand, steak, pastas, lobster tails and much more), great bread baskets, and awesome desserts. we never had the chance to feel hungry.
I would rate the entrees 4 out of 5 stars. The choices were plentiful, the meat always tender, and some choices were outstanding, the portions just right, but they could not rank up there with the very best restaurants. This did not take away from our enjoyment of the food as it was delicious for the most part.
Some people chose to eat in the Lido restaurant with two buffet lines full of wonderful choices. We prefered the full service dining so ate most meals in the main dining room, but when there were time restraints, we opted to eat in the Lido which had longer hours.
Our favorite dining experience was in the Marco Polo restaurant. This was small, only seating 81 compared to the 700+ in the Rotterdam. We made reservations ahead because they fill up quickly. There is no extra cost and the service is really great. We chose lamb and veal dinners with outstanding pasta and rich desserts.
You can eat on the pool deck having pizza, hamburgers, and fries, or tacos and one day they cooked steaks and chicken on the grill by the pool. On cool days all or part of the roof with sliding glass sections can enclose the deck
making it a pleasant area in all weather.
Entertainment was much better than on our other cruises. The Zaandam cast put on two nights of singing and dancing that were exceptional. The Zaandam orchestra backed them up. A comedian and ventriloquist were very good and the jugglers had real talent. Although I do not usually like to watch jugglers, these two brothers were really special. Another show featured a wonderful singer on two nights. The theater was large with excellent sight lines. We found that the seats in the balcony were more comfortable with higher backrests than some of the club chairs downstairs.
There were always two movies in the movie theater each day with fresh popcorn provided. Daily mass was celebrated there with a Protestant service on Sunday.
A casino with dealers and slot machines was never busy.
Many shops offered clothing with the Zaandam logo, fine jewelry, a few toiletries, stuffed animals and souvenirs.
A daily art auction seemed well attended. Bottled liquor was surprisingly reasonable in one shop. No wine was available there but you could select wine at a discount if served at dinner. The library had many current books and magazines as well as games to check out. A complete spa and beauty shop, sports deck, and walking deck helped get rid of some calories.
There is much more to the ship. Check out the Holland America web site to see ship layouts and current information. Our only complaint was that at times the ship smelled of sewage for a short while. They claim to be very environmentally concerned and have the latest ways to handle sewage on the ship. It was not terribly offensive but did concern us.
I would still recommend this ship highly. We hope to go on another cruise on the Zaandam through the Panama Canal next.
We will definitely be a return customer.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
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Epinions.com ID:
blimbach
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Location: Illinois, near the Wisconsin border
Reviews written: 367
Trusted by: 146 members
About Me:
Grandmother of 4 (so far), married to the same great guy since 1961, retired teacher.
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