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Holland America's ms ZUIDERDAM-the Caribbean's Newest Jewel.
 We departed Ft. Lauderdale en route to the Bahamas aboard Holland America's new luxury ship the ms Zuiderdam, the latest and most unique addition to the Holland America fleet ("HAL"). Topping its capital expenditure scale at $400 million, the newly designed ship, the first of five "Vista Class" new builds from HAL, is intended to change the company's image and attract a younger crowd.
Although the ship has a $3 million artwork collection and has a beautiful array of brass and mahogany antiques, the ms Zuiderdam design is a departure from the traditionally reserve HAL look. The ship features far more brilliant colors and brash modern touches throughout the public areas than the other ships in its fleet.
"The Vista-class ships will have everything guests know and love about Holland America and a lot more...more space, more dining choices," states David A. Giersdorf, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales.
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| The New Zuiderdam |
The 1,848-passenger, 950 foot, 82,000 gross ton vessel (approx. 20% larger than HAL's largest ship to date) offers private, airy verandahs in 67% of its beautifully appointed rooms, while 85% of all staterooms enjoy a breathtaking ocean-view. Rooms range in size from the 185 sq. foot "Large or Standard Inside Double" to the 1,345 sq. foot "Penthouse Verandah Suite." Every cabin offers Internet/e-mail data ports as well as closed circuit television, a multi-channel music system and ship to shore telephone services. A 24-hour Internet Center is also available. There is more space per guest than any other ship in a fleet already renowned for spacious and comfortable surroundings. One need only walk the promenade and visit the many common area lounges and bars to get a sense of the ship's considerable roominess.
Amenities are plentiful and impressive...
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| The Ocean Bar |
The Greenhouse Spa encourages pampering with its luxurious, yet reasonably priced treatments. The Spa menu features every imaginable indulgence and the attractive staff makes the experience all the more appealing. Adjacent to the spa is a state-of-the-art, fitness center surrounded by glass giving it a very sleek airy modern feel.
The three-tiered Vista Lounge, complete with orchestra pit, accommodates up to 867 guests. Every seat in the house affords a wonderful view. The Northern Lights Disco, caberet-style Queen's Lounge, popular Ocean Bar, and of course the brand new, Las Vegas style casino contribute to the ms Zuiderdam's appeal to a younger cruise crowd. The Zuiderdam is well suited for multi-generational family-friendly cruising as well... there are a variety of activities and several supervised alternatives specifically for keeping the kids entertained, including the WaveRunner recreation room and KidZone for teens.
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| La Fontaine Restaurant |
A relaxing hydrotherapy pool complements the ship's two swimming pools. The Lido Restaurant, only a few steps away from the pool area, allows guests to enjoy HAL's award winning Lido buffets while dining poolside. It was our favorite dining venue. We really enjoyed the informality and the tremendous variety the buffet offers.
At the helm of ms Zuiderdam's food operations, is Reiner Greubel. A chef with extensive experience, his resume includes stints with Westin Hotels, the Plaza in New York and at his very own, Reiner's Restaurant in Seattle. Greubel has worked closely with HAL's Executive Chef, Robert Hendrix, a native of Holland (and a member of France's prestigious Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs gourmet society) in developing the onboard dining experience.
We enjoyed our evening meals in the La Fontaine Dining Room that seats up to 1,045 guests on two glass-enclosed levels surrounding a beautiful atrium highlighted by two brass-railed, winding staircases. At the Captain's Gala Dinner, we were treated to a wonderful meal beginning with a selection of several appetizers including Vine Ripened Yellow and Red Beefsteak Tomatoes with sweet onion, arugula in a balsamic vinaigrette, Escargots Bourguignon with red wine garlic butter, and a Jumbo Prawn cocktail. Followed by assorted soups and salads, our meal continued with several tempting entrée choices including New England Lobster Tail accompanied by Duchesse potatoes, lime butter sauce and asparagus spears, Roasted Peking Style Duck Breast with oriental vegetables, plum sauce and jasmine rice, Wild Mushroom Ravioli with mushroom ragout in pesto cream, Prime Rib of Beef, Center-Cut Veal Chop with sautéed chanterelles and spaetzle, Medallions of Venison Loin in port wine sauce with croquette potatoes, Scallops with Sage and corn confetti.
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| Fine Dining |
A highlight for us was a delicious double chocolate anniversary cake, a surprise dessert offered in celebration of our 8th wedding anniversary... arranged by our waiter after he overheard us mention the occasion to our dinner companions.
The ships alternative restaurant is truly memorable. The Odyssey Restaurant requires reservations and a nominal fee is charged that is well worth it. Accommodating only up to 130 guests, we savored world-class Italian cuisine served on the finest Bvlgari china. Delicate Riedel stemware and exquisite Frette linen from Italy graced every table. The service was impeccable and the atmosphere was delightful. We did an impromptu tasting, sharing a selection of several different menu items. It was great fun and each taste was better than the last. The "Not So Classic Baked Alaska" may very well be the best dessert I have ever tasted! And for those of you that enjoy a good bottle of wine, The Wine Spectator has given the restaurant's wine cellar high marks!
The ms Zuiderdam represents a rather new and quite "with it" departure for this heretofore traditional cruise line... and it works!-
Visit: www.hollandamerica.com
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