In late December, we sailed on a 7-day Holiday cruise on Holland America Line’s ms Zuiderdam cruise ship.
Here is a quick photo tour through the ship.
The ms Zuiderdam, launched in 2002, is flagged in The Netherlands, and was the first ship of Holland America’s Vista class vessels. The name of this ship and its three other sister ships — the ms Oosterdam, ms Westerdam, and ms Noordam — represent the four directions of the compass in Dutch, with “Zuider” meaning “south.”
The ms Zuiderdam has two swimming pools. The Lido Pool, pictured above, is mid-ship with a retractable roof that can be closed for swimming in cool weather and/or rain.
While they seem a little out of place when the ship is in the Caribbean, a giant polar bear and cub sculpture overlook the Lido Pool.
The ship was renovated in 2015 to include new 25 new staterooms on the observation deck. In addition, new private cabanas were added to the ship on Deck 11.
This area is called the Retreat, and includes 16 private cabanas for rental by the day or throughout the cruise.
We rented one of these private cabanas for the duration of our cruise, and found it the perfect spot to read, relax and even catch up on a little computer work. The retreat also has private sunbathing space with showers, restrooms and cabana attendants that bring you drinks and food.
At the aft end of the ship you will find the adults-only Sea View pool. This back deck is a popular place for sail-away festivities.
This area near the Sea View pool also features a bar, two hot tubs, a stage with a steel pan drummer, and outdoor covered seating for nearby Lido buffet restaurant.
There are multiple dining options on the ms Zuiderdam ranging from the Dive-In at Terrace Grill for made-to-order burgers and hot dogs to the luxurious, reservations-only Pinnacle Grill specialty restaurant featuring Pacific Northwest steak and seafood entrees such as the Alaskan King Crab Legs pictured above. There’s also the two story Vista Dining room with both fixed and open seating, as well as several other dining options including 24-hour a day room service.
There are 10 lounges/bars on the ms Zuiderdam. This bar is part of the Northern Lights disco.
Twin stacks, one in front of the other, both bear the distinctive Holland America logo at the top of the ship.
Near the stacks on Deck 11 you will find the Sports Deck with net-enclosed volleyball and basketball courts, both offering a stellar sea view.
On Deck 3, the teak wrap-around Promenade Deck is the perfect place for taking in ocean views while getting some exercise. Approximately three laps around the ship equals one mile of walking.
The Promenade Deck also offers spectacular sunset views.
This photo above illustrates how the mid-sized, 1,964-guest capacity ms Zuiderdam (on the right) compares in size to the P & O Cruises 3,096 passenger ms Azura.
Have you cruised on the ms Zuiderdam, or any of the “dam” Holland America Line ships?
Check out these other Holland America cruise-related posts:
- All of the “Fine Print” Details of Holland America’s Signature Beverage Package
- 5 Steps to Faster Disembarkation from a Holland America Cruise Ship
- An Improved Signature Beverage Package on Holland America Cruises
- What is There to Do on a Transatlantic Cruise?
- The New Pinnacle Grill Lunch Menu on Holland America
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