Mid-sized Zuiderdam was launched in 2002 with its most recent re-vamp in 2017. It can hold 1,988 passengers, and is the first of Holland America Line’s four Vista-class ships. These are all sister ships with only minor differences in layouts and décor, with the fourth (Noordam) having a slightly higher capacity.
Voyages in 2026 sail Canada and the US east coast, followed by winter in the Caribbean, and spring and summer 2027 in northern Europe and the Norwegian fjords.
Overall score 7/10
Style and Character 7/10
The ship combines traditional nautical décor, alive with blues and woody hues, with a Venetian theme featuring ornate statuary, life-size costumed carnival figures and a Waterford crystal seahorse glittering above the atrium’s golden glow. Throughout the ship is a multi-million-pound art collection, with everything from Modernist works to maritime views.
For dramatic panoramas, try the Crow’s Nest on deck 10, and the gym one deck below, which has a curved window over the bow. There are plenty of open public areas, so nowhere feels crowded.
Cabins 7/10
There are Inside and Ocean View rooms, but Verandah staterooms make up roughly 70 per cent of non-suite accommodation. In these, a cream, brown and white palette creates a restful feel, and even though the rooms are narrow, a sofa and a balcony make them a pleasure to relax in.
The lighting is good, there’s plenty of storage space, a desk and just enough plugs. The bed is queen sized, and the ensuite bathroom features a shower, Elemis Aromapure toiletries and a cupboard.
Food and Drink 8/10
I love the way HAL’s culinary offerings always make a point of heading somewhere a little different, with its port-to-plate initiative championing regional dishes. The Vista Dining Room, set across two adjoining floors, offers a sublime choice for a main restaurant – the Canada and New England themed brunch, for example, consisted of a range of dishes from blueberry pancakes to salmon chowder. The Lido Market buffet featured Canadian favourites, such as poutine (cheese curds and chips with gravy) and a New England-themed dinner.
Menus change in the Caribbean, although HAL celebrates its Dutch heritage on every sailing with a Dutch Dinner and Royal Dutch Tea. The Cake Me Away teatime special featured a bottomless supply of, in my case, 17 gateaux. Dive In, a daytime poolside counter, serves hot dogs and burgers.
There are two speciality restaurants, which carry an extra charge: Pinnacle Grill steakhouse offers lunch for approximately $25pp (£19); dinner for $52pp (£39); and Canaletto, which serves Italian fare in a corner of Lido Market for around $25pp (£19), dinner only. One evening each cruise, Morimoto At Sea from Japanese celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto pops up in Pinnacle Grill (about £42).
A Signature beverage package, which includes cocktails, spirits and wine at less than $12 (£9) a glass, is $60.95pp per day (£45), and the Quench non-alcoholic package, incorporating coffees, juices and mocktails, starts from $17.95pp (£13). The Sea View deck bar at the stern is a great spot for an al-fresco G&T – try HAL’s bespoke fruity De Lijn gin. For an indoor bar with sunset views, there’s the Crow’s Nest.
Service and Facilities 7/10
There’s top-deck pickleball, basketball and poolside ping-pong, and passengers have free access to the gym and sauna. Explorations Central, the on-board TV channel, means port talks can be viewed from your room, along with other features, including cookery demonstrations, while the Navigator app shows you exactly what’s happening on board, from quizzes taking place to bar specials.
The crew were unobtrusive and friendly throughout my cruise, ready with a smile, always on hand to smarten rooms and fussing around to make dinnertime perfect.
Entertainment and Excursions 6/10
HAL champions authentic local music, and on the Eastern Seaboard, that meant Celtic sounds. The main theatre, World Stage, featured Breton Thunder, a rocking, rolling band, while the Ocean Bar showcased regional soloists – the bodhrán player had few supporters on my sailing.
The fleet-wide Rolling Stone Lounge hosted a covers band (Sounds of Soul, 80s anthems and such), while Billboard Onboard, once a duelling pianos experience, had a pianist playing requests.
Comedian Dave Konig (he’s appeared in TV’s The Marvellous Mrs Maisel) was fun; less so were the variety shows, for example, Class Act in my opinion. I thought the piano/violin classical female duo, Vivace, were divine if sadly adrift in the Explorer’s Lounge, a recess that lacks a bar and was used during the day for everything from towel folding demonstrations to cosmetics sales pitches.
Excursions, which carry a charge, offered an engaging mix of active, foodie and historical tours, from around $70 (£51).
Value for Money 7/10
Wi-Fi costs from $18 (£13) per day and daily tips of $17 (£13) per adult, rising to $19 (£14) in suites, are added to the bill. An 18 per cent service charge is added to drinks, restaurant bills and spa treatments. The £60pp per day Have It All package includes the Signature beverage package, Wi-Fi, tips, a $100 (£74) excursion credit and one speciality dining meal. A 50-minute massage in the Greenhouse Spa starts at $149 (£109), with service.
Access for guests with disabilities?
There are rooms with wider doors, roll-in showers and turning space. Gangways take wheelchairs and scooters (available on board with other mobility aids). Lifts, restaurants and the spa are accessible.
Family-friendly?
The on-board Kids Club provides a range of activities including video game competitions, crafts and themed parties for those aged three to 17. There is no babysitting. Free restaurants have children’s menus, and there are half-price meals for under 13s in speciality venues. There are no family cabins, but some rooms connect.
About our expert
Nick Dalton
Nick has written about cruises from Barcelona to Bora Bora, Venice to Vietnam, and delights in seeing the world in day-by-day slices. He’s only torn away from oceans and rivers when skiing – the two passions don’t meet.