I last sailed on Zaandam 5 years ago. Since then I have sailed with Celebrity and Azamara. Celebrity in particular makes HAL look like a poor cousin.
The menu in the main dining room was almost identical to the menu 5 years ago. Perfectly OK but no wow factor. GI on board didn't help matters.
Cabins badly need refurbishing and the shampoo and conditioner provided is just awful. ...
We had been looking forward to cruising with HAL as we sailed around Alaska with them a few years ago and had a lovely time. What a difference, the standard of food was very disappointing in the formal restuarant, the service was slow and food uninspiring. The food in the Lido diner was better but due to the sickness bug on board service was slow with long queues for most things.
As there were ...
We booked this cruise because South America was somewhere we had always wanted to travel to and having cruised with HAL previously we thought that we would get the same good service - unfortunately, this was not to be.
Embarkation was a little slow with a wait of around 1 hour at the Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal but when we had completed all the paperwork we quickly found our cabin and my wife ...
This was the “14-day South America Passage” during the first and second weeks of March, 2015, on the MS Zaandam.
First, the up-side.
Holland America Line (HAL) delivered on its itinerary. We embarked in Valparaiso, Chile. We disembarked two weeks later in Buenos Aires having sailed around the Horn. There were two ports along the way where we were supposed to stop, but didn’t. The ...
Words can not fully describe how wonderful this cruise was. The inclusion of the Antarctic experts enhanced this fabulous itinerary. As the previous reviewer noted they offered lectures on a wide variety of topics and having Chris Wilson, the naturalist, up on the bridge, along with spotters, while we were in Antarctica, pointing out the fauna, from the various kinds of whales--who ever heard of a ...
Everyone on board agreed that this cruise was not only one of the most unusual cruises they have ever been on, it was also one of the best!! Having been to Alaska and cruised the Fjords of Norway/Iceland just 5 months ago, this cruise by my account and every other cruiser I spoke to, surpassed both of the aforementioned locations by a considerable margin!! It was a cruise of extremes. 90 degree ...
This cruise is a must for anyone who loves animals and nature Of course we had cultire in mappworld capitals Santiago,Montevideo, and Buenos Aires but the best was the stark beauty of the Antarctic. We were fortunate to come upon Orcas feeding and the Captain turned the ship around to ensure all guests saw this National Geographic moment He also stopped the ship for 20 minutes so we could ...
This is a review the Zaandam South America and Antarctic cruise that began January 30 in Valparaiso.
The reason for this review is that I have appreciated others for doing reviews of sailings that we have considered over the years. Reading other peoples` opinions is so helpful even if you don`t always agree.
The cruise was fantastic and we saw and did amazing things. I have just a couple of ...
Started out Jan 11, 2014, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. We went a couple of days early and saw a lot of Buenos Aires, but not where tourists usually go except the downtown area. Seemed like an okay place, minus all the graffiti that was on everything. Next stop was Montevideo, Uruguay where we took a bus tour of the town. Nothing spectacular. Then the start of 10 days at sea – egads!!!! Two sea days ...
I have just completed the Christmas / New Year 20 day South America and Antarctica cruise aboard the Zaandam with my wife and two daughters ages 10 and 14. What a trip!!
Firstly on board the Zaandam:- Excellent, friendly and attentive service.
Special mention to Imbuh and Tatang (our Cabin Staff).
Christina our Cruise Director was the absolute professional. Friendly and approachable.
Jeremy ...