Zuiderdam Review
Mostly misses, very few hits. Would never do Panama again.
Rating by category
Additional details
First cruise on Holland America but 20th cruise overall. Wanted to see the Panama Canal and we selected Zuiderdam. I have avoided HAL for years and confirmed that this is not the cruise line for me.
Embarkation went very smoothly in Ft. Lauderdale. Ship is older and smaller than what we have sailed on recently but it is in very good condition. The ship has three sets of elevators where most now have only two. This decreased the distance we had to walk and the elevators worked fine and while busy, didn't have to wait too long.
We had an obstructed view cabin on deck 4 forward and were happy to be able to see a little bit outside. Cabin was in good shape with two large drawers under the bed otherwise storage is tight. Were able to order a bottle of liquor delivered to the cabin. The price was high but I saved that much on ordering from the bars.
Cabin Review
Large Outside Stateroom (fully obstructed views)
Cabin was fine. If you stood on the bed, you could see over the life boat. Crew were working on the boats a few days so they would go by the window a few time. Selected this category as the inside cabins seemed too small for two people. This cabin had room for a small couch and table.
Port Reviews
Colon (Cristobal)
Duty free show was a zoo. If you bought something, they would input the wifi password on your phone but they would not tell you what it was.
Half Moon Cay
Had been to the beach on Carnival. Bungalows are hugely overpriced.