ms Zuiderdam

Taking the very best of classic cruising and giving it a contemporary twist, Zuiderdam elegantly bridges tradition and modernity in a ship steeped in sumptuous luxury. Featuring an outstanding art collection with pieces from pop culture icon Andy Warhol, medallions from Frank Lloyd Wright and an expansive assortment of antiques and paintings, as well as an exciting entertainment agenda and a whole host of enrichment activities, there is almost as much to discover on board as in the fascinating regions you will visit.

The Ship

Zuiderdam simply radiates high-end luxury and sumptuous opulence from the second you embark. Faced with the swooping, spiralling three-storey atrium and its exquisite Waterford seahorse chandelier, one gets a glimpse of what is to come: abundant space and light, expertly-furnished décor and a touch of glitz and glamour for a cruise that oozes indulgence and glitters with character. Zuiderdam is the first of Holland America Line’s Vista class fleet, each named after a different point of the compass (“Zuid” is the Dutch word for “South”), and her trailblazing essence unveils itself at every turn. A one-of-a-kind vessel full of spirit.

Accommodation

Zuiderdam offers spacious and beautifully-appointed staterooms spread across five different categories, allowing every passenger to find the individual lodgings to suit them perfectly. Awash with soothing neutral tones and highlighted with vibrant splashes of red or blue, each stateroom carries a warm and inviting ambience, while their generous size affords plenty of space in which to relax, indulge in a light afternoon nap or get dressed up for a formal dinner. Expertly designed with comfort in mind, each and every stateroom features luxurious Sealy® Premium Euro-Top mattresses and decadent fine linens, waffle weave bathrobes, Egyptian cotton towels, premium massage showerheads and high-end bath and body products to promise an indulgent night’s sleep and a refreshing start to the day. Meanwhile, flat-screen TVs and DVD players, salon-quality hairdryers, ice service, nightly turndown service and shoeshines ensure that no creature comfort must be foregone as you sail the oceans.

For those looking to indulge that bit more, Zuiderdam carries a whole host of suites for a voyage truly steeped in magnificence. Signature Suites offer such enhanced amenities as a full-size whirlpool and additional shower stall, binoculars, a menu of pillow options, personalised cruise stationery and even a private verandah from which to take in panoramic views of the dramatic sky and seascapes. Neptune Suites go one step further, with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, complimentary mimosas with breakfast, priority dining and cordial invitation to attend a cocktail party with the ship’s officers – while the Pinnacle Suite, a lodging truly worthy of its name, takes the phrase “luxury cruising” to soaring new heights. Extravagantly appointed with an oversize whirlpool and shower, separate living room, dressing room and dining room and an enormous 1,150 sq. ft. area, it is a simply palatial space offering the crème de la crème of ocean travelling services.

Neptune and Pinnacle Suite reservations also grant passengers access to the private, industry-leading Neptune Lounge: an exclusive space offering a haven from the bustling decks with its large-screen TV, private library, refreshments and concierge. A perfectly luxurious hideaway.

Cuisine & Dining

Offering a whole host of cuisine options to suit every mood, taste and time of day, passengers are truly spoilt for choice when the time comes to dine aboard Zuiderdam. The main port of call is the Vista Dining Room, a lavishly-appointed restaurant styled in sumptuous reds and golds for an ambience that is simultaneously welcoming, sophisticated and elegant. The Vista is popular on deck for its flawlessly-prepared, multi-course dinners; comprised of regionally-inspired cuisine as well as signature international dishes and classic favourites. Graciously served by the highly-trained staff, there is truly something to tempt every palate as you bask in your majestic surroundings.

For something a little different, the Lido Restaurant offers an alternative venue in traditional buffet style; open most hours of the day and abundant in choice, you will find a variety of hot and cold options as well as Asian and Indian specialties for those wanting to sample something more exotic.If it is something more informal that you long for, take a stroll down to the Dive-In at the Terrace Grill. Offering gourmet made-to-order burgers, hot dogs and fries, it is a leisurely dining spot perfect for grabbing a bite to eat as you lounge about the poolside – For those wishing for a more luxurious, high-end fine dining experience, the Pinnacle Grill should be a firm choice. Inspired by the gastronomic delights of America’s Pacific Northwest, the ship’s premium restaurant specialises in mouth-watering seafood and delectable steaks for an utterly exquisite meal.

Sample the extraordinary lobster macaroni cheese, or indulge in a Filet Mignon before spoiling yourself with a heavenly Grand Marnier chocolate volcano cake; expertly cooked and truly unsurpassed in quality, the Pinnacle Grill is not to be missed.

Entertainment

Zuiderdam positively abounds with activities to pass lazy afternoons and peaceful sea days. Head to the Screening Room to curl up in front of a film, team up with passengers to try your hand at bingo or a trivia quiz, or simply let the afternoon slip by as you peruse the ship’s outstanding collection of original art pieces. Perhaps you would prefer to sip a coffee in the Explorations Café, a cosy space stuffed with books, puzzles and computer spaces for a few hours of quiet, bookish tranquillity – or take a dip in the pool then soak up some rays on the Sun Deck before heading down for dinner.

As night falls, the ship’s entertainment gears up to get started. With each and every lounge and bar offering something different, you can bounce between venues on an explorative musical voyage. Catch the wildly popular B. B. King’s Blues Club taking up residence in the Queen’s Lounge for the best blues this side of Memphis, or enjoy a piano-accompanied singalong in the classic Piano Bar. Get your groove on with the dance-infused vibes at the Northern Lights bar, Zaanderdam’s disco venue, or join the shouting, stamping crowds as the ever-popular HALCats play a stinging set at the Ocean’s Bar.

For an evening of glittering showbiz glamour, the Vista Lounge Theatre sees performers taking to its stage night after night to wow audiences with astounding music, dance, comedy and magic shows. Lushly furnished with deep reds and opulent golds, as well as tiered seating, a full stage and swish, spacious seats, the theatre oozes glitz and is the perfect place from which to watch some of the best productions at sea.

Spa & Fitness

Head to the Greenhouse Spa on deck 9 to indulge in a luxurious spa session; offering soothing spa treatments as well as top-class massages, acupuncture and facials, it is a haven in which to relax and unwind. After pampering yourself with a treatment, why not head to the salon to spoil yourself that bit more – teeth whitening, acrylic nails, lash extensions, manicures and hair styling will keep you feeling special for the entirety of your voyage.

Those wanting to re-energise and blow off some steam will find plentiful options for sports and exercise. The fully-equipped gym is furnished with state-of-the-art exercise machines for a solo workout, while group exercise classes in relaxing yoga or high-energy cycling are offered for those who prefer to exercise with an instructor. The Sports Deck also offers a volleyball and basketball court for a little healthy competition between passengers.

Cool off and refresh yourself after a game with a dip in Zaanderdam’s indoor or outdoor pool – followed, perhaps, by a well-deserved half hour in the hot tub, cocktail in hand!

Recreation

Families

HAL Club, Zuiderdam’s on board kid’s club, offers an exciting and ever-changing programme to keep youngsters busy and entertained throughout the voyage. They have separate agendas geared toward towards kids (aged 3-7) and tweens (aged 8-12) and offer stimulating arts and crafts, group games, puzzles, scavenger hunts, cooking classes, ice cream parties, video games and age-appropriate movie screenings in a fun and colourful space. Meanwhile, teenagers (13-17) find a haven in the Lounge hangout, a clubhouse-like space designed for comfort and socialising with a no-parents-allowed policy.

Classes and demonstrations

Zuiderdam has an abundance of enrichment programmes on offer; whether you want to learn a new skill, become better-informed about your surroundings or try something completely different, you are sure to find a class that piques your interest. Try your hand at wine tasting, mixology or even fruit carving with local experts, explore your artistic side with a craft afternoon, or sit in on a lecture on anything from local wildlife to art history or local architecture. For foodies, the Culinary Arts Center is not to be missed; an innovative initiative put in place in collaboration with Food & Wine magazine, it allows passengers to enjoy cooking demonstrations from high-calibre US guest chefs and professionals in the fully-equipped show kitchen. These informative classes touch on regional cuisine as well as classic favourites, and are a highlights among passengers and food presenters alike.

Digital Workshops

Led by a Microsoft-trained “techspert”, these informative and engaging sessions powered by Windows® give you chance to learn how to edit, enhance, backup and share your precious holiday snaps – so your friends back home can see what you’ve been up to before your holiday is even over! Covering the very basics such as how to transfer your photos from your camera to the computer, all the way to building websites, photo editing, movie making and Cloud storage options, Digital Workshops are a must-see for anyone looking to make the most of their technology. One-to-one sessions are also offered.