Holland America

My wife and I went on the Zuiderdam for a 10-day cruise to the Panama Canal in February of 2009. We booked a nice suite with a wrap-around balcony and access to the Neptune Lounge, which was a great experience.

First let me tell you, I am 59 and I felt like a young chicken on board, so I have my plusses and minusses in my opinion about Holland America.

First of all, the food is great, service also, and the suite was the best I have ever had. I love the neptunes lounge with 24 hour specialty coffees, chocolate, Concierge to book land excursions or dinner times, and great receptions with ship officers where good wines and food was served. For the 10-day cruise they also offered a special lunch with the officers and great food - and the Captain came to every passenger invited to this event.
Entertainment is on the negative side. Who does not want to sit at the piano in the piano bar? I love to, but not if not even all seats at the piano are filled at 9:30 p.m. In the casino on the other hand all seats were taken.
I will definately come back to Holland America, but not before I retire. If you are looking for a quiet ship and good food, but not loud entertainment and not many children, this might be the right cruise line for you. Call me for more information. Thanks.

You can reach Cruise Planner Christian Bellingrath at 813-992-0502 or by e-mail at