Zuiderdam
December 8-11, 2002
Preview Sailing
by Linda Coffman
 |
|
The
Atrium: Adorned by an exquisite Waterford Crystal seahorse |
New Vistas,
Continuing Tradition
"First remember that this
ship is much larger than the others," Frans Dingemans, the ship's architect
says of the Zuiderdam in comparison to her fleetmates. "We approached the
design in such a way that returning Holland America guests will feel at home,
and all guests will be able to orient themselves very easily." He likens
the concept to a series of intimate boulevards and squares, as opposed to
overwhelming plazas.
Zuiderdam is the vanguard of the
five ship Vista-class, but Holland
America regulars will recognize the traditional touches they are fond of—late
evening hot canapés; chimes to announce meals; attentive, courteous service by
the Filipino and Indonesian crew; and signature spaces, including the Crow's
Nest, Explorer's Lounge, and Ocean Bar. Hallmarks
of Holland America Line's 130 year history abound—lovely flower arrangements,
priceless artwork and antiques, and a full wrap-around teak promenade deck with
padded deck chairs. Fresh popcorn is available to movie-goers, afternoon tea
is a treasured institution, and silver trays of mints,
figs, and candied ginger greet guests departing the dining room.
A
bold palette of red, purple,
turquoise, and orange accentuates the extensive use of crystal, etched
glass, brass and other metals. Zuiderdam is a creative blend of charm and high tech,
affording all passengers the comfort and convenience they expect on a premium
class cruise liner. Vista-class ships are 40% larger than previous Holland America vessels, but
carry only 25% more
passengers in spacious comfort.
Dining
Three restaurants present a delicious dilemma during
a typical week-long Zuiderdam cruise. Where to eat?
-
Vista Dining Room—The main dining
room, featuring extensive menu choices and expansive views of the sea beyond
the floor-to-ceiling windows
-
Odyssey
Restaurant—The
specialty restaurant and adjoining bar serving Pacific Northwest cuisine
with an Asian twist ($15
per person cover charge)
-
Lido
Restaurant—Traditional
shipboard buffet dining with a variation: food stations replace long lines
-
Windstar
Café—Coffee
bar serving java favorites and a selection of European pastries, gelatos, and
desserts (nominal charges per item)
-
Terrace
Grill—Buffet
style indoor/outdoor casual eatery
 |
|
Odyssey
Restaurant |
Dinner
in the Odyssey Restaurant is sublime—and sure to be popular—so plan
to snap up a reservation right away. Atop crisp Frette linens, the Riedel
stemware gleams beside Bvlgari china by Rosenthal. A single orchid in a silver
vase is just the right adornment. To accompany your meal, wines from
distinguished Northwestern vineyards include Chateau St. Michelle, Chinook, and
McCrea Cellars.
Just
a few of the tempting menu items to start include Fragrant Chicken Thai Soup,
Northwest Clam Chowder, Dungeness Crab Cakes, Vine Ripe Beefsteak Tomato Salad.
The Odyssey features Sterling Silver Beef, enhanced by seasoned rubs and
prepared on a 1600-degree grill to insure that juices are properly sealed. From
the grill, select Filet Mignon, Rib Eye or Porterhouse steaks, Halibut or King
Salmon. Signature dishes include Pan Seared Rosemary Chicken, Lamb Rack Chops,
Seafood Cioppino, and Grande Wild Mushroom Ravioli with a Pesto Cream Sauce. All
entrees are served with a choice of side dishes. To complete dinner, there is
Not-So-Classic Baked Alaska, Warm Grand Marnier Chocolate Volcano Cake, Lemon
Berry Angel Shortcake, and an assortment of cheeses.
Zuiderdam
guests with special diets will find tasty low sodium, diabetic, vegetarian, and
fat free/low cholesterol offerings and health conscious Inbalance Spa Cuisine by
Jeanne Jones in the Vista Dining Room.
Late
afternoon attacks of the munchies can be satisfied with pizza or at an ice cream bar with all
the fixings for a supreme sundae. Even later cravings are fulfilled from an
extensive 24-hour room service menu.
Staterooms
 |
|
Superior
Veranda Suite |
Eighty-five
percent of Zuiderdam's passengers have accommodations with an ocean view and
two-thirds of outside staterooms and suites offer occupants a private verandah
with attractive wicker-look furnishings.
Light
wood tones complement the vibrant drapery, carpeting, and bedspread colors of
all categories. There are basically five types of staterooms: standard inside,
standard ocean view, verandah outside, verandah suites, and the supreme
penthouse verandah suites.
Suite occupants are sure to enjoy
their sumptuous quarters and private Neptune Lounge with personal concierge
service. Two penthouse suites are the ultimate in luxury with separate living
room, dining room, and bedroom areas. A verandah, generous walk-in closets,
bathroom highlighted with whirlpool tub, separate guest powder room, and a
butler's pantry round out a perfect home at sea. Offering similar amenities, Deluxe and Superior Verandah Suites
feature large verandahs, dressing rooms,
and generous sitting areas. The full suites also provide many of
the conveniences of the penthouses, including double sinks, a whirlpool tub,
separate shower, refrigerator, and VCR.
Deluxe
Verandah Outside staterooms are similar in design to outside standards,
including the bathrooms with tubs, but have a slightly different furniture
configuration. The verandahs add real usable space. Furnished with two
wicker-style chairs and a table, there is still plenty of room to move about.
Desirable, aft-facing Category A verandahs are
huge, but not completely private as they are "stepped" out like a
layer cake.
Inside
and outside standard staterooms are functional and comfortable, with amenities
including hairdryers, personal safes, refrigerators, and two closets
configured for hanging and/or drop down shelves. Twin beds that convert to a
queen, a sofa, adjustable height table, hassock, and vanity/desk and chair round
out the furnishings. Oddly, the only drawers are found in the small bedside
tables; all other storage space is shelving. For two people, this arrangement is
acceptable, but storage for three or four could be tight. Parents with more than one small child
might consider adjoining staterooms for
additional storage and a second bathroom.
Go to --> Zuiderdam
Preview, Part 2
More --> Zuiderdam
Photos 1 & Zuiderdam Photos 2
Staterooms & Public Areas
Photos Courtesy of Holland
America Line
Holland
America Line - Cruise Reviews
Make
the most of your cruise vacation with information from CruiseDiva.com
