Zuiderdam
Holland America Line
December 8-11, 2002
Preview Sailing
by Linda Coffman, Part Two
Public Areas
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The Atrium
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Adorned by an exquisite Waterford Crystal seahorse, Zuiderdam's modest triple deck atrium only hints at the delights beyond. Public rooms are concentrated on Promenade and Lower Promenade decks from the three-deck Vista Lounge forward to the exquisite two-deck Vista Dining Room aft. In between are the cozy Ocean Bar and Explorers Lounge, Casino, Northern Lights Disco, Piano Bar, lively Sports Bar, Odyssey Restaurant, and lovely Queen's Lounge. Just forward of the Erasmus Library, the Internet Cafe adjoins a delightful Java Corner where coffee is available all day. Rich, jewel-tones prevail throughout and seating for shows is extremely comfortable in the Vista Lounge and Queen's Lounge.
The Crow's Nest is perhaps the most traditional of the public rooms on board Zuiderdam. Subtle variations in decor between port and starboard sides make it the ideal setting for afternoon tea or after dinner brandy. Just outside are my favorite secluded spots to relax in heavy whitewashed wooden chairs with overstuffed canvas cushions. Leaning back, I felt at one with the ocean and endless sky.
The Greenhouse Spa boasts a full menu of salon treatments and spa indulgences. The hydro pool and thermal suite are indulgences for complete relaxation. Don't leave your exercise regime at home, Zuiderdam has a fully equipped fitness center with state-of-the art equipment and a wide range of classes. After a jog around the teak Promenade Deck, take a refreshing dip in one of the two pools or select one of the hot tubs to soak your sore muscles.
Parents will find their children well-entertained in the expanded facilities for the "Club HAL" Program and well-fed from special menus designed to appeal to junior passengers. Teens, always difficult to please, can participate in a wide range of sports, dance parties, and entertainment options. Even "doing their own thing" with new-found pals is completely safe at sea.
The Zuiderdam Experience
Why go on a cruise if you don't see expansive views of the sea? The Vista-class ships present those sea views and more in unexpected ways. For instance, four outside scenic elevators carry guests from Deck 1 to Deck 9. While you are waiting, take a good look at the etched glass doors—they mirror the 1920's motif of the ten interior elevator doors done in cast aluminum. Frans Dingemans contrived to give guests the "impression they are on a little ship with lots of surprises." The additional space on Zuiderdam meant he could create bay window seating areas in the Ocean Bar for more angles facing the sea.
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Carnival in Venice
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Marvelous nooks and crannies contain priceless works of art; even the chair backs in the Vista Dining Room are adorned with a subtle flower design in leather. The chairs themselves in the Odyssey Restaurant are unique creations—sculpted to echo organic forms of the Northwest and cast in polished aluminum, they are not only beautiful, they are comfortable.
The most dazzling art display contains figures in the time of Carnival in Venice, created by Daniel Ogier. The costumes incorporate antique materials and fabrics reflective of the 12th to 16th centuries, the glory days of Venice.
Look up at the ceilings for delicate glass pieces and do take the stairs where you will find Stephen Card's paintings of Holland America ships. Tucked away among the books in the library is an delicate miniature library. Don't miss it!
What You WILL Find:
- Delicious meals, creatively presented
- Gracious service by a professional staff
- Activities to suit a wide range of interests for all ages
- A rollicking late-night disco
- Stunning artwork
- Duty free shops generously stocked with high-end merchandise
- Numerous triple and quad staterooms and suites suitable for families
- Attention to accessibility for the physically challenged, including equipment for the hearing impaired
- Spa services by the exclusive Greenhouse Spa & Salon
- Guest performers, production shows, and some of the best entertainment at sea throughout the vessel
- Four outside panorama elevators with scenic vistas of the sea
- A dentist! Holland America Line is the only cruise line with a dentist aboard every cruise
What You WON'T Find:
- Glitz and flashing lights
- Boredom
Fast Stats
- Launched 2002
- 82,000 tons
- 936 feet long
- 1,916 guests, double occupancy
Save me a seat outside the Crow's Nest. I'll be back soon!
More --> Zuiderdam Photos 1 & Zuiderdam Photos 2
Staterooms & Public Areas
Back to --> Zuiderdam Preview, Part 1
Photos Courtesy of Holland America Line
Holland America Line - Cruise Reviews
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