Zuiderdam
December 8-11, 2002
Preview Sailing
by Linda Coffman
Public
Areas
 |
|
The
Atrium |
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.
 |
|
Carnival
in Venice |
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
-
Spa cuisine by Jeanne Jones
-
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
-
Holland America Line's
"Tipping Not Required" policy
-
A dentist! Holland America
Line is the only cruise line with a dentist aboard every cruise
-
Dial up Internet access
available in every stateroom
What
You WON'T Find:
Fast Stats
-
82,000 tons
-
950 feet long
-
1,848 guests, double occupancy
-
Generous space ratio: 44.37
The idea of an
Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise on
the Zuiderdam is alluring and one of the main attractions is Half Moon Cay,
Holland America Line's private Bahamian paradise. Imagine the most exquisite
island you could possibly create. You don't have to... it's been done by Holland
America.
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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