Panama Canal Cruise with MS Zuiderdam

The cruise line Holland America Line has been offering international cruises at a very good level for more than 150 years. On the German market, Holland America Line enjoys strong growing popularity, but is still more of an insider tip among the cruise lines.

The size of the ships ranges from smaller ships with about 1,432 passengers to larger ships with up to 2,668 passengers.

On all cruises, the cruise line guarantees a German-speaking contact person, nevertheless English skills are recommended.

• Inaugural cruise: December 2002
• Renovation: November 2019, next (partly renovation): October 2022
• Home port: Rotterdam
• Passengers: 1,946
• Crew: approx. 817
• Length: 285 metres
• Width: 32 metres
• Tonnage: 84,000 GT
• Speed: 24 knots
• Decks: 11
• Languages on board: English
• Currency: US $
• Internet: Starlink from SpaceX, Internet café and Wi-Fi (fee required)

Holland America Line has set itself the goal of treating the environment responsibly. This is reflected, among other things, in the fact that the entire fleet of the shipping company is shore power capable. Disposable products on board are reduced or recycled as far as possible.

Holland America Line is also the first cruise line in the world to receive both MSC and ASC certification for sustainable seafood. This award emphasises its commitment to environmental protection and responsible sourcing. Guests can now enjoy high-quality seafood on board that is sourced under strict guidelines, contributing to a sustainable future for the oceans.

All cabins are very spacious and comfortably equipped. Premium mattresses and cotton linens, as well as various pillows care for comfortable sleep. The beds can flexibly be separated or put together. All cabins provide plenty of storage space for luggage. Bathrobes for the duration of the trip are available in all cabins. A fruit basket is provided on request and refilled free of charge. The cabins are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a DVD player. Y

ou have the choice between the up to 21 qm inside cabins, the approximately 16 qm outside cabins and the up to 33 qm large veranda cabins. In addition, there a different categories of suites. The offer ranges from the smaller signature suite to the Pinnacle Suite that is about 106 qm in size. This suite is luxuriously equipped and offers a variety of facilities. There is a private dressing room, a bathroom with a shower and a large spa bath and a private hot tub on the veranda.

The MS Zuiderdam is more of a classic cruise ship. During the day there is a wide range of leisure activities. For example, wine tastings, computer courses or lectures about the travelled destinations are offered (some of them for a fee).

On board the most guests are of middle and upper age. But during the holidays also families like to spend their holiday on board. There are childcare services for children and adolescents, although there are less children on board as on other cruise lines.

On two evenings a week, festive clothing is recommended. For guests who like it even more casual, there are also alternative opportunities on these two evenings, without formal attire.

The excellent cuisine is certainly one of the highlights of a cruise with Holland America Line. A top-class team of six world-class chefs is constantly developing new, inspiring and distinctive dining options for the cruise line's fleet.

The á la carte main restaurant, as well as the buffet restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. For a fee you can enjoy culinary delights in the specialty restaurant Pinnacle Grill.

You can choose from a broad variety of onboard activities such as yoga, swimming, spa practices, having a drink in the bar or sitting down somewhere just reading a book. In the evenings entertaining shows and live-music are performed. Based on so many options everyone can create his individual favourite entertainment.

The Greenhouse Spa invites you into a heavenly beauty paradise. You can enjoy different treatments such as massages, manicure and pedicure. In contrast to this relaxing programme you are able to join some sport courses like yoga and pilates or using the gym machines.

A cruise with the MS Zuiderdam offers you a lot of stylish comfort and luxury through an attentive service, very good food and an overall very comfortable ship. The Holland America Line ships offer a good price-performance ratio and are especially popular with cruise repeaters who appreciate and enjoy the high standard.