Holland America Line·Zuiderdam

Zuiderdam - Canada & New England: UNESCO Sites & Quebecois Nights

4(811 reviews)
via U.S. News & Cruise Critic · Jun 2026
|7 Nights|4 Ports|2 Sea Days

A one-way autumn run from Quebec City to Boston that spends its first two days cruising the St. Lawrence River and Gulf before working through the Canadian Maritimes. A late 11 PM departure from Quebec City buys extra time in the walled old town, and the route strings together Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton, and Nova Scotia at the height of fall color.

SeniorsCouplesHistory BuffsNature Lovers

Price Range

$$

Mid-Range

DepartureQuebec City, Canada
Dress CodeSmart Casual
MealsIncluded
WiFiPaid

*Prices vary by cabin type, sailing date, and availability. Confirm rates with Holland America Line before booking.

Ship Details — Zuiderdam

View full Zuiderdam details

Year Built

2002

Tonnage

82,305 GT

Passengers

1,964

Crew

817

Decks

11

Class

Vista

Itinerary & Route Map

Loading map…

Onboard Amenities

Lincoln Center Stage
B.B. King's Blues Club
Casino
Greenhouse Spa
Multiple Pools
Specialty Dining
Fitness Center
World Stage
Explorations Central
Crow's Nest Lounge
Lido Pool
Culinary Arts Center
Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Pinnacle Grill Steakhouse
Canaletto Italian Restaurant
Pool Deck & Lido Bar
Crow's Nest Observation Lounge
Library
Art Gallery
Three pools (one with retractable glass roof, Lido)
Six outdoor whirlpools/Jacuzzis
Pinnacle Grill (specialty steakhouse)
Tamarind / Pan-Asian dining
Canaletto (Italian)
Lido Market buffet
Main Dining Room
Dive-In poolside burgers
Fitness center
Mainstage theater
Billboard Onboard dueling pianos
Lincoln Center Stage classical music
Crow's Nest observation lounge
Cooking demonstrations & wine tastings
Multiple bars and lounges

Cruise Highlights

Late-night departure allows a full day and evening in UNESCO-listed Old Quebec
Scenic cruising down the St. Lawrence River and Gulf of St. Lawrence
Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island's Anne of Green Gables country
Peggy's Cove lighthouse and Citadel Hill excursions from Halifax

About the Ship

What Travelers Say About Zuiderdam

Reviews of the ship itself — the same for every Zuiderdam sailing. Based on 4,500 discussions.

The Zuiderdam is Holland America Line's first Vista-class ship (launched 2002), and its appeal centers on a classic, relaxed, smaller-ship experience rather than flashy mega-ship features. Carrying just under 2,000 guests at double occupancy, it feels more intimate and less crowded than larger rivals, drawing an older, port-focused crowd. U.S. News rates it 4 out of 5 based on 811 guest reviews, and the standout theme across nearly every review is the warm, attentive crew and the line's smooth, well-organized operations.

What People Love

  • Genuinely warm, attentive crew is the most consistently praised feature across reviews
  • Smooth, well-run logistics — embarkation, luggage delivery, and tendering handled efficiently
  • Smaller Vista-class size feels intimate and less crowded than mega-ships, with an older, quieter, relaxed passenger base

Common Complaints

  • Ship shows its age (built 2002) — worn finishes and dated decor noted even after refurbishment
  • Main dining room food quality seen as inconsistent and 'about average,' with longtime guests feeling HAL has slipped
  • Crew sometimes stretched thin/understaffed, leading to long waits for drinks and service
See the full Zuiderdam ship page — all 16 pros & cons, review & FAQs

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