We had been encouraged to take a cruise through the Panama Canal and we were happy that we did. We made the most of the two days prior to and after the cruise. Seeing much of Miami Beach, Little Havana and the Everglades Park, And then, in San Diego, we visited Coronado, Balboa Park and its museums, Old San Diego, the USS Midway and the Gaslamp Quarter. A good experience on board the Zaandam with plenty to do to occupy us on the several sea days. We enjoyed some interesting wildlife, cultural and historical excursions in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico. Sadly, we did not have sufficient time to fully appreciate Cartagena as the quay is a little from the old city. However, the transition through the Panama was wonderful and quite different to other sea and major river locks we have encountered.
Overall great trip. Interesting places with 3 sea days. Although older ship still looking good. Fast lifts. Just about everything done through Navigator App. Dining experience spoiled with early Dinner time of 5pm too early and 7.30pm too late or Dynamic dinning with long queues. AC on ship very cold especially in theatre. Staff excellent on whole but slightly understaffed. If you stay in Boston watch out for unexpected additional tourist tax of 25$ per night + local tax on top.
Had an excellent time. Ship well maintained for being an older ship. Crew amazing. Itinerary was amazing. Canada and New England.
Good cruise, nice ship, crew really friendly.
Great cruise. Very impressed with the planning by Planet Cruise and the transfer arrangements and hotels both in Bueno Aires and Santiago. Very smooth an efficient. Excllent service all round Robert
This was a very good educational cruise, it is once in a lifetime cruise and the Panama canal was the best part of the cruise
Itinerary, food and staff were excellent. Cabins are in need of an update as they are starting to look shabby (stains on carpet and dints in the walls) although there were kept clean.
The ship and itinerary were good. The food and service were very good. The evening entertainment was poor the shows were only average and there was very little to do when the 1st show was over. The drinks prices were very high after they were subject to service charge. Very few people were drinking or socialising. The only serious problem we had was that Holiday Taxis were 95 minutes late picking up from the ship to the hotel. It is my opinion they took too much work on and that people were leaving the ship and taking the taxis of those already booked. The other arrangements went perfectly and the tours before and after the cruise were excellent.
Everything was great with 2 exceptions. The on-board drink prices were extortionate. And the cost of their tours was very high for what you got.
This is our second cruise with Holland America and once again we were not disappointed with our cruise to S. America. A well portioned ship- comfortable cabin and friendly professional staff. All travel arrangements went according to plan both on board and ashore.
