Thanks to Betsy Majma for sharing this touching story about cruising on Zuiderdam with her mother-in-law.

My mother-in-law had never been on a vacation her whole life that did not include visiting relatives. We waited for years for her husband to exit his misery so that she would be free to travel without worrying about who would take care of him. He required 24/7 care and couldn’t be put in a home due to his confused aggression. Her entire life revolved around his care rather than taking care of herself. She was isolated from having friends or any freedom because of the time required to manage him…..so when he finally passed on, we invited her to join us for our cruise to Alaska on the Zuiderdam back in July 2009.

She instantly jumped on the opportunity to breathe life into her again. This was her first real vacation ever. On the first day she cried — she couldn’t believe how wonderful this ship was or how beautiful things were around her. In typical Holland America style, we had a great time and the staff and yummy food were all excellent. By the end of the cruise she cried more saying she didn’t want to get off that ship, that she wanted to get a job there and stay forever.

The next year we went on the Baltic cruise and brought her with us for that. She’s still bragging about that rooftop tour we took in Stockholm. The year after that she went with us again to the Caribbean – this trip she brought a friend … and was mostly independent of our assistance. We’re so happy that she now has an active life to really enjoy. Thanks Holland America for the great trips!!! You’ve given my mother-in-law fantastic memories. — Betsy Majma

Mother in-law Suzi, with my son Cameron and husband Mory.

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Topics: Alaska, Baltic/Northern Europe, ms Zuiderdam, Postcards from..., Shore Excursions | | No Comments

My wife and I were on the last cruise of the Zuiderdam for the Caribbean season from April 8 to April 19. We had the opportunity to attend both concerts of the Island Magic Steel Band. It has been many years since I enjoyed a presentation such as theirs. They are just a phenomenal band with excellent stage presence. I also had the opportunity to talk with them in the Lido restaurant and found them to be very friendly and personable as well. Since photos or videos cannot be taken during the performance, the only one I have is before the performance during the band setup and not all the band members are present. A fine presentation. I am now enjoying their CD at home as well. — Bill and Betsy LeGars

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Topics: Art, Activities & Entertainment, Caribbean, ms Zuiderdam | | 2 Comments

Journalist Georgina Cruz recently sailed on Zuiderdam and sent in this great post about her call at Half Moon Cay.

Somewhere, the mind knows intuitively, there is an island as easy as Sunday morning, as cool as a tropical fruit sorbet, and as fun as the playgrounds of our youth. Fortunate travelers find it at Half Moon Cay.

My husband Humberto and I had been lucky to enjoy visits to Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private island in the Bahamas, on a half dozen occasions. But this 2,400-acre Bahamian idyll – where only 45 acres have been developed and the rest has been left pristine – with its crescent aquamarine beach and talcum-powder-quality white sands always leaves you wanting more.

The aquamarine waters of Half Moon Cay are inviting.

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Topics: Caribbean, Half Moon Cay, ms Zuiderdam, Panama Canal | | No Comments

In celebration of our 140th birthday, we organized a ship building contest among crew members aboard Zuiderdam. The ships were presented at the “History of Holland America-Then & Now” sales presentation for guests to vote on their favorite ships. Guests voted on “Favorite Ship,” “Most Creative Ship” and “Most Realistic Ship.” The ship voted as “Favorite Ship” won a $500 award. Zuiderdam officers and crew built 10 ships that the guests loved. Here are the three winners with Hotel Director Kees Van Santen and me.

Winner of the Guests’ Favorite Ship: Roberto Borjal, stage crew.

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Topics: Art, Activities & Entertainment, HAL History, ms Zuiderdam, Staff & Crew | | No Comments

Journalist Georgina Cruz recently sailed on Zuiderdam during the company’s 140th Anniversary celebrations. She sent in this lovely photo of the ship’s cake.

Here’s a photo of the cake from the Zuiderdam — it was a great anniversary party! And what a cake! — Georgina Cruz

Topics: HAL History, ms Zuiderdam | | No Comments

Thanks to our Facebook fans for sharing their favorite photos to celebrate our 140th anniversary!

Even traveling along the edge of a cyclone couldn’t take the edge of our wonderful cruise on the Oosterdam from Sydney to New Zealand. Thank you Holland America for such excellent staff and wonderful service. I wouldn’t travel any other way! — Sandra Farber

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Topics: HAL History, ms Oosterdam, ms Zuiderdam, Panama Canal, Postcards from... | | No Comments

Thanks to passenger Mary Ann Crossno for sharing with us pictures from her 40th wedding anniversary celebrated aboard Zuiderdam.

We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary with a renewal of vows ceremony, conducted by Captain Chris Turner, on a 10-day Panama Canal cruise aboard the Zuiderdam. My dear husband surprised me by buying a tux for the cruise – part of his intention was that we spend more time on DAM ships! We were delighted to get to meet and greet Captain Turner’s family as well, as they were sailing with him. How we love sailing with HAL!

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Topics: ms Zuiderdam, Panama Canal | | 1 Comment

Below are some pictures from the international lunch held aboard the Zuiderdam on March 12 in Curacao. This was an event where cuisine from around the globe (particular focus on food geographically representative of our diverse workforce) was prepared for all crew members in general appreciation for continued dedication and hard work in making the Zuiderdam a special vacation experience for our passengers and a truly special place to work and live.

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Topics: Food & Beverage, ms Zuiderdam, Staff & Crew | | 1 Comment