By John and Sandra Nowlan

*Traditional shuffleboard on Zuiderdam’s sports deck*

Holland America has become one of our favorite cruise lines, mainly because of the fish. The premium, adult-oriented sister brand of Carnival Corporation introduced its “Global Fresh Fish Program” three years ago with 60 worldwide ports certified to provide 80 different kinds of fresh seafood for guests. The unique initiative is now fleet-wide with celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto serving as Global Fresh Fish Ambassador.

Our ship for a week-long Boston to Quebec City cruise was the 1900 guest Zuiderdam, built in 2002 as the first Vista Class vessel in the HAL fleet. Like others in its class it features a weekly Morimoto at Sea pop-up Asian/Seafood restaurant, sharing space with the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse.

Like most cruisers, we arrived in Boston a day before embarkation. We stayed at the Seaport Boston Hotel, recommended by the cruise line. It was in an ideal harborfront location, close to the cruise port and many restaurants. Our choice for dinner was the nearby Ocean Prime, a large, very busy upscale seafood specialty house. We’d give it five stars. Our miso cod and Chilian sea bass main courses were among our best-ever seafood dishes. Highly recommended if you’re visiting Boston.

Next morning we took a quick Uber to the cruise port and a very long line to board Zuiderdam. Security was even more arduous than most airports. But once aboard we relaxed and started to admire the classy, cruise ship interior featuring lots of brass and chandeliers. The artwork was stunning and fresh flowers were positioned throughout the ship. It was obviously well maintained, rarely showing its age.

Our first stop was the impressive library on Deck 3. Bright and spacious, with books divided into categories, it included a large section with a passenger favorite, “Leave a book; take a book”.

*Part of Zuiderdam’s extensive library.*

Our stateroom on Deck 4 was equally impressive with a large Queen bed, plenty of storage space, excellent lighting, a bathroom with a shower and tub (quite rare in a non-suite) and a balcony with plenty of room to stretch out in comfortable chairs. The main deficiency was the lack of an electric outlet on either side of the bed.

Fresh fish was delivered to Zuiderdam in both Boston and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, so we were looking forward to the dining venues, especially since seafood was included on all menus.

Even breakfast in the main dining room was a treat with linen tablecloths and attentive servers. The extensive menu featured nine international breakfasts including Asian congee, Indian aloo masala and English kippers. Eggs Benedict can be ordered with lobster or crab.

*A full English breakfast in the main dining room*

A splendid Seafood Boil on one evening (lobster, salmon, mussels, clams, and shrimp in a rich broth) was followed on other nights by fresh haddock, branzino, and Mediterranean sea bass. A spicy highlight for us at the Morimoto pop-up restaurant was Angry Lobster Pad Thai, the most interesting version of the tasty crustation we’ve ever enjoyed.

It wasn’t all fish of course. In Canaletto, the Italian specialty restaurant, we enjoyed burrata and tomato salad, veal with sage meatballs, and perfectly prepared Ossobuco. Pinnacle Grill, the ship’s popular steakhouse, had outstanding beef tenderloin. But the American wagyu beef (extra cost) was uncharacteristically tough and chewy. There was no problem exchanging it for tenderloin.

The large buffet (Lido Market) on Deck 9 was well organized with one of the best salad selections we’ve seen at sea. It was quite crowded at times, mainly because the counter staff served most of the food rather than guests serving themselves with common spoons or tongs. It was good to see hygiene prioritized.

Entertainment is also a priority with Holland America. The three main stage shows in the theatre utilized a talented ensemble of singers and dancers for very creative productions. The highlight for us was Breton Thunder, a group of five singers and Celtic inspired musicians put together by the cruise line on these Canada-New England itinerates. The lead singer and fiddler were especially effective in belting out toe-tapping melodies that reflected the unique music of Cape Breton Island. We were also glad to see and hear classical music every day via a well-trained cello and piano duo. Several bars, including the popular piano bar, featured lively tunes each day and evening. Trivia, cooking classes, wine tasting, shuffleboard, and pickleball were also attractions for many guests.

Our attractive Zuiderdam Atlantic Canada itinerary included visits to Halifax (the impressive waterfront boardwalk, Victorian Public Gardens, Peggy’s Cove, and Titanic memorabilia got high marks), Sydney (the Cape Breton Fossil Centre is a must-see) and Charlottetown (The Anne of Green Gables tour is a favorite).

*Zuiderdam docked in Sydney, Nova Scotia next to the world’s biggest fiddle*

Most guests on this cruise from Boston were American with a strong contingent of Canadians and several from Britain and Australia. Claudia and Bruce Perkins from Salem, Oregon, were on their first Atlantic coast cruise. “We’re glad we came,” they told us. “We didn’t realize all the history we’d be experiencing.” Linda and Bill McManus of Brandon, Mississippi, particularly loved, “the nature, the beauty, the clean air.” New Orleans natives Jane and Robert Smith were a bit sceptical…at first. “With all the friction between the U.S. and Canada we were a little anxious and self-conscious as Americans,” they said. “But everyone was very nice to us. It was wonderful. A really good experience.”

Zuiderdam – New England to Canada. A Taste of the Atlantic

By John and Sandra Nowlan

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