The pace of life on board the Zuiderdam tends to be more laid-back and leisurely than on many bigger, busier ships with the emphasis on lazing in luxury and enjoying peaceful pursuits.

There are plenty of daytime events and exciting evening entertainment for those who enjoy being active and upbeat, yet this ship also incorporates many serene spaces with fabulous ocean views for those times when you just want to unwind and watch the world go by.

The lovely main Lido Pool has a retractable roof so you can lounge and laze whatever the weather and, like on the open-deck sunbathing area that surrounds the Sea View pool, there are also hot tubs for an invigorating soak.

Expert health and beauty treatments are available in the luxuriously large Greenhouse Spa and there’s an exotic separate hydrotherapy area which you can book into by the day or for the entire cruise.

Among the organised activities on the Zuiderdam is the popular Culinary Arts Centre’s regular gourmet cookery demonstrations and wine-tasting sessions, brought to guests by the world famous Food and Wine magazine.

For more energetic passengers, the gym is spacious and well-equipped and there’s a jogging track as well as the opportunity for some friendly sporting competition on the modern court that features volleyball and basketball games.

Children will love the range of fun activities organised by dedicated youth staff at the Club HAL area which hosts parties, games, crafts and competitions. Teens have their own hang-out space, The Loft, where they can enjoy interacting with people of their own age.

The pace of life steps up a notch on the Zuiderdam as day gives way to night and the glamorous Vista Show Lounge comes alive with music and laughter as talented singers, magicians, dancers, comedians and speciality acts light up the stage.

Elsewhere you’ll find lively cabaret and audience-participation game shows in the beautiful, large Queen’s Lounge, soothing piano music in the Ocean Bar and all the latest big-screen events in the Sports Bar.

Zuiderdam’s casino has all the popular gaming tables as well as the opportunity to try for the jackpot on high-tech big-prize slot machines.

Those who like to dance to classic disco tunes should head for the dazzling Northern Lights nightclub or, if you merely want to chill out over a chat and a drink, then the peaceful Crow’s Nest, with its spectacular ocean views, is the perfect retreat.
 

Eating out on the Zuiderdam is a real treat every evening, however you prefer to dine. Meals are of a high-quality and service is exceptionally efficient and friendly.

The glorious main Vista Dining Room is where many guests enjoy most of their evening meals, with a choice of two set-time sittings in traditional cruising style in the company of your fellow passengers or, by choosing the As You Wish arrangement, you can turn up to be seated any time you like between 5.30pm and 9.30pm.

More casual dining, yet still with the same superb choice of quality international dishes, is available in the lovely Lido buffet restaurant where you can get cooked to order favourites.

And if you’ve a special occasion to celebrate, or you just want to experience a different, more intimate dining ambience, then you can reserve a table at the classy Pinnacle Grill with its fine tableware and selection of sumptuous steak and seafood specialities.

*Selected restaurants on many ships require reservations and may carry an additional charge.
 

MS Zuiderdam’s cabins are very spacious and extremely smartly designed, with twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed, private bathroom with shower, bathrobes, flat-screen TVs and DVD players, hairdryers, complimentary fresh fruit on request, daily ice service, shoeshine and nightly turndown as standard.

You can choose from inside, outside or balcony cabins or various categories of suite.