Why the Difference in Star Ratings on the Zuiderdam?

[Sunny AZ Girl]

I am researching possible cruises for our group cruise in 2009 to the Med. I really like the itinerary the Zuiderdam shows for 2008. However, when I checked the reviews here on CC I found that it only had a 3 star rating for the professional review, yet it had a 5 star rating for the member's reviews! While that was encouraging I am confused as to why there is such a big difference. HAL is a new line for me - maybe some of you could explain.:confused:

[hammybee]

Looks to me like this review was written shortly after the Zuiderdam was launched, 2002. At that time, it was an entirely new concept for HAL and it appears the reviewer did not rate many aspects and focused more on the differences.

 

I would be more inclined to look at recent reviews and form your own opinion.

 

I think poster Candy may hold the record for the most sails on this ship. I hope she chimes in.

[Sunny AZ Girl]

I did look more closely at the member reviews. I was confused as to how the professional reviewer could be so far off from the members! I saw somewhere that this ship is going into drydock? I had read on some of the member's reviews that she needed to be spruced up here & there. So maybe that will give her the 'face lift' she may need after a few years....;) The comments were all very high in regards to service and the things that matter most, though!

[Palms2Pines2Sea]

We had a dialogue similar to this one back in the spring regarding Prinsendam. She too had a "professional" rating of 3 stars, but a much higher rating from most of her past passengers.

 

Zuiderdam (and Prinsendam too) get dinged by Cruise Critic and other "professional" reviewers because of what they don't have: Rock-climbing walls, elaborate child care and teen centers, ice skating rinks, mega-casinos and dancing girls. The previous list is strictly tongue-in-cheek, but you get the idea.

 

You will want for nothing on Zuiderdam or most any HAL ship, especially, as you noted, regarding service. Pay attention to the member's reviews, and book without hesitation!