Published January 10, 2003. All images and text copyright Peter Knego (unless otherwise noted).

Page Three:
ZUIDERDAM Tour: Lido Deck to Promenade Deck

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The Gymnasium, facing port. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Lido Deck begins with a narrow forward facing outdoor terrace just above the wheelhouse, accessed via the gymnasium in the forward portion of TheGreenhouse Spa. The gym, itself, is an improved version of those found on the prior ships with a larger selection of cardio and weight facilities. Men's and women's changing rooms follow on the starboard side passage leading to the thermal suites.

Hydrotherapy Spa Room number seven facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The Beauty Salon facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The Hydro Pool, facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The port side contains a series of therapy rooms and a beauty salon. A new feature is the hydro pool with its myriad of water jets in the midships/aft portion of the spa. Its ceiling features an octagonal skylight.

The ZUIDERDAM has a different type of builder's plate from most Fincantieri ships. It is mounted on the bulkhead forward of the midships pool. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The midships Lido area facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

A closer look at Susanna Holt's Polar Bear sculpture. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Those familiar with all HAL ships from STATENDAM onwards will be happy to know that the layout includes the familiar "all weather" midships pool with sliding glass weather dome, Lido Bar, and Terrace Grill. Susanna Holt's latest HAL poolside sculpture is of a mother and baby polar bear, raising questions as to whether this Panamax ship will one day offer northern itineraries in lieu of its year-round weekly Caribbean departures.

Facing forward in the midships section of the Lido Restaurant. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Facing forward from the aft/starboard portion of the Lido Restaurant. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The expanded 130 seat Lido Restaurant follows with some of the ship's more vibrant color schemes. The carpet pattern, which is repeated throughout the public areas, is rather wildly evocative with stripes, spots, and obtuse shapes in shades of blue, purple, and black. The wood-framed chairs are upholstered in bright fuchsia, pink, turquoise, orange, and lavender and the lamps feature pliable rubber shades in contrasting colors. The Lido is one of the public areas that drew comparisons to Carnival and NCL in theme and feel, although its layout is an expanded version of that found on the earlier HAL ships. An added feature is the number of different stations (Continental, Italian, Asian, deli, salad bar, desserts) which is similar to what one would find on Carnival.

Facing forward past the ceramic pool "couch" from aft Lido Deck. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

A view over the stern's suite accommodation from aft Lido Deck. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The aft Lido terrace contains the second swimming pool, with its harlequin-inspired red and white ceramic "couch" located in the aft portion of the basin. Asked if its purpose was more than decorative (there is a similar apparition on the MV AMSTERDAM), Mr. Dingemans indicated it was a good spot for passengers to have their photos taken. The aft terrace is served by the circular al fresco Sea View Bar on the starboard side.

Aft of the bridge and officers' quarters on Navigation Deck, one will find the uppermost level of ZUIDERDAM's accommodation, configured in sections of Category SS (superior verandah suites), category A (deluxe verandah outside), large category I (inside) and smaller category J (large or standard inside) staterooms. In the aft corners of Navigation and the next four descending decks, the ship offers Category S suites with huge wraparound verandas that are among the largest at sea.

Looking over the bow from the Rotterdam Deck terrace. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Looking over the bow from the Rotterdam Deck terrace. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The Neptune Lounge, facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Rotterdam Deck offers a similar selection of accommodation, albeit with a large block of Category S (deluxe verandah) suites amidships, and two huge Category PS (penthouse verandah) suites. There is also the midships concierge Neptune Lounge offering special services, hors d'oeuvres, coffee, and various amenities to those in the higher category accommodation. An original light up model of the 1938 NIEUW AMSTERDAM serves as one of its most attractive decorative features. Rotterdam Deck and the next three lower levels have open forward terraces, offering views over the bow that are especially desirable in scenic places such as Alaska and the Panama Canal.

Upper Verandah Deck, Verandah Deck, and Upper Promenade Deck are devoted to accommodation in a vast array of categories ranging from category S (deluxe verandah suites) to Category N (standard inside).

The view aft from the fo'c'sle on Upper Promenade Deck shows the observation terraces and the wheelhouse. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The inviting starboard promenade in an aft-facing view. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Promenade Deck is the uppermost of two levels dedicated entirely to public areas. Surrounded by a full wraparound teak lined walkway (the ship's outer deck areas are a combination of traditional teak and teak-colored rubber surfacing), its expanse offers room for traditional deck chairs and further space for walkers and joggers alike. Handsome wooden benches etched with the ship's name are signature Fincantieri features, although these promenades are missing the port and starboard builder's plates found on most other ships (HAL, Carnival, Princess) built by the same yard.

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