www.cleancruising.com.au - MS Zuiderdam (one of four compass-point HAL ships) was dedicated in 2002, measuring 82305 GT and carrying 1916 passengers. Holland America Line’s Signature of Excellence initiative for this ship focuses on five areas: space and elegance; sophisticated dining; gracious, unobtrusive service; extensive enrichment programs; and interesting destinations. It has plenty of places on deck for solitude, and inside an extensive library, museum-quality paintings, and a magnificent Waterford Crystal Seahorse suspended in the three-deck atrium. Four elegant exterior glass elevators look out over the sea. Enrichment and entertainment by day include its demo kitchen and wine tasting, and a favourite focal point is the Explorations Cafe. The Microsoft Digital workshops will teach you to make a DVD of your trip or create your own web page or blog. Evening entertainment includes eight bars, a disco, and shows in the Vista Lounge. A wide variety of shore excursions can be booked for reasonable costs. Fitness activities include two pools, two hot tubs, courts, jogging course, and of course Spa and Salon treatments. Club HAL caters for 3 to 12 year olds, and The Loft for teens. Expect a mix of seniors, older couples and multi-generational families, and come dress-prepared for formal nights' dining and dancing.