Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Zuiderdam

Cruise operators are making significant adjustments to their itineraries, with the 'Norwegian Bliss', 'Royal Princess', and 'Zuiderdam' skipping scheduled stops in Puerto Vallarta. This decision comes in the wake of escalating violence triggered by the assassination of a cartel leader, leading the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to issue a shelter-in-place advisory. The 'Norwegian Bliss' withdrew from its planned Puerto Vallarta stop last week and will keep a close watch on developments, with its next scheduled visit not set until March 4, 2026. The 'Zuiderdam' opted out of its Puerto Vallarta call on February 23, while the 'Royal Princess' redirected its itinerary, extending its stay in Cabo San Lucas and visiting Mazatlán on February 25 instead. Numerous ships had been slated to arrive in Puerto Vallarta next week as March kicks off, though cruise lines have yet to relay any updates on these potential changes. Meanwhile, on February 24, officials from the Jalisco state government announced that 'order and stability have been restored' within both Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.

In a remarkable display of maritime valor, the cruise ship 'Zuiderdam' responded to an emergency at sea, successfully rescuing two sailors whose boat was sinking. The incident unfolded on August 30, 2025, shortly after the 'Zuiderdam' embarked on its cruise through New England and Canada from Boston, Massachusetts, at 6:30 p.m. EDT. Just hours into its journey toward Portland, Maine, the US Coast Guard contacted the ship regarding a distressed vessel with two individuals aboard. Without hesitation, the 'Zuiderdam' adjusted its course and navigated towards the location off the US East Coast where the doomed boat was situated. Upon arrival, the crew of the 'Zuiderdam' executed a seamless rescue operation, safely bringing the two castaways on board. Following the successful transfer of the sailors to the US Coast Guard, the cruise ship continued on its maiden voyage. Remarkably, the 'Zuiderdam' arrived at its next scheduled destination, Portland, Maine, on August 31, without experiencing any delays or operational challenges. This incident highlights the readiness and commitment of maritime vessels to ensure safety at sea.

During a 10-night journey through the Caribbean, the 'Zuiderdam' has experienced a norovirus outbreak, impacting passengers and crew members alike. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the situation, with the first report coming in on December 11, 2024, while the ship was docked in the picturesque setting of Aruba. Out of 1,923 travelers on board, 74 passengers, as well as four crew members from a total of 757, reported symptoms indicative of the illness, including diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, headaches, and fever. Notably, this represents less than 4% of the total guest population. The voyage began on December 4, departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, and concluded back at Port Everglades on December 14 following a comprehensive itinerary that included stunning stops at Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Bonaire, Curaçao, and Aruba. Cruise health and safety are vital as the cruise industry continues to navigate challenges in maintaining passenger wellbeing.

On October 14, 2024, the Cap-à-l'Aigle Coast Guard concluded its operational season with a noteworthy medical evacuation involving a passenger from the cruise ship 'Zuiderdam'. The evacuation was initiated at the request of the Canadian Coast Guard, highlighting the vital collaboration between maritime safety agencies. The transfer was executed by the cruise ship's rescue boats, with a dedicated team of three unit members mobilizing within just 15 minutes. Navigating to the ship’s platform proved to be quite challenging due to the rough currents and waves generated by the cruise liner. Once the passenger was safely onboard, the search and rescue vessel 'auxiliary 1276' promptly returned to port, where paramedics were ready to provide immediate care. For additional insights and to view photos from the evacuation, visit: https://www.lecharlevoisien.com/2024/10/15/evacuation-dune-passagere-dun-bateau-de-croisiere-au-large-de-la-malbaie/

On June 11, 2023, a group of dedicated climate activists rallied around the cruise ship 'Zuiderdam', which was docked at the Cruise Terminal in the heart of Rotterdam, adjacent to the iconic Erasmus Bridge. Activists, comprising members from Extinction Rebellion and its academic offshoot, Scientist Rebellion, constructed bamboo structures on the quay to create a blockade. Their goal was to obstruct the mooring lines from being released, thus halting the ship’s departure. Despite their efforts to impede the 'Zuiderdam' from setting sail, the initiative was unsuccessful. The cruise ship ultimately managed to depart with a slight delay in the early evening hours.