Noordam | ShermansTravel

The daytime ambiance on the 1,924-guest Noordam, the last of four ships in Holland America’s Vista Class, is of the afternoon tea and violin music variety. The cruise line’s regulars — most in the 55-plus age group, with emphasis on the “plus” — like it that way. Noordam underwent a splashy refurbishment in 2019, but this isn’t the ship for you if you want Broadway-caliber musicals or a large variety of activities, although there is a multilevel World Stage theater for shows and a prominently placed casino. Most guests are content to catch up on their reading in the well-stocked library, play pickleball on the sports court, or enjoy a wide-ranging playlist of live music in the ship’s nighttime venues.

What We Love

B. B. King Blues Club: You may be sailing in Alaska or Australia, but entering this club is like stepping out in Memphis, with music inspired by the late blues impresario. This is the place to let your hair down on board. You can also opt to listen to lively piano renditions of decade-spanning hits in Billboard Onboard or revisit the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s as a cover band plays in the Rolling Stone Lounge.

Ocean Views on the Move: The wraparound teak promenade deck lets you experience the vistas from all sides on a simple stroll, while the 10-floor glass exterior elevators are a trip.

Best Known For

Art Collection: This line has a commitment to the arts, and Noordam doubles as a floating museum. Pieces range from a Dutch painting dating back to the 1840s to contemporary photos of musical greats. Consider taking the self-guided, narrated tour of the collection.

Pool for All Seasons: You can take a dip in the pool or hot tubs no matter the weather, thanks to the retractable glass roof on the Lido Pool (there’s also an aft Sea View Pool).

Who It's Best For

Older Couples: There aren't constant distractions or must-do activities on board; instead, this ship offers a relaxing experience.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

The Layout Is Confusing: Getting around the ship can be befuddling at first, so leave a little extra time to find the exit for your shore excursions until you get the hang of it.

Specialty Dining is Somewhat Limited: Vista-Class ships feature just two specialty-dining venues: the excellent Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood and Canaletto, an Italian eatery that’s contained in a section of the Dining Room. You can also try dishes by famed “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto in a pop-up eatery inside Pinnacle Grill at least once per cruise. Fans of Holland America’s popular pan-Asian restaurant Tamarind, however, need to book a sailing on a Pinnacle- or Signature-class ship.

Clark Norton

Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Clark Norton, a longtime contributor to Porthole cruise magazine, has also written numerous cruising features for The Washington Post Magazine, EnCompass, Bridal Guide, the Toronto Globe and Mail, and other publications.