Zaandam
Holland America’s 1,432-guest Zaandam debuted in 2000 following her sister R-class sister ship Volendam (all R-class ships were named for Dutch cities) and featured a jazzier design with an overall music theme throughout the ship. Memorabilia on board includes signed guitars from Queen, Iggy Pop, Eric Clapton, and the Rolling Stones, as well as a Baroque-style pipe organ. Subsequent refurbishments, the last in 2018, have kept Zaandam’s interiors looking fresh, although the ship’s smaller size and age may be a factor for travelers looking for a newer vessel with more onboard offerings. The ship’s design also means that there are more Interior and Ocean-View staterooms than Balcony accommodations — in fact, you’ll need to book a Vista Suite to enjoy a private balcony.
What We Love
Its Manageable Size: Zaandam has just 716 cabins, appealing to those who want to avoid a ship overrun with several thousand passengers. It's a throwback to vessels of an earlier era and offers a more intimate, low-key ambiance. And when in port, the ship’s population does not overwhelm islands and small towns.
Wining and Dining: The Pinnacle Grill, the extra-fee specialty restaurant, is an ideal setting to celebrate a birthday or anniversary — especially for anyone who enjoys a big juicy steak, fine wine, and attentive service. Holland America is also rolling out a new Morimoto By Sea pop-up restaurant within Pinnacle Grill in 2024 that features an exclusive menu by “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto, who it named its “fresh fish ambassador.”