Zaandam
Rotterdam (R) · refurbished 2025 · Alaska, Mexican Riviera & West Coast
Launched in 2000 as an R-class ship, or Rotterdam class, Zaandam is among the smallest ships in the current fleet, measuring about 61,000 GT and carrying about 1,430 guests. Its strengths include music-themed interiors and ports that are easier to access because of its smaller size; in Alaska, it can reach smaller ports and narrower waterways. Its facilities were updated during a 2025 refurbishment. In summer, it operates Alaska itineraries round trip from Vancouver; in fall and winter, it runs Mexico and Baja California itineraries from San Diego, followed by seasonal repositioning toward South America from Fort Lauderdale.
Current position (external site)View on VesselFinder (IMO 9156527)External site. Position information has not been checked by Cruise Atlas.
For travelers from Japan
A guide to public baths, Japanese food and language support, payment in yen, smoking, dress codes and power outlets, based on available official and other sources. Details may vary by itinerary and season. Check the official website for current information.
Similar facilities, such as a thermal suite
Japanese food at extra cost
Some Japanese language support
Payment in yen not accepted
Smoking in designated areas only
Formal nights
Plug types: A, B, C, F
English text in preparation.
Official: confirmed by the cruise line or another official source / Secondary source: confirmed by other sources / Estimated: inferred by Cruise Atlas / Not stated: no information found in official sources
At a glance
What is included and what costs extra
- Meals (main restaurants)Included
- AlcoholExtra charge
- GratuitiesExtra charge
- Wi‑FiExtra charge
- Specialty diningExtra charge
- Shore excursionsExtra charge
In addition to the base fare, the "Have It All" package, which includes beverages, Wi-Fi and gratuities, can be added for $60 per person per day (purchased before boarding). Neptune/Pinnacle Suites include some benefits, such as priority services, as standard.
- Extra chargeDrinks (one beer)$7.75 (canned/bottled beer)
- Extra chargeSoft drinks and water$2.75 (sodas)
- Extra chargeDrink packageSignature (beer, spirits, and wine up to $12): $50.95/day; Elite (all beverages): $55.95/day. Both are priced per person per day, with a separate 20% service charge.
- Extra chargeWi‑FiBuying in advance in one lump sum gives a slight discount.
- Extra chargeGratuities (automatic service charge)$18/person/night for standard cabins; $20/person/night for suites (revised June 2026)
- Extra chargeSpa (60 minutes)$149 (50 minutes; massage menu guide price)
- Extra chargeLaundry'Laundry By The Bag' lets you fill a dedicated bag with as much laundry as fits for $35 (48-hour turnaround).
- Shore excursionsShore excursions are charged per tour. The ship primarily operates longer itineraries focused on ports, including South America, Antarctica, Alaska, and world cruises.
Prices are shown in the onboard currency; no currency conversion is applied.
Boarding, atmosphere, and links
- Japan departures: No
- Home ports: Vancouver (Canada; summer Alaska departure and arrival port), Anchorage/Seward (Alaska, United States; summer), Argentine and Chilean ports (South America and Antarctica season)
- Departure ports: Vancouver, Anchorage, Seward, Buenos Aires (seasonal)
- All ages
- A classic, calm atmosphere typical of the oldest R-class ship. Genuine instruments and music memorabilia throughout the ship create a distinctive interior, appealing to guests who prefer history and character over the flashiness of large new ships.
- Mainly attracts veteran cruisers aged 60 and over from North America. It is particularly suited to long, port-focused voyages such as South America and Antarctica, Alaska, and around-the-world cruises (Grand Voyages), and is strongly supported by quiet senior travelers.
In 2026, Holland America Line announced "Evolution," a fleet refurbishment program worth $500 million in total, and is progressively carrying out improvements such as better energy efficiency. Additional equipment specific to Zaandam (such as scrubbers) has not been confirmed.
Ship character
- • Travelers seeking to avoid crowds
- • Alaska and Mexico itineraries on a small ship
- • Repeat travelers who prefer a classic onboard atmosphere
- • Travelers seeking the latest facilities or a large pool deck
- • Family trips
- • Travelers requiring a guaranteed balcony cabin
Cruise stories and videos on external sites
5 linksThese are articles and videos by other publishers, not Cruise Atlas. Their content is their own and has not been reviewed by us. Links open in a new tab.
- Personal blogEnglishHolland America Zaandam Ship Tour and Review
cruises.substack.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- Personal blogEnglishDay 1 of our Cruise: The Zaandam!! | HANNAHVIOLIN
hannahviolin.me · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- ArticleEnglishZaandam review on Cruise Diva Linda Coffman's Cruise Planner
cruisediva.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- YouTubeEnglishBar Harbor, Maine / Holland America Zaandam New England Cruise / Travel Vlog
youtube.com · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
- Personal blogEnglishAffiliate links disclosedms Zaandam Review and Trip Report · Prof. Cruise, Ship Tour, Cruise Vacation, Cruise Travel, Cruise Menus
profcruise.com · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
Sources
- Secondary sourcefincantieri.com
- Encyclopediaen.wikipedia.org
- Secondary sourcecruisemummy.co.uk
- Secondary sourcecruisedeckplans.com
- Secondary sourceavidcruiser.com
- Secondary sourceblog.pavlus.com
- Secondary sourcetravelagewest.com
- Secondary sourceblogs.cruisespecialists.com
- Secondary sourcealaskacruises.com
- Secondary sourcecrew-center.com
- Secondary sourcecruisehive.com
- Secondary sourceprofcruise.com
Source: Wikipedia “MS Zaandam” (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Cabins by category
| Cabins | Size | Occupancy and beds | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Interior A standard interior cabin without a window. The most affordable price range on the R-class ships. 136 cabins / Spread across the low- to mid-level decks | 13–21 m² (140–226 ft²) | Standard: 2 people Twin beds (convertible to queen size) | |
Oceanview Cabins with no balcony but a window with a sea view. At 383 cabins, the most in the R class. Some larger types are designed for families. 383 cabins / Distributed across decks | 13–20 m² (140–215 ft²) | Standard: 2 people (some family-type categories accommodate up to 4) Twin beds (convertible to queen size); Mariner's Dream bed | Window |
Vista Suite The standard balcony cabin on the R-class ships. Although named "Suite," it is effectively a veranda (balcony) category. Distributed across decks | 24–33 m² (258–355 ft²) | Standard: 2-3 people Twin beds (convertible to queen size) | Balcony |
Neptune Suite A suite category with upper-tier benefits below Pinnacle Suite, such as a dedicated lounge and concierge service. Concentrated near dedicated Neptune Lounge areas | 43–47 m² (463–506 ft²) | Maximum 4 people King bed (convertible to twins); Mariner's Dream bed | BalconyConcierge |
Pinnacle Suite The ship's only top-tier suite. At approximately 119–120 sq m, it is among Holland America's largest cabins and has a separate living space. 1 cabins / Deck 7 (forward) | 119–120 m² (1,281–1,292 ft²) | Maximum 4 people King bed; Duxiana mattress | BalconyConcierge |
Approximate figures from official and reliable sources. Cabins vary by ship, category, and sailing.
Families, adults-only areas, and practical information
- • Kids Club — A program for ages 3 to 17 (not operated on every voyage, and little used on itineraries aimed mainly at seniors).
- • Sea View Pool — A quiet adults-only pool area where guests can swim while enjoying sea views.
- • Casino — Slot machines, roulette, poker, and blackjack are available. Non-smoking.
- Onboard currency
- USD
- Gratuities
- A "Crew Appreciation" charge is added automatically to your onboard bill. After boarding, you can increase, reduce or remove the amount at Guest Services. However, the automatic service charge on dining, drink, spa and similar purchases (20% from June 2026) is billed separately and cannot be adjusted.
- Payment
- Cashless onboard
- Voltage
- Supports both 110V and 220V (implementation differs by ship and cabin)
- Formal nights
- About 1 on cruises of 6 nights or fewer and 2 on cruises of 7 to 10 nights (the number increases with cruise length)
- Medical facilities
- Every ship has a medical center staffed by dedicated doctors and nurses. Regular consultations are by appointment 2 times a day plus same-day walk-ins, and emergencies are handled 24 hours. Examinations, medication, tests, diagnostic imaging and the like are all charged (billed at actual cost) and are often not covered by travel or medical insurance.
- Bringing items onboard
- Only wine and champagne may be brought on board (up to 750 ml per bottle, with a limit on the number of bottles). Beer and spirits are not allowed. A corkage fee of $20 per bottle applies to wine you bring, including when you drink it in your cabin (wine bought on HAL-organized winery tours at ports of call is exempt for up to 1 bottle per person).
- Mobile and connectivity
- With "Cellular at Sea," which uses a satellite link, calls, SMS and data are available in international waters beyond about 6 nautical miles offshore (Starlink is also used on some ships). Charges follow your carrier's international roaming rates, and the device displays names such as "cellularatsea" and "Shiproam."
- Japanese support
- Staff PartialMenus —Announcements —
Dining
The main dining room at the stern, a two-level space surrounded by large windows. Included in the cruise fare, with open seating for breakfast and lunch and a rotating menu that changes every night at dinner.
Hours: Breakfast; lunch (open seating); dinner (rotating daily menu)
A buffet with Italian, Asian, sandwich, and carving stations. As the oldest design in the R class, its layout is more compact than on newer ships.
Hours: Breakfast; lunch; dinner; late-night snacks (some areas closed outside meal hours)
A grill beside the main pool serving made-to-order burgers and a taco bar. Themed buffets matched to the ports of call are also held.
Hours: Lunch service (poolside)
A cafe and library run in partnership with The New York Times. Light snacks and pastries are free; specialty coffee and tea are paid.
In-room dining, generally provided as a complimentary service included in the cruise fare.
Hours: Breakfast, all day, and late night
A steakhouse centered on aged beef. It has a calm atmosphere even among R-class ships and is popular with regular guests in the senior age group.
- Prime steaks and chops (a la carte)Included in the set-menu price ($46, +20% service charge)
- Baked AlaskaIncluded in the set-menu price
A casual restaurant that turns part of Lido Market into an Italian restaurant only in the evening. Pasta is handmade daily. Tamarind, the Pan-Asian specialty restaurant, is not offered on Zaandam.
- Spaghetti with shrimp and clamsIncluded in the set-menu price ($29, +20% service charge)
- Osso buco (with mascarpone and saffron risotto)Included in the set-menu price
Facilities and activities
A main pool with a retractable glass roof, available regardless of weather.
A quiet adults-only pool area where guests can swim while enjoying sea views.
In the January 2025 dry dock, the thermal suite was renovated (infrared sauna, Caldarium, and Rain Shower newly added). Massages, facials, and other treatments are also offered.
A gym equipped with cardio and strength-training machines.
One ocean-view pickleball court, with a sports court also on site.
Slot machines, roulette, poker, and blackjack are available. Non-smoking.
A two-level theater spanning Decks 4-5 at the forward part of the ship (formerly Mondriaan Lounge, later Showroom at Sea), with about 574 seats. Since the fleet reorganization from 2025, it has been unified under the World Stage brand, presenting production shows and comedian performances. There is no full version of Music Walk with separate venues such as Rolling Stone Lounge and B.B. King's; as an exception, Zaandam and Volendam have only standalone live music venues such as Billboard Onboard.
Introduced in 2020 by renovating the Mix piano bar. Two pianist-singers liven it up with dueling piano performances and trivia.
A lounge where guests can relax while listening to live chamber music. In 2026, the string duo/trio Vivace was added to the performers.
Observation lounge on Deck 9, the top deck. A relaxing space by day and, from the evening, a social bar lively with trivia and board games.
A cocktail bar beside the atrium, with dance time to live band music.
A program for ages 3 to 17 (not operated on every voyage, and little used on itineraries aimed mainly at seniors).
In the January 2025 dry dock, the book collection and space were expanded, and an Art Studio and a Photo Studio were newly added.
An onboard shop selling duty-free branded goods, Effy jewelry, and more.