Holland America Line
Nieuw Amsterdam
- Cruises
- 87
- From
- $429
Ship comparison
Nieuw Amsterdam vs Zuiderdam
Holland America Line
Zuiderdam
- Cruises
- 113
- From
- $549
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Nieuw Amsterdam is a large Holland America Line ship carrying 2,106 passengers, in service since 2010. Zuiderdam is a large Holland America Line ship carrying 1,916 passengers, in service since 2001.
Choose Nieuw Amsterdam if you want a more active cruise, a newer ship or better-rated dining: it outscores Zuiderdam for active (5.5 vs 4.0) and dining (7.5 vs 6.5) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2010 (vs 2001).
Zuiderdam does not lead by a clear margin on any measure we track, so pick it for its itinerary or its dates.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Nieuw Amsterdam | Zuiderdam | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Holland America Line | Holland America Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2010 (better) | 2001 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2017 |
| Gross tonnage | 86,700 | 82,305 |
| Passengers | 2,106 | 1,916 |
| Crew | 929 | 817 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.3 | 2.3 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 41.2 | 43.0 (better) |
| Decks | 11 | 15 |
| Length | 936 ft | 936 ft |
| Beam | 105 ft | 105 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 28 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 9 / 10 (better) | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 87 | 113 |
| Upcoming sailings | 139 | 125 |
| Cruise lengths | 4–41 nights | 4–28 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $429 (better) | $549 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Nieuw Amsterdam leads on 3 of the ten, Zuiderdam on 0, with 7 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Holland America Line
Nieuw Amsterdam
Holland America is perfect for people who enjoy a sophisticated and refined environment built on a long maritime heritage. Holland America has been transporting passengers around the world for more than 140 years.
Highlights
- Take in the fine art collection, including works by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
- Enjoy the spine tingling and extraordinary outdoor-view glass elevators.
- Work off some of the great meals at the largest gymnasium ever built for a Holland America Line ship.
- Learn the history! Nieuw Amsterdam IV continues the proud tradition of her name and evolution of Holland America Line's sophisticated mid-sized ships.
Sailing now
87 cruises on sale, from $429.
Holland America Line
Zuiderdam
The first ship in Holland America's Vista class series, the ms Zuiderdam uses the latest industry and environmental technologies, such as her use of a diesel-electric power plant for optimal energy efficiency and an Azipod propulsion system.
Highlights
- The Waterford crystal seahorse greets visitors and introduces them to the art throughout the ship.
- The Lido Deck pool offers a retractable roof for colder days, along with a large polar bear statue to keep you company.
- The Greenhouse Spa offers a full hydrotherapy pool.
- Le Cirque at Pinnacle Grill brings the famous New York restaurant to life on the ship.
Sailing now
113 cruises on sale, from $549.
Questions
Nieuw Amsterdam or Zuiderdam?
Which is bigger, Nieuw Amsterdam or Zuiderdam?
Nieuw Amsterdam is bigger at 86,700 gross tons, against 82,305 gross tons for Zuiderdam. Nieuw Amsterdam carries 2,106 passengers and Zuiderdam carries 1,916.
Which ship is newer, Nieuw Amsterdam or Zuiderdam?
Nieuw Amsterdam is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2010 against 2001 for Zuiderdam.
Which has more space per passenger?
Zuiderdam, with 43.0 gross tons per passenger against 41.2 on Nieuw Amsterdam. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
They are level, with one crew member for every 2.3 passengers.
Which is better for families?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 6.0 out of 10.
Still deciding?
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