Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Sea
- Cruises
- 67
- From
- $2,999
Ship comparison
Viking Sea vs Zaandam
Holland America Line
Zaandam
- Cruises
- 28
- From
- $329
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Viking Sea is a mid-size Viking Ocean Cruises ship carrying 930 passengers, in service since 2016. Zaandam is a mid-size Holland America Line ship carrying 1,432 passengers, in service since 2000.
Choose Viking Sea if you want a more active cruise, a newer ship or more of a party: it outscores Zaandam for active (7.0 vs 4.0) and party (5.0 vs 3.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2016 (vs 2000).
Choose Zaandam if you want a lower starting fare, a more family-friendly ship or better-rated entertainment: it outscores Viking Sea for family friendly (6.0 vs 4.0) and entertainment (7.1 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $329 (vs $2,999).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Viking Sea | Zaandam | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Viking Ocean Cruises | Holland America Line |
| Ship size | Medium | Medium |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2016 (better) | 2000 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2015 |
| Gross tonnage | 47,800 | 61,396 |
| Passengers | 930 | 1,432 |
| Crew | 550 | 615 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 1.7 (better) | 2.3 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 51.4 (better) | 42.9 |
| Decks | 14 | 10 |
| Length | 745 ft | 781 ft |
| Beam | 95 ft | 106 ft |
| Speed | 23 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 10 / 10 (better) | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 67 | 28 |
| Upcoming sailings | 141 | 66 |
| Cruise lengths | 7–28 nights | 4–90 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $2,999 | $329 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Viking Sea leads on 3 of the ten, Zaandam on 4, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Sea
Viking Ocean Cruises launched its second ocean cruise ship in April 2016. Nearly identical to its sister ship, Viking Star (see review), the 930-passenger Viking Sea focuses on destination immersion, giving guests ample time to explore ports large and small.
Highlights
- Local musicians playing regional music in three-deck atrium
- Offshore excursions introducing local culture
- All-veranda staterooms
- Afternoon tea service in the Wintergarten
Sailing now
67 cruises on sale, from $2,999.
Holland America Line
Zaandam
Since its launch in 2000, ms Zaandam from Holland America Line has been trying to help make cruising go younger. Combining rock and roll memorabilia with traditional art pieces and baroque-style decoration, this mid-size ship is attempting to bring luxury cruising to the millennial set.
Highlights
- Greenhouse Spa offers grotto spaces with wet and dry options, as well as sauna and massage
- Pinnacle Grill offers high-end Northwestern favorites.
- The Culinary Arts Center offers state-of-the-art cooking classes with culinary specialists.
- Rock and roll memorabilia, including from the Rolling Stones, Queen and Iggy Pop, are scattered throughout the ship.
Sailing now
28 cruises on sale, from $329.
Questions
Viking Sea or Zaandam?
Which is bigger, Viking Sea or Zaandam?
Zaandam is bigger at 61,396 gross tons, against 47,800 gross tons for Viking Sea. Viking Sea carries 930 passengers and Zaandam carries 1,432.
Which ship is newer, Viking Sea or Zaandam?
Viking Sea is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2016 against 2000 for Zaandam.
Which has more space per passenger?
Viking Sea, with 51.4 gross tons per passenger against 42.9 on Zaandam. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Viking Sea, with one crew member for every 1.7 passengers against one for every 2.3 on Zaandam.
Which is better for families?
Zaandam scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 6.0 out of 10, against 4.0 for Viking Sea.
Still deciding?
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