Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Star
- Cruises
- 59
- From
- $2,599
Ship comparison
Viking Star vs Zaandam
Holland America Line
Zaandam
- Cruises
- 24
- From
- $509
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Viking Star is a mid-size Viking Ocean Cruises ship carrying 930 passengers, in service since 2015. Zaandam is a mid-size Holland America Line ship carrying 1,432 passengers, in service since 2000.
Choose Viking Star if you want a more active cruise, a newer ship or a more romantic trip: it outscores Zaandam for active (7.0 vs 4.0) and romantic (7.5 vs 6.5) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2015 (vs 2000).
Choose Zaandam if you want a lower starting fare, a more family-friendly ship or better-rated entertainment: it outscores Viking Star 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 $509 (vs $2,599).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Viking Star | Zaandam | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Viking Ocean Cruises | Holland America Line |
| Ship size | Medium | Medium |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2015 (better) | 2000 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2015 |
| Gross tonnage | 47,800 | 61,396 |
| Passengers | 930 | 1,432 |
| Crew | 465 | 615 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.0 (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 | 59 | 24 |
| Upcoming sailings | 115 | 61 |
| Cruise lengths | 7 to 21 nights | 4 to 90 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $2,599 | $509 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Viking Star 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 Star
Stylish, spry and quite the looker, the first ocean ship from Viking Ocean Cruises gives off the vibe of a different kind of cruise ship. Yes, like its river ship cousins, Viking Star places a big emphasis on place, with itineraries jam-packed with drool-worthy destinations and intriguing shore excursions.
Highlights
- Understated elegance and modern Scandinavian design
- Two pool choices featuring a main pool with a retractable dome and a glass-backed infinity pool
- Top-flight shore excursions to fascinating destinations (included in your fare)
- Attentive, courteous and genuinely friendly service from the crew.
Sailing now
59 cruises on sale, from $2,599.
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
24 cruises on sale, from $509.
Questions
Viking Star or Zaandam?
Which is bigger, Viking Star or Zaandam?
Zaandam is bigger at 61,396 gross tons, against 47,800 gross tons for Viking Star. Viking Star carries 930 passengers and Zaandam carries 1,432.
Which ship is newer, Viking Star or Zaandam?
Viking Star is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2015 against 2000 for Zaandam.
Which has more space per passenger?
Viking Star, 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 Star, with one crew member for every 2.0 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 Star.
Still deciding?
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