Holland America Line
Westerdam
- Cruises
- 36
- From
- $769
Ship comparison
Westerdam vs Zaandam
Holland America Line
Zaandam
- Cruises
- 24
- From
- $509
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Westerdam is a large Holland America Line ship carrying 1,916 passengers, in service since 2004. Zaandam is a mid-size Holland America Line ship carrying 1,432 passengers, in service since 2000. Their Bliss scores are identical, so the differences below are in the ships themselves.
Choose Zaandam if you want a lower starting fare: its cruises start from $509 (vs $769).
Westerdam 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.
| Westerdam | Zaandam | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Holland America Line | Holland America Line |
| Ship size | Large | Medium |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2004 (better) | 2000 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2017 (better) | 2015 |
| Gross tonnage | 82,348 | 61,396 |
| Passengers | 1,916 | 1,432 |
| Crew | 817 | 615 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.3 | 2.3 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 43.0 (better) | 42.9 |
| Decks | 11 | 10 |
| Length | 936 ft | 781 ft |
| Beam | 106 ft | 106 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 9 / 10 (better) | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 36 | 24 |
| Upcoming sailings | 77 | 61 |
| Cruise lengths | 7 to 49 nights | 4 to 90 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $769 | $509 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Westerdam leads on 0 of the ten, Zaandam on 0, with 10 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Holland America Line
Westerdam
The ms Westerdam is the third in Holland America Line's series of Vista class ships. As such, it embraces the latest industry and environmental technologies such as its use of a diesel-electric power plant for optimal energy efficiency and an Azipod propulsion system. Most staterooms have ocean views and many have private verandas.
Highlights
- Andy Warhol, Dutch classics and pre-Columbian and Ecuadorian art dazzle the senses on board.
- Learn to cook or pick up some new techniques at America's Culinary Arts Center Program
Sailing now
36 cruises on sale, from $769.
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
Westerdam or Zaandam?
Which is bigger, Westerdam or Zaandam?
Westerdam is bigger at 82,348 gross tons, against 61,396 gross tons for Zaandam. Westerdam carries 1,916 passengers and Zaandam carries 1,432.
Which ship is newer, Westerdam or Zaandam?
Westerdam is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2004 against 2000 for Zaandam.
Which has more space per passenger?
Westerdam, with 43.0 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?
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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