Zaandam
Medium ship Bliss scored
Since launching in 2000, the ms Zaandam has been trying to help make cruising go younger. Combining rock and roll memorabilia with traditional art pieces and baroque-style decoration, this mid-sized ship is attempting to bring luxury cruising to the millenial…
- 1,432guests
- 61,396gross tons
- 28cruises now
- $329fares from
At a glance
Zaandam is a medium-size cruise ship operated by Holland America Line, in service since 2000. It carries 1,432 guests and 615 crew (2.3 guests per crew member) at 61,396 gross tons. It ties with 1 other ship as the 10th largest of 11 Holland America Line ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for spa & fitness and staterooms (8/10) and lowest for party (3/10). It is rated 4 out of 5 by Cruiseable, 3.5 out of 5 by Conde Nast, 3.5 out of 5 by Berlitz and 4 out of 5 by Cruise Critic. It has 28 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $329 to $20,659. 16 of its upcoming sailings dropped in price since the previous weekly fare check.
Builder's plate
Specs
- Guests
- 1,432
- Crew
- 615
- Gross tons
- 61,396
- Decks
- 10
- Length
- 781 ft
- Beam
- 106 ft
- Maiden voyage
- 2000
- Launched
- 2000
- Refurbished
- 2015
- Space ratio
- 2.3
- Gross tons per guest
- Guests per crew
- 2.3
- Speed (mph)
- 26
- IMO
- 9156527
Bliss scores
What Zaandam is best at
Ten dimensions scored by our editors on a 10-point scale. The Cruiseable app ranks every cruise against the mix you care about.
- Active 4.0
- Adventure and nature 5.0
- Cultural 7.0
- Dining 6.5
- Entertainment 7.1
- Family friendly 6.0
- Party 3.0
- Romantic 6.5
- Spa and fitness 8.0
- Staterooms 8.0
Our review
Holland America's Zaandam: A ship for the young & adventurous
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.
This mid-size ship offers more space for passengers and is designed to carry fewer guests while providing more space for maximum comfort. Many staterooms have private verandas and most of the rooms have been upgraded to also feature flat screen televisions, pillow-top mattresses and other comforts of home.
Who will like sailing on this ship
Adventurous travelers, 20- and 30-somethings and couples with young children will be particularly well suited to this ship.
Where Zaandam sails
Zaandam is a globe trotter. In 2022, Zaandam embarks on a number of Grand World Voyages, followed by itineraries into Canada, New England, Iceland and Northern Europe, then along the western coast of Africa before heading to the Southern Caribbean in late 2022 followed by additional Grand World Voyages.
Read the full review
Activities
The Culinary Arts Center, sponsored by Food and Wine Magazine, offers interactive cooking lessons from top-notch chefs, whether the master chef on the ship or culinary guests. However, if you just want to learn, head to the Explorations Cafe, which offers a full library and internet in a coffee-shop environment. There are also complementary Microsoft Digital Workshop programs.
The Crow's Nest Lounge offers 270-degree views during the day while becoming a nightclub in the evening. Other lounges include the Explorer's Lounge and the Dance Lounge.
For families
There are plenty of activities for kids of young families. Club HAL caters to kids from 3-12, whereas The Loft and The Oasis are designed exclusively for teens to have fun, socialize and hang out with people their own age.
Entertainment
The Mondriaan Show Lounge features talented vocalists, dancers, illusionists, comedians and variety acts. Meanwhile, the Wajang Theater screens movies about three times a day. But throughout the ship, there is music ranging from dance trios to late night DJ at the Crow's Nest.
Dress code
Although there are several formal nights on the ship that require a jacket and tie, dress code is generally cruise casual, meaning nice trousers and a collared shirt for men and nice trousers or skirt with a top for women.
Your take
How about you? Have you sailed on ms Zaandam? What was your take on the art and ambiance? We would love to hear about your experience — please share!
Interested in a cruise on this ship?
For pricing, itinerary information and to reserve your spot on Zaandam, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or call 1-877-322-3773.
On board highlights
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Visit Hawaii & the Sea of Cortez
- Neptune Suites
Dining
Where to eat on Zaandam
Photos
Inside and out
Dining 1
Try a Cannonball burger with fries at Dive-In at the Terrace Grill, offering alfresco dining by the pool on your Holland America ship.
More photos 2
Holland America's Zaandam sails to Hawaii and explores Mexico's Sea of Cortez. 
Holland America's Zaandam sails to Hawaii and explores Mexico's Sea of Cortez.
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Show 16 more
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