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MS Volendam, a Holland America R-class ship, departing Fremantle Harbour
Holland America Line · R-Class

Volendam

An intimate, art-filled classic — Holland America's R-class charm for destination-focused cruisers.

© Bahnfrend / WC / CC BY-SA 3.0
Launched
1999
Gross Tonnage
63,000 GT
Passengers
1,432
Decks
10
Home Port
Seasonal — Boston, Massachusetts (Canada & New England); repositions seasonally

Volendam entered service in 1999 as the second of Holland America's R-class ships, built by Fincantieri alongside sister ship Zaandam. She carries a rotating fine-art collection spanning four centuries throughout her public spaces, along with hands-on partnerships like America's Test Kitchen cooking demonstrations and BBC Earth-produced onboard programming. Her signature itinerary is Canada & New England, sailing one-way between Boston and Montreal each fall, with Caribbean and other seasonal deployments filling the rest of her calendar.

✦ The standout feature

A rotating fine-art collection spanning four centuries, displayed throughout the ship's public spaces — one of the most extensive art programmes at sea.

What’s Onboard

🍽️

Dining

  • Main dining room with rotating menus
  • Lido Market casual buffet
  • Pinnacle Grill steakhouse
  • Canaletto Italian trattoria
  • America's Test Kitchen demonstrations
  • Explorations Café coffee bar
🌊

Pools & Recreation

  • 2 pools, one with a retractable glass roof
  • 2 outdoor Jacuzzis
  • Greenhouse Spa & fitness centre
  • Sports deck with paddle tennis
  • Promenade deck walking track
  • Casino
🎭

Entertainment

  • World Stage production shows
  • BBC Earth onboard programming
  • Music Walk — B.B. King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, Lincoln Center Stage
  • Four-century rotating art collection
  • Explorations Café library and lounge
  • Casual evening entertainment
🛏️

Cabins

  • 17 stateroom categories
  • Interior, Oceanview, Verandah & Suite
  • Neptune Suites with concierge service
  • Pinnacle Suite top category
  • Single staterooms available on select sailings
  • Classic Holland America decor throughout
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Family & Kids

  • Club HAL kids' programme (seasonal)
  • Family-friendly shore excursions
  • Connecting staterooms available
  • Quieter pace suited to multi-generational trips
  • Explorations Central activities
  • Board games and library

Video Tour

Holland America Volendam — Full Narrated Ship Tour

✓ Best for
  • Destination-focused, itinerary-first cruisers
  • Mature and repeat cruisers
  • Art and culture enthusiasts
  • Travelers who prefer a calmer, mid-sized ship
✗ Not the right fit for

Thrill-seekers and families wanting waterparks or high-energy entertainment — Volendam is built for relaxed, destination-led cruising, not onboard spectacle.

Typical pricing

7-night Canada & New England from ~$900/pp (interior) to $2,500+/pp (suite)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What itineraries does Volendam sail?
Her signature route is Canada & New England, sailing one-way between Boston and Montreal each fall, with Caribbean and other seasonal itineraries filling the rest of the year.
Is Volendam an old ship?
She entered service in 1999, making her one of the older ships in the Holland America fleet, but she's well maintained and popular for her intimate size and destination-led itineraries rather than onboard spectacle.
What is Volendam's art collection?
Volendam carries a rotating fine-art collection spanning four centuries, displayed throughout the ship's public spaces — one of the more extensive onboard art programmes in cruising.
Does Volendam have a sister ship?
Yes — Zaandam, delivered in 2000, is Volendam's direct R-class sister ship, sharing nearly identical dimensions and layout.
Holland America Line Ships