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MS Westerdam, a Holland America Vista-class ship, docked in Skagway, Alaska
Holland America Line · Vista Class

Westerdam

A Vista-class classic — glass elevators, verandah staterooms, and a truly global itinerary.

© PhilipRJ 89 / WC / CC BY-SA 4.0
Launched
2004
Gross Tonnage
82,305 GT
Passengers
1,964
Decks
11
Home Port
Seasonal — Hong Kong

Westerdam entered service in 2004 as the third of Holland America's four Vista-class ships, built by Fincantieri and celebrated for her elegant interiors and exterior glass elevators. She carries the Vista-class hallmark of a high proportion of outside staterooms with private verandas. A 2026 refurbishment refreshed her public spaces, cabins, and amenities. Her itinerary is genuinely global: Asia deployment rotating between Hong Kong and Yokohama for much of the year, with Alaska sailings during the northern summer.

✦ The standout feature

One of Holland America's most-traveled ships by itinerary variety — rotating between Asia (Hong Kong/Yokohama) and Alaska across the year, rare among mid-sized classic ships.

What’s Onboard

🍽️

Dining

  • Main dining room with rotating menus
  • Lido Market casual buffet
  • Pinnacle Grill steakhouse
  • Canaletto Italian trattoria
  • Tamarind Pan-Asian restaurant
  • Explorations Café coffee bar
🌊

Pools & Recreation

  • Sea View Pool (adults-only)
  • Lido pool with retractable roof
  • Greenhouse Spa & fitness centre
  • Exterior glass elevators
  • Promenade deck walking track
  • Casino
🎭

Entertainment

  • World Stage production shows
  • Music Walk — B.B. King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, Lincoln Center Stage
  • Explorations Central library and lounge
  • Ocean Bar and Gallery Bar
  • Crow's Nest observation lounge
  • Casual evening entertainment
🛏️

Cabins

  • 984 staterooms across multiple categories
  • High proportion of verandah cabins
  • Neptune Suites with concierge service
  • Pinnacle Suite top category
  • Refreshed interiors after 2026 refurbishment
  • Exterior glass elevators serve most decks
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

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 Westerdam — Full Ship Tour

✓ Best for
  • Asia and Alaska itinerary seekers
  • Mature and repeat cruisers
  • Travelers who value verandah cabins and classic decor
  • Destination-focused cruisers over onboard spectacle
✗ Not the right fit for

Families or first-time cruisers wanting mega-ship activities and waterparks — Westerdam is built around destination and elegance, not onboard attractions.

Typical pricing

7-night Asia or Alaska from ~$900/pp (interior) to $2,600+/pp (suite)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Westerdam sail?
She splits her year between Asia deployment, rotating between Hong Kong and Yokohama, and Alaska sailings during the northern summer.
Has Westerdam been renovated recently?
Yes — a 2026 refurbishment refreshed her public spaces, cabins, and amenities, following a two-decade run since her 2004 debut.
Is Westerdam the same as Oosterdam or Zuiderdam?
They're Vista-class sister ships sharing similar dimensions and design, but each runs different itineraries and has been refreshed on its own timeline.
What is unique about Vista-class ships like Westerdam?
Vista-class ships are known for exterior glass elevators and a high proportion of outside staterooms with private verandas, giving them a bright, view-forward layout distinct from Holland America's older R-class ships.
Holland America Line Ships