Zaandam
“Holland America's Alaska specialist — Glacier Bay views and epic Grand Voyages.”
Zaandam entered service in 2000 as the R-class sister to Volendam, built by Fincantieri and named for the Dutch city near Amsterdam. She's among the smallest and oldest ships in the Holland America fleet, built for an intimate, destination-led experience rather than onboard spectacle. Summers find her running 7-night Alaska itineraries with glacier scenery as the headline attraction, while the rest of the year she takes on some of the line's longest Grand Voyages — South America, transatlantic crossings, and extended world-cruise segments.
Extensive outdoor viewing decks and an observation lounge purpose-suited to glacier-watching, making her a favourite for Alaska's scenic cruising days in Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm.
What’s Onboard
Dining
- ✓Main dining room with rotating menus
- ✓Lido Market casual buffet
- ✓Pinnacle Grill steakhouse
- ✓Canaletto Italian trattoria
- ✓Dive-In poolside grill
- ✓Explorations Café coffee bar
Pools & Recreation
- ✓2 pools, one with a retractable glass roof
- ✓Outdoor Jacuzzis
- ✓Greenhouse Spa & fitness centre
- ✓Wide outdoor viewing decks for glacier-watching
- ✓Promenade deck walking track
- ✓Casino
Entertainment
- ✓World Stage production shows
- ✓BBC Earth onboard programming
- ✓Music Walk live venues
- ✓Crow's Nest observation lounge
- ✓Explorations Café library and lounge
- ✓Onboard naturalists on Alaska sailings
Cabins
- ✓17 stateroom categories
- ✓Interior, Oceanview, Verandah & Suite
- ✓Neptune Suites with concierge service
- ✓Pinnacle Suite top category
- ✓Many oceanview cabins for glacier viewing
- ✓Classic Holland America decor throughout
Family & Kids
- ✓Club HAL kids' programme (seasonal)
- ✓Family-friendly Alaska shore excursions
- ✓Connecting staterooms available
- ✓Quieter pace suited to multi-generational trips
- ✓Explorations Central activities
- ✓Board games and library
Video Tour
HAL Zaandam — Full Ship Walkthrough Tour & Review
- ✦Alaska cruisers wanting glacier scenery from a smaller ship
- ✦Grand Voyage and long-itinerary travelers
- ✦Mature and repeat cruisers
- ✦Destination-focused travelers over onboard spectacle
Families or first-time cruisers wanting mega-ship activities and waterparks — Zaandam is built around scenery and itinerary, not onboard attractions.
7-night Alaska from ~$1,000/pp (interior) to $2,800+/pp (suite)