0208 248 2355
Questions about your booking? Contact Us
Login Designed to carry fewer guests while offering greater space, Zaandam is elegant and comfortable. Her décor is inspired by music and features musical instruments including signed guitars from Queen, Iggy Pop, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones and a Baroque-style pipe organ. While on-board, enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with Port to Table. Rejuvenate at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. Indulge at any of our fine dining venues.
The Zaandam was in great shape, I needn't have worried about reviews stating it wasn't. We had a window overlooking the promenade deck midship. This was fantastic for cruising the inside passage and Glacier Bay. I noted a marked improvement in the quality of our HAL excursions. The Boat ride and wilderness Seafood Boil dinner was outstanding! The Zodiac High speed excursion in Skagway was one of my life's best experiences. The all-female crew were fun, efficient and safety conscious. I have been in Ketchikan many times, but have never witnessed the salmon run before. It was a definite highlight!!! I did not care for the MDR experience on this trip. I did not get my table for 2 which I reserved a year in advance, but when I asked about changing, the ladies in charge of the dining room seemed to frown about this request so I backed down and sucked it up. Dinner at our shared table for 6 strangers took 2 hours for 3 nights in a row. I finally stopped and went to the buffet instead. Same food, just more chaotic, but faster indeed. The service has definitely suffered, but the staff continues to perform well, just not as friendly as before. They appear rushed and stressed at times. Costs have increased everywhere and it is apparent in the cruise industry as well.
This was our second Holland America cruise, both on the Inside Passage. Our first was a longer one just after Covid from Vancouver to Whittier, Alaska on the Nieuw Amsterdam. Our boarding experience in 2022 was a total cluster. Four ships in port, including some large ones. Took four hours + to wend our way through all the Disney queues for document checks. This time was totally opposite. Three ships in port, all smaller ones. Time from port arrival to boarding, less than half an hour. The Zaandam reflects its age as far as decore and lighting. We were instantly reminded of a downtown Las Vegas casino, a la Golden Nugget or Four Queens. Such a contrast to a new ship like the Oceania Allura, which we were on in June and has a very light, bright scheme. Nonetheless, the ship was in decent condition. Having read reviews I expected some issues, but we encountered none. Elevators worked, no funny smells in hallways, public areas were in good shape. We were definitely not impressed with Holland America's food on our cruise in 2022. Maybe it was the timing, coming out of Covid. It was the last HA cruise where Covid tests and wearing masks were required. On this cruise we thought the food overall was fine. Not great, but acceptable, even in the buffet. We had no service issues and did not see dirty plates piling up as others have reported. I could see stations with delays in the buffet, but when eating there we simply went to others and came back later. Typically we get a balcony room, but on this cruise we were only aboard three nights, then doing seven in the Yukon and Alaska on an HA sea/land package. Having done the ports twice we figured we'd go cheap and try an inside cabin. Wouldn't do it on a week cruise, but it was more than fine for three nights. Much larger than we'd expected, with a full-sized sleeper sofa, a desk with comfortable chair and a bathroom to do all your functions separately. We had them do twin beds to make bed access easier, which also opened up the middle of the room at the bed end. Quite comfortable actually, and we heard nothing from neighbors though the ship was supposedly full. We were on the second floor, which is one of the few with no common areas above or below. Our cabin attendant, Sam, was great. We had the signature drink package and found beer selection to be good and cocktails decent if you knew to request the recognizable brands that are included rather than getting the bar gun stuff. The pool area is odd. Retractable roof, so usable in any weather. But there are very few lounge chairs. The majority of the area is set up for dining. The third floor has a covered walking promenade that goes entirely around the ship, something most newer ships lack. Overall we enjoyed the experience more than our first Holland America trip four years ago. Food and service were both better. The ship's not our favorite, but it's OK and maintained well for its age.
With refined amenities and Holland America Line signature Mariner’s Dream bed gracing each elegant stateroom, the ship offers five grades of staterooms. Most are ocean-facing, many featuring teak-lined verandas for dining alfresco or private sunbathing.
Holland America Line invites you to dine "As You Wish". To savour Italian cuisine one night and a perfectly grilled porterhouse steak the next. To take your place in the Dining Room at a specific seating time or be spontaneous, following your desires. Onboard, there are restaurants to suit every mood, along with the flexibility to choose the dining style you prefer.
Every day aboard a Holland America cruise ship brings a wealth of cruise activities and indulgences, along with the freedom to partake in as many-or as few- as you please. It's an opportunity to try something new that surprises you, every day.
Dabble, discover, daydream- do everything, or do nothing at all.
Whether you want to workout in the Fitness Centre, learn yoga, pamper yourself with a massage and spa treatment, or enjoy a game of basketball, there's a perfect onboard activity for everyone.
Holland America Line's youth activities program, Kids Club, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties.
Note: Kids Club is not offered on cruises of 25-days or longer, including all Legendary and Grand Voyages. We will offer a selection of children’s activities throughout these longer voyages for any children who may be onboard.
Safety Comes First
Safety is our primary concern and strict policies are in place for effective supervision. Adult guests are not permitted to remain in Kids Club unless attending to a special-needs child.
Please note: During voyages with a high number of families onboard, we will make all efforts to accommodate interested parties. However, participation in our program cannot be guaranteed. Hours of operation may change to better serve our guests.
