Volendam Cruise Reviews

Festooned with flowers and fine art, Holland America Line's Volendam has an old-world style elegance uniquely suited to its core audience of mature cruisers. Not only that, but the ship has one of the industry's most exciting lineups of in-depth cruises. Volendam could be the ideal choice if you're looking for grand journeys that will take you to the furthest reaches of the world from Alaska to Antarctica and the rain forests of the Amazon.

Volendam launched in 1999 and was refurbished most recently in 2019. The 1,432-passenger R-class ship offers a cruise experience that's classic, not dated. Over the years, Holland America Line has cultivated impressive brand partnerships so that you can enjoy the comforts of home at sea. Wake up to a special edition of the New York Times. Pick up cooking tips from the pros at America's Test Kitchen. Passangers can also enjoy edutainment developed by the BBC. Holland America also has its own chef-helmed Culinary Council that develops menus and regionally themed dishes for its complimentary dining rooms and specialty restaurants.

As you travel around the world, learn more about each destination at events hosted by Explorations Central. Spend the evening watching a musical revue featuring talented dancers and soloists. Soak up the nightlife in Mix, a multi-venue neighborhood featuring a lounge, piano bar, and casino. Volendam cruise ship has two pools, several whirlpools, a sports deck, and an activity center for children 3 and up as well as teens. Whether you visit the wine tasting bar, the Crow's Nest observation deck, or the Explorer's Lounge, Volendam makes it easy to relax and enjoy the trip.

Volendam itineraries and departure ports

Volendam has an exceptional number of in-depth itineraries. Sailings range from 7-day Alaskan cruises to 40-day journeys that tour all of South America from Ecuador to Brazil and Venezuela to Patagonia. Alaskan cruises travel between Vancouver and Skagway. Caribbean and South American cruises depart from Fort Lauderdale, and additional routes explore Central America and the Panama Canal.

Before you book

This ship is best for: Volendam is the perfect ship for mature travelers, including couples, singles, and friends, who are seeking a traditional cruise experience with personal service.

You should know: If you want ziplines, waterslides, Tony-winning musicals, and family-oriented megaship amenities, Volendam isn't for you.

Activities on Volendam

With wine tastings, casino games, and cooking demonstrations, Voldendam has an excellent selection of activities and entertainment that caters to the line's core audience. Between ports of call play tennis or pickleball on the sports court. Travelers can work off extra calories in the fitness center, or join a lively bridge game in the Hudson Room. Holland America Line offers a variety of cultural and scientific edutainment programs, including Explorations Central and interactive BBC Earth Experiences. For uninterrupted relaxation, lounge by the Sea View pool or head to the adults-only Retreat and sundeck. Make sure to visit Exploration's Cafe which is home to the ship's comfortable and well-stocked library.

Volendam ship highlights

• Adult-oriented Sea View pool
• Lido pool with retractable roof
• Adults-only Retreat sundeck
• Six restaurants and buffets
• Seven bars and lounges
• Six theaters and entertainment venues
• America's Test Kitchen culinary workshops
• Wajang Theater and conference room
• Explorations Central cultural seminars
• BBC Earth Experiences edutainment
• Pop revues and chamber music
• Wraparound promenade
• Wine tasting bar
• Casino games
• The Shops duty-free boutique
• Sports courts for tennis and volleyball
• Club HAL youth activities
• The Oasis teen area
• Staffed fitness center
• Greenhouse Spa and Salon

Volendam cabins

Cabins on Volendam are available in 27 unique categories ranging from budget-friendly interior staterooms to spacious lanai accommodations with floor-to-ceiling views. The ship has 716 rooms, including 383 oceanview cabins, 136 inside staterooms, 108 connecting rooms, and nearly 200 suites. Rooms have an efficient layout with plenty of storage. There's an excellent selection of complimentary amenities such as room service, fresh fruit, daily New York Times editions, spa-quality toiletries, and premium linens. For a luxury experience, book a Vista-class junior suite, a spacious Neptune suite, or the ship's one and only Pinnacle-class penthouse. If you prefer extra space, you can always reserve a plus-size oceanview or interior cabin while enjoying Holland America's competitive fares.

Volendam dining

Voldendam's restaurants receive praise for consistent quality, excellent service, and pleasant selection. Start the day with complimentary room service or a trip to the main dining room for omelets and waffles. For lunch, pick your favorites from the Lido Market buffet, order burgers or tacos from the Terrace Grill. Passangers can treat themselves to a hearty and reasonably priced lunch from the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse. At dinner, you can't go wrong with the specialty restaurant Canaletto. Here you can enjoy shareable antipasti, premium seafood, and indulgent pasta plates as well as a selection of luscious desserts and cocktails. With menus developed by the line's six-member Culinary Council, the Rotterdam main dining room is an excellent choice for international fare, American classics, and regional dishes inspired by your destination.