Zaandam overview
Named after a suburb of Amsterdam, Zaandam seamlessly blends the old with the new. This R-class cruise ship represents Holland America Line at its finest. With its classic amenities, personal service, quality dining, and plentiful lounge-style entertainment, Zaandam explains why Holland America has such a loyal following with veteran cruisers, mature couples, and families.
Day or night, Zaandam offers an abundance of fun activities ranging from trivia and bingo to line dancing and live music. The ship has two pools; the main Lido pool has a retractable roof, and the low-key Sea View pool has a quiet atmosphere geared toward adults. While Holland America caters to a mature crowd, Club HAL and The Loft provide a comprehensive selection of activities, including video games, for teens and younger kids. There's also a top-deck court for all types of ball sports, whether your game is basketball or tennis.
One advantage of sailing with Holland America is the line's partnerships with elite brands, including BBC Earth, America's Test Kitchen, and O, The Oprah Magazine. In April 2020, Zaandam will add Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard Onboard to its growing list of amenities. Holland America also offers exclusive dining experiences, including pop-up menus created by chef Rudi Sodamin and members of the line's Culinary Council. This is just another example of how Holland America accommodates every taste.
Zaandam itineraries and departure ports
Whether you're touring the rugged shores of New England or Patagonia, friendly staff members go out of their way to ensure that cruisers have an enjoyable experience according to Zaandam reviews. The ship's itinerary program includes everything from 6-day New England cruises to grand voyages that trace Viking sailing routes across the North Sea. For the 2019-2020 winter season, Zaandam will transition to South America, and for the 2021 winter season, it will cruise the Panama Canal and Caribbean on in-depth journeys departing from San Diego and Fort Lauderdale.
Before you book
This ship is best for: True to the Holland America brand, Zaandam caters to mature couples, baby boomers, and retirees. The ship has ample activities for families, groups, and first-time cruisers.
You should know: This ship serves an older clientele in general, so it has fewer deck parties and less late-night entertainment.
Activities on Zaandam
This cruise ship has almost every onboard activity that you can imagine, from daily craft classes to trivia blasts, card games, karaoke, and special events. For teens and youngsters, there's the Loft hangout space and the Club HAL play zone. Fitness-minded travelers can stay active on the multipurpose sports courts or flex in the fitness center, which features the latest Cybex machines. On a sea day, there's plenty of time to bask in the sun or pick up some tricks from America's Test Kitchen or the Microsoft Digital Workshop. In the evening, Zaandam has an excellent selection of bars and lounges whether you enjoy live bands, ballroom dancing, or a well-made Manhattan.
Zaandam ship highlights
- Lido pool and whirlpools
- Sea View aft pool for adults
- Courts for tennis, basketball, and shuffleboard
- The Loft teen hangout and gaming zone
- Club HAL Youth Program
- Mainstage/World Stage theater
- Movies On Board recent-release films
- Wajang Theater/America's Test Kitchen
- Billboard Onboard/Lincoln Center Stage
- BBC Earth Experiences edutainment
- Digital Workshop Powered by Windows
- Explorations Central travel resources
- Specialty and pop-up dining
- Bars and nightclubs, including Mix
- Activities inspired by O, The Oprah Magazine
- Greenhouse Spa & Salon
- Duty-free shopping
- Fitness center
- Casino
Zaandam cabins
Holland America’s Zaandam has 716 cabins, including 136 interior cabins, 383 oceanview staterooms, and 197 suites. Standard rooms feature 175 to 250 square feet of living space as well as luxury linens, Mariner's Dream Euro-top mattresses, and complimentary fruit. One option you won't find is balcony cabins. The equivalent on this Holland America ship is the Vista Suite, which has floor-to-ceiling windows, a whirlpool bath, sitting area, and teak veranda. Starting in 2019, Pinnacle and Neptune-class guests receive Club Orange perks, including priority boarding and VIP dining. If you're traveling with friends or family, you can choose from more than 100 connecting rooms.
Zaandam dining
Zaandam has four flagship restaurants and several cafes that deliver a healthy balance of quality and variety. Enjoy gourmet meals in the main dining room, or visit the Lido Market to savor many of the same selections in a casual setting. The poolside Dive-In is a popular spot for nachos, grilled cheese, smoothies, and casual snacks, and Explorations Cafe is the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth with a European pastry. Zaandam's two specialty restaurants fill up quickly, so make your reservations before or soon after departure. For authentic Italian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, dine at Canaletto, or visit the Pinnacle Grill, an upscale steakhouse on the Promenade.
