The 1,432-passenger Zaandam joined the Holland America Line in 2000. She is most loved for her port-intense itineraries and on board atmosphere.
Onboard Experience
Accommodation
Every stateroom aboard Zaandam proudly bears the Holland America Line Signature of Excellence seal of approval, denoting them to be super luxurious, expertly designed havens of rest and relaxation. Decadently soft beds and sumptuously fine linens, Egyptian cotton towels, premium massage showerheads, waffle weave bathrobes and high-end bath and body products ensure a sublime night’s sleep and a refreshing start to the day. While elegant touches such as shoe shining, flat-screen TV with DVD player, nightly turndown service and complimentary fresh fruit attest to the high-end quality of the cabins.
Those looking to truly indulge in the heights of luxury with their sleeping quarters should consider a Vista or Neptune Suite. Steeped in enhanced amenities and high-tech facilities, these suites feature such delights as premium duvets, binoculars, a menu of pillow options, personalised cruise stationery, oversized bath towels and a whirlpool bath and shower as well as floor-to-ceiling windows.
Suites are also beautifully appointed with spacious verandahs, commanding dramatic panoramic views of the sky and seascapes and allowing passengers to revel in a stunning sunset or breathtaking landscape.
The Pinnacle Suite is a suite truly deserving of its name. Almost double the size of all other staterooms, its extra services include mimosas at breakfast to get the day off to a sparkling start, an in-suite coffee machine and an oversize whirlpool bath and shower, as well as a separate living room and dining room.
Dining
Zaandam offers a rich variety of cuisine to suit any time of day, mood or taste. The ship’s main restaurant on Decks 4 and 5 is The Dining Room, a charming setting from which to sample the superb breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Dinners are artfully presented, impeccably prepared multi-course feasts comprising both regional cuisine and classic favourites, served by gracious and attentive staff. While breakfast and lunch take the classic buffet structure and offer a wide variety of hot and cold options to tempt any palate.
The Lido Market on Deck 8, meanwhile, offers an alternative venue with serving stations for breakfast, lunch and dinner for a speedier service of Western, Asian and Italian cuisine. Those looking for a more leisurely bite to eat should meander down to the Terrace Grill, where you can dine on gourmet burgers, hotdogs, veggie burgers, tacos and mouthwatering favourites as you lounge by the pool and soak up the sun’s rays.
If it’s a more luxurious, fine dining experience you’re looking for, look no further than Pinnacle Grill on Deck 4. Taking inspiration from Holland America Line’s home city Seattle, this high-end restaurant serves an indulgent spin on Pacific Northwest cuisine. Expect delectable seafood and luscious steaks and salads, beautifully assembled and exquisitely cooked. Unsurpassed in quality, this is one not to be missed.
Entertainment
Zaandam positively teems with onboard entertainment throughout the day and deep into the night, from enrichment lectures to cookery classes, live music to line dancing. During a peaceful sea day or a lazy afternoon, explore the ship’s extraordinary collection of artwork and memorabilia with a self-guided tour. And if a piece really catches your eye, you can sit in on the art auctions to see if you can procure it for your own collection.
For a pleasant afternoon of bookish comfort, cosy up in the Explorations Cafe and Library on Deck 5: a calm and distinguished space sponsored by the New York Times and populated with computers, puzzles and books to while away a few hours in tranquil quiet. Or perhaps you’d prefer to take a walk along the Promenade, breathing in the invigorating sea air and savouring the astonishing views? Followed, maybe, by a well-deserved dip in the pool, or a cocktail and catch-up with fellow friends.
When the night deepens, Zaandam truly comes alive and shows its multi-faceted, outstandingly versatile musical colours. Dance to your favourite chart-topping hits with the dance trio in the Ocean Bar or allow yourself to be enchanted by a classic performance from the resident pianist in the Piano Bar.
For a more understated performance, swoon under the string quartet’s light classical music in the elegant Explorer’s Lounge on Deck 5 or stamp your feet and snap your fingers as an easy-listening rock combo has the Crow’s Nest on Deck 9 shouting for more. Bounce between genres and performers for a night of musical wonder - and for those who can’t stand to see the night end, the Crow’s Nest features a DJ to keep everyone dancing into the early hours.
Destinations
Zaandam sails her guests to Canada, Africa, Central America and the Panama Canal, Mexico and the Caribbean.
