Volendam Review
Launched in 1999, for Volendam draws on the Holland America Line's incredible collection of artwork to enhance the ship's public spaces. Included are pre-Columbian fetishes and sculptures and Renaissance-era fountains imported from Italy in the hallway galleries.
The three-story atrium of the ship features an elegant sculpture inspired by the myriad of moods and colors of a kaleidoscope by Luciano Vistosi.
Similar in layout to Statendam-class vessels, these slightly larger sister ships introduced playful art and interior design theme elements to Holland America Line's classic vessels. Triple-deck atriums are distinguished by a fantastic—and fiber-optic-lighted—Murano-glass sculpture on Volendam and, in an attempt to be hip, an almost scary towering pipe organ on Zaandam.
The interior decor and much of the artwork found in each vessel has a predominant theme—Volendam centers on flowers and Zaandam around music. Look for Zaandam's collection of guitars autographed by famous musicians such as the Rolling Stones and a saxophone signed by former President Bill Clinton. The extra space in these ships allows for a larger specialty restaurant and a roomier feel throughout.
Holland America Line has enjoyed a distinguished record of traditional cruises, world exploration, and transatlantic crossings since 1873—all facets of its history that are reflected in the fleet's multimillion-dollar shipboard art and antiques collections. Even the ships' names follow a pattern set long ago: all end in the suffix dam and are either derived from the names of various dams that cross Holland's rivers, important Dutch landmarks, or points of the compass. The names are even recycled when vessels are retired, and some are in their fifth and sixth generation of use.
Noted for focusing on passenger comfort, Holland America Line cruises are classic in design and style, and with an infusion of younger adults and families on board, they remain refined without being stuffy or stodgy. Following a basic design theme, returning passengers feel as at home on the newest Holland America vessels as they do on older ones.
What You Should Know
Pros
- Ship theaters are also home to the Culinary Arts Institute
- Waiters serve made-to-order entrées in the Lido restaurant at dinner
- An evening poolside barbecue buffet is usually scheduled during each cruise
Cons
- Expanded spa facilities make the gym area somewhat tight
- There are no longer complimentary men’s and women’s steam rooms
- Sandwiched between the Lido pool and Lido bar, the children’s wading pool area can become quite boisterous
Ship Stats
- Crew Members 615
- Entered Service 1999
- Gross Tons 61,214
- Length 781 feet
- Number of Cabins 716
- Passenger Capacity 1,432
- Width 106 feet
