Volendam
Volendam / Holland America Line
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Le Cirque
Le Cirque / Holland America Line / Michael Nalley
2 of 5
The Showroom at Sea
The Showroom at Sea / Holland America Line
3 of 5
Sea View Pool
Sea View Pool / Holland America Line
4 of 5
Crow's Nest Lounge
Crow's Nest Lounge / Holland America Line
5 of 5
Cruise

Volendam

Our Ship Review
by Kim MacKinnon
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Now the oldest ship in the Holland America fleet, the 1,432-guest Volendam entered service in 1999 and immediately became a crowd-pleaser. Loyal repeat cruisers love its relaxed vibe, stellar service, and pretty garden-inspired interior décor that favors floral fabrics in uplifting hues. Another popular feature: the line’s As You Wish dining option, which is designed for those who don’t want to be pinned down to eating at the same time every day. The one caveat for some cruisers may be that like her sister R-class ship Zaandam, Volendam has a high proportion of Interior and Ocean-View staterooms vs. Balcony accommodations. In fact, you’ll need to book a Vista Suite to enjoy a private veranda (or a Lanai stateroom for sliding-glass-door access to a shared promenade deck). 

What We Love

Explorations Café: This is the perfect place to hang out, with great views, books, computers, games, and snacks. It’s like your living room, but nicer.

Pinnacle Grill: This extra-fee specialty restaurant is an ideal setting to celebrate a special occasion — especially if you enjoy a big juicy steak, fine wine, and attentive service. Holland America is also rolling out a new Morimoto By Sea pop-up restaurant within Pinnacle Grill in 2024 that features an exclusive menu by “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto, who it named its “fresh fish ambassador.”

Best Known For

Promenades and Pickleball: Like many Holland America ships, Volendam features a wide teak-wood promenade deck that is ideal for enjoying a relaxing or invigorating stroll. And, all of the cruise line’s ships now offer pickleball lessons and tournaments on the sports court.

Artwork: Holland America has invested tens of millions of dollars in artwork, and this ship is home to pieces by Dutch masters as well as modern works by Andy Warhol. Take a self-guided tour to learn about the glass sculpture by Luciano Vistosi and the Italian Renaissance-era fountains. 

Who It's Best For

Those Who Focus on Destination: This ship is best for people who are into the places and ports the ship travels to, rather than onboard distractions.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Forget the Extras: This isn’t the ship for anyone looking for over-the-top onboard activities, such as bowling alleys, ice skating rinks, or zip lines. There are also no signature Holland America Music Walk venues (Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Lounge, or B.B. King’s Blues Club) on Volendam, although live music is available in the Ocean Bar and World Stage theater.