Zuiderdam
Zuiderdam / Holland America Line
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Vista Lounge
Vista Lounge / Holland America Line
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Piano Bar
Piano Bar / Holland America Line
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Lido Bar
Lido Bar / Holland America Line
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Lido Pool
Lido Pool / Holland America Line
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Cruise

Zuiderdam

Our Ship Review
by Kim MacKinnon
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Launched in 2002, Zuiderdam was the first of Holland America’s four Vista-class ships. Like her younger siblings Oosterdam (2003), Westerdam (2004), and Noordam (2006), 1,964-guest Zuiderdam has been refurbished a few times to add features and amenities found on the cruise line’s newer vessels. This ship got an update in 2015 and another in 2017, with new stateroom decor and dining venues, including the Italian eatery Canaletto and Dive-In, a fun outdoor grill by the Lido pool. A new pop-up Morimoto by Sea dining concept with exclusive dishes by “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto debuts in 2024. 

What We Love

Live Music: Whether you’re a fan of pop classics or rock anthems, Zuiderdam has you covered. It is home to two music venues, the always-packed Billboard Onboard and the young-at-heart Rolling Stone Lounge (which has replaced B.B. King’s Blues Club on all Vista-class ships). Guests can also enjoy live music by a contemporary trio in the Ocean Bar.

Pinnacle Grill: Upscale and elegant, the Pinnacle is the place to go for an excellent steak. Order the 18-ounce bone-in rib eye, or the broiled Alaskan king salmon, paired with a bottle from the superb excellent wine list. The specialty dining fee, which is modest compared to most other cruise lines, is worth it.

Best Known For

Educational Programs: Holland America has cleverly forged a variety of partnerships. Guests can enjoy culinary-themed shore excursions developed with Food & Wine magazine, classical music performances in World Stage in coordination with Lincoln Center, and pickleball lessons and tournaments on the ship’s sports court (Holland America is the official cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association).

Artwork: Don’t miss the painting of Queen Beatrix by Andy Warhol, medallions by Frank Lloyd Wright, and a massive floral painting by Charles Ben. The Gallery Bar is also a colorful spot to sip cocktails by master mixologist Dale DeGroff amid a collage of vibrant art on the wall.

Who It's Best For

Destination-Driven Travelers: Zuiderdam, which each January cruises Holland America’s annual four-month Grand World Voyage, is ideal for people who are more interested in the destinations and ports than the latest shipboard activities. 

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Not for Night Owls: Because of the generally older passenger base that favors longer cruise itineraries, Zuiderdam quiets down pretty early. Those looking for late-night partying will be out of luck.