holland america volendam cruise to alaska

Holland America Alaska Cruise Review, On The Volendam

When selecting an Alaska cruise, travelers have many choices, from cruise lines, embarkation ports, and itineraries. Holland America (HAL) and Princess Cruises have long relationships with Alaska.

In fact, HAL’s first cruise to Alaska dates back to 1947…… LONG before I was born! This Alaska cruise review is of my experience sailing on Holland America’s Volendam.

Currently, Holland America has six ships scheduled for Alaska, with four vessels cruising from Vancouver, British Columbia, and two from Seattle. When comparing an Alaska cruise from Seattle to a Vancouver departure, Seattle’s 7-day itineraries on the Eurodam and Westerdam are roundtrip.

However, if choosing to sail from Vancouver, you can cruise a one-way itinerary on the Noordam or Nieuw Amsterdam vessels. One-way cruises allow guests to add a land tour to Denali National Park.

The Volendam and Koningsdam offer 7-day return itineraries from Vancouver, British Columbia.

If you love seafood, Koningsdam’s restaurants includes Rudi’s Sel de Mer as well as sushi at the buffet. Sel de Mer takes you on a tantalizing journey with king crab, lobster, prawns, shrimp and tuna.

Why A Holland America Alaska Cruise?

Having cruised to Alaska multiple times, I wanted to try another cruise line. While itineraries are similar, I wanted to try the cruise line with the longest relationship with Alaska, so a Holland America Alaska cruise made sense.

Also, I chose this cruise for additional reasons; a May departure, a different fjord, a small vessel, and I took advantage of one of the special offers. May is considered one of the driest and best months to take an Alaska cruise.

My Volendam cruise included three ports; Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. However, it also cruised to the Twin Sawyer Glaciers in Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay.

Since my previous cruises were to Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier , I was eager to experience Tracy Arm, a different part of Alaska.

Having cruised on mostly mid-sized ships, the Volendam’s capacity of just over 1400 was also a test of whether I’d like the more intimate feel. To date, it’s the smallest cruise ship I’ve sailed, with just ten decks.

If you prefer something larger, the other vessels have a capacity of 1964 (Westerdam) to 2106 (Nieuw Amsterdam).

Holland America, First Impressions

Built in 1999 and last refurbished in 2014, I found the Volendam’s décor quite elegant. Holland America cruise ships are pretty traditional in style, even though the Carnival Corporation owns them.

Most ships have a theme, and with its abundance of floral arrangements and posy artworks, its garden theme adds color to the interior spaces.

Although conservative compared to newer mega-ships, the large tapestries and traditional paintings gave the vessel timeless appeal.

While small in size, the Volendam’s public areas seem grand and not claustrophobic at all. With light-colored wood, accented with rich red tones and shades of blue, the classic décor reminded me of an ocean liner.

Unlike most cruise ships with imposing atriums, the Volendam’s central cavity seems less inspiring with its kaleidoscopic glass sculpture. Overall, I found the decks easy to navigate, maybe partly due to the vessel’s size.

Having cruised to Alaska on other lines, I found the Holland America line attracted an older crowd. Maybe it had something to do with the destination too. 

The average age was over sixty, and this was evident each night when the decks emptied between 9:30 to 10 pm.

Holland America Cruise Cabin Review

For my cruise to Alaska, I booked an oceanview cabin. The cabin was small compared to other cruise lines, but it had ample storage.

Although with its recent renovation, the cabin looked fresh and revitalized with new carpets and a neutral color palette. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and my steward was fantastic at taking care of everything during the cruise.

The Volendam’s cabin bathrooms were updated and included a roomy shower with a glass door. The non-slip floor and adjustable height shower heads are great additions.

Alternatively, other options for cabins include the budget-friendly inside cabins starting at 140 sq. feet, up to the spacious Pinnacle Suite of over 1,000 sq. feet.

On the Promenade deck, guests can enjoy a Lanai cabin, which gives access to the outside public deck. The 21 staterooms added during the refresh turned some oceanview cabins into accessible outside cabins, allowing for fresh air.

Dining On Holland America

I’m Celiac, lactose-intolerant, and allergic to nuts. Yes, it’s a long list! Cruising on a vessel with food allergies can be challenging, so my review focuses on the cruise line’s ability to handle my allergies and keep the meals tasty.

I ate most of my meals in the Rotterdam Restaurant because having a consistent waiter works best for me. The choices for me were phenomenal, and my meals were always fantastic. 

Top marks to the chefs who made sure my meals were free of my allergens, but never sacrificed flavor or presentation.

I enjoyed breakfast from the Lido each morning because it was fast and easy. Gluten-free bread, waffles, pasta, and sweet treats were readily available onboard.

Alternatively, cruisers can get hamburgers, hotdogs from the Dive-In, and specialty coffees and teas from the Explorations Café. The Canaletto Restaurant (Italian) and Pinnacle Grill have a surcharge of USD 20 and USD 39 for dinner.

Volendam’s Amenities

With a capacity of 1400, don’t expect the racing car tracks, sky pods, and roller coasters featured on other lines. The Volendam is an intimate ship with fewer venues. 

On the plus side, the fewer venues meant I kept my onboard spending to a minimum. For those who want a quieter voyage, Holland America delivers.

My favorite place was the Crow’s Nest at the vessel’s bow. Here, I could enjoy the unobstructed views of Alaska and watch arrivals in ports. 

When HAL had no activity in the Crow’s Nest, I enjoyed reading a book and soaking in the surrounding views.

The ship has two swimming pools; the aft Sea View Pool, and Lido Pool with a retractable roof. Since the Alaska weather was much cooler in May, I didn’t use the aft pool. 

Although, it does have two tiled abstract armchairs next to the water, which I enjoyed on sea days.

The Mainstage Theater on the Upper Promenade Deck and Promenade Deck holds over 550 guests, and I enjoyed many shows there. After the performances, the decks emptied as most guests retired for the night.

Being a night owl, I found it disheartening not to have a late-night venue or activities to enjoy in the later hours.

Since the Volendam is smaller, I didn’t have to walk long distances to get to the dining room or other venues. What I enjoyed about its size was connecting with the same passengers repeatedly during the cruise.

Club Hal – Kid’s Programs

On the aft of the sports deck, Club Hal provides activities for kids and teens. The supervised activities are divided into kids (3 to 6 years), tweens )7 to 12 years), and teens (13 to 17 years). 

Additionally, one deck above, an outdoor oasis, and a pool provide some much-needed fun in the sun.

There were very few children on my cruise, so I don’t know how well these areas were utilized. Even though the Holland America line attracted an older crowd, it’s nice to know they’re doing their part to entice families to sail.

My Holland America Volendam Itinerary

My Volendam cruise was my 4th time to Alaska, but my first experience with Holland America. The 7-day roundtrip itinerary sailed out of Vancouver, Canada, where I live, so I had no airfare.

My Alaska itinerary was listed as follows:

• Embarkation, Vancouver
• Inside Passage (cruising)
• Tracy Arm (cruising), Juneau
• Glacier Bay National Park (cruising)
• Debarkation, Vancouver

Embarkation was effortless at the port of Vancouver, and soon, I was sailing under the Lionsgate Bridge heading for Alaska.

The ship experienced a few choppy seas the following day, so bring some motion sickness patches if you suffer from seasickness.

During my May Alaska cruise , I was surprised to see an abundance of porpoises and humpback whales on the route. While whales migrate from Hawaii and Baja, Mexico, in April, I didn’t expect to observe so many early in the season.

So, the most anticipated day of this cruise turned out to be the biggest disappointment for me. When the itinerary said “cruising Tracy Arm,” I assumed the vessel was cruising in the fjord.

Little did I know that the Volendam didn’t enter the fjord. Instead, if passengers wanted to see Tracy Arm, they had to prepurchase a shore excursion for USD 200+ on a smaller vessel.

Too late to take the Tracy Arm Glacier and Fjord Explorer, I could only watch the vessel sail away. From there, the rest of us on board sailed on to Juneau.

Lessoned learned: double-check the itinerary and don’t assume the ship is cruising Tracy Arm if it’s on the schedule. A few years later, I booked a Royal Caribbean cruise on the Serenade of the Seas that sailed inside the fjord.

Arriving at 1 pm, I was rushed to enjoy a port day in Juneau. Being the capital city, Juneau offers the greatest selection of shore excursions. I chose to go whale-watching in Juneau and combined it with a visit to Mendenhall Glacier.

The weather was warm enough to wear cropped pants and a lightweight jacket. As always, the whale watching excursion didn’t disappoint, and I saw plenty of humpback whales.

After the first excursion, I quickly made my  way to Mendenhall Glacier   on the shuttle bus. The last bus back to Juneau was 5:30 pm, which didn’t give me much time to explore.

During my May visit, huge icebergs had calved from the glacier’s terminus and floated down the river. It was a fantastic sight to see.

I walked along the boardwalk over Steep Creek near the visitors’ center. Later in the season, visitors can see salmon spawning in the river. Also, bears commonly walk this creek, especially when the salmon are running.

Since I didn’t have much time, I took a fast stroll toward the glacier to see Nugget Falls. Unfortunately, I had to return before reaching the falls because I didn’t want to miss the returning shuttle bus.

After leaving Mendenhall Glacier on one of the shuttle buses, I had time to do some shopping therapy in Juneau. A must-visit, I stopped for a drink at the famous Red Dog Saloon to enjoy its cheerful atmosphere.

As per usual, I did not prepurchase a tour in Skagway. Being my 4th visit, I wanted to find something different to do on my port day. Wandering through Skagway, I found a tour operator selling excursions, so I selected a  Chilkoot Trail and Float.  

The price was right, and the outing combined an uphill hike on a portion of the Chilkoot Trail, followed by a leisurely sail down the Taiya River.

While I enjoyed the tour, a good pair of hiking boots would have served me better due to the rocks and roots on the trail. Also, the mosquitoes were rampant, so I’d recommend some mosquito repellent.

Back at Skagway, I had time to hike to Gold Rush Cemetery and Reid Falls before returning to my ship. Once onboard the Holland America Volendam, I walked around the Promenade deck to enjoy the nice weather.

To my surprise, a few humpback whales surfaced next to the ship and continued to tease us with their presence until we sailed away.

Glacier Bay National Park

For most, the nine hours spent  cruising through the waters of Glacier Bay National Park is the pinnacle of their Alaskan cruise. My Holland America cruise was my third time to Glacier Bay, and I experienced blue skies each time.

Only two cruise ships can enter the National Park a day, so you’ll experience solitude like nowhere else. During your time in Glacier Bay, a park ranger will board your vessel and give commentary on the area, glaciers, and wildlife.

While the National Park has seven tidewater glaciers (glaciers that reach the ocean), Lamplugh Glacier and Margerie are the most impressive.

As I watched on deck, the warmer saltwater erodes the colder ice, causing it to break or ‘calve’ into the ocean.

The calving action creates a booming sound that’s music to the ears. Sometimes the remnants were small and other times, it resulted in a small tidal wave.

The ‘bergy bits’ or pieces that fall off provide an oasis for seagulls and other birds. I found the icebergs just as enjoyable with their silty stripes in blue, brown, and turquoise shades.

Should the Alaska weather not cooperate on your day in Glacier Bay, the Crow’s Nest makes for an ideal viewing spot to keep you warm and dry.

If you have a balcony stateroom, the captain will rotate the ship, allowing passengers to enjoy viewing from their cabins.

Ketchikan, the last port and my favorite Alaska town provided another sunny day. I enjoyed browsing the boutiques on Creek Street, touring Dolly’s House Museum, and walking up to Cape Fox Lodge.

At the entrance to the lodge, a circle of brightly colored totem poles welcomes visitors. Then I walked down the Married Man’s Trail and saw the salmon ladder in the creek.

Although slightly overcast on the last sea day, I experienced no rain in Alaska. In fact, if you’re looking to cruise Alaska during the driest month, May is it! Oddly enough, though, it rained as I returned to my home port of Vancouver, lol.

Overall Review Of My Volendam Alaska Cruise

When reviewing my Holland America Volendam cruise to Alaska, here are the highlights and areas that needed improvement. Bear in mind that these are my opinion, and everyone’s preferences are different.

• As an older ship, it’s more affordable.
• Its smaller size means there’s less walking.
• With 1400 passengers, it’s more intimate.
• Passengers enjoy more personalized service.
• The food is fantastic.
• It has a great culinary arts program where passengers can learn to cook like a top chef.
• Passengers can enjoy hot Dutch Pea Soup in Glacier Bay National Park.
• The retractable roof pool allows for swimming, even on cold days.
• Lack of late-night entertainment.
• The ship is dated.
• Lack of overall activities.
• Holland America has implemented a three-tier booking system. To get the lowest fare, passengers have to pay the full fare at the time of booking, and the fare is non-refundable.

While I found the cruise restful, the food exceptional, and my stateroom adequate, the Volendam lacked the upbeat and late-night activities I prefer.

Overall, my cruise to Alaska was good value for money, and I liked the May departure so much that I took another Alaska cruise in May.

Saturday 24th of February 2024

Karen, Thank you for the great information. We are cruising on HAL in August with a land and sea cruise/tour. Our group is in the 65-75 age group, and we had cruised on HAL once before, so we are looking for less crowds and quieter night life. As you mentioned, the Crow's, Nest with its amazing views was one of our favorite places to meet with our friends for cocktail hour and trivia before dinner. My husband and I are novice cruisers, this will be our second cruise, and our first time to Alaska. Everyone tells me we will enjoy Alaska and want to go back again.

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Volendam Alaska Cruises 2024

Embark on an unforgettable Alaskan adventure aboard the magnificent Volendam. As a member of the prestigious Holland America Line fleet, the Volendam stands as a testament to luxury and elegance. With a multitude of decks boasting meticulously designed plans, it accommodates a generous number of guests while ensuring ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The ship's expertly trained staff is dedicated to providing exceptional service, ensuring that every aspect of your journey exceeds expectations. At the heart of the vessel lies its main attraction, a stunning atrium, adorned with sparkling chandeliers and a grand staircase, setting the stage for an unforgettable voyage. Discover the wonders of the Last Frontier as Volendam set sail from in style and comfort aboard this remarkable vessel.

Holland America's Alaskan cruises typically range from seven to fourteen days, showcasing Alaska's remarkable ports of call like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Sitka. Cruises sail past breathtaking sights like the Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage, offering a panoramic view of Alaska's natural beauty. Holland America provides a variety of shore excursion options, allowing passengers to explore local culture, wildlife, and landscapes in depth. Each day presents a new opportunity for discovery and adventure in the stunning Alaskan wilderness.

Alaska itinerary on board Volendam from Holland America Line

Almost every Volendam cruise to Alaska includes a visit to a tidewater glacier, glaciers which flow into the ocean, often with powerful calving. The most popular destinations are Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Strait of Georgia, Tracy Arm. The cruises nearly all call at Ketchikan, Skagway or Juneau, with some rarer alternatives for Haines, Hoonah and Sitka. Find and plan your next 2024 Alaska cruise out of Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, British Columbia; Whittier, Alaska; with Volendam.

Volendam Cruise Timetable 2024

Please note that port orders, dates, and itinerary details, including content, are subject to change. Verify specific details for your chosen sailing date on the Holland America Line website.

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Volendam Overview

Bright and fresh like the flowers that can be found all over this ship, Holland America’s ms Volendam is a delight for all her passengers. This ship also uses the freshest ingredients in the delightful dishes on their renowned menus like the Cod Puttanesca served at the Canaletto Restaurant and the Chilled Peach and Ginger Soup at the Rotterdam Dining Room. You’ll feel especially refreshed if you treat yourself to a hot stone massage or some time in the Turkish baths at the ship’s Greenhouse Spa & Salon. The ms Volendam is the perfect ship to recharge your batteries and take in the beautiful sights that surround you. 

• Passenger Capacity: 1,432 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 1996
• Last Refurbished: 2019

Volendam Cruise Destinations

Holland America Line prides itself on offering a superb variety of destinations. This cruise line visits 7 continents and over 320 ports worldwide while embarking from all types of ports, from convenient close-to-home ports to far-away exotic departure ports. You can plan a special romantic cruise to the Greek Isles or an enriching vacation in Asia. In addition, Holland America's connections with Alaskan hotels and their ownership of Half Moon Cay (their private Caribbean island) have differentiated them in Alaska and the Caribbean. 

From the changing of the seasons to clam chowder that defies reason, cruising to Canada and New England is an unforgettable vacation experience.

Eastern Caribbean

Spend some time in the sunshine and fill your nights with tropical delights in the Eastern Caribbean.

New Foundland

Enjoy finding a new land in Newfoundland, one of Canada's most beautiful destinations with Holland America.

Southern Caribbean

From snorkeling to smoothies, cultural treasures to creatures of the jungle—cruising to the Southern Caribbean is an incredible vacation option.

From the Alaska to Australia, Bahamas to Burma, and everywhere in between—choose a Grand Voyage or World cruise and see it all.

Volendam Departure Ports

Sail to the world’s hot spots with Holland America. This revered cruise line has sailings from cities around the world like Ft. Lauderdale, Valparaiso, Barcelona, Sydney and Montreal.  All of their departure ports are convenient to get to with major airports and public transportation. Get ready for an amazing cruise vacation with Holland America, your first step is to call us at The Cruise Web to speak with a consultant and find your perfect itinerary. 

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a charming European style city with the perfect combination of new world characteristics mixed with old world history and culture.

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

Boston is home to great sports, great food and loads of history with the Freedom Trail and Harvard.

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

Montreal, Quebec

Montreal combines Old World style and New World cosmopolitan inspirations, along with a French culture, for a beautiful all-encompassing city and cruise destination.

Take in the incredible art scene of New York City, expand your cultural horizons in the city’s diverse neighborhoods and marvel at the architectural wonders.

Ijmuiden, Netherlands

Ijmuiden offers cruisers a great spot from which to travel all over the northern part of The Netherlands, making it a popular port for cruisers seeking a more in-depth Northern European experience.

Volendam Deck Plans

Dolphin deck, lower promenade deck, promenade deck, upper promenade deck, verandah deck, navigation deck, sports deck, volendam staterooms.

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower.

Inside (MM)

Large Interior Staterooms: 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower.

Large Interior Staterooms: 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. (Ambulatory accessible rooms have roll-in shower only.)

Oceanview (E)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. (Ambulatory accessible rooms have roll-in shower only.)

Oceanview (FF)

Oceanview (ee).

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. (Fully accessible rooms have roll-in shower only. Ambulatory accessible rooms have roll-in shower only.)

Oceanview (DA)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. (Fully accessible rooms have roll-in shower only.)

Oceanview (G)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. All G-category staterooms have portholes.(Fully accessible rooms have single side approach to the bed, bathtub & roll-in shower. Ambulatory accessible rooms have roll-in shower only.)

Oceanview (H)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. All H-category staterooms have partial sea views.

Oceanview (HH)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. All HH-category staterooms have fullly obstructed views. Ambulatory accessible rooms have roll-in shower only.

Oceanview (C)

Oceanview (d).

Oceanview (CA)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Sliding glass doors lead onto the walk-around Lower Promenade Deck.

Oceanview (DD)

Large Ocean-view Staterooms: 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower.

Oceanview (F)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, whirlpool bath & shower, large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows .

2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, whirlpool bath & shower, large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows .(Fully accessible rooms have single side approach to the bed, bathtub & roll-in shower.)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, 1 sofa bed, whirlpool bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows.

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, 1 sofa bed, whirlpool bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. (Fully accessible rooms have single side approach to the bed, bathtub & roll-in shower.)

Bedroom with 1 king-size bed, oversize whirlpool bath & shower, living room, dining room, dressing room, private verandah, pantry, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons, mini-bar, refrigerator, guest toilet, floor-to-ceiling windows.

Photo Gallery for Volendam Cruise Ship

Are you a visual learner? Check out this photo gallery of the Holland America experience. Here you can see the amazing dining venues, spacious staterooms and beautiful destinations the ship sails to. 

Gym onboard the Volendam

Frans Hals Show Lounge

Penthouse Verandah

Top 10 Volendam Cruises

• Volendam 7-DAY CANADA & NEW ENGLAND DISCOVERY Departing From Montreal, Quebec (May 2024 - Sep 2024)
• Volendam 7-DAY CANADA & NEW ENGLAND DISCOVERY Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (May 2024 - Sep 2024)
• Volendam 7-DAY HISTORIC COASTS Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Jul 2024)
• Volendam 14-DAY SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Dec 2024)
• Volendam 21-DAY ULTIMATE CARIBBEAN Departing From Miami, Florida (Jan 2025)
• Volendam 100-DAY GRAND VOYAGE: POLE TO POLE Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Jan 2025)
• Volendam 133-DAY GRAND VOYAGE: POLE TO POLE Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Jan 2025)
• Volendam 47-DAY GRAND VOYAGE: POLE TO POLE Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Jan 2025)
• Volendam 53-DAY GRAND VOYAGE: POLE TO POLE Departing From Buenos Aires, Argentina (Mar 2025)
• Volendam 86-DAY GRAND VOYAGE: POLE TO POLE Departing From Buenos Aires, Argentina (Mar 2025)

Learn More About Holland America Line

Accessibility

Learn about Holland America's handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities, including hearing impairment, service animals and oxygen needs.

Savor dining aboard Holland America, including the Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, Tamarind, Lido Restaurant, Master Chef's Room, main dining room, room service and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Holland America's onboard entertainment, including BB King's Blues Club, an onboard theater, casino, indoor and outdoor movie screens, bars and lounges.

Onboard Activities

Engage in Holland America's onboard activities, including culinary classes, digital workshops, regional experiences, art galleries, pools, sports courts, duty-free shopping and more.

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Learn how Holland America's friendly staff take care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Holland America's cruising awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax in Holland America's greenhouse spa, salon, fitness center and fitness classes. There are also Hydrotherapy pools on some Holland America ships.

Special Events

Make the most of your Holland America Line cruise with exclusive special events and signature experiences in select cities.

Explore Holland America's deluxe cruise staterooms, including Pinnacle, Neptune, Signature and Vista Suites, along with balcony, ocean-view and inside staterooms.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Holland America. Youth programs provide supervision and activities for children ages 3-17, along with babysitting programs.

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Volendam Deck Plans & Reviews

Activities & entertainment

• Crows Nest _ Observation Lounge
• Afternoon Tea
• Americas Test Kitchen Cooking Classes
• Art and Craft Classes *
• Beer Tasting *
• Cigars Under the Stars *
• Explorations Central Port Lectures
• Sports Court
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• Martini Tasting *
• Onboard Lectures
• Whirlpools (2)
• Solo Traveler Get_Togethers
• Team Trivia
• Greenhouse Spa and Salon *
• Wine Tasting *
• Medical Center
• Photo Shop *
• The Shops *
• Guest Services
• Shore Excursions *
• Future Cruises *
• Art Gallery *
• Conference Rooms
• Neptune Lounge _ Suite Guests
• Afternoon Musical Concerts
• BBC Earth Onboard Features
• Feature Movie Matinees
• World Stage
• Wajang Theater
• Live Nightly Music
• The Dining Room - Main
• Lido Market - Buffet
• Explorations Cafe - Coffee Bar *
• Explorers Lounge - Classic Bar *
• Mix - Cool Bar *
• Dive_In - Pool Grill
• Canaletto - Italian *
• Lido Bar - Pool Bar *
• Sea View Bar - Pool Bar *
• Pinnacle Grill - Steakhouse *
• Ocean Bar - Atrium Bar *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 20
• Very Good 12
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A midsize Alaska cruise ship rooted in established cruising traditions, style, and programming.

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• Holland America Line Alaska
• Holland America Volendam

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Holland America Volendam Overview

The Volendam offers a traditional cruising atmosphere that's especially enjoyed by mature cruisers looking for a more intimate, classic Holland America experience. The Volendam's garden-themed interiors are enhanced with a $2-million art collection. While underway, passengers enjoy daytime computer and cooking classes, destination presentations, spa treatments and shopping. Dining options range from the casual Lido Buffet, to fixed seating meals in the Rotterdam Dining Room where the ship maintains the tradition of two fancy dress dinners on a seven-day voyage. The spacious sports deck is a pleasant outdoor space for a fresh-air stroll or to take in the coastal Alaska views.

• Cruise Line: Holland America
• Dining: Anytime/flexible and traditional/set dining.
• Lower Berth Capacity: 1,432
• Crew: 650 (crew ratio 2.2)
• Launched: 1999 (refurbished 2017)

Why pick this ship?

Ideal for mature cruisers seeking a traditional cruise experience on a smaller ship, the Volendam cruises through the less-visited Tracy Passage on its way to Glacier Bay National Park. 

• Holland America Line

Volendam - Alaska 2023

By PACD_JG , July 4, 2022 in Holland America Line

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I know there are many experts in this forum, and so I thank you all in advance.  I'm recently off our first ever cruise on the Koningsdam to Alaska.  Timing for next summer has me back in the PAC NW, so the Volendam sailing dates would work out perfectly.  Questions from research: the Volendam is already quite "old", and now that it's been housing folks all summer (that can't be good for wear and tear), and it doesn't look like they plan on a drydock (or do they?), would you go on the Volendam now?  Secondly, I enjoyed the casual dress on the Koningsdam - would an Alaskan Volendam be more dressy, or would it be the same as the Koningsdam?

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CruiserBruce

The dress code is the same fleet and world wide. It won't be different on Volendam. The dynamic might be slightly different cruise to cruise, but the overall concept won't vary that much.

I personally would  not book a cruise on Volendam until I saw them actually complete a real cruise with real passengers.  Frankly, with the entire cruise industry hurting, I believe HAL is quite content to get money from the Netherlands to continue housing the Ukrainian refugees, instead of actually doing cruises when the rest of the fleet is sailing at significantly below capacity.  Who know how long this will continue, and whether your cruise will be cancelled.

Thanks Torquer.  Just looked at prices today and there's not any value for booking right now (comparing this 2022 prices) anyway, but just want to keep my options open.

32 minutes ago, Torquer said: Frankly, with the entire cruise industry hurting, I believe HAL is quite content to get money from the Netherlands to continue housing the Ukrainian refugees, in

HAL will not put the Volendam into service if she was not prepared to provide her guests the best possible experience.  

The larger questions are if her service will still be needed to house refugees and what CCL's financial condition requires them to do with too much capacity.  

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Holland America Line Ships by Size, Age and Class (2022)

Holland America Line has an active fleet of eleven ships currently. They have no current plans to extend their fleet.

In this guide, we will cover all the different ships in the Holland America fleet and how they compare to each other.

Introduction to Holland America Line

Holland America Line (or Holland America as it is sometimes more frequently referred to) was founded in 1873 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

All the way until 1989, it operated as a Dutch shipping line with passenger, cargo and cruise voyages between the Netherlands and North America (hence the name of the company!)

After 1989, it was acquired as a subsidiary of the Carnival Corporation but it is run as a separate brand and headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

They have a relatively small fleet of ships (eleven) compared to some of the bigger cruise line brands in the world, but all ships are under 2,700 passengers which makes them particularly attractive to people who don’t like a lot of people on their cruises!

In addition to this, the Holland America Culinary Council helps direct the quality of food and drink served across the line. Due to this, the dining experience onboard the ships is of a more premium nature than some of the more mass-market cruise lines.

Holland America Line Frequently Asked Questions

What is holland america line known for.

They are well-known for being specialists in cruising in Alaska. Spacious, mid-sized ships with luxury culinary experiences and exclusive onboard activities.

Is Holland America a Premium cruise line?

Yes. The line positions itself as a more premium cruise line than others, but not at the same cost as Seabourn or Silversea. Distinct differences to other lines are ships no bigger than 2,700 passengers, the Holland America Culinary Council and onboard experiences like classical music performances.

What cruise lines are associated with Holland America?

P&O Cruises , Princess Cruises , Cunard Line , Carnival Cruises are just four of the brands which are sisters to Holland America Line.

How many ships are in the Holland America fleet?

There are eleven ships in the Holland America Line fleet. The latest ship to be added was in 2021.

Is Holland America cruise line part of Carnival?

Yes, Holland America is part of the Carnival Corporation which also owns Cunard Line and P&O Cruises amongst others.

Why do people like Holland America?

Primarily because none of their ships carries more than 2,700 passengers and they offer a luxury feel at a much lower cost. Their attention to food and drink is very high due to the Holland America Line Culinary Council which was formed with distinctive top chefs to oversee the culinary options on each ship.

What is the average age on Holland America?

The average age is reportedly between 57 and 64 across the fleet. Attracting mainly couples and solo cruisers.

What is the largest ship in the Holland America Line?

The largest ship currently is the MS Rotterdam which joined the fleet in 2021 and can carry 2,650 passengers.

What is the smallest Holland America ship?

The smallest Holland America line ship is MS Volendam , which carries 1,432 passengers and is 237m in length.

Holland America Line Ships by Size (from largest to smallest)

What does ‘tonnage (grt)’ mean.

GRT (Gross Registered Tonnage) is a term used to calculate the volume inside a ship. It is a measure of cubic capacity and is calculated by the total volume from inside the hull and decks of the ship. 1 GRT = 100 cubic feet of space. In essence, the bigger the GRT – the more ‘space’ the ship has for passengers, cargo, etc.

How are ‘Passengers (Max)’ calculated?

You’ll see multiple numbers for passengers on ships – this is because many ships include extra beds in cabins (such as the sofa/couch can convert to a pull-out bed) – but the majority of cabins usually have 2 people in them. the ‘Max’ number is if every cabin used their additional pull-out bed, etc. This number is unlikely to be reached very frequently.

Holland America Line Ships by Age (from newest to oldest)

Are all holland america line ships new builds.

Yes. All the current fleet of ships for Holland America Line are purpose-built specifically for the cruise line. Whilst some of their ships have been sold off or transferred to sister cruise lines in the past, every ship in the current fleet was designed for Holland America passengers from the beginning!

Holland America Line Ships by Class (from newest to oldest)

Final thoughts.

Holland America Line is a line that feels more like an exclusive club than your other large cruise lines. Whilst they do cater for families, they are firmly aimed at couples and solos who enjoy the finer things in life – from high-end food and drink to exclusive lectures and classic musical performances.

Ideal for travellers who wish for some luxury, but don’t want to go very high end like Seabourn or Silversea.

If you enjoyed this article you may also like our comparisons of MSC Cruises , P&O Cruises and Royal Caribbean ships .

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Alaska's 7-Day Inside Passage Cruise

You’re in for one wild week. This roundtrip Inside Passage cruise from Vancouver delivers spellbinding scenery from narrow fjords to scattered islets and towering peaks. Get close to massive glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park and wait breathlessly for ice to calve off and plunge into the ocean. Inside Passage waters are as smooth as it gets, while on shore you’ll find endless thrills and chills. Fish for salmon in Ketchikan, helicopter onto Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, or ride the rails along the rugged White Pass Summit in Skagway.

Map of Inside Passage Cruise

Stop into three iconic ports of call and see Alaska’s remote wilderness areas.

Ports of Call on This Cruise

• Scenic Cruising the Inside Passage
• Tracy Arm Inlet
• Glacier Bay

Ships Sailing This Cruise

• Nieuw Amsterdam

Why Take This Cruise?

This Inside Passage cruise docks near Vancouver’s biggest attractions, so you can spend more time sightseeing and less time getting from place to place. Air travel is a breeze with a convenient roundtrip and Saturday or Sunday departures. Features Alaska’s most historic ports and scenic natural wonderlands.

Glacier Bay On All Inside Passage Cruises

Skagway Stop

Smooth-as-Glass Waters

Newer Ship: Koningsdam