westerdam cruise

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• Holland America

ms Westerdam

Cruise line Holland America

• Seattle (Washington)
• Yokohama (Tokyo, Japan Kanagawa)
• Hong Kong (China)
• Singapore (Singapore)

ms Westerdam current position

ms Westerdam current location is at East Asia (coordinates 41.47268 N / 141.63650 E) cruising at speed of 13.9 kn (26 km/h | 16 mph) en route to Muroran. The AIS position was reported 4 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of ms Westerdam

ms Westerdam current cruise is 15 days, one-way from Yokohama to Seattle . Prices start from USD 899 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 27 Apr, 2024 and ends on 12 May, 2024 .

Specifications of ms Westerdam

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

ms Westerdam Itineraries

Ms westerdam review, review of ms westerdam.

The 2004-built MS Westerdam cruise ship is the 3rd Vista-class Holland America liner, with sisterships ms Oosterdam ,  ms Noordam ms Zuiderdam .

The vessel (IMO number 9226891) is currently Netherlands- flagged (MMSI 244128000) and registered in Rotterdam .

History - construction and ownership

Holland America Line (HAL) is a Seattle -based cruise company owned by Carnival Corporation (shipowner). Between 1873-1989, HAL was a Dutch cargo and passenger shipping company operating regular Transatlantic crossings between Holland and the Americas. HAL was founded in 1873 as "Dutch-American Steamship Company" headquartered in Rotterdam Netherlands . In 1989, HAL was acquired by Carnival Corporation for around EUR 530 million. Among the company's assets are the Westmark hotel chain (Alaska-Yukon), Worldwide Shore Services (warehouses-logistics) and Half Moon Cay (Caribbean private island).

The 2000-passenger ship Westerdam balances the duty to honour cruise traditions with adding just enough advanced conveniences to keep things stylish and modern, with comfortable dining venues, various onboard facilities, larger-than-average cabins, and, most of all, with the gentle service of ship's crew members. Westerdam's restaurants provide an option of traditional seating scenarios as well as open, more versatile ones. Passengers might still learn how to mix a martini cocktail or create a flower arrangement, but they might also take computer classes which range from an introduction to e-mail to editing digital photography. Cruisers might watch a chef (the vessel's or an expert from Holland America Line's Food & Wine Magazine partnership) represent a recipe, or they might take part in small group clusters which actually get to make fantastic Food Network-like Culinary Arts Center cuisine.

Decks and Cabins

MS Westerdam staterooms (984 total, in 30 grades) include 162 Suites, 479 Balconies, 181 Oceanviews, 162 Inside cabins. Most staterooms are sized 170-205 ft2 (16-19 m2). Nearly 70% of all passenger cabins have private step-out balconies. Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 28. The largest accommodations are the Pinnacle Suites (1000 ft2 / 93 m2, with terrace sized 320 ft2 / 30 m2).

The boat has 11 passenger decks , of which 7 are with cabins.

Implemented fleetwide in 2019, "Club Orange" program provides exclusive amenities to Suite passengers booked in categories Neptune and Pinnacle. Bonus perks by this program include:

• priority services (check-in, disembarkation, tendering, dining reservations)
• 24-hour concierge service (assistance, information, reservations)
• exclusive dining venue (serving complimentary Pinnacle Grill breakfast and Dining Room dinner, plus exclusive dishes)
• dedicated Concierge Desk (Guest Services and Tours)
• room service (a la carte breakfast menu with complimentary gourmet dishes - including smoked salmon, steak and eggs)
• sparkling wine (embarkation day), Club Orange tote bag, premium bathrobes (cabin use, available for monogramming and purchasing).
• Club Orange Restaurant is part of the Main Dining Room (designed as a separate VIP dining section).

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Westerdam's Vista Dining Room is a 2-deck venue at the aft end of the vessel. One deck is allocated for the guests who choose conventional fixed-seating dining and the other for open seating (passengers can either make a reservation or simply walk in). For those who prefer to be seated at small or large tables should use the reservation system. Three themed teas - Cupcake, Indonesian and Royal Dutch - are served once during a sailing. Holland America's Lido buffet rates among the best organized at sea. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks, the spot is in bright, jazzy colors with seating in the main pool area under a magrodome cover (sliding glass roof) and on the adjacent aft deck. Food is arranged in themed stations that serve up sandwiches made to order, salads, pizza, sushi, stir-fries and typical hot fare. Thus, you don't have to wait behind a passenger picking through the salad bar if you want to move on to the meat station.

Follows the complete list of ms Westerdam restaurants and food bars.

• Pinnacle Grill (148-seat reservations-only seafood/steakhouse restaurant with fine wines selection; free for passengers under 12 yo). The venue transforms into “An Evening at le Cirque” once per cruise via a partnership with NYC “Le Cirque” French restaurant.
• Vista Restaurant (1120-seat, aft Dining Room; features open seating Breakfast and Lunch, two Dinner options – 2 fixed seatings or “Any Time” dining between 5:15 p.m. - 9 p.m.)
• Terrace Grill (fast food pool bar; complimentary)
• Lido Restaurant (420-seat complimentary buffet restaurant; offers self-service Breakfast 6-11 am, Lunch 11:30-2 pm, Afternoon Tea, and Dinner 5:30-8 pm)
• Canaletto Restaurant (Lido Restaurant annex; operates as an Italian restaurant for Dinner, reservations required)
• Slice (poolside Pizzeria, complimentary).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The Queen's Lounge, which is an alternative lounge/theatre on Vista Class ships, had a makeover and was transformed into The Culinary Arts Center by day, featuring permanent cooking and viewing equipment to instruct guests on the preparation of various dishes. The Culinary Arts Center is operated via a partnership with Food & Wine magazine and offers wine tastings ($15), cocktail tastings and mixology classes, as well as cooking, cake decorating, garnishing and flower arranging classes. The Queen's Lounge offers musical performances with B.B. King's Blues Club experience for five nights per week. The Digital Workshop, powered by Microsoft, is a dedicated computing education venue, with two rows of computers fronting a big, wall-mounted monitor hooked into the computer of the instructor, to graphically demonstrate each step. Other amenities include: complimentary 24-Hour Room-Service, Supervised Kids Program ("Club Hal"), cruise ship weddings, Internet/WiFi Access, Laundry/Self-Serve Laundromats.

Follows the complete list of ms Westerdam lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• Atrium (3-deck high midship open-floor area with live performances)
• Vista Lounge (846-seat theatre/main show lounge; also serves Holland America’s enrichment program (via a partnership with BBC Earth)
• Piano Bar; Sports Bar; Pinnacle Bar (38-seat wine bar); Ocean Bar (Atrium bar and lounge, with dance floor and stage for live performances)
• Northern Lights Disco & Nightclub
• Queen’s Lounge & Culinary Arts Centre (with live band entertainment, cooking shows, culinary classes; via a partnership with “Food & Wine Magazine”)
• Explorer’s Lounge & Bar (lounge with bar; classical concert performances)
• Meeting Rooms (Hudson, Half Moon, Stuyvesant)
• Photo Gallery & Shop; Art Gallery
• Casino (served by Casino Bar and Sports Bar)
• Screening Room (40-seat indoor cinema); Erasmus Room (24-seat library)
• Atrium Shops (boutiques for duty-free tobaccos and liquor, perfumes, watches, clothing, HAL logo merchandise, souvenirs); Marabella Luxury Shop
• Explorations Cafe (specialty coffee bar and patisserie; also serves as ship’s Library and Online Centre/Internet computers room)
• Neptune Lounge (club venue for Deluxe Suite and Pinnacle guests only)
• Fitness Center (gym with separate Aerobics Room); 5 jacuzzis
• Greenhouse Spa & Salon; Lido Pool area, served by Lido Bar and Terrace Grill; Sea View Pool area served by Sea View Bar; The Retreat (adults-only)
• Crow’s Nest (observation lounge; bar and dance floor; becomes disco at night)
• Sport Court (basketball, volleyball, soccer); Promenade Deck, Walking Track
• Club HAL (kids lounge, complimentary youth programming)
• The Loft (teens club lounge area, with Video Games Arcade, computers, PlayStations; teen disco).

Since 2023, all HAL ships have pickleball courts (installed on the top deck) operated via an exclusive partnership with PPA-Professional Pickleball Association. HAL also offers complimentary beginner lessons (led by onboard instructors), sells branded pickleball starter kits (at the ship's retail shops) and Play Pickleball tutorial videos are included in the cabin TV programming.

Itineraries

MS Westerdam itinerary program is based on Alaska cruises from  Seattle WA  in the summer. The ship also offers Eastern Caribbean voyages from Fort Lauderdale and Panama Canal transits on repositioning.

In the period September 2018 through April 2019, the ship is deployed in Asia for a total of 10 itineraries ranging 10-31 days and visiting China, Japan, Korea, Russia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam. Asian season starts with 14-day Pacific crossing from  Vancouver  to  Yokohama Japan .

Back-to-back cruises can be booked as longer "Collectors Voyage". Combining two B2B itineraries , "Asia Collectors Voyages" range between 23-31 days. "Grand Asia Voyage" (82-day Pacific circumnavigation) departs September 30, 2018, as a roundtrip from LA with all 33 port calls and 6 overnights.

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, HAL's Westerdam ship was paused for 2+ years (March 2020 thru June 2022). Operations restarted on June 12, 2022, with 7-day Alaskan roundtrips (from Seattle) followed by Asian deployment (homeporting in Hong Kong China, and Yokohama Japan). For winter 2022-2023 (September 25 through March 13) the liner was deployed in Australia and New Zealand and homeported in Sydney NSW .

ms Westerdam - user reviews and comments

Photos of ms westerdam.

ms Westerdam ship related cruise news

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Other Holland America cruise ships

• ms Koningsdam
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• ms Zuiderdam

ms Westerdam Wiki

One of HAL's "compass ships", Westerdam is company's 2nd Vista-class liner, with sisterships Noordam , Oosterdam , Zuiderdam .

Wester means "West" (in Dutch).

The vessel (Fincantieri Marghera yard/hull number 6077) has volume 82862 GT-tons, DWT-deadweight tonnage 10965 tons, max draught 8 m. The powerplant is based on 5x Wartisla-Sulzer marine diesel engines (models 3x 16ZAV40S plus 2x 12ZAV40S) with combined output 75,14 MW (100764 hp). The propulsion is diesel-electric and based on 2x ABB Azipod thrusters with combined output 35,24 MW (47260 hp). The registered shipowner is HAL ANTILLEN NV, while the registered manager is HOLLAND AMERICA LINE NV.

Westerdam's Inaugural Cruise/Maiden Voyage was on April 25, 2004. The 12-night voyage (roundtrip from Venice) visited destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean/Aegean Sea., including Malta (Valletta), Croatia (Dubrovnik), Greece/Greek Islands (Santorini, Rhodes, Samos, Piraeus-Athens, Katakolon) and Turkey (Kusadasi-Ephesus). In November 2004 the ship was relocated to North America and from Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale operated 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean roundtrip itineraries.

The vessel's Godmother is Renette Pauline Soutendijk (aka Renee Soutendijk, 1957-born Dutch actress).

The ship's interior design theme is Dutch exploration - numerous sculptures, statues and paintings of famous Dutch ships.

In its Atrium area, Westerdam has a cut-glass Dutch sailing ship sculpture. This HAL ship's art collection includes many pre-Columbian artifacts (including 5000-year-old carved figures imported from Ecuador), and also many contemporary artists' signature sculptures and paintings. During its 2007 extensive refurbishment, 34 cabins were added, and major refits were done to several public areas.

Westerdam is HAL's 3rd vessel with this name. The 1st ship was in service for the company in 1946-1965 (scrapped in Spain). Curious fact about this liner (combined cargo-passenger vessel with numerous first-class cabins) is that it was sunk 3 times during WW2 (before the maiden voyage in 1946) - in 1942 (by Allied forces), and in 1944 and 1945 (by the Dutch resistance). MS Westerdam I operated Transatlantic crossings monthly (between Rotterdam and NYC ). The second Westerdam ship was launched 1986 under the brand Homeric (Home Lines), HAL acquired the company in 1988, and in 1989 the vessel underwent a major drydock refit (was lengthened by 130 ft / 40 m). After 13 years in HAL service, in 2002 this vessel was transferred to Costa Cruises (renamed Costa Europa), then chartered/leased to Thomson UK (Marella Cruises) as Marella Dream .

MS Westerdam refurbishments review

During a major drydock refit in 2007 April, Holland America Westerdam ship was stretched by adding a 130 ft / 40 m long midsection. The refit resulted in the following changes:

• 34x new passenger cabins were added when a whole section was installed aft on decks 6, 7, 8, thus narrowing some of the aft-located balconies.
• Many public spaces were redesigned, and the Sea View Pool area (aft on Lido Deck 9) was expanded.
• Changes were done in the area of Library/Shopping Arcade. The Windstar Cafe and the Internet area were removed, new shops were added.
• The Oak Room was replaced by the Explorations Cafe (added to Crow's Nest /Observation Deck 10).

The drydock refurbishment in 2017 (April 14-26, done by Fincantieri in Palermo Sicily Italy ) resulted in the following changes:

• (deck 10) new balcony and inside cabins (a total of 25) were added on Observation Deck 10.
• (decks 1 and 2) Vista Lounge (the ship's theatre) was renamed "The Main Stage".
• (deck 2) Lincoln Center Stage (chamber music hall) was added starboard. Sports Bar was transformed into Billboard Onboard.
• (deck 11) The Retreat (adult sundeck area) was added on Sports Deck 11 (replacing the two Canvas Cover areas there).

General maintenance drydocks (by Sembcorp Marine in Singapore ) were conducted in 2020 (January) and 2023 (January-February). During drydock 2023, ALMACO Group was awarded the turnkey contract to modernize the ship's galley/kitchen areas. Almaco's contract included adding flight-type/rack-type dishwashers in the Lido Market's pot wash area (aft on Deck 9) as well as replacing various equipment. Curiously, to access the pot washing area, yard workers had to cut a hole in the bulkhead and to remove/replace the interior in the Vista Dining Room (lower level on Deck 2) situated on the other side of the bulkhead.

Note: ALMACO Group (1998-founded, Kaarina Finland-based company) specializes in turnkey projects for newbuild cruise ships and modernization of marine and offshore catering, stateroom and laundry areas.

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Westerdam Overview

Holland America’s ms Westerdam is a premium family-friendly ship. While onboard, the family can stick together or split up and enjoy the features they really want to see. Mom can indulge with a facial at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon while dad gets in on a pick up game of basketball. The kids will be busy all day and into the night at Club HAL where trained childcare professionals will be leading the kids in scavenger hunts and arts and crafts projects. Even your teenager will have fun at The Loft, a teen hangout where they can take tech classes and participate in a talent show. The family can always regroup for a fabulous dinner and a show at the ms Westerdam’s Vista Show Lounge at night.  

• Passenger Capacity: 1,964 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2004
• Last Refurbished: 2023

Westerdam 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. 

Enjoy the natural beauty and inherent adventure of America’s 49 th State with an Alaska cruise.

Culinary eccentricity meets historical adventure when you cruise to Asia and the Pacific.

Get a taste of the land under, and wander the outback with some wallabies with a cruise to Australia/New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Delve into the unique Hawaiian culture and spectacular tropical delights of the islands with a cruise to Hawaii.

South Pacific / Tahiti

The South Pacific and Fiji are your tropical paradise. Holland America wants you to experience true bliss when you sail with them to these secluded islands. 

Southeast Asia

Get a taste of the Far East on a Holland America cruise to Southeast Asia in Tokyo, Thailand or Taipei.

Transpacific

Cruise across the Pacific Ocean in style aboard one of Holland America’s premium ships. You could visit a wide variety of exotic ports while traveling between stunning worlds.

U. S. Pacific Coast

Discover the history of the West and the cultures of some of the finest America cities with a Pacific Northwest or Pacific Coast cruise.

Westerdam 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. 

Perth (Fremantle), Australia

Cruise to Perth and enjoy the blend of old with new, along with Western Australia’s natural beauty. Take in the vibrant culture as you enter old world cafés next to the lively bars all buzzing with music and locals.

The near perfect days, beautiful scenery, pristine beaches and sparkling water offer the perfect backdrop for any dream adventure in Sydney, Australia.

Hong Kong, Hong Kong Sar, China

One of the world’s most exciting modern cities, Hong Kong offers a true East meets West experience where you can shop for traditional Chinese cure-alls and attend high tea all in the same afternoon.

Singapore, Singapore

Southeast Asia’s most modern city, Singapore, also contains a lot of history and treasures from the past, along with a perfect tropical climate – all making Singapore a wonderful destination year round.

Auckland, New Zealand

The mild temperatures in Auckland enhance an outdoorsy cruise destination. Tour the many beaches, hike beautiful mountain ranges or just wander Auckland’s city streets.

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore.

Yokohama, Japan

See Japanese history in person as you discover Yokohama, Japan’s biggest port city, where the country was first opened to outside trade after more than 200 years of seclusion.

Westerdam Deck Plans

Lower promenade, promenade deck, upper promenade, verandah deck, upper verandah deck, rotterdam deck, navigation deck, observation deck, sports deck, westerdam staterooms.

Balcony (VA)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows. (Ambulatory accessible rooms have roll-in shower only.)

Balcony (VB)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows. (Fully accessible rooms have roll-in shower only.)

Balcony (VC)

Verandah Staterooms: 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows.

Balcony (VD)

Balcony (ve), balcony (vf), balcony (vh).

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

Inside (MM)

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

Oceanview (DD)

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

Oceanview (E)

Oceanview (f), oceanview (c).

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

Oceanview (D)

Oceanview (g).

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

Oceanview (H)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. All H-category staterooms have fully obstructed views. (Fully accessible rooms have roll-in shower only.)

Oceanview (HH)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. All HH-category staterooms have fully obstructed views.

2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, bathroom with dual sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons, floor-to-ceiling windows.

2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, bathroom with dual sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons, floor-to-ceiling windows. (Fully accessible rooms have bathtub and roll-in shower.)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathroom with dual sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, large sitting area, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 1 person, floor-to-ceiling windows.

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathroom with dual sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, large sitting area, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 1 person, floor-to-ceiling windows. (Fully accessible rooms have roll-in shower only.)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathroom with dual sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, large sitting area, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 1 person, floor-to-ceiling windows. (Fully accessible rooms have single side approach to the bed, bathtub and roll-in shower.)

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

Photo Gallery for Westerdam 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. 

Erasmus Room

Westerdam in the open water

Pinnacle Grill

Top 10 Westerdam Cruises

• Westerdam 7-DAY ALASKA EXPLORER Departing From Seattle, Washington (May 2024 - Aug 2025)
• Westerdam 53-DAY MAJESTIC JAPAN Departing From Seattle, Washington (Sep 2024)
• Westerdam 51-DAY MAJESTIC JAPAN Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Sep 2024)
• Westerdam 23-DAY SOUTH PACIFIC CROSSING Departing From Seattle, Washington (Oct 2024)
• Westerdam 58-DAY SOUTH PACIFIC & AUSTRALIA CIRCUMNAVIGATION COLLECTOR Departing From Seattle, Washington (Oct 2024)
• Westerdam 35-DAY AUSTRALIA CIRCUMNAVIGATION Departing From Sydney, Australia (Nov 2024)
• Westerdam 14-DAY AUSTRALIA CIRCUMNAVIGATION Departing From Perth (Fremantle), Australia (Dec 2024)
• Westerdam 14-DAY NEW ZEALAND HOLIDAY Departing From Sydney, Australia (Dec 2024)
• Westerdam 14-DAY AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND Departing From Sydney, Australia (Jan 2025 - Mar 2025)
• Westerdam 14-DAY AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND Departing From Auckland, New Zealand (Jan 2025 - 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.

Service & Awards

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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• Cruising / Holland America / Ship Reviews

Holland America’s Westerdam: Review and Ship Tour

by Prof. Cruise · Published August 22, 2023 · Updated August 24, 2023

Introduction

Before I get to the specifics of the Westerdam, I need to share something deeply disturbing that happened just prior to this cruise. But first, by way of necessary context and background for those who are new to my blog, you should know that I love cruising more than anything else in life (my dog would argue that I love him more based on the number of kisses he endures in a day, but I put him at a close second). You should also know that my kid, now ten, has been cruising regularly since he was an infant and will easily achieve platinum (or the equivalent loyalty status) on every cruise line before he turns 18. And he’s always loved it as much as I do. Well, almost.

But a few weeks prior to our sailing on the Westerdam he told me he didn’t want to go – he didn’t want to miss school. Upon hearing this my jaw detached from my face and fell all the way to China with enough force as to prompt fears of an attack by the United States, promoting WWIII: “Let me get this straight son, you’d rather go to school than go on a cruise?!?!” So I, pending a willing family coming forward to adopt him, was in the unprecedented position of trying to convince my kid that he was going to have fun. On a cruise! Stay tuned…

Anyway, to the Westerdam. Ms Westerdam was my third Vista class ship on Holland America, having previously sailed on the Zuiderdam and the Noordam and, to make a long story short (honestly, you could save yourself serious time and eye rolls if you just stopped reading at the next period) solidified my love for this class of ship and for Holland America in general.

ms Westerdam Ship Tour

Before I get to all the things I loved about the Westerdam and a few that I didn’t, here is a full ship tour (please subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss additional Westerdam and Holland America content):

Things I LOVED about ms Westerdam

Here are the many thing I loved about the Westerdam…

Ship Size and Layout

Ms Westerdam and I have two obvious things in common, our small stature and our outsized personalities. While that second one is somewhat subjective (be kind in the comments), there’s no doubt that ms Westerdam is on the small side for a cruise ship in the era of “bigger is better” and I’m on the small side for a full-grown adult woman (I enjoy ample leg room in coach class on airplanes and save money on clothes by shopping in the children’s department). And while there are some advantages to being a tiny human (I still get charged child prices at museums and amusement parks), there are advantages to smaller cruise ships too (even though every non-luxury cruise line is moving away from them). What, you ask? Fewer steps from one dining venue to another, for one. I am NOT on vacation to burn calories between my second breakfast and my mid-morning snack!

At 936 feet long, 82,500 gross tons, and able to accommodate 1,964 guests and 800 crew members, I found the Westerdam the perfect size! She was also extremely easy to navigate even though it still took me two days to locate the Crow’s Nest and 7 (out of 7) to head down the correct hallway for my stateroom coming off the elevator.

Outdoor Wraparound Promenade Deck

Wide, wraparound outdoor promenade decks are one of my favorite features of Vista class ships on Holland America and I spent my usual time each day on the Westerdam walking while listening to an audio book and scanning the horizon for wildlife and UFO’s (since I have a better track record of seeing those than the whales and dolphins every one else always sees that I NEVER do).

Retractable Roof

The main pool area on the Westerdam features a retractable roof for temperature control, keeping rain out of your giant frozen cocktail, and preventing the wind from turning deck chairs into projectiles (except when revenue is down in the medical center, then they leave it open). And it’s pretty cool to watch it open and close. Honestly, it was better than much of the entertainment in the main theater at night (we’ll get to that later).

Fresh Flowers

Holland America is known for having beautiful fresh flowers onboard and I enjoyed them on the Westerdam. Even though I knew they were real, I still had to smell and touch them to confirm (with all the cuts happening across all cruise lines, I’m bracing myself for the day they smell like plastic and dust).

This was the first time I’d seen one of the newly retrofitted libraries on HAL and I LOVED it. So did Mr. Cruise, a man who can polish off an entire Stephen King novel in the time it takes me to watch one episode of Teen Mom. His packing list for a cruise looks like this: 5,000 books. If I want him to have clean underwear, deodorant, and something that won’t get us turned away from the dining room on formal night, I have to pack it for him. Seriously, he brings so many books that when they weigh his checked luggage before a flight, they charge him the going rate for an overweight bag AND whatever it costs to replace their scale.

Pickleball Court

While the whole world has fallen in love with pickleball, there are three groups left on earth who remain skeptical. Tennis courts, 10 year-olds who love playing basketball on Holland America ships, and the mothers of 10 year-olds who love playing basketball on Holland America ships. Can you imagine what it must be like to be a one of the few surviving tennis courts right now? It’s like being the rotary phone of racket sports. And as the mother of a son who used to do two things on HAL cruises, eat ice cream and play basketball, I wasn’t initially a fan of the new pickleball courts taking up time and real estate on the sports decks. You mean I can’t just send my kid up to play basketball while I fall asleep in the Crow’s Nest (see next section)? But we (occasionally) embrace change in our family and decided to give pickleball a try. And…we liked it! Not as much as ice cream and basketball (and school), but enough to give us one more cruise activity we can enjoy together as a family.

Crow’s Nest

The Crow’s Nest, located on deck 10 at the very front of the ship offered the perfect spot to sip a cocktail while reading a novel. At least that was always my plan. In action it looked more like half a cocktail and a two hour nap. Every 20 minutes someone would poke me to complain of my snoring and I’d awaken to gaze out at the gorgeous, sweeping (and hypnotic) ocean views only to return to merry (and loud, as I was repeatedly told) slumber. My tip for the Crow’s Nest? Stick with espresso drinks (available at the bar) and a genre like romance or mystery/thriller. This is NOT the time to tackle Kant’s thesis of transcendental idealism.

There’s a full bar in the Crow’s Nest, plentiful seating, and a huge selection of board games and puzzles.

Elemis Bath Products

Those sailing in interior or obstructed oceanview cabins (as was our case) will enjoy the same high quality Elemis bath products, including separate conditioner, on the Westerdam as those in much more expensive cabin categories. My hair, used to my husband’s Head and Shoulders, was like, “finally I get to be pampered on vacation too!”

Turndown Service

I love the towel animals and bed chocolates that were provided with our nightly turndown service. But I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why the animals weren’t just gobbling up the chocolates taunting them mere inches from their mouths. Well, duh, because they have no eyes! Seriously though, it’s these little touches that really set Holland America apart.

The overall quality of the food on Holland America is superior to every other non-luxury line in my opinion (which is generally questionable, but the food really is good) and our dining experience on the Westerdam was no exception. Here were some of my favorites…

Dive-In : Is it the Dive-In Sauce? The extra crispy fries? The numerous vegetarian options? The app-based ordering? Yes! All of that and more make Dive-In my favorite burger/dog joint at sea and I ate there every day on the Westerdam (sometimes for first lunch, sometimes for second lunch, and sometimes for snack fries). Hot tip for Dive-In : As you’re getting back on the ship from port, open HAL’s Navigator App and place an order for Dive-In. By the time you drop your stuff off at your cabin your order will be prepared and waiting for you at the counter (the app will alert you when it’s ready). No lines!

Lunchtime Taco/Nacho Bar:

I affectionately refer to this one as “Qdoba at sea.” I say “affectionately” because Qdoba is my favorite land-based fast food restaurant. This complimentary taco/nacho bar, with an extensive selection of premium toppings, is located near the main Lido pool on the Westerdam and open for lunch. Unlike Qdoba and almost any other food option on the Westerdam, it’s self-serve, so you can construct your dream nacho tower and won’t have to keep asking for, “more cheese please!”

Yogurt Bar:

The yogurt bar located in the buffet at breakfast offered a delicious selection of yogurt, fruit purees, and toppings (nuts, seeds, dried and fresh fruit, oats). I made myself a custom yogurt parfait each morning after the gym as a pre-breakfast while I waited for my family to get ready. Now should that last sentence leave you with the impression that I’m healthy and disciplined on a cruise, well, keep reading before you accuse me of being completely nuts (see what I did there).

Hard Ice Cream at the Buffet : For those who read my review our of 16-day New Zealand sailing on the Noordam, you’ll recall that we finally settled an argument parents and children have been having for generations where the parent says, “you can’t survive on ice cream alone!” And the child says, “yes I can!” It turns out our kid was able to survive for 16 days on ice cream alone. Which also makes me wonder if he’s right about other things like that I’m soooooooo embarrassing when I wear ankle weights to the grocery store. Anyway my son, once again, loved the hard ice cream (available in chocolate, vanilla, a rotating daily flavor, and sugar free) on the Westerdam buffet. And if you’re wondering why I wear ankle weights to the grocery store, it’s because I loved the hard ice cream too and now find myself in the position of needing to melt some of it from my thighs before my next HAL cruise on the Zuiderdam in just a few days. #cruiseproblems

Beecher’s Mac ‘n Cheese: Even though I live two blocks from the Beecher’s flagship store in Pike Place Market and, should I get a craving for some mac n’ cheese, can walk over there in under five minutes where I’ll invariably hear from some tourists about how lucky I am to live so close, I love that Holland America ships offer Beecher’s mac n’ cheese and I order it everywhere it’s offered (regularly on the buffet at lunch and dinner and at lunch in the main dining room). And still, every single time, I say, “this is last meal worthy” and “this would have cost me $12.89 at home.”

Buffet Sushi: Let me apologize if those two words in sequence prompted a sudden episode of involuntary retching. The same thing happens to me when the words “raisin” and “cookie” appear in close proximity. But I assure you, the buffet sushi on the Westerdam was fresh and delicious and included at no extra cost. There are even vegetarian rolls available (you just have to ask).

Bread Pudding: Speaking of raisins, if Holland America would just start offering raisins as an optional add-in for their signature bread pudding with the necessary warning label “WILL ruin this otherwise perfect dish,” it might just surpass Carnival’s chocolate melting cake as the best included dessert at sea. It’s available at the dessert stations on the buffet (but you have to ask for it at the counter).

Fruit Crisps : But if I could, in good conscience, elevate a dessert that contains fruit to the position of best included dessert at sea , it would be the warm fruit crisps with vanilla ice cream offered at dinner in the dining room on the Westerdam. I can’t, I just can’t. But that didn’t stop me from ordering them every single night. While they all look identical in the approximately 2,000 photos I took of them, the flavor was different every night.

Dining Room Breakfast:

Continuing to give out food awards, if I had to choose my #1 favorite food-related feature of the Westerdam (and HAL in general), it would be the dining room breakfast. The menu is extensive, delicious, vegan friendly (with coconut yogurt and vegan eggs as recent additions), and has a large selection of international offerings you won’t find on any other line. We ate there every morning, ordering multiple items each, and still didn’t make it all the way through the menu. While I can think of many reasons to book a longer cruise, getting to sample all the delicious breakfast items is definitely among them. Here’s the menu if you haven’t sailed on HAL yet:

Holland America Breakfast Menu, Food Pics, and Review

Itinerary Specific Features

While many cruise lines have shifted away from itinerary specific menus and programming (because it’s cheaper to standardize everything), on our Alaska itinerary onboard the Westerdam we experienced Alaska at port and onboard. “Alaska up Close” featured new Alaska-themed dining and beverage experiences (including cocktails prepared with real glacial ice), Alaska-focused EXC Talks, wildlife viewing and educational opportunities with an onboard naturalist, and locals brought onboard at several ports to offer presentations about local wildlife and native culture. Guests could even participate in “On Deck for a Cause: Alaska’s Parks,” a 5k fundraising walk to raise money for a nonprofit dedicated to Alaska conservation. 

One of my family’s favorite activities onboard the Westerdam were the EXC multi-media lectures given by our cruise director. My 10-year-old even loved them (maybe because they reminded the weirdo of school?!?) They were highly engaging, well-written, fascinating, moving at times, and most of them, as mentioned above, were specific to our itinerary. Some of the topics included: The Iditarod, whales of Alaska, and pioneering women of Alaska.

Things I DIDN’T LOVE about ms Westerdam

Here are a few things that missed the mark for me on the Westerdam…

Evening Entertainment in the Main Theater

The Westerdam fell short when it came to nightly entertainment on the main stage. While I enjoyed the two performances I saw of the Step One Dance Company (Humanity and Move), they just don’t compare to the production shows on other lines.

And while the guest performers were fine (comedian Jose Sarduy and two performances from Major Fourth), there wasn’t enough variety of high quality entertainment offered (a few evenings movies were shown instead of live performances). Also…

No Lincoln Center Stage

I know, I know, Lincoln Center Stage has been gone for months and this wasn’t my first HAL cruise without it. And, sadly, this wasn’t my first cruise without seeing it on the main stage as was promised by HAL when they announced the elimination of the intimate nightly performances on the dedicated stage. But once again, we had no Lincoln Center Stage performance on the main stage during our sailing. Has anyone else seen these recently on other ships? Or should I just give up on them to avoid disappointment?

We did enjoy 3rd Avenue West , a trio comprised of a pianist, bass player, and guitarist who performed regularly in the Ocean Bar, but listening to music in a crowded bar area with people talking and walking through wasn’t an equivalent experience to Lincoln Center Stage.

No Waffle Cones

If my list of complaints strikes you as increasingly petty, you’re right. Honestly, it was challenging to come up with enough negative things to counter the possible accusation that I’m a HAL cheerleader (although if I were to become a cheerleader for a particular line, it would have to be HAL or NCL only because they have the shortest number of letters and require the least amount of lung capacity and fewest number of high kicks). But, unlike on every other HAL cruise we’ve been on, the Westerdam didn’t offer waffle cones for the buffet ice cream. Why does this matter? Because a waffle cone is a dessert in itself, not just a receptacle for the real dessert allowing me to more easily eat it with one hand en route to a table on which to deposit the three additional desserts in my other hand. With a cake cone I always contemplate whether I should eat it or just sacrifice the remaining ice cream in the bottom and get back in line for another two scoops (better make it three to account for the lost half a scoop trapped in edible cardboard).

Specialty Restaurants

We ate at both the steakhouse, Pinnacle Grill, and the Italian speciality restaurant, Canaletto, on the Westerdam and enjoyed them both (I especially appreciated having vegetarian options). However, because the quality of the MDR food was so high, I didn’t find the speciality restaurants a good value. Unless we have onboard credit to burn though (as we did in this case), we usually skip speciality dining on Holland America cruises.

Would I sail on ms Westerdam Again?

Yes, unequivocally yes! But the more salient question is, would my kid miss school to sail on her again? Shockingly, no. While he enjoyed numerous aspects of our cruise, if given the choice, he held firm that he’d still rather have been in school. Which proves to me that neither nature or nurture can explain this kid. A hospital swap is my only viable explanation at this point. Who out there has my real kid (who probably has no visible eyebrows and an overdeveloped sweet tooth) and can I please have him back before our next cruise? And with that…

Class Dismissed.

Homework (10 points):  Post to the comments any questions you may have about the Westerdam or share your own experience sailing on her.

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18 Responses

• Comments 18
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Nice write-up! I too will miss the Lincoln Center classical music as it fit so well with HAL’s tradition of an ocean liner. We are booked on Zaandam (I believe that is Vista) for 2024 and the two things I am super excited about is the taco/nacho bar and the promenade deck! 🙂

I am right with you on the entertainment on the World Stage. My being a professional pianist who has accompanied dancers and theatre singers and opera singers and was the first pianist hired at Walt Disney World may be a factor, but …. yes, the Step One dancers are talented, but the choreography is nothing special. (“Sophomoric” came to mind.) I watched the show for 15 minutes and left to wander the ship. I’m sure there are cruisers who don’t have my level of musical saturation who enjoyed it very much, and I’m happy for them. I’ll leave my good seat for someone else.

(I’ll spare you my comments on the volume level of the groups in Billboard Onboard – with the exception of the pianists – and BB King’s. My partner and I had to go sit in the hallway to enjoy the music.)

There were waffle cones August 6-13, there were popular and they would run out. They have self serve too which was not mentioned. Vanilla or a flavor and they can make a twist.

Good to know! Thanks! Maybe they were just out when we asked (although I never saw anyone else with them either – hopefully it was a specific issue with our sailing that has been rectified).

Thank you for your review of the Westerdam. We will be on her in June 2024 for 28 days. HAL is our very favorite cruise line and we have tried most of them. We currently have 3 HAL cruises booked in the next year. We have been on the Westerdam but just a lunch tour in Seattle. It was very nice and we are excited to sail for 28 days in June!!

Fabulous review … Enjoying your posts and social media … I’m just starting out on the social media front as a retirement hobby and I can’t say enough about your approach.. we’ve over 360 cruise days and will spend our second winter living on cruise ships January thru end of March … thanks for sharing!

Thank you so much for your generous words, Steve. Wow, wintering on cruise ships? Living the dream! I can’t wait to follow along on all your adventures!

Sailing on this beautiful ship in Nov-Dec for the 2nd leg leaving Singapore and visiting islands of Indonesia…your review has got be all excited for my trip….thank you

Wow, that sounds like an amazing itinerary! Enjoy it!

We are also on that trip, leaving from Seattle. Hopefully we will meet you.

Looks wonderful

I was just on Westerdam Aug 13-20. There were waffle cones, but I never saw the yogurt bar. In general, food was just a hair above average, with no standouts. Sushi was good, but with 300% more rice than anything I’ve seen before. Staff was good and friendly, but didn’t excel. Band was amazing, but piano player duo just horrendous screaming out of tune. Activities were boring and lacking, and much of the ship decor plain and generic. The decision to stop in Victoria with a max usable time off ship of 90 minutes is asinine. Overall, everything about Holland America and the Westerdam seemed to strive for average, reach it, and then go out of the way not to excel past it. But fortunately, I did not experience big negatives either (except for the stupidity of the Victoria stop). I’m an experienced cruiser, but first time on HA. There just wasn’t enough there to draw me back.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! It’s always interesting to hear from someone on the same ship/itinerary.

Our first cruise experience was on the Westerdam in June. We’re of a certain age and wondered if we were the cruising sort. This experience sold me on cruising and Holland America. We got extra value by booking through Costco! Good review!

Going on my very first cruise in a couple of weeks on Westerdam for an Alaskan cruise and having trouble finding an answer to my question. We have an ocean view room on the upper veranda deck, looks like front of the ship, and I’m trying to figure out our quickest access to get outside since we sadly don’t have a balcony. I can’t tell the quickest way for us to get outside.

Tammy, if you’re on Facebook. Join the Holland America Line Alaska Cruises group. You’ll get quick answers to your questions and lots of valuable information.

Take the stairs down to Deck 3 Promenade then straight out the doors.

We pretty much love everything about HAL, especially the service. Do miss the Broadway style shows,too. Almost 5 star and enjoying perks. We are older and cruise for relaxing and socializing. No need for an amusement park and gigantic shops. We cruise 3 to 4 times a year. Looking forward to N Hawaiian cruise in October.

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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About Westerdam

With a spacious and comfortable atmosphere, Holland America's mid-sized Westerdam offers personalized attention and a delightful intimate ambiance. She features stunning staterooms, many with verandahs, lots of activities and a myriad of delicious dining options, ranging from casual to elegant. Boasting a multi-million-dollar art collection with a theme of Dutch heritage in the New World, adds a dimension to the cruise experience. A self-guided iPod tour will let you view the amazing works, which range from a huge Indian silver-overlaid wood palace doorway, to works by Andy Warhol.

Chic specialty bars and lounges, including the signature Crow's Nest, with incredible views, offer the perfect spot for a drink, conversation and meeting new friends. Sharpen your computer skills at the complimentary Digital Workshop. Shoot the hoops at the sports deck. Kids will love the fun activities at Club HAL and teens will head to an area just for them, The Oasis and The Loft.

Enjoy a myriad of diverse amenities on the Westerdam, including fabulous restaurants with delicious cuisine, bars, nightclubs, lounges, a casino, Las Vegas-style shows and 2 swimming pools, one with a retractable roof. Duty-free shops offer an array of items and spectacular jewelry is featured at the luxury Merabella. Foodies will flock to the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine, with a state-of-the-art kitchen demonstration kitchen and cooking classes. Enjoy the lovely Art Gallery and go online at the Internet Center. Watch your favorite movie as you snack on complimentary popcorn at the Movie Theatre or choose from more than 1,000 DVD titles that will be delivered to your stateroom to view.

Indulge in the amazing treatments at the acclaimed Greenhouse Spa & Salon, sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated. Take a yoga class at the state-of-the-art Fitness Center and greet the day on deck with a fresh sea breeze each morning with tai chi or take or stroll on the Promenade's wraparound deck or simply take in the incredible view from the comfy deck chairs. Enjoy a cup of coffee with a fresh pastry as you read the papers at the Explorations Café. The day is yours on the lovely Westerdam.

With exciting restaurants, including casual outdoor eateries and fine dining, the Westerdam has something to please everyone. Delicious cuisine is served at the stunning two-level Vista Dining Room with exquisite multi-course dinners, including vegetarian and vegan selections from an exclusive menu. Superb cuisine awaits at the elegant Pinnacle Grill, with luxurious appointments, including Bvlgari china, Frette linens and Riedel stemware. Feast on regional Italian dishes at the family-style Canaletto and a variety of made-to-order choices are offered at The Lido Restaurant. Families will love the Terrace Grill, located poolside, perfect for a casual lunch of grilled favorites. Complimentary room service is offered 24/7.

Choose from a variety of staterooms, from large interior and ocean-view, to luxurious Penthouse Suites. Relax in your elegantly appointed "home at sea" with comfortable furnishings, sure to please the most discerning traveler. Connecting staterooms are perfect for families. Exclusive to Deluxe Verandah Suite and Penthouse Verandah Suite guests, is the Neptune Lounge on the all-suite concierge deck.

Exciting entertainment includes Las-Vegas style performances at the Vista Show Lounge, sing-alongs at the fun Piano Bar, dancing late into the night at Northern Lights and try your luck at the fully-equipped Casino. All this and much more awaits you on the fabulous Westerdam.

Cruise to exciting worldwide destinations on the Westerdam.

Pinnacle Suites (Penthouse Verandah Suites)

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

Neptune Suites (Deluxe Verandah Suites)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, bathroom with dual sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons, floor-to-ceiling windows.

Signature Suites (Superior Verandah Suites)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathroom with dual sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, large sitting area, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 1 person, floor-to-ceiling windows.

Verandah Oceanview Staterooms

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queensize bed, bathtub & shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows.

Verandah Oceanview Stateroom

Large Oceanview Staterooms

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

Large Ocean-view Staterooms (Partial View)

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

Large Oceanview Stateroom (Obstructed View)

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

Large Oceanview Staterooms (Obstructed View)

Large or Standard Interior Staterooms

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

Large Interior Staterooms

Standard Interior Staterooms

View Deck Plan

Pinnacle Grill

Deck: 2 - Lower Promenade

Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate steakhouse at sea, where an exceptional menu and impeccable service make for one of finest meals you’ll ever have. The refined menu features a selection of 28-day wet-aged USDA Prime steaks — meticulously chosen to guarantee the finest quality — as well as classic steakhouse dishes and innovative recipes.

Dining Room

Decks: 2 - Lower Promenade 3 - Promenade

For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes.

Deck: 9 - Lido

Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own trade-marked secret sauce. Savor a succulent Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog with golden French fries. Or choose a grilled chicken breast sandwich or juicy portabella mushroom stack.

Lido Market

Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads.

In Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. This is the inspiration for our onboard Italian restaurant, Canaletto. Enjoy amazing Italian classics like braised chicken cacciatore al forno, branzino ai ferri or garlic shrimp ravioli. And for dessert: tiramisù, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato, and more.

Crow's Nest Cafe

Deck: 10 - Observation

Crow's Nest Cafe.

Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker.

Deck: 3 - Promenade

Crow's Nest

Crow's Nest.

Sea View Pool

Sea View Pool.

Fitness Center

Fitness Center.

Spa and Salon

During a leisurely day at sea, few places help you refresh, relax and rejuvenate like the Spa & Salon. This heavenly retreat nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. In the spa, pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients. Nurture your body, too, with massage treatments employing time-honored, hands-on massage techniques gleaned from around the world.

Neptune Lounge

Deck: 7 - Rotterdam

Neptune Lounge.

Explorers Lounge

Explorers Lounge.

Sports Court

Deck: 11 - Sports

Sports Court.

Decks: 1 - Main 2 - Lower Promenade 3 - Promenade

World Stage

World Stage, the largest theater on board is home to a variety of performances day and night. Our exclusive EXC® Talk lecture series features captivating regional stories told by local experts and narrated by your Cruise & Travel Director. In the evening, World Stage features shows from one or more sensational groups like Step One Dance Company, Cantaré, Island Magic and more.

Guest Services

Deck: 1 - Main

Guest Services.

Billboard Onboard

Billboard Onboard.

Gallery Bar

Gallery Bar.

Art Gallery

Art Gallery.

Photo Shop.

Hydro Pool.

Sliding Dome Cover

Sliding Dome Cover.

Pinnacle Bar

Pinnacle Bar.

The Retreat

The Retreat.

Observation Deck

Observation Deck.

Future Cruises

Future Cruises.

Rolling Stone Lounge

Rolling Stone Lounge.

Portrait Studio

Portrait Studio.

Stuyvesant.

Effy Jewelry

Effy Jewelry.

Sea View bar

Sea View bar.

Art Studio.

Shore Excursions

Shore Excursions.

Holland America Line's youth activities program, Kids Club, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties.

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7 amazing cruise itineraries to book in 2024

I don't know about you, but each year, as the weather turns cold, I start daydreaming about getting out of Dodge — or, in my case, Pennsylvania. My mind wanders to cruises that will take me to places where the temperature is warmer, but I also take a hard look at the (exceptionally lengthy) list of places I'm longing to visit.

After digging through what's new for 2024, I've come up with a shortlist of sailings that I think are noteworthy. They range from a standard Bahamas voyage with a new twist and an extended Alaska sailing that includes a foray across the Arctic Circle to more far-flung destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Dream on, dear reader, and add these to your list of 2024 cruise itineraries.

Note: All prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Fares do not include taxes and fees.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Seabourn's 'Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls and Wandjinas' itinerary

Last year, the Australia and New Zealand cruise region gained momentum following the pandemic shutdown. In 2024, the hardly populated Australia region of The Kimberley is gaining popularity. Luxury cruise brand Seabourn will be offering a series of six 10-night voyages between Broome and Darwin on expedition vessel Seabourn Pursuit during what will be early winter in the southern hemisphere.

The line's " Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls and Wandjinas " will take passengers to places along the coast few passengers are able to visit to see the stunning teal waters and horizontal waterfalls of Talbot Bay, sample wines in the Hunter River Region and check out nature preserves in Wyndham.

Details: The first sailing, from Darwin to Broome, embarks on June 12. The final voyage, from Broome to Darwin, departs on Aug. 1. Prices start from $6,134 per person ($613 per person, per night), double occupancy, for the July 2 cruise. All accommodations are suites with balconies.

Celebrity's 'Best of Japan' and 'Vietnam and Thailand' cruises

The number of voyages in Asia was trending upward notably prior to 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought cruising in the region to an extended halt. And it's once again on the rise. Following that curve, Celebrity Cruises will be running new 11- to 13-night Asia sailings in 2024 on two ships — Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Solstice — that bring stops in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand.

What's notable about the offerings is that they will aim to immerse passengers further into the destinations by including overnights in a total of 11 ports across all itineraries. That means more time to explore Hanoi's Old Quarter as the sun sets, indulge in nighttime gastronomy in Hong Kong, visit one of Bangkok's many markets, or learn why Osaka is known for street food.

Details: Celebrity Millennium's " Best of Japan " cruises run from early mid-March to early October. At press time, the least expensive fares — for a 12-night sailing — start from $1,330 per person ($111 per person, per night) for an inside cabin. It travels round-trip from Yokohama and visits Hiroshima, Pusan and other ports, including Osaka, where the ship will overnight.

Celerbrity Solstice's Vietnam and Thailand cruises kick off in mid-January and run through March. The ship will resume them again in the fall of 2024 and run through the winter season. Prices start from $1,255 per person ($105 per person, per night) for an inside cabin. The voyage sails from Hong Kong to Singapore with stops in Da Nang and Koh Samui, plus overnights in Hanoi and Bangkok.

SeaDream's 'Yachting the Adriatic & Greek Isles' sailing

Here's one to put on your radar if you're looking to book — but not necessarily sail — in 2024. It's a new Mediterranean itinerary that doesn't start up for nearly three more years, in 2026. The SeaDream routing brings stops at seven ports that are rarely visited by cruise passengers. During the seven-night voyages, there will be calls at Primosten, Croatia; Cesme, Turkey; Cetubal, Portugal; and Kythira, Kythnos, Syvota and Tinos, Greece — making these sailings unique and well-suited to anyone who loves the region but who's looking for new places to experience.

SeaDream's small ships, each of which carries just 112 people, are able to reach locales about which passengers on megaships can only fantasize. Couple that with excellent service, and you'll be visiting the Our Lady of Loretto statue in Primosten, touring the Cesme Castle and lounging on stunning Greek beaches from a home base that puts you squarely in the lap of luxury.

Details: An itinerary that includes three of the seven new ports is the 11-night " Yachting the Adriatic & Greek Isles " itinerary from Venice, Italy, to Athens, Greece, departing on Aug. 8, 2026, on SeaDream I. Prices start from $10,399 per person ($946 per person, per night) for a room with a porthole view.

Holland America's 'Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice' Legendary Voyage

Alaska is an absolute must for anyone who enjoys the vastness of untouched wilderness, the wildlife it houses and adventurous pursuits it provides. (Think whale-watching, hiking on glaciers and salmon fishing.) However, Holland America 's Westerdam is hosting a 28-day sailing that's anything but your standard cruise to the Last Frontier .

Passengers will visit the usual Alaska ports, such as Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau, with scenic sailing through the Inside Passage, past Hubbard Glacier and to Glacier Bay. But they can also expect less-common stops at places like Nome, Kodiak, Anchorage (with an overnight) and Homer. Plus, about halfway through, this cruise crosses the Arctic Circle — a rite of passage for many travelers.

Details: Holland America's 28-day " Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice " cruise — one of the line's Legendary Voyages, known for longer durations and a unique mix of port calls — sails June 9-July 7, round-trip from Seattle. Inside cabins start from $5,299 per person (about $189 per person, per night).

Silversea's summertime French Polynesia cruises

Another consideration for future travel is Silversea Cruises , which is featuring its first full-summer season in French Polynesia in 2026. Silver Whisper will offer two immersive itineraries, including overnights, across 17 voyages between April and September.

Passengers can choose seven-night sailings that visit idyllic favorites like Tahiti, Moorea and Huahine and which also include overnights in Bora Bora. Or, they can cruise for twice as long by selecting a 14-night voyage that calls on the same ports as the seven-night option but with Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Fatu Hiva, Atuona and Tahuata added.

Details: Silversea's seven-night voyages begin April 6, 2026, and start from $5,650 per person ($808 per person, per night) for an ocean-view cabin.

The line's 14-night sailings start on April 20, 2026. Fares start from $10,450 per person ($747 per person, per night) for ocean-view accommodations.

New Bermuda voyages on Carnival Venezia

Beginning in May of 2025, Carnival Cruise Line 's Carnival Venezia will sail a series of eight four- and five-night cruises to Bermuda from New York. These itineraries are notable because the line is aiming to increase its presence there but also because the style of the ship is new to even most of the brand's most dedicated passengers.

In 2022, Carnival announced its Costa by Carnival concept after revealing it would be transferring ships from its Costa sister brand to the Carnival fleet. Now, when travelers visit the Gibb's Hill Lighthouse or check out the island's renowned pink-sand beaches during a sailing on Carnival Venezia, they can enjoy both the Italian style of the ship and Carnival's fun atmosphere and high service standards.

Details: Voyages kick off on May 22, 2025. Prices start from $429 per person ($108 per person, per night) for an inside cabin on a four-night cruise departing Sept. 18, 2025.

Disney Cruise Line's Lighthouse Point itineraries

Disney Cruise Line 's new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , a private destination on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, is set to open in June with a three-night preview sailing on June 6 aboard Disney Magic. Following the initial voyage, the line will run regular three- to seven-night voyages to Lighthouse Point on Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream.

The island will feature a dedicated family beach and water play area, an arts and culture pavilion focused on Bahamian culture, 20 family cabanas, an adults-only beach and a selection of shore excursion options.

Details: Prices for itineraries that include Lighthouse Point start from $624 per person ($208 per person, per night) for a three-night cruise on Disney Magic. The cruise departs Nov. 5 and sails from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Have cruise questions? TPG has answers:

• Banned items: What not to pack for a cruise
• Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
• What is a gentleman host on a cruise?
• What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships?
• What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
• What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?
• What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

I worked on cruises for 3 years. Here are 6 things I'd never do on board.

• I used to work on cruises. After many days at sea, there are things I'd never do on a cruise .
• I never wear my room key around my neck and try to avoid misnaming the ship.
• I never buy the drink package or pay for meal upgrades in the main dining room.

I've sailed around the world as a cruise-ship employee , and now I enjoy cruising as a passenger.

I love the salty sea air, waking up in a new country, and lazy days by the pool, but a week at sea could get more complicated this year with cruises predicted to be in high demand .

While fighting a little harder to secure a prime seat on the pool deck, you may as well also avoid some rookie mistakes.

Here are six things I'd never do on a cruise after working on them for three years.

Pay for upgrades in the main dining room

Typically, main dining room meals are included in the cost of a cruise. But in recent years, it's become common for cruise lines to charge guests extra if they want to upgrade to "supplementary" items like lobster or certain steaks.

I know $12 may not seem like much for a steak or lobster tail at dinner, but the cost of the cruise is supposed to include your food.

So, even though I enjoy lobster, I stick with the items without the upcharges.

Buy the drink package

I enjoy a piña colada by the pool or a Manhattan while listening to a jazz set after dinner. Even so, it doesn't make sense for me to pay in advance for 12 to 15 cocktails a day.

I've done the math on typical unlimited drink packages , and the cost simply isn't worth it for me.

This is especially true with a port-heavy itinerary. If I've gone ashore to explore all day, that means I'm not sidled up to the bar slurping down alcoholic slushies.

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I prefer to buy as I go and take advantage of happy hour and other drink specials that are available on certain cruise lines. I also check the beverage policy in advance and bring on my own wine, if allowed.

Touch shared contact surfaces with my fingers

Fellow guests will never see me touching the elevator buttons with my fingertips. Knuckles and elbows do the trick.

Some cruise lines are better than others at wiping down commonly touched surfaces, but I don't take any chances. I avoid touching things others frequently touch, and I wash my hands frequently.

This strategy has worked for me, as I have never contracted norovirus, even when it was running rampant on a ship I was on. It's quite contagious and can linger on your fingertips even after using hand sanitizer . I'd definitely rather be safe than sorry.

Wear my room key around my neck

I never walk around the ship with my room key around my neck, and I especially never do this when on land.

There are two reasons for this. First, I see many passengers using the room keys dangling from their necks to flaunt their cruise loyalty status . It just looks pretentious.

The sophisticated cruisers with the highest status, with the most days at sea, never show off their fancy room keys.

That's because they know the more important reason — safety. In port, that room key bouncing off your chest looks like an invitation to be robbed. It screams, "I have money! Come and take it from me."

Misname the ship

English is a funny language that has its quirks. Naming conventions make that even more complicated.

Ships have proper names, and so do not require a definite article. For example, "Tomorrow I am embarking on Discovery Princess," or "I enjoyed scenic cruising on MS Westerdam."

If you want to look like a savvy sailor, learn to drop the "the!"

Plan my port-day itinerary so tight that I may not make it back to the ship on time

Oh, the recurring nightmares I've had about not making it back to the ship on time during a port day.

I've never missed a sail away, but I have cut it too close at times and have had to run down a pier or two. Just recently, as a passenger, my taxi driver got lost returning our group to the port at night.

When I realized how late we were going to be, I forked over $8 per minute to be connected with the ship. I pleaded with them to wait for us. It was a sprint through the port to get back on and we received quite a scolding from the first officer.

That time, we got lucky. In the future, I'll be giving myself more time than I think I need to make it back.

Watch: Why it costs $1 million a day to run one of the world's biggest cruise ships

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Suites & Staterooms

Please select your stateroom or suite type and room category from the available options.

• Daily housekeeping
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, shampoo
• Luxurious bathrobes
• Hair dryers, makeup mirrors
• Generous storage
• Fresh fruit upon request
• Ice service
• TV with On Demand movies, programming

Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms.

These expansive staterooms include include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our Signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, a host of amenities and an ocean view.

Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and bath tub with premium massage showerheads.

Signature Suite

• Whirlpool bath

These large, comfortable suites feature a spacious sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and one murphy bed for one person. The bathroom includes a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, and an additional shower stall.

Neptune Suite

• Premium bathrobes, slippers
• Fresh flowers
• One-Touch concierge service
• Whirlpool bath (suite dependent)
• In-suite coffee, espresso
• Complimentary laundry
• Pre-dinner hors d'oeuvres served in suite
• Welcome glass of sparkling wine
• Priority boarding for tender ports, priority dining/seating requests, special disembarkation service
• High tea in suite on request
• Exclusive tote bag

With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these spacious suites are flooded with light. They feature a large sitting area and two lower beds convertible to one king-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses. The bathroom comes with a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, plus additional shower stall. Amenities include use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge, a private concierge and an array of complimentary services.

Your Ship: Westerdam

A fascinating destination in her own right, Westerdam has won multiple Best Cruise Ship awards and features superb bar, entertainment and dining venues. During the day, rejuvenate with a spa treatment at the heavenly Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. Head to the upper decks for a friendly game of Pickleball at Sea with top-deck views. Catch a performance at the World Stage or spend your evening on the dance floor at Rolling Stone Lounge.

• 1916 Guests
• 936 ft. Length
• 105.8 ft. Width

Dining & Onboard Activities

Each day on board offers delicious dining options, world-class entertainment and enriching activities

Pinnacle Grill

The ultimate steakhouse at sea, with an exceptional menu of Prime steaks, seafood and wine.

Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate steakhouse at sea, where an exceptional menu and impeccable service make for one of finest meals you’ll ever have. The refined menu features a selection of 28-day wet-aged USDA Prime steaks — meticulously chosen to guarantee the finest quality — as well as classic steakhouse dishes and innovative recipes from James Beard Award-winning chef and Culinary Council® member, David Burke. Every dish is exquisitely prepared, beautifully plated and complemented by a vast collection of award-winning wines. Here, your meal is an event unto itself, a celebration of fine dining and a triumph of flavor.

*Meals at Pinnacle Grill are half price for kids 12 years old or under, or free when they order from the kids’ menu.

Canaletto is a relaxed setting with authentic Italian cuisine that is best enjoyed when shared.

In Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. This is the inspiration for our onboard Italian restaurant, Canaletto. Enjoy amazing Italian classics like braised chicken cacciatore al forno, branzino ai ferri or garlic shrimp ravioli. And for dessert: tiramisù, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato, and more. Including pasta made fresh daily. Buon Appetito!

Meals at Canaletto are half price for kids 12 years old or under, or free when they order from the kids’ menu.

Lido Market

A casual, modern marketplace, Lido Market offers the widest range of food options on board for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a late-night snack.

Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats, fish and other hearty entrees; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches, and more.

This casual poolside grill serves up the best burgers at sea, Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dogs, golden French fries and more.

Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own trade-marked secret sauce. Savor a succulent Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog with golden French fries. Or choose a grilled chicken breast sandwich or juicy portabella mushroom stack. Dive-In is the perfect spot to dine poolside on the best burgers at sea.

24-Hour Room Service

Enjoy breakfast in bed or an early dinner on your verandah — entrées and more are available whenever you wish.

Sleep in and have breakfast delivered. Enjoy an early dinner on your verandah before an evening excursion. Order a salad, sandwich or entrée any time. Room Service is only a phone call away. All selections are included in your cruise fare unless otherwise noted on the in-room menu.

Explorations Cafe

Our relaxing café with panoramic views is your home for handcrafted espresso drinks during the day and refreshing cocktails in the evening.

At Explorations Café, sink into plush chairs and sofas in a comfortable environment. Sip elegantly prepared espresso drinks and nosh on fresh pastries from the coffee bar. You can also take in fantastic views, catch up on your favorite book or browse the web. 

The Dining Room

Our flagship dining experience is a welcoming and sophisticated setting for an exquisite breakfast, lunch or superb multicourse dinner.

For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. 

Crow's Nest

BARS AND LOUNGES

Enjoy cocktails and sunsets in this lounge, featuring panoramic views.

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges onboard. The panoramic view takes center stage in The Crow's Nest at the top of the ship, where you can relax just about any time of day and enjoy your favorite drink.

Explorer's Lounge

Elegant and refined, stop by for a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail.

The Explorer’s Lounge is an elegant and refined space to enjoy a glass of wine, a cocktail, or your favorite liqueur.

Enjoy cocktails and ocean views while listening to live music.

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges. This popular bar is at the top of the atrium and is the perfect locale for cocktails and dancing.

Gallery Bar

In this art-themed bar, order your favorite cocktail or try one from our signature cocktail menu.

This sophisticated venue is adorned with an eclectic and whimsical mix of artwork including portraits, landscapes, still life and abstract pieces. Order your favorite cocktail or try one from our signature cocktail menu.

Billboard Onboard

ENTERTAINMENT

Sing along, test your music trivia knowledge, or sit back and enjoy as chart-topping hits fill the room each night.

2 pianos - 60 Years of Chart Toppers - 100s Of Songs.  Sing along, test your music trivia skills or just sit back and enjoy as the hits fill the room each night.

World Stage

World Stage features innovative cruise ship shows and a two-story LED screen that creates a vivid wraparound display.

World Stage, the largest theater on board is home to a variety of performances day and night. Our exclusive EXC® Talk lecture series features captivating regional stories told by local experts and narrated by your Cruise & Travel Director. In the evenings, Step One Dance Company, vocal sensation Cantaré, BBC Earth in Concert and more take the stage.  Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam  and  Rotterdam  bring the World Stage experience to the next level by surrounding you in spectacular sight and sound with a two-story, panoramic LED screen.

Rolling Stone Lounge

Our 7-piece band brings you the best in rock, pop, country and more.

Dance to your favorite songs with one of the best bands at sea. From rock and pop to country and beyond, we provide the perfect playlist live, each and every cruise.

Onboard Shopping

Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping onboard.

Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Effy.

Fitness Center

Take a class in our professionally staffed Fitness Center.

Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). Some classes may have a nominal fee.

Holland America Line Navigator

Personalize your cruise experience with our free mobile-friendly tool.

Personalize your cruise experience once you’re on the ship with our free mobile-friendly tool. Plan your daily activities, browse and purchase shore excursions, view restaurant menus, make dining reservations, check your account balance and more. 

Casino Action

The Casino offers games for all levels.

Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction — and we offer many engaging tournament options. The Casino is only open at sea.

Pickleball at Sea

Enjoy complimentary lessons, tournaments, and courts with amazing top-deck views.

Play the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with Holland America Line, the exclusive cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association. All our cruise ships feature pickleball courts with amazing top-deck views. The equipment and courts are available for a match anytime, so long as the weather allows. Frequent pickler? Join a pickleball tournament at sea and put your dink shot to the test. Hesitant amateur? Learn the basics at complimentary beginner’s lessons, starting in spring 2023. Commemorative starter kits will soon be available in our retail shops — purchase as gifts for avid players or as souvenirs, so that you can always look back on your pickleball cruise memories.

Kids ages 3 to 17 can enjoy an array of activities. Registration required for children under 13.

Holland America Line's youth activities program, Kids Club, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties. Note: Kids Club is not offered on cruises of 25-days or longer, including all Legendary and Grand Voyages. We will offer a selection of children’s activities throughout these longer voyages for any children who may be onboard.

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