Ryndam Ship Review

Built in 1994, Ryndam remains one of Holland America's most popular ships. Photo courtesy of Holland America Line.

Ryndam Overview

This class of four handsome 1,266-passenger vessels built in the mid 1990s has the sharp look of a classic ocean liner, with a sweeping foredeck and lovely tired decks at the stern. The Ryndam is spacious, yet intimate in size and has a lovely traditional feel without being stuffy. Like the rest of the fleet, HAL’s Signature of Excellence enhancements in recent years have kept the Ryndam and her sisters looking fresh and modern.

Click for deck plans and deals on Ryndam.

Public Rooms & Activities On Ryndam

Kick back after a treatment in the Relaxation Room of the Greenhouse Spa. Photo courtesy of Holland America Line.

Public spaces include the popular Explorations Café, a combo Internet center, coffee shop and well-stocked library. A row of comfy chaise loungers connected with CD players and headphone stations face the sea through floor-to-ceiling windows, while other clusters of couches and chairs invite reading and resting. Evenings, options include the dimly lit and atmospheric piano bar; a new lounge called Mix for a great martini, glass of bubbly or anything else that tickles your taste buds. Dancers head to the Ocean Bar for its live band, while the Crow’s Nest nightclub up top becomes the ship’s disco at night. The ships’ two-story showrooms have cozy groupings of banquettes and movable chairs on the first level, a rare set up these days. A casino and small movie theater, that doubles as the Culinary Arts Center demo kitchen, round out the entertainment venues.

Located on Deck 13 aft of the funnel, The Oasis is a strictly "Kids Only!" haven. Photo courtesy of Holland America Line.

Kids are entertained too in a bright, windowed playroom decorated like a giant paint box. For older kids there are video games and a karaoke machine, while teens are privy to Oasis, a secluded patch of deck with a wading pool with a waterfall, deck chairs and hammocks.

Exercisers will appreciate the roomy ocean view gyms and large aerobics area, plus the combo basketball/tennis/volleyball courts up on the Sports Deck. The redesigned Greenhouse Spas each sport thermal suites with a hydrotherapy whirlpool and heated tile loungers. There are two pools, one with a sliding glass roof when cruising in cool climes like Alaska, and one aft.

Dining On Ryndam

Stop by at the dedicated Wine Bar on Deck 7 for a pre-dinner taste of the grape. Photo courtesy of Holland America Line

When it comes to eating, choices include the elegant, two-story main dining room at the stern, with a pair of curved staircases sweeping down to the lower level for grand entrances. The Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood is much smaller and more intimate, while casual diners can always head for the indoor/outdoor buffet restaurant, complete with a taco station and burger grill; and evenings, a new Italian section called Canaletto.

Staterooms & Suites On Ryndam

Roomy standard cabins are at least 185 square feet and feature super comfy bedding, plus a flatscreen TV and DVD player, makeup mirror, massage shower head and bathrobes. Outside cabins on the Lower Promenade Deck face the wraparound promenade deck, where walkers have great views of the sea (special reflective glass prevents outsiders from spying in).

Avid Cruiser Posts Featuring Ryndam:

• Holland America Reveals its Top 10 Most Coveted Cruises