Volendam Ship Review

Volendam boasts a graceful, ocean liner-esque profile. Photo courtesy of Holland America Line.

Volendam Overview

The 1999-built Volendam and older sister Zaandam, are an attractive mid size, carrying 1,440 passengers. Décor is classy and traditional with a touch of fun and whimsy to keep things interesting. For example, Volendam’s piano bar sports a red-lacquer piano and suede walls.

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Public Rooms & Activities On Volendam

The Exploration's Cafe serves up beverages, pastries, books, music stations, and even internet access - all in one convenient location. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

Popular night spots include the mellow Explorer’s Lounge and hopping Ocean Bar, where passengers go to dance to the traditional tunes of a live band. The Crow’s Nest nightclub up top is designed with banquettes in bright, modern colors and serves as the ship’s disco (and by day, a venue for special events and parties). There’s a casino and a two-level show lounge with movable clusters of chairs and banquettes on the ground level in front of the stage. Arguably the most popular spot on the ship is the Explorations Café, a combo Internet center, coffee bar and library, with plenty of comfy seating and tons of books and magazines to read. Foodies appreciate the Culinary Arts Center demo kitchen, which shares space with the ship’s movie theater.

Kick back and relax in the sun (or the shade!) at the Lido Pool. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

You’ll find a roomy gym with floor-to-ceiling windows and an adjacent well-equipped spa. Up on deck, a sport deck holds a pair of practice tennis courts, as well as shuffleboard. The ship’s lovely wraparound Promenade deck is a great place to walk or do laps, with great sea views to boot. There are two pools; one set under a retractable glass roof for use in cold weather.

Dining On Volendam

The dedicated wine bar makes for the perfect pre-dinner companion. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

The two-story main dining room is an elegant throw back wrapped in windows. For more intimate dining, there’s the Pinnacle Grill for seafood and steaks, and the Lido buffet restaurant is the spot for casual dining all day long.

Staterooms & Suites On Volendam

Like the rest of HAL’s ships, standard cabins are among the roomiest in the industry, running at least 185 square feet and bathed in an attractive color scheme of salmon red, burgundy and muted metallics. All outside cabins have shower/tub combos (a rarity in the cruise world), plus flat-panel TVs and DVD players, terry-cloth bathrobes, massage shower heads, lighted magnifying makeup mirrors, and super comfy bedding.

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