The South Seas, Australia and New Zealand with MS Zaandam

The cruise line Holland America Line has been offering international cruises at a very good level for more than 150 years. On the German market, Holland America Line enjoys strong growing popularity, but is still more of an insider tip among the cruise lines.

The size of the ships ranges from smaller ships with about 1,432 passengers to larger ships with up to 2,668 passengers.

On all cruises, the cruise line guarantees a German-speaking contact person, nevertheless English skills are recommended.

• Commissioning: 2000
• Shipyard: Fincantieri S.p.A. (Italy)
• Renovations: 2018
• Length / Width: 237 m / 32 m
• Tonnage: 60.906 GT
• Speed: 23 kn
• Decks: 9
• Number of passengers: 1,432
• Crew: 615
• Languages spoken on board: English
• Currency on board: US-$
• Internet: Starlink by SpaceX, Internet café and WLAN (fee required)
• Smoking: in designated areas

Holland America Line has set itself the goal of treating the environment responsibly. This is reflected, among other things, in the fact that the entire fleet of the shipping company is shore power capable. Disposable products on board are reduced or recycled as far as possible.

Holland America Line is also the first cruise line in the world to receive both MSC and ASC certification for sustainable seafood. This award emphasises its commitment to environmental protection and responsible sourcing. Guests can now enjoy high-quality seafood on board that is sourced under strict guidelines, contributing to a sustainable future for the oceans.

All cabins are very spacious and comfortably equipped. Premium mattresses and cotton linens, as well as various pillows care for comfortable sleep. The beds can flexibly be separated or put together. All cabins provide plenty of storage space for luggage. Bathrobes for the duration of the trip are available in all cabins. A fruit basket is provided on request and refilled free of charge. The cabins are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a DVD player. You have the choice between the 16-27 m² indoor cabins, the up to 29 m² outdoor cabins and various suite categories. The Vista Suite is up to 35 m², the Neptune Suite up to 52 m² and the extra spacious Pinnacle Suite even offers 120 m² space.

The M/S Zaandam is more of a classic cruise ship. During the day there is a wide range of leisure activities. For example, wine tastings, computer courses or lectures about the travelled destinations are offered (some of them for a fee). On board the most guests are of middle and upper age. But during the holidays also families like to spend their holiday on board. There are childcare services for children and adolescents, although there are less children on board as on other cruise lines. On two evenings a week, festive clothing is recommended. For guests who like it even more casual, there are also alternative opportunities on these two evenings, without formal attire.

The excellent cuisine is certainly one of the highlights of a cruise with Holland America Line. A top-class team of six world-class chefs is constantly developing new, inspiring and distinctive dining options for the cruise line's fleet. The á la carte main restaurant, as well as the buffet restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. For a fee you can enjoy culinary delights in the specialty restaurant Pinnacle Grill..

On board, especially on sea days a wide range of entertainment is offered: computer courses, painting classes, auctions, wine tasting, poker tournaments, dance classes and many other offers are available (some for a fee). In the evening big shows are performed. Nevertheless there is always a quiet spot, a cozy bar or an inviting deck chair that offers you the peace, leisure and relaxation that will make your holiday a special experience. Guests can pamper themselves with a massage in the elegant Greenhouse Spa. For more active guests, the large fitness center offers many opportunities to get in motion. Test your limits - at one of the aerobics or Pilates courses, relax in the pool or in one of the hot tubs or jog around the deck for a few laps. There are numerous ways to make your cruise even more varied or active.

A cruise with the M/S Zaandam offers you a lot of stylish comfort and luxury through an attentive service, very good food and an overall very comfortable ship. The Holland America Line ships offer a good price-performance ratio and are especially popular with cruise repeaters who appreciate and enjoy the high standard.