Zaandam

The cruise line Holland America Line has been offering international cruises at a very good level for more than 140 years. The size of the ships ranges from small ships, with about 800 passengers, to large ships, with up to 2650 passengers. On the German market, Holland America Line enjoys strong growing popularity, but is still more of an insider tip among the cruise lines. On all cruises, the shipping company guarantees a German-speaking contact person, nevertheless English skills are recommended.

The M/S Zaandam was put into service in May 2000. Measured at 237 meters in length and with 60,906 GT, the ship offers plenty of space for the 1,432 passengers. About 615 crew members take care of the well-being of the guests. This ship is also perfect for longer cruises. The pool area on the sundeck can be closed with a large glass roof. Thus, guests can bathe and relax even in cooler weather without restriction. As the ship's theme is music, the Zaandam features numerous artefacts of different musical styles such as a saxophone of former U.S. president Bill Clinton.

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.Furthermore the Culinary Arts Centre offers cooking courses for guests of every age.

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.