Volendam Cruise Ship Guide

Volendam Overview

Volendam is one of the smaller, more traditional ships in the Holland America Line fleet. Instead of trying to feel like a floating amusement park, Volendam focuses on comfort, classic service, longer itineraries, live music, dining, enrichment, and a relaxed onboard pace.

This ship is a strong fit for travelers who care more about the ports, the ocean views, and the overall cruise experience than waterslides, go-karts, or massive resort-style attractions. Volendam has a more classic cruise feel, which can be a major advantage for guests who want a quieter, easier ship to understand.

Because Volendam is smaller than many modern cruise ships, it can feel less crowded and easier to navigate. That makes it especially appealing for mature travelers, couples, solo cruisers, destination-focused guests, and anyone who prefers a traditional ship layout over a huge mega-ship environment.

If you are comparing Volendam with other ships, start with the full cruise ships guide to see how ship size, style, cabins, dining, and itineraries can change the entire cruise experience.

Volendam Quick Facts

What Makes Volendam Different?

Volendam stands out because it offers a smaller, more classic Holland America experience. Many newer ships are built around big attractions and high-energy spaces. Volendam is different. It is better suited for guests who want a calmer ship, comfortable public rooms, strong service, good food, and destination-heavy cruises.

The ship is also easier to get around than larger vessels. That matters more than many first-time cruisers realize. On a smaller ship, dining rooms, lounges, decks, and public spaces can feel more connected. You spend less time walking long corridors and more time enjoying the cruise.

Compared with larger Holland America ships like Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Koningsdam, Volendam feels more intimate and traditional. Compared with its close fleetmate Zaandam, it offers a very similar small-ship Holland America feel.

Attractions & Public Spaces

Classic Holland America Spaces

Volendam is not built around thrill attractions. Its best spaces are quieter, more traditional, and designed for reading, relaxing, listening to music, enjoying a drink, or watching the sea.

• Comfortable lounges with a classic cruise ship atmosphere
• Crow's Nest-style forward viewing areas on select sailings and layouts
• Pool deck spaces for relaxing on sea days
• Casino and shopping areas
• Library, games, enrichment, and quiet indoor spaces
• Outdoor decks that work well for scenic cruising
• Spa, fitness, and wellness areas

The biggest attraction on Volendam is often the itinerary itself. This is the kind of ship where scenic cruising, port days, lectures, live music, and peaceful sea views matter more than flashy onboard hardware.

Cabins & Best Stateroom Choices

Volendam offers a traditional mix of inside cabins, oceanview cabins, verandah-style options in select categories, and suites. The best choice depends on your budget, itinerary, and how much time you expect to spend in your room.

Inside cabins can be a smart value choice if you want to spend more of your budget on the itinerary, excursions, or onboard extras. Oceanview cabins are popular on scenic routes because they give you natural light and a view without moving all the way up to a balcony or suite price.

If you are unsure which room type fits your trip, compare the major categories in our inside vs oceanview vs balcony vs suite guide. For many Volendam sailings, cabin location may matter just as much as cabin type.

Guests who are sensitive to motion may prefer a lower, more central location. Guests who want fast access to dining or outdoor decks may prefer a location closer to elevators or stairs. Before booking, review the best cabin location guide and the cruise cabin noise guide so you avoid rooms near loud public areas, service spaces, or high-traffic zones.

Dining on Volendam

Dining on Volendam follows Holland America's classic style: main dining, casual buffet-style meals, specialty dining options, room service, and relaxed places to grab a drink or snack. The atmosphere is usually calmer and more traditional than what you may find on larger family-focused ships.

The main dining room is a key part of the Volendam experience. It works well for guests who enjoy seated meals, service, conversation, and a more classic cruise rhythm. Casual dining is also available for travelers who want something quicker or more flexible during busy port days.

Before choosing a cruise, it helps to understand what is included and what may cost extra. Our cruise dining guide explains the basics of main dining, buffets, specialty restaurants, snacks, and room service across cruise ships.

Drinks and onboard credits can also affect your total cruise cost. If you are comparing fares or packages, review the cruise drink package guide and cruise onboard credit guide before you book. Those extras can change the real value of one cruise offer compared with another.

Entertainment & Activities

Entertainment aboard Volendam focuses on live music, enrichment, destination learning, and relaxing evenings rather than large-scale attractions. Guests who enjoy listening to talented musicians, attending educational presentations, or simply spending time watching the ocean often find Volendam to be an excellent fit.

Evening entertainment typically includes live performances, lounges with music, production-style shows, casino gaming, and opportunities to socialize without the high-energy atmosphere found on many larger ships.

Sea days are a chance to slow down and enjoy the ship. Whether you're attending a cooking demonstration, reading on deck, enjoying afternoon tea, or listening to live music, Volendam encourages a more relaxed pace. If you're new to cruising, our First-Time Cruiser Guide, Sea Day Guide, and Cruise Entertainment Guide can help you make the most of your time onboard.

Itineraries & Destinations

Volendam is frequently deployed on longer, destination-focused itineraries that emphasize immersive travel rather than nonstop onboard activities. Depending on the season, guests may find sailings throughout Alaska, Asia, Australia, the South Pacific, and extended Grand Voyages.

Popular itineraries often include:

• Alaska Cruises
• Asia Cruises
• Australia Cruises
• South America Cruises
• World Cruises

Because of its moderate size, Volendam can visit ports that may be less practical for some of today's largest cruise ships. Travelers who prioritize unique destinations over onboard attractions often appreciate this advantage.

Who Should Sail on Volendam?

• Couples looking for a quieter cruise experience
• Retired travelers and mature adults
• Guests who value destinations over onboard attractions
• Scenic cruising enthusiasts
• Travelers interested in Alaska, Asia, and longer voyages
• Guests who enjoy traditional cruise service and dining
• First-time cruisers wanting an easy-to-navigate ship

Volendam Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable, traditional cruise atmosphere
• Excellent service and dining reputation
• Easy-to-navigate mid-size ship
• Strong destination-focused itineraries
• Less crowded than today's mega ships
• Ideal for scenic cruising
• Good option for longer voyages

Cons

• No waterslides or large family attractions
• Limited nightlife compared with newer ships
• Fewer specialty restaurants than larger vessels
• Older ship design compared with Holland America's newest ships
• Not the best choice for travelers seeking constant onboard excitement

Volendam Reviews

Every traveler experiences a cruise differently. Cabin location, itinerary, weather, dining preferences, and travel style can all influence how guests rate their vacation. Reading multiple reviews is one of the best ways to decide whether Volendam matches your expectations.

Below you'll find verified traveler reviews submitted by GetCruiseInfo.com readers. After your cruise, we'd love for you to share your own experience to help future travelers make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Volendam

Is Volendam a good cruise ship?

Yes. Volendam is an excellent choice for travelers who appreciate traditional cruising, attentive service, quality dining, and destination-focused itineraries. It is especially popular with couples and mature travelers.

How many passengers does Volendam carry?

Volendam accommodates approximately 1,432 guests, making it significantly smaller than many modern mega ships.

Does Volendam have balcony cabins?

Yes. Volendam offers verandah staterooms along with inside cabins, oceanview cabins, and suites.

Is Volendam good for Alaska cruises?

Absolutely. Volendam is one of Holland America's well-known Alaska ships and its smaller size, excellent viewing areas, and destination-focused atmosphere make it a strong choice for scenic Alaska sailings.

Is Volendam good for families?

Families are welcome aboard, but Volendam is generally better suited to adults, couples, and travelers looking for a quieter cruise experience rather than nonstop attractions for children.

What kind of entertainment does Volendam offer?

Guests can enjoy live music, production shows, lounges, enrichment presentations, casino gaming, and relaxing sea days without the high-energy atmosphere found on larger resort-style ships.

Who should book Volendam?

Volendam is ideal for travelers who value itineraries, service, dining, scenic cruising, and a relaxed onboard atmosphere over waterslides, amusement-style attractions, and busy nightlife.