Small-ship Holland America: Mexico and Hawaii from San Diego, Antarctica and Alaska 2027.
Best for: Travelers who want a small, traditional Holland America ship for Mexico and Hawaii from San Diego, the Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage and Vancouver-based Alaska cruises. Sails from San Diego, Fort Lauderdale, Vancouver in 2026 and 2027.
Zaandam is the second of Holland America Line’s two R Class ships, built by Fincantieri and in service since May 2000. At 61,396 gross tons with 1,432 guests at double occupancy in 716 staterooms and a crew of about 604, it is the line’s smallest class, carrying about 35 percent fewer guests than a Pinnacle Class ship. A February 2025 dry dock rebuilt the thermal suite with an infrared sauna and steam room, refurbished the library, salon and Neptune Lounge and added an art studio.
The ship has a music theme, with a collection of instruments and memorabilia through the public rooms, and a classic layout: two-level Dining Room, Lido Market, Dive-In grill, Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto and Morimoto By Sea evenings, the MIX piano bar, Ocean Bar and Explorer’s Lounge, the Wajang Theater and a Lido Pool under a retractable roof. With 168 Vista Suites and 28 Neptune Suites, balcony accommodations are a large share of the ship for its size.
In fall 2026 Zaandam sails Mexican Riviera, Baja and Sea of Cortez cruises from San Diego plus an 18 day Circle Hawaii holiday voyage, then leaves Fort Lauderdale on January 3, 2027 for the 70 day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage. Summer 2027 is Alaska, with 7 day Inside Passage cruises round trip from Vancouver and two 18 day Great Bear Rainforest voyages, then Mexico, Hawaii and Panama Canal sailings from San Diego. It suits travelers who want a small, traditional ship and longer itineraries.
70 day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage from Fort Lauderdale departing January 3, 2027
Circle Hawaii and Mexican Riviera cruises from San Diego
7 day Alaska Inside Passage and 18 day Great Bear Rainforest voyages from Vancouver in 2027
Rebuilt thermal suite with infrared sauna and steam room from the February 2025 dry dock
Music-themed interiors and the MIX piano bar
168 Vista Suites with private verandahs
Lido Pool with retractable roof and adults-only Sea View Pool
Wajang Theater, refurbished library and new art studio
Staterooms and suites
Inside
Interior staterooms of roughly 182 to 293 sq ft, larger than the interiors on Holland America’s newer ships; a sensible choice on long voyages where the days are spent on deck and in the lounges.
Ocean View
About 140 to 319 sq ft with a picture window or porthole, 385 of them across the Dolphin, Main and Lower Promenade decks; the backbone of the Grand Voyage and Hawaii inventory.
Vista Suite
About 297 to 379 sq ft with a private verandah, sitting area and bathroom with tub; 168 of them on the Verandah and Navigation decks make this the main balcony category on the ship.
Neptune Suite
Twenty-eight suites of about 558 to 566 sq ft with a large verandah, dressing area and whirlpool tub, plus the Neptune Lounge with concierge, breakfast in Pinnacle Grill and priority embarkation and tendering.
Pinnacle Suite
A single 1,296 sq ft suite with a living room, dining room, private verandah and all Neptune Lounge privileges.
Zaandam deck plans
Deck by deck, straight from our booking engine: the plan, the stateroom categories on that deck and the public rooms. Pick a deck.
Deck 9 - Sports Deck
Crow's Nest, Practice Tennis Courts, Sky Room, Club hall, Basketball Court, Video Arcade, The Loft.
Crow’s NestHolland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges onboard. The panoramic view takes center stage in The Crow's Nest at the top of the ship, where you can relax just about any time of day and enjoy your favorite drink.
Cost: Additional Fee
Deck 8 - Lido deck
Ocean Spa Gymnasium, Aerobics Area, Steam Rooms, Saunas, Massage Rooms, Terrace Grill, Whirlpools, Lido Pool, Wading Pool, Dolphin Bar, Lido Restaurant, Outside Pool, Sea View Pool.
Fitness CenterTry one of the classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). Some classes may have a nominal fee.
Greenhouse Spa & SalonDuring a leisurely day at sea, few places help you refresh, relax and rejuvenate like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. This heavenly retreat nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. In the spa, pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients.
Cost: Additional Fee
Dive-InDive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with the own trade-marked secret sauce. Savor a succulent Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog with golden French fries.
Cost: Included
Open for: Lunch, Dinner
Lido PoolLido Pool
Canaletto RestaurantThis authentic Italian restaurants offers a menu that celebrates spartire (Italian for 'sharing'). Try Braised Chicken Cacciatore 'al Forno,' Branzino ai Ferri or a classic Italian pasta: spaghetti pomodoro or garlic shrimp-infused ravioli, perhaps. Buon appetito!
Lido MarketExplore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked bread and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads.
Cost: Included
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Deck 7 - Navigation Deck
Bridge, Neptune Lounge. Staterooms.
K Large Inside StateroomPS Pinnacle SuiteSA Neptune SuiteSB Neptune SuiteI Large Inside StateroomH Large Oceanview Stateroom (Partial sea views)BC Vista SuiteBB Vista SuiteB Vista SuiteA Vista SuiteAA Vista Suite
Neptune LoungeNeptune Lounge
Deck 6 - Verandah Deck
Staterooms.
K Large Inside StateroomI Large Inside StateroomB Vista SuiteA Vista SuiteAA Vista SuiteDA Large Oceanview Stateroom
Deck 5 - Upper Promenade Deck
Main Balcony, Boutiques, Ocean Bar, Atrium Terrace, Shopping Arcade, Casino, Casino Bar, Piano Bar, Seaview Lounge, Hudson Room, Art Gallery, Explorer's Lounge, Half Moon, The Website, Erasmus Library, Queen's Room, King's Room, Rotterdam Dining Room
World StageShowcasing music, song, dance, comedy and more, the World Stage presents a myriad of performances and presentations to entertain and inform throughout your voyage.
Cost: Included
The ShopsEnjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to by Effie.
Ocean BarIt's cocktails and dancing nightly in the luxurious Ocean Bar. The dance band plays the Great America songbook, so relax and make new friends
CasinoFrom perennially popular slot machines and blackjack tables to the latest in sophisticated gaming, the Casino offers games for all levels, staffed with professionals eager to help you learn new skills.
Cost: Additional Fee
MixHolland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges and gathering places onboard. Explore Mix for Champagne, Martinis, and Spirits and Ales.
Cost: Additional Fee
Explorer's LoungeThe Explorer’s Lounge is an elegant and refined space to enjoy a glass of wine, a cocktail, or your favorite liqueur.
Cost: Additional Fee
The Dining RoomAt The Dining Room - For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. Enrich your journey with an extensive selection of wines, carefully selected by the Wine Curator, world-renowned wine critic James Suckling.
Cost: Included
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Deck 4 - Promenade Deck
Mondrian Lounge, Art Gallery, Purser, Photo Gallery, Front Office, Shore Excursion Office, Java Cafe, Java Bar, Wajang Theatre, Marco Polo Restaurant, Video Arcade, Main Galley, Rotterdam Dining Room, Pinnacle Grille.
World StageWatch music shows and other entertainment like you never have before at World Stage.
Pinnacle GrillThe Pinnacle Grill offers a level of elegant sophistication unmatched anywhere on the seven seas. Beautifully appointed with Bvlgari china, Riedel stemware and Frette linens, the intimate Pinnacle Grill is ideal for a romantic dinner for two or a special group celebration. Creative and innovative menus, drawing from regional ingredients of the highest quality, will delight the palate and ignite the senses. Indulge in hand-selected aged Sterling Silver Beef®, fresh seafood and an extensive, world-class wine list.
The Dining RoomAt The Dining Room - For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. Enrich your journey with an extensive selection of wines, carefully selected by the Wine Curator, world-renowned wine critic James Suckling.
Cost: Included
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Deck 3 - Lower Prom Deck
Cruise Director, Hotel Manager, The Atrium. Staterooms.
D Large Oceanview StateroomE Large Oceanview StateroomEE Large Oceanview StateroomL Large Inside StateroomI Large Inside StateroomHH Large Oceanview Stateroom (Fully obstructed views)H Large Oceanview Stateroom (Partial sea views)
Deck 2 - Main Deck
Staterooms.
C Large Oceanview StateroomE Large Oceanview StateroomG Large Oceanview Stateroom (Porthole windows)J Large Inside StateroomK Large Inside StateroomM Large Inside StateroomL Large Inside StateroomDA Large Oceanview StateroomDD Large Oceanview Stateroom
D Large Oceanview StateroomE Large Oceanview StateroomF Large Oceanview StateroomG Large Oceanview Stateroom (Porthole windows)J Large Inside StateroomEE Large Oceanview StateroomN Large Inside StateroomMM Large Inside StateroomM Large Inside StateroomFF Large Oceanview Stateroom
Plans are the cruise line’s current drawings as supplied to our booking engine. Layouts change with refurbishments; your SmartCruiser advisor confirms the exact stateroom when you book.
On board Zaandam
World StageTweens ProgramsTreatment RoomsThe Dining RoomTeens ProgramsTea TimeTable GamesStep OneSlotsRoulettePort Day ActivitiesPinnacle Grill
Dining on Zaandam
Dining RoomIncluded
Two-level main restaurant with a changing menu and a choice of open seating or fixed dinner times; on Grand Voyages the menus rarely repeat.
Lido MarketIncluded
Marketplace-style buffet with individual stations for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Dive-InIncluded
Poolside grill for burgers, hot dogs and fries by the Lido Pool.
Crow’s Nest Café and Library CaféIncluded
Pastries and snacks in the observation lounge and library; specialty coffees are extra.
Pinnacle GrillSpecialty
Signature steakhouse with premium beef, seafood and an extensive wine list.
CanalettoSpecialty
Italian restaurant inside the Lido with family-style sharing plates.
Morimoto By Sea ExperienceSpecialty
Dinner menus from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto served on select evenings.
Entertainment and activities
Main show lounge with production shows, guest entertainers and Grand Voyage headliners
MIX piano bar and Ocean Bar live music
Explorer’s Lounge and Crow’s Nest observation lounge
Wajang Theater for movies and enrichment presentations
Lido Pool with retractable roof and adults-only Sea View Pool
Greenhouse Spa & Salon with rebuilt thermal suite and fitness center
Casino, art studio, refurbished library, game room, pickleball and sports court
Families and who it suits
Kids Club offers supervised programs for ages 3 to 17 with arts, sports, games and themed parties, though Holland America notes it is not offered on every sailing; Zaandam’s long voyages carry few children, with summer Alaska weeks from Vancouver the most family friendly.
Best for: Travelers who want a small, traditional Holland America ship for Mexico and Hawaii from San Diego, the Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage and Vancouver-based Alaska cruises.
Sails from: San Diego, Fort Lauderdale, Vancouver · Regions: Mexican Riviera, Sea of Cortez and Baja, Hawaii, South America and Antarctica, Alaska Inside Passage, Pacific Coast, Panama Canal
Zaandam questions we answer every day
How big is Zaandam?
Zaandam measures 61,396 gross tons and is 780 feet long with 10 guest decks. It carries 1,432 guests at double occupancy in 716 staterooms with a crew of about 604, roughly one crew member for every 2.4 guests. Holland America says its R Class ships carry about 35 percent fewer guests than the Pinnacle Class, which gives Zaandam an intimate atmosphere and access to smaller ports from the Sea of Cortez to the Chilean fjords.
When was Zaandam built and last refurbished?
Zaandam was built by Fincantieri in Italy and sailed its maiden voyage on May 6, 2000 as the third Holland America ship of the name. Its most recent dry dock was two weeks in the Bahamas in February 2025, which rebuilt the thermal suite with an infrared sauna, steam room and rain shower, refurbished the library, salon and Neptune Lounge, converted the Explorations Café into a games and puzzle space, added an art studio and installed a facial-recognition photo system.
Where does Zaandam sail in 2026 and 2027?
In fall 2026 Zaandam sails Mexican Riviera, Baja and Sea of Cortez cruises from San Diego along with an 18 day Circle Hawaii holiday voyage departing November 19. On January 3, 2027 it leaves Fort Lauderdale on the 70 day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage through the Panama Canal, the Chilean fjords, a four-day Antarctic experience, the Falklands and Rio de Janeiro. Summer 2027 brings 7 day Alaska Inside Passage cruises round trip from Vancouver and two 18 day Great Bear Rainforest voyages, then Mexico, Hawaii and Panama Canal sailings from San Diego in winter 2027 to 2028.
Which staterooms are best on Zaandam?
Vista Suites are the main balcony category and the most popular pick for Alaska, the Chilean fjords and Antarctica, with a tub and real sitting space. Ocean View staterooms on the lower decks are the best value and ride most smoothly on long Pacific sea days to Hawaii. Neptune Suites and the Pinnacle Suite add the refurbished Neptune Lounge, concierge service and priority tendering.
What is included in the fare on Zaandam?
The fare covers the Dining Room, Lido Market, Dive-In and snacks at the Crow’s Nest and Library Café, plus shows, live music, pools, fitness center and Kids Club where offered. Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, Morimoto By Sea, alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi and shore excursions are extra, and Grand Voyages carry their own amenity package. SmartCruiser adds bonus onboard credit on sailings where Holland America allows it, something you will not get booking direct.
What is the Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage like on Zaandam?
The 2027 voyage is 70 days round trip from Fort Lauderdale departing January 3, 2027, visiting 31 ports in 13 countries with overnights in Panama City, Lima, Montevideo, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. It transits the Panama Canal, follows South America’s west coast through the Chilean fjords, crosses the Drake Passage for four days of Antarctic scenic cruising, then heads north by the Falklands and Brazil. Holland America adds gala evenings, guest performers and a Captain’s Grand Voyage Dinner.
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Prices are per person, double occupancy, in US dollars, and include cruise fare, taxes, fees and port expenses as published by the cruise line at the moment you load this page. Fares are capacity controlled and change daily; the fare is confirmed when you book. Flights, hotels and transfers are extra unless the line’s offer says otherwise. Onboard credit shown on a sailing is per stateroom and applies to the lowest category offered unless stated otherwise.
