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Use the live ship tracker section on this page to see Zaandam's current position, speed, and next port in real-time when available.

Zaandam

Q: How do I find the deck plans for Zaandam?

Deck plans are available through the links on this page or on the Holland America Line website.

Q: Where does Zaandam sail?

Zaandam frequently sails South America, Transatlantic, and longer voyage itineraries. She also deploys to the Caribbean and occasionally Alaska. Check the Holland America Line website for current schedules.

Zaandam is a Rotterdam Class cruise ship operated by Holland America Line. She entered service in 2000, measures 61,396 gross tons, and carries approximately 1,432 guests at double occupancy.

Quick Answer: Zaandam is an R-class ship from Holland America Line, launched in 2000. This page covers deck plans, live ship tracking, dining venues, and videos to help you plan your cruise.

Best For: Cruisers researching Zaandam or comparing Holland America Line R Class ships. Use this page to explore deck layouts, dining options, and onboard features before booking.

Key Facts

Cruise Line: Holland America Line
Resources: Deck plans, dining venues, live tracker
Reservations: Book via cruise line or travel advisor

A First Look at Zaandam

Zaandam in Honolulu, Hawaii — Daniel Ramirez (CC BY 2.0)

Zaandam off the coast of Scheveningen, Netherlands (2020) — Steven Lek (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Zaandam off Homer Spit, Alaska — GRDN711 (CC BY 4.0)

Zaandam in Neumayer Channel, Antarctica — amanderson2 (CC BY 2.0)

MS Zaandam in Castro, Chiloé, Chile — Draceane (CC BY-SA 4.0)

MS Zaandam in Glacier Bay, Alaska — Barek (Public domain)

MS Zaandam at Vancouver — Daniel (CC BY 2.0)

MS Zaandam approaching Montevideo in fog with rainbow — Boris Kasimov (CC BY 2.0)

Zaandam entered service in 2000 as part of Holland America's R class (also called the Rotterdam class), a series of ships that epitomize HAL's traditional ocean-liner philosophy. At 61,396 GT and 780 feet, she's notably smaller than modern mega-ships — carrying just 1,432 guests — which gives her an intimate, country-club atmosphere. Her signature feature is a music theme woven throughout the ship: a Baroque-style pipe organ in the three-story atrium, guitars signed by rock legends including Queen and the Rolling Stones, and music memorabilia in public spaces.

Dining includes the classic two-story main dining room, Pinnacle Grill steakhouse, Canaletto Italian restaurant, and the Lido buffet. The Explorations Café offers a library-lounge atmosphere, while the Crow's Nest observation lounge provides sweeping forward views — perfect for scenic cruising. The Greenhouse Spa, full wrap-around promenade deck, and two pool areas maintain the spacious feel. Zaandam frequently sails longer itineraries including South America, Transatlantic crossings, and world cruise segments — voyages where her smaller size and classic ambiance are particularly appreciated by seasoned travelers.

View Official Deck Plans →

Dining on Zaandam

If a venue list does not appear, it means this ship's dining has not been verified yet.

Status
Active

Notes
R Class (Rotterdam) · Entered service 2000 · 61,396 GT

Ken's Logbook: Zaandam

The Music Ship Found Its Audience

Zaandam was built around music. We came from Nashville expecting to be underwhelmed by a cruise ship's attempt at musical heritage. Instead, the ship schooled us.

Zaandam carries a musical soul that announces itself before you've finished boarding. The atrium houses a pipe organ whose sound reaches passengers three decks away. Display cases hold instruments that belong in museums — not replicas, but genuine historical pieces, including a Steinway piano from an Alaskan gold rush saloon and, most remarkably, an organ that Bill Clinton played during his presidency. Patricia and I come from Nashville. We live in music. We know the difference between genuine musical commitment and themed decoration. Zaandam's commitment is genuine.

The instruments aren't mere decoration — a distinction that became apparent on our first evening aboard. Many are playable, maintained by crew members who understand their historical and musical value. The atrium organ performs regularly, its sound filling the ship's central space with a richness that stops passengers mid-stride. We watched a woman pause on the staircase, shopping bag dangling from one hand, mouth slightly open, listening to Bach fill a space that most cruise ships fill with pop music and announcements. That pause told the story. Music was happening here, not background noise.

As Nashville residents, we've spent decades surrounded by musicians and musical heritage. We've visited the Country Music Hall of Fame more times than we can count. We've attended concerts at the Ryman and the Bluebird and the Grand Ole Opry. We know what it looks like when a venue takes music seriously versus when it uses music as ambiance. Zaandam takes music seriously.

— Raymond and Patricia G., Nashville, TN

Watch: Zaandam Highlights

Swipe through ship walkthroughs, top-10s, and stateroom tours.

Zaandam Deck Plans

Interactive deck plans for Zaandam are available on the cruise line's official website.

Live Ship Tracker

Track Zaandam's current position and voyage details.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zaandam

What dining options are available on Zaandam?

Zaandam features the two-story main dining room, Pinnacle Grill (premium steakhouse), Canaletto (Italian), Dive-In poolside grill, and the Lido buffet. Pinnacle Grill carries a cover charge; all other dining is complimentary.

How do I find the deck plans for Zaandam?

Deck plans are available through the links on this page. You can also find official deck plans on the Holland America Line website or in the cruise planner app.

Where does Zaandam sail?

Ship deployments vary by season. Check the Holland America Line website for current itineraries and departure ports for Zaandam.

Is this information official?

This page provides planning resources and community insights. Always confirm details with Holland America Line or your travel advisor before booking.

What is special about Zaandam's music theme?

Zaandam's interior design celebrates music across genres and centuries. The three-story atrium features a full-size Baroque pipe organ, and the ship displays guitars and memorabilia signed by rock legends including members of Queen, the Rolling Stones, and other iconic artists. Music-themed artwork and décor are found throughout the public spaces, making Zaandam unique in the HAL fleet.