The Holland America Cruise Experience Volendam

Seaside at Halifax, Canada 

The Holland America Volendam is a mid-sized cruise ship that combines modern amenities with a sense of timeless elegance. Though the ship is of the oldest in the fleet, it is still perfect for travelers who enjoy a relaxed and comfortable environment. The Volendam promises a seamless voyage filled with enriching experiences, exceptional service, and scenic destinations. Here's what you can expect when you embark on a journey aboard this wonderful vessel.

Our itinerary had us leaving out from Boston, stopping in Maine, exploring Eastern Canada and even traveling waters that gave us a glimpse of various whales! Pictures will be featured of the ship and the stops included in this strong itinerary.

Dining Experiences

Desert party for guests on the Volendam

A highlight of the Holland America Volendam is its diverse dining options, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. The ship’s main dining room offers a fine-dining experience with a rotating menu of international dishes, expertly prepared using fresh ingredients. For a more casual atmosphere, the Lido Market offers buffet-style dining with a wide range of global cuisines, from salads and sandwiches to freshly prepared pastas and desserts. What sets this ship apart in the food category is the excellent service of the staff and the quality of the “buffet” and the “dining room” options. Most all cruise ships that have upscale restaurants serve great food there. But on Volendam the “ordinary” food experience was a step above.

In addition, the ship features specialty restaurants such as Canaletto, which offers an intimate Italian dining experience, and the Pinnacle Grill, known for its Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine, featuring premium seafood and steak dishes.

Onboard Accommodations

The Volendam offers a variety of staterooms and suites designed to cater to all types of travelers. Whether you choose an interior room, an ocean-view stateroom, or a spacious suite, you'll find the accommodations thoughtfully appointed with plush beds, plenty of storage space, and daily housekeeping services. Some rooms even come with private verandahs, providing a tranquil space to enjoy breathtaking sea views. Since the Volendam is a smaller ship I had concerns that I would get cramped or bored on a seven day cruise, but that was not a problem at all as what the ship has is focused on quality and the space was maximized nearly perfectly.

Here are a couple of pro trips that a travel advisor like me can let you in on. First, there is need for more electrical outlets in the rooms. If you ask an adapter can be provided for you that will increase the number of outlets you have. Secondly, there are not mini fridges in the rooms. However, for an almost low daily charge one will be delivered for you. This is a quality of life improvement that overcomes the only glaring disadvantage I found to this refreshed older ship and brings up to date and able to meet the needs of travelers today.

Entertainment and Activities

The Volendam has been recently refreshed and looks up to date and classy inside and out

The Volendam has an array of entertainment and activities to keep guests of all ages engaged. During the day, passengers can attend a variety of enrichment programs such as cooking demonstrations, digital workshops, and destination-focused talks. Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the well-equipped fitness center, or participate in yoga and Pilates classes. There is also a large seating section by the coffee shop that has books, puzzles, games and more. It was an incredibly comfortable place to relax and enjoy the scenic views out the windows as you cruise!

One of the standout features of the ship is its Greenhouse Spa & Salon, where guests can indulge in massages, facials, and other rejuvenating treatments. The spa's tranquil setting, complete with thermal pools and steam rooms, makes it an ideal spot to unwind. I purchased the thermal suite pass for my sailing and while it was smaller than some, it was never overcrowded.

For nightly entertainment, the World Stage offers live performances, including musical acts, comedians, and dance shows. There’s also the Lincoln Center Stage, where classical music lovers can enjoy live chamber music performances, and the BBC Earth in Concert, an immersive multimedia experience that brings nature to life with stunning visuals and live music. The performers Holland America had on this ship were truly of the best I have seen on any cruise. Though there were not as many places for entertainment what was available was top tier. Whatever process Holland America uses to find their talent seems to be above the industry standard.

Exploration Central (EXC)

A puffin near Bar Harbor, Maine 

One of the ship’s unique offerings is its Exploration Central (EXC) hub, designed to enhance your travel experience by offering insights into each destination. The space hosts port talks, cultural events, and interactive maps, helping guests learn more about the places they’ll visit. Whether you're preparing for an exciting shore excursion or just curious about local cultures, EXC helps bridge the gap between sea and land.

Outdoor Spaces

For those who love spending time outdoors, the Volendam doesn’t disappoint. The ship features a spacious pool deck, complete with a heated pool and hot tubs, as well as plenty of lounge chairs to relax and soak up the sun. The sports deck offers activities like basketball and shuffleboard, while the Promenade Deck is perfect for leisurely strolls with a view of the ocean. Although this will depend on your itinerary, we were able to spot whales more than once on the ships outdoor decks!

Shore Excursions

Bar Harbor, Maine lighthouse 

One of the best parts of any cruise is exploring new destinations, and the Volendam offers a variety of shore excursions to suit every interest. From guided tours of historic landmarks to thrilling outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking, and wildlife spotting, there’s something for every type of traveler. The ship’s knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect excursion for your interests and activity level. One thing that sets Holland America apart is the quality of itineraries that they offer. This was the very thing that attracted us to this particular cruise. If you want fewer at sea days and more shore options there are plenty of scheduled sailings that offer a balance of relaxation and adventure.

Excellent Service

Holland America is known for its excellent service, and the Volendam is no exception. The crew members are friendly, attentive, and go out of their way to make your stay comfortable. Whether it’s the stewards ensuring your room is always spotless or the dining staff remembering your preferences after just one meal, the personal touches make the experience feel special.

I want to be sure to differentiate this exceptional service from other cruise ships. It is easy to have your meals made for you, your room cleaned, room service & other amenities and you feel as if there has been good service simply because someone else is doing what you normally do. When I say excellent service, I am speaking in directed comparison to other “like manner” cruise lines. It is obvious that quality over quantity is the approach Holland America has taken and it pays off in dividends for the client.

Final Thoughts

Umbrella Alley, Quebec City

Traveling aboard the Holland America Volendam is an excellent way to experience both the beauty of the open sea and the cultural richness of various destinations. The ship’s elegant décor, diverse activities, and commitment to quality service make it an ideal choice for travelers looking for a relaxing and enriching cruise experience. Whether you're enjoying a peaceful day at sea, indulging in world-class dining, or exploring a new city, the Volendam offers unforgettable moments at every turn.

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