Sister ship to the Rotterdam, the Amsterdam features rich, dark woods and a collection of nautical art that creates a classic maritime ambiance. The photo shop, gift shops and Ocean Bar are centered around a three-story atrium, and there's a casino, showroom, movie theater, library and several lounges. The ship boasts the line's signature Lido Deck, with pools, bar, and casual Lido Restaurant serving breakfast and lunch buffets. For the best views, head to the Crow's Nest, an observation lounge high atop the ship. One of the most unique features is the Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art show kitchen with plasma video screens and cooking display counters--a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts. The Amsterdam has an all-suite deck with accommodations ranging from 525 to more than 1,000 square feet; passengers on this deck have access to full concierge services and a private lounge. Twenty-five percent of the staterooms have verandas with glass balustrades, which provide an unobstructed view.

Year Built: 2000; Passenger Capacity: 1,380

The first of Holland America's Signature-class ships, Eurodam features ten staterooms offering dramatic views from floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows. Guests can relax in the expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon, which features thermal suites and a hydropool, or enjoy the largest gymnasium ever built for Holland America. For younger passengers, there is a youth facility that includes the teens-only Loft. One of the most unique features is the Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art show kitchen with plasma video screens and cooking display counters--a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts. The Crow’s Nest provides bird’s-eye views, accompanied with specialty coffees, Internet access, and music listening stations. Eighty-six percent of the ship’s staterooms have ocean views, and almost 70% of those have balconies. Other amenities include a video arcade, casino, and a variety of restaurants, bars, and lounges.

Year Built: 2008; Passenger Capacity: 2,044

A three-deck-high atrium is the centerpiece of this ship, with gleaming brass rails and soaring glass sculpture. In keeping with Holland America tradition, the Maasdam houses a $2 million collection of art and artifacts that honors early Dutch exploration. There's Las Vegas-style entertainment in the two-deck Rembrandt Showroom, which is outfitted in Delft ceramic tiles, brocade fabrics and mahogany paneling. Tables are set with crisp linens, fine crystal and Rosenthal china in the two-level dining room, which is surrounded by windows on three sides and features an antique marble fountain from Argentina. The Lido Deck is a favorite spot for many passengers. Here, a bronze sculpture of frolicking dolphins overlooks a pool surrounded by deck chairs. Nearby, there's a bar and a grill serving hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as the Lido Restaurant, which offers sumptuous buffets and an ice-cream bar. One of the most unique features is the Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art show kitchen with plasma video screens and cooking display counters--a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts. There's a large complement of cabins and suites with verandas on this ship.

Year Built: 1993; Passenger Capacity: 1,266

The newest of the Vista-class ships, the Noordam continues Holland America's tradition of comfortable, elegant and classy ships. There's no shortage of spectacular views from this ship. The two-tiered Vista Dining Room is located in the aft of the ship and offers panoramic views of the sea. The signature Crow's Nest Lounge gives a bird's-eye view from the top of the ship. Eighty-five percent of the ship's cabins have ocean views, and nearly 80% of those have private balconies. One of the most unique features is the Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art show kitchen with plasma video screens and cooking display counters--a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts. Other activities and amenities include a video arcade, basketball and volleyball courts, and fitness center.

Year Built: 2006; Passenger Capacity: 1,918

Possessing one of the highest ratios of space per person in the Holland America fleet, the 1,848-passenger Oosterdam boasts innovative, luxurious features. Expanded spa facilities -- with 11 therapy rooms, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam and aromatherapy rooms -- pamper passengers in one of the cruise line's most spacious spas. Elevators -- two are glass-enclosed with panoramic ocean views -- give access to 11 passenger decks, including a covered promenade that encircles the entire vessel and two interior promenade decks. Each stateroom is fitted with a data port for Web access, and there also is an Internet center and library. When it comes to dining, the Oosterdam offers a variety of options: gourmet meals in the two-tiered main dining room, a fine Italian restaurant, a casual eatery, a grill and a cafe that serves late-night snacks. Room service also is available at no additional cost. Activities on board include shopping in the duty-free shops, gaming in the casino, or playing on the sports deck. Entertainment is equally varied with nine different nightclubs and lounges, including the thrilling views from the Crow's Nest. Club HAL provides younger passengers (ages 5-17) with supervised programs in the Kidzone and Waverunner rooms.

Year Built: 2003; Passenger Capacity: 1,848

The Prinsendam stays true to the Holland America standard of elegant accommodations, stylish public rooms and attentive service -- all making for a gracious cruising experience. Eight passenger decks with boutiques, several lounges, a theater, showroom and casino provide entertainment for a variety of tastes. One of the most unique features is the Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art show kitchen with plasma video screens and cooking display counters--a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts. See the sea from any spot on the wraparound teak decks or from your cabin -- 40 percent of all staterooms feature balconies, and 93 percent have picture windows. Enjoy varied gourmet menus and world-class wines in La Fontaine dining room, international specialties in the intimate, reservations-only Odyssey restaurant or opt for the casual Lido restaurant. Room service is available around the clock at no additional charge, and on two special nights you'll be treated to a chocolate buffet and Dutch high tea. A full-service spa and fitness center offers indulgent health treatments and thalassotherapy pools, whirlpools, sauna and steam rooms.

Year Built: 1988; Passenger Capacity: 793

This is Holland America's flagship, and the sixth ship to bear the name. Continuing a tradition of elegance, the Rotterdam combines classic design with state-of-the-art features. An outstanding collection of art and artifacts that reflect the Dutch seafaring heritage can be seen throughout the vessel. One of the most unique features is the Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art show kitchen with plasma video screens and cooking display counters--a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts. The two-deck La Fontaine Dining Room features sea views on three sides and a canopy of sparkling sculptured-glass light fixtures on the ceiling. The Odyssey is a Venetian-themed alternative restaurant offering Italian cuisine. There's a casino, movie theater and show lounge that presents Las Vegas- and Broadway-style productions. The Lido Deck features a casual restaurant for breakfast and lunch and a pool with retractable glass ceiling. One deck of suites is served by a private lounge and a concierge.

Year Built: 1997; Passenger Capacity: 1,316

Like Holland America's other ships, the Ryndam houses a fine collection of art and artifacts that pay tribute to early Dutch exploration. The two levels of the main dining room are connected by a pair of grand curved staircases; on the upper level, a string quartet plays during dinner. The Vermeer Show Lounge, named after the 17th-century Dutch painter, has a tulip theme and features state-of-the-art sound and lighting. Sip a cappuccino in the Java Café, catch a movie in the Wajang Theater or relax by the Lido pool, which sits beneath a retractable glass dome. There's a second pool and two deck tennis courts, and the Ocean Spa has a juice bar and massage, sauna and steam rooms. One of the most unique features is the Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art show kitchen with plasma video screens and cooking display counters--a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts. The casino offers blackjack, Caribbean poker, roulette, dice and 97 slot machines. This ship has a large number of cabins and suites with private verandas.

Year Built: 1994; Passenger Capacity: 1,266

Passengers who enter the three-deck atrium first notice the 26-foot-high splashing fountain, with its sculptures of mermaids, dolphins and shells. The two-level dining room is surrounded by three walls of glass, while overhead there's a glittering canopy of frosted Venetian glass flowers. The Lido deck features a pool, Jacuzzis, a bar and a grill that serves hamburgers and hot dogs. Passengers who want a casual setting for breakfast and lunch gravitate to the Lido Restaurant, which also houses an ice cream bar. One of the most unique features is the Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art show kitchen with plasma video screens and cooking display counters--a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts. Social spots on board include the lively Ocean Club for dancing and the quieter Explorer's Lounge for cognac and conversation.

Year Built: 1992; Passenger Capacity: 1,266

A striking blue and gold crystalline sculpture from Murano, Italy, dominates the dramatic three-deck atrium of this ship. In the two-deck dining room, twin staircases frame an orchestra pit and red walls provide a dramatic background for enormous paintings of flowers. The Rubens Lounge is named for the 16th-century Flemish painter; it features a marble and granite dance floor, glass sculptures done in the style of the artist and tapered columns that resemble ballet dancers. Guests enjoy panoramic views of the horizon from the Crow's Nest Lounge at the top of the ship. This lounge is actually divided into three parts: the Captain's Area, which resembles an English pub; the Tea Area, where palm trees create a light and airy ambiance; and the disco, with a bar, dance floor, disc jockey booth and bandstand. One of the most unique features is the Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art show kitchen with plasma video screens and cooking display counters--a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts.

Year Built: 1996; Passenger Capacity: 1,266

In the three-level atrium of this ship, a dramatic sculpture of red lacquered metal and blue-green glass constantly changes appearance as fiber optic light reflects through the glass. Passengers dine in the Renaissance-style Rotterdam Dining Room, or they can opt for the 88-seat Marco Polo Restaurant, an Italian bistro. The Frans Hals Show Lounge features rich wood paneling, a multicolored ceiling and brightly colored ceramic vases from Delft, Holland. One of the most unique features is the Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art show kitchen with plasma video screens and cooking display counters--a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts. View a movie at the Wajang Theater, catch up with current events in the Erasmus Library, or get a massage in the Ocean Spa. A bronze sculpture of leaping dolphins overlooks the Lido pool, which is covered by a retractable glass roof. Nearby is the Lido Restaurant, which features breakfast and lunch buffets. Work off all those wonderful meals on the Sports Deck, which features a jogging track and tennis/volleyball court. The Volendam has a large complement of minisuites with verandas.

Year Built: 1999; Passenger Capacity: 1,440

Like its sister ships, Zuiderdam and Oosterdam, the elegant Westerdam offers comfort and class to its passengers with one of the highest ratios of space per person in Holland America’s fleet. Two glass-enclosed elevators offer panoramic ocean views that stretch for miles and give passengers access to this ship’s innovative features and amenities. Guests can relax and rejuvenate at the luxurious Greenhouse Spa and Salon, which features 11 therapy rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, as well as sauna, steam and aromatherapy rooms. Afterwards, enjoy high-end shopping at Merabella. One of the most unique features is the Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art show kitchen with plasma video screens and cooking display counters--a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts. Two-thirds of the Westerdam’s staterooms feature private verandas, and every stateroom is equipped with a data port for Internet access. In addition to the two-tiered main dining room, the Westerdam offers several alternative dining options, including the reservations-only Pinnacle Grill (featuring a separate Pinnacle Bar), the casual Lido Restaurant, the Windstar Café and the New-York-Times-powered Explorations Café. Nighttime activities abound and offer something for everyone--whether you prefer to try your luck at the casino, relax in the Piano Bar or take in a show in the Vista Lounge.

Year Built: 2004; Passenger Capacity: 1,916

A dramatic three-level atrium is the focal point of this ship, and nearby are an art gallery, boutique, coffee bar and Ocean Bar. Passengers dine in the Renaissance-style Rotterdam Dining Room, or they can opt for the Pinnacle Grill, an intimate reservations-only restaurant featuring fine dining and Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine. View a movie at the Wajang Theater, catch up with current events in the Erasmus Library, or get a massage in the Ocean Spa. One of the most unique features is the Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art show kitchen with plasma video screens and cooking display counters--a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts. A bronze sculpture of leaping dolphins overlooks the Lido pool, which is covered by a retractable roof. Nearby is the Lido Restaurant, which features breakfast and lunch buffets. Work off all those wonderful meals on the Sports Deck, which features a jogging track and tennis/volleyball court. The Zaandam has a large complement of minisuites with verandas.

Year Built: 2000; Passenger Capacity: 1,440

Possessing one of the highest ratios of space per person in the Holland America fleet, the 1,848-passenger Zuiderdam is a modern ship with innovative, luxurious features. Expanded spa facilities -- with 11 therapy rooms, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam and aromatherapy rooms -- pamper passengers in one of the cruise line's most spacious spas. Elevators -- two are glass-enclosed with panoramic ocean views -- give access to 11 passenger decks, including a covered promenade that encircles the entire vessel. One of the most unique features is the Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art show kitchen with plasma video screens and cooking display counters--a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts. Eighty-five percent of staterooms enjoy ocean views, and eighty percent of those have private balconies. Each stateroom is fitted with a data port for Web access, and there also is an Internet center and library. When it comes to dining, the Zuiderdam offers a variety of options: gourmet meals in the two-tiered main dining room, fine Italian dining at the Odyssey restaurant, casual fare at the Lido restaurant and Terrace Grill and snacks at Round-the-Clock Cafe. Room service also is available at no additional cost. Entertainment is equally varied, with duty-free shops, casino, nightclubs and lounges, a sports deck, plus thrilling productions in the Vista Lounge showroom. Kidzone and Waverunner rooms provide younger passengers (ages 5-17) with their own places for supervised programs and hanging out.

Year Built: 2002; Passenger Capacity: 1,848

Magda Cruises
c/o New Wave Travel
1075 Bay Street, Toronto  ON  M5S 2B1
Magda's Tel: 416-928-1513 ext 268 or Main Tel: 416-928-3113; Toll Free: 800-463-1512
 Email: Magda Newman

Ont. Reg. #1337762
Copyright 2002-9 Magdalen Consulting Inc. All Rights Reserved