Zuiderdam
The first Vista-class ship, which brought more glass, ocean views and verandahs to the Holland America fleet.
The ship in figures
2.4 passengers per crew member. For every 3 crew members (in orange) there are about 7 passengers.
- 2002Year builtFincantieri (Marghera, Italy)
- Dec 14, 2002Maiden voyageFrom Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
- 2025Last refurbishment
The first of the four compass ships, each named after a point of the compass: zuider means south in Dutch.
Zuiderdam entered service in December 2002 as the first of Holland America Line's four Vista-class ships, and at the time she was the largest ship the line had built. Her name comes from "zuider", Dutch for south, and she was named at Port Everglades by television presenter Joan Lunden. More than 80% of her staterooms face the sea and about two thirds have a private verandah. In 2026 and 2027 she sails Canada and New England from Boston and Quebec, the Caribbean from Miami and Northern Europe from Amsterdam.
Attractions
- 1Crow's NestThe forward observation lounge, with a small bandstand added in 2025 for live music and events.
- 2Lido PoolA pool under a retractable glass roof that can be used in any weather.
- 3Sea View PoolThe adults-only pool at the stern, with its own bar.
- 4The RetreatAn adults-only sun deck with private cabanas, added in 2015.
- 5Pickleball courtAn open-air court on the top deck, with classes run by the onboard sports director.
Shows
- World StageThe main theater, with production shows by the onboard cast and guest performers.
- Rolling Stone LoungeA live band plays rock, pop and R&B hits based on Rolling Stone's lists, six nights a week.
- Billboard OnboardA piano bar where two pianists play chart hits from several decades and guests sing along.
- CasinoSlot machines and table games such as blackjack, roulette and poker.
Restaurants & bars
- The Dining RoomThe main restaurant, on two levels at the stern, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Pinnacle GrillThe specialty steakhouse, with steaks, seafood and a wine list.
- CanalettoItalian dinners with dishes designed for sharing, served in a section of the Lido; reservations needed.
- Lido MarketThe casual buffet, organized as a market with themed stations.
- Ocean BarA bar in the central area of the ship where a live trio plays in the evening.
Accommodation
Kids & families
- Club HAL (3 to 6)Supervised activities, crafts, games and theme parties for younger children.
- Club HAL (7 to 12)Arts and crafts, sports and gaming tournaments for tweens.
- The LoftThe teen space (13 to 17), with sports challenges, group games and evening events such as video game tournaments.
Spa & wellness
- Greenhouse Spa & SalonThe spa on the Lido deck, with massage rooms, a thermal suite and a hydrotherapy pool.
- Fitness CenterA gym with exercise machines and instructor-led classes.
- Promenade DeckThe wraparound teak deck, used for walks and the On Deck for a Cause charity walk.
In pictures
