MS Volendam Overview
Launched in 1999 and named after the charming Dutch village of Volendam in North Holland, MS Volendam is the second of Holland America Line's Rotterdam-class (R-class) vessels. This elegant mid-sized ship carries 1,432 passengers at double occupancy and features a distinctive floral theme throughout, with fresh flowers and all kinds of floral motifs can be found throughout the public areas (fabrics, tapestries, huge vases) and also in passenger staterooms. The ship was most recently refurbished in October 2024, the ship entered dry dock for a 3 week, $8 million refit in the Bahamas, ensuring modern amenities while maintaining its classic cruise ship elegance.
Ship Statistics
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Ship Name | MS Volendam (also known as MV Volendam) |
| Cruise Line | Holland America Line |
| Year Built | 1999 |
| Last Refurbished | October-November 2024 |
| Gross Tonnage | 61,214 GT |
| Length | 780 feet (237.7 meters) |
| Beam | 105.8 feet (32.25 meters) |
| Passenger Capacity | 1,432 (max capacity 1,718) |
| Crew Members | 650 |
| Passenger Decks | 10 |
| Total Cabins | 716 |
MS Volendam Amenities
MS Volendam offers a comprehensive array of facilities across its 10 passenger-accessible decks (5 with cabins), 15 lounges and bars, 2 swimming pools (one with retractable glass roof), 2 outdoor Jacuzzis, 12 elevators. The ship combines traditional cruising elegance with modern amenities and entertainment options.
Dining Options
- Rotterdam Dining Room (792-seat main restaurant)
- Lido Market (buffet with indoor/outdoor seating)
- Pinnacle Grill (84-seat steakhouse, surcharge)
- Canaletto (Italian specialty dining)
- Dive-In at the Terrace Grill (poolside burgers)
- Explorations Café (coffee and pastries)
- 24-hour room service (complimentary)
Entertainment
- World Stage (574-seat main theater)
- Billboard Onboard (live music venue)
- B.B. King's Blues Club
- The Mix (3 bars in one venue)
- Crow's Nest (observation lounge)
- Casino (60+ slots, table games)
- Piano Bar (Ocean Bar)
Recreation & Wellness
- Greenhouse Spa & Salon
- Fitness Center (state-of-the-art equipment)
- Two swimming pools
- 2 outdoor Jacuzzis
- Pickleball courts (exclusive PPA partnership)
- Basketball/volleyball court
- Culinary Arts Center
Suites & Cabins
Volendam Neptune Suite & Premium Suites
MS Volendam offers 197 total suites across various categories, with Neptune Suites being the pinnacle of luxury accommodation. Neptune suites - Nespresso coffee machine, BOSE SoundDock (multimedia iPod docking station), complimentary in-cabin breakfast (with complimentary mimosa cocktails), luxury bath products (by Elemis).
Neptune Suite Features:
- 506-590 sq ft including veranda
- King-size bed with premium linens
- Whirlpool bath and separate shower stall
- Large private veranda
- Priority boarding and tender access
- Complimentary laundry and pressing
- Access to exclusive Neptune Lounge
- Club Orange program benefits
Other Suite Categories:
- Signature Suites (372 sq ft)
- Vista Suites (260-356 sq ft)
- Superior Suites (389 sq ft)
- All suites include concierge service
- Priority dining reservations
- Enhanced bathroom amenities
- Fresh flowers and fruit basket
- Binoculars for scenic cruising
Balcony Staterooms
Verandah staterooms on MS Volendam range from 197-200 sq ft and feature two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities. All verandah cabins include private balconies with chairs and tables, perfect for scenic cruising and private relaxation.
Ocean View Staterooms
Ocean view cabins range from 137-226 sq ft and feature either picture windows or portholes. Most Oceanview / outside cabins have Picture Window, except category G staterooms with 1 Porthole Window. Some cabins may have partially or fully obstructed views due to lifeboats or ship equipment.
Interior Staterooms
Interior cabins provide comfortable accommodations ranging from 137-200 sq ft. Despite having no windows, these cabins feature the same high-quality amenities as other categories, including 2 twin beds convertible to Queen-size double bed), en-suite bathroom (bathtub, shower, massage showerheads, luxury bath products, hairdryer).
Volendam Cabins to Avoid
While MS Volendam offers comfortable accommodations throughout, some cabins may be less desirable due to their locations. Based on passenger feedback and ship layout analysis, here are cabins to consider avoiding:
- Cabins under the Lido Pool (Deck 9): Can be noisy during pool hours due to deck chair movement and activities
- Cabins near elevators and stairs: Higher foot traffic and potential noise, especially on sea days
- Forward cabins on lower decks (Decks 3-4): May experience more motion in rough seas
- Cabins under the gym/fitness center (Deck 10): Early morning noise from exercise equipment and fitness classes
- Promenade Deck cabins with obstructed views (Category HH): Some have lifeboats completely blocking the view
- Cabins above or below entertainment venues: Late-night noise from shows and music venues
MS Volendam Reviews
MS Volendam consistently receives positive reviews for its elegant atmosphere, excellent service, and classic cruising experience. You might say that Volendam is the perfect "Goldilocks ship" -- big enough to offer plenty of activities and enrichment, but not so big that you get lost in the crowd.
"The service on Volendam was phenomenal! Our Indonesian and Filipino crew members were incredibly attentive and friendly. The ship maintains that classic Holland America elegance with beautiful floral arrangements everywhere. Perfect size ship for Alaska cruising."
"Loved the traditional cruise experience on Volendam. The Pinnacle Grill was outstanding, and the BBC Earth programming in the theater was both educational and entertaining. Ship was recently refurbished and everything felt fresh and modern."
Average Passenger Ratings
- Cabins: 4.1/5
- Dining: 4.3/5
- Entertainment: 4.0/5
- Service: 4.4/5
- Value: 4.2/5
Where is the Volendam Right Now?
MS Volendam operates year-round itineraries across multiple regions. The ship's schedule typically includes Caribbean cruises during winter months, Alaska cruises in summer, and special Grand Voyages including world cruises.
Ship Tracking
To find out where MS Volendam is currently located, you can use real-time ship tracking services. The ship operates various itineraries throughout the year, including:
- Caribbean cruises (winter season)
- Alaska cruises (summer season)
- Europe and Mediterranean cruises
- Transpacific and world cruises
- Grand World Voyage 2026 (132-day journey)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many passengers on the Volendam?
The MS Volendam has a passenger capacity of 1432 passengers (max capacity is 1718 guests) at double occupancy, with 716 total staterooms served by 650 crew members.
What class is MS Volendam?
MS Volendam is part of Holland America's Rotterdam class (R-class) of ships, which are considered mid-size vessels. Volendam is HAL-Holland America's 2nd R-class liner, with sisterships Amsterdam (Fred Olsen Bolette), Rotterdam (Fred Olsen Borealis), Zaandam.
Is MS Volendam being refurbished?
MS Volendam underwent its most recent refurbishment in October 2024, the ship entered dry dock for a 3 week, $8 million refit in the Bahamas. This included upgrades to lower category ocean view and interior staterooms, renovation and renaming of the Explorations Cafe into the Library, Library Cafe and Game room, addition of an Art studio replacing the Queen's Room, and reconfigured retail space.