Musical theme that hits all the right notes
Introduction of the 1,440-passenger Zaandam in May 2000 enabled Holland America Line to offer a full programme of year-around Caribbean cruises for the first time in its 127-year history.
She made her seven-day maiden cruise to the Eastern Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on May 6, 2000.
Like her sister Volendam, the Zaandam features all the facilities and amenities that have made Holland Americas premium cruises so popular.
A music-related decor features throughout the public rooms, but most prominently in the Casino Bar, which showcases music memorabilia, from jazz and blues to rock-and-roll and the classics.
The music theme is also subtly interpreted in the upholstery fabrics, wall and window treatments and ceilings, as well as in architectural touches, such as door handles and engraving on glass doors, and some of the ships artwork.
The centerpiece of the Zaandams grand atrium is a towering, 22-ft tall pipe organ, designed by the ships Dutch interior architect Frans Dingemans and interpreted by sculptor Gilbert LeBigre of Pietrasanta, Italy. The organ may be played by hand or operated electronically.
Like the Volendam, the Zaandam offers 168 deluxe verandah mini-suites, reflecting the strong demand for that type of stateroom. The ship also features an alternative restaurant, the Marco Polo, serving California-style Italian cuisine.
Since the Zaandams Navigation Deck has been extended aft to accommodate the additional mini-suites, the outdoor swimming pool is conveniently located on Lido Deck adjacent to the Lido Restaurant.
The ship features an expanded spa, an Internet center, a special playroom for children and Club HAL, a complete youth program for young cruisers age 5-17. A full-time Club HAL director is on all sailings to coordinate age-appropriate activities – especially appreciated by guests on summer Caribbean cruises which are extremely popular with families.
PASSENGERS : 1850
BERTHS : 720
CREW : 561
FACILITIES : One twin-deck dining room (four sittings), casino, cinema, library, three swimming pools, two outside (one with magradome), one inside, fitness centre, self-service laundrette.
