I recently had the opportunity to do a ship tour and enjoy lunch onboard the Holland America ms Volendam while it was in port in St. John’s, Newfoundland.  St. John’s was one of the stops on it’s 10-Night Canada voyage, and it was a great opportunity to see it and experience it first hand, and I wanted to share that experience.

My first impression was how friendly the crew were getting on the ship.  One of the other things that stood out the most was the ship’s size.  With approximately 1430 guests onboard, and a crew of 650, the Volendam offers a more relaxed and personalized experienced compared to many of today’s mega-ships.  

While I did not get to see any staterooms because the ship was full, I did get to see everything else, including the inviting lounges, spa and fitness areas, meeting spaces, scenic observation areas and dining areas.  Every space felt thoughtfully designed for travellers who value service, comfort, and a destination focused cruise experience.  The Volendam was significantly refurbished in 2024, including updates to cabins, public areas, spa facilities, bars and other guests spaces.  You get classic Holland America elegance with many modern improvements.

Holland America’s Volendam typical itineraries includes Canada & New England,  Caribbean and Panama, Europe and Grand World Voyages of all durations. I have highlighted some of these upcoming itineraries for 2027 in the presentation to the right.     

Here are some highlights from my ship tour:  

• Expansive outdoor promenade areas, with retractable roof, so even on days when the weather is not great, you can enjoy pool and relaxing time without being bothered by the weather.  
• Amazing dining options include main dine room service, Lido Market buffet, Pinnacle Grill Steakhouse, Canaletto Italian restaurant and 24-hour room service.  Note buffet is plated by servers.  
• Live music and entertainment venues.  The Theatre has very comfortable seating.  Entertainment is matched by the port of call they are in.  For example, the entertainment for the evening sailing into St. John’s was a Kitchen Party.
• Pickle Ball regulated court.  One of the fastest growing sports in North America, the Volendam can host your group’s Pickle Ball Tournament.  
• Library, games rooms, large fitness facilities, and spa.
• Plenty of relaxing spaces and meeting spaces for your groups 
• Volemdam does offer a Kids Program, ideal for multi-generational family travel
• The Volendam is the only vessel that has rooms to the Lanai.  
• Safety is of the upmost importance, as while I was onboard, the crew performed a number of safety drills including launching the life boats in the Harbour.  

What you won’t find onboard the Volendam:  Long Buffet lines, packed pool decks, waiting endlessly for elevators and feeling like you are in a theme park.    

If you are 50+ and enjoy traditional cruising, value service over attractions, prefer a quieter ship, love live music and entertainment, and enjoy meeting fellow like-minded travelers in a relaxed setting, then you’ll probably love the Volendam.  

For more information about Holland American cruise ships and itineraries and to book your next Holland America cruise, contact our amazing Vacation Travel Advisor Team at 1-866-926-4070 or click the find an advisor button.