Cruise’n’Travel
Journalist, Cruise reviewer, Maritime Historian
MS Volendam
The
superb 61,214-ton MS Volendam
Photograph taken & © 2008 by
It is a well known fact that I consider
Holland America Line (HAL) to be one of the finest cruise companies in the
world! The truth is that this company has been in the passenger shipping
industry since 1872 and Holland America Line
has continually received countless cruise awards and accolades for being one of
the finest and highest rated as well as the best value Cruise Line each year,
and that is for two full decades up to and including 2012. That is something
that not a single other cruise line is able to match!
These are some of
the International awards, including the Australian AFTA Award.
“The Highest Rated
Cruise Line” – Conde Nast Travellers
Readers; Choice Travellers Awards; Travel & Leisure Word’s Best
Awards.
“International Five
Star Diamond Award” – The
“Cruise Line with the Highest Client Satisfaction” – TravelAge West.
In 2010
“Best
Cruise Operator” (Internationally based) -
AFTA award 2010 at the AFTA National Travel Industry Awards.
“Gold 2010 Rear Admiral William M. Benkert Environmental
Protection Award” from the
“World’s Leading Green Cruise Line Award” and the “
Please
Note: The vast majority of photographs on this page
were provided by Holland America Line, except those marked otherwise. However,
the author has sailed on both the wonderful mid-size ms Volendam, and I have
also been on the superb ms Amsterdam, and only
recently (in 2013) on the larger ms Oosterdam. Thus I have reviews online on
all three of these ships, as well as a “Ship Review” on the first
of the S-Class, the ms Statendam. However, on the first
three, which all sailed from
Introduction: In 1989, Holland America Line became a wholly owned subsidiary of
Carnival Corp,
however, HAL has thankfully 100% separate from Carnival as all their ships are registered
in Rotterdam The Netherlands, whereas P&O UK and the Princess Cruises ships
for example have been reregistered in Hamilton Bermuda.
HAL is also famed for their superb and unique
style of service and their refined touches on board, something that no other
cruise line in their class offers, yet their fares are comparable and are most
affordable! Thus for Australian’s and New Zealanders who are thinking of
undertaking a cruise vacation, consider taking one on a HAL ship in the future,
especially now the fabulous and popular 61,214 ton MS Volendam continues to
sail from our shores as well as the larger and elegant ms Oosterdam as of 2012.
Volendam is the third ship to carry this dignified name, the first Volendam sailed for HAL from 1922 to 1952, and the second Volendam from 1972 to 1984. This ship is known as an “R class” ship, being very similar to the company’s flagship MS Rotterdam. Volendam was dedicated by tennis pro Chris Evert in November 1999. Volendam is 881ft long and 105ft wide and has a maximum speed of 23 knots. Remarkably, most ships of her size carry at least 2,000 or more passengers; however the Volendam only operates with a capacity of 1,432 passengers with a crew of 615 tending to your every need, and thus the Volendam is a ship that offers facilities that HAL have become famed for worldwide!
Ambience: The minute you stem on board the MS Volendam you will note that she has a delightful garden theme, which is reflected throughout the ship's spacious public rooms and elegant staterooms as there is an artful floral motif throughout. Flowers can be found in abundance in the forms of floral fabrics and tapestries, as well as in huge vases with tropical floral arrangements and chrysanthemums. In addition to the fresh flowers throughout the ship, Holland America Line has drawn on its collection of incredible artwork to enhance the interior of the ship's public spaces.
The superb three-story atrium featuring an abundance of flowers and a
colourful towering sculpture by Luciano Vistosi
Image provided & © Holland America Line
You will discover items from pre-Columbian
fetishes and sculptures to Renaissance-era fountains imported from Italy, which
are included in the Volendam’s hallway galleries. In the heart of the
ship you will find the soaring three-story atrium where featuring the superb
sculpture by renowned artist Luciano Vistosi, a piece that was inspired by the myriad of moods
and colours of a kaleidoscope and this piece of artwork greets every guest as
they board this remarkable ship.
Entertainment: One of the Volendam biggest venues is the grand and colourful multi level grand “Frans Hals Show Lounge” featuring superbly lit towering colonnades against satiny dark wood walls. The decor hearkens back to the grand era of the days of Art Deco and it is said that the venue may have been inspired by the famed “Tuschinski Theatre” in Amsterdam.
The magnificent Frans Hals Show Lounge
Photograph provided by Holland America Line ©
The Casino Bar:
This venue is also the ship's sports bar, features an excellent array of cinematic
memorabilia, including costumes, props, photos and posters of movies and the
countless stars who made them.
The elegant Explorers lounge takes you back to bygone days
Photograph
by & © Reuben Goossens
Layout: The basic layout of the public rooms of the ship is similar to that
of the famed MS Rotterdam, including the alternative dining restaurant, a
lounge featuring an additional dance floor, and a children's room on Sports
Deck, a venue that can also be used as a meeting or reception room. The
Volendam was one of the last of the Statendam class of ships and features a stylish
funnel design.
The Piano Lounge is the ideal place for a drink and request your
favourite tune
Image provided & © Holland America Line
The Volendam is one of one of Holland America’s more traditional
looking ships
Image provided & © Holland America Line
Volendam and her many features
The Frans Hals
Show Lounge: In this colourful multi level show
room there will be a vast variety of talented vocalists, dancers, illusionists,
comedians and variety acts.
The superb Frans Hals Show Lounge is comfortable and has great
sightlines! From both levels
Photograph provided by Holland America Line ©
Crow's Nest:
Offers sweeping 270° views during the day, and becomes a fashionable nightclub
at night.
The elegant Crows Nest is a wonderful venue day and night!
Photograph provided by
Rotterdam Dining Room: This is one of the truly grand Restaurants afloat. Here the features are impeccable service, an extensive wine list, but above all, a suburb menu of fine dinning! Five-course menus include continental cuisine, vegetarian and low-carb options.
Above &
below:
The two level “Rotterdam Dining Room” is
one of the grand dinning venues afloat with cuisine to match!
Photographs
provided by
Pinnacle Grill:
This intimate reservations-only venue offers an elegant, sophisticated dining
experience. Featuring premium Sterling Silver beef, inspired seafood dishes and
many select wines rated "Excellent" by Wine Spectator - as well as distinctive Bvlgari® china, Riedel®
stemware and Frette® linens.
Above &
below:
The Pinnacle Grill offers the ultimate in dining and is worth the experience
during your cruise!
Photographs
provided by
Lido Restaurant:
This is the main Buffet and it offers a relaxed ambiance for all three meals
and features a variety of fresh, cooked-to-order specialties
The
Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times: a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through an extensive library, surf the Internet and check email or simply read the morning paper.
Greenhouse Spa & Salon: features heavenly beauty and wellness rituals. Enjoy a facial, hot stone massage, steam in a thermal suite and have your hair and nails done for a special evening.
The Lido Pool
Photograph provided by Holland America Line ©
Club HAL®: HAL
dedicated youth facilities and activities for kids ages 3 - 12; activities are
supervised and are age appropriate. There is also the Loft and The Oasis:
designed exclusively for teens (13 - 17) to have fun, socialize and hang out
with people their own age.
This is but one of
the venues available
Photograph provided by
Accommodations
Large & Standard Interior Staterooms
Category: I, J, K, L, M, MM, N, NN
Photograph provided by Holland America Line ©
These staterooms have two lower beds that are convertible
to 1 queen-size bed and a bathroom. All L-, N- & NN-category staterooms
also have 1 sofa bed & pullman upper. M- &
MM-category staterooms also have 1 sofa bed. Approximately
182 sq ft
All
Stateroom amenities include:
·
Luxurious beds featuring Sealy® Premium Euro-Top
mattresses and finely woven cotton linens
·
Deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for
use during your voyage
·
100% Egyptian cotton towels
·
Premium massage showerheads
·
5X magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality
hair dryers
·
Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath
amenities from Elemis Aromapure
·
Complimentary fresh fruit on request
·
Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for
in-stateroom beverages
·
Flat-panel TV and DVD player
·
Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown
service
Category C, D, DA, DD (some have partial sea views), E, EE, F, FF, G (portholes
instead of windows)
H (portholes instead of
windows), HH (fully obstructed views)
Photograph provided by Holland America Line ©
These staterooms have two lower beds
convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub with a shower. All FF-category
staterooms also have 1 sofa bed & pullman upper.
Approximately 197 sq. ft in size.
Stateroom amenities include the same as above!
Verandah Suite
Category: A, AA, B, BB, BC
Photograph provided by Holland America Line ©
The staterooms have two lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, a whirlpool bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, a mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. All A-category staterooms also have 1 sofa bed. Approximately 292 sq. ft in size. Stateroom amenities include the same as above as well as some extras.
Deluxe Verandah Suites
Category: S
Photograph provided
by
The suite has two lower beds convertible to 1
king-size bed, a whirlpool bath & shower, a large sitting area, dressing
room, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons,
mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approximately 556 sq. ft
Penthouse Verandah Suites
Category: PS
Photograph provided
by
Bedroom has 1 king-size bed, oversize
whirlpool bath & shower, living room, dining room, dressing room, private verandah, pantry, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons, mini-bar,
refrigerator, guest toilet, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approximately
1,159 sq. ft
The Volendam is often described as the “
The ship’s friendly crew are on hand to personally welcome passengers onboard and direct them to their rooms. Of the ship’s 700 staterooms the most appealing are the Veranda state and deluxe rooms, which boast fantastic ocean views from their private balconies.
Passengers are offered a superb range of delectable dining options, including the Pacific North-West-themed Pinnacle Grill, as well as the grand multi level Rotterdam Dining Room and the laid back Lido Restaurant.
The entertainment onboard the Volendam is diverse, with two lavish Broadway-style productions are featured in the two-level Frans Hals lounge nightly, in other venues you will discover a harpist, a classical quartet and a resident pianist who is happy to play any tune you request. There is pre-dinner piano and post-dinner dancing in The Crow’s Nest, Baroque and Classical after dinner music in the Explorer Lounge and dance music in The Ocean Bar before and after dinner.
During the day there is a range of games such as: Team Trivia, Name That Tune, Liars Club and others administered by the Cruise Director and staff, and of course there is Bingo, art auctions and movies in the Wajang Theatre. The Volendam also features an intimate casino with a wide assortment of table games and slot machines.
The Volendam is a family friendly ship and she
has a dedicated kids camp named “Club HAL”, which operates daily,
with age-appropriate activities including arts and crafts, computer classes,
sing-along’s and sea-lore. Teenagers also have their own space called
“Lhe loft” where they can enjoy movies,
play video games, splash around in the water or spend a lazy afternoon dozing
on a hammock.
Cruising – 2011/12.
As MS Volendam will be cruising from Australian and New Zealand ports in 2011 and 2012 and I highly recommend that those who may not have sailed on Holland America Line book a cruise on this remarkable ship or any of the other HAL ships for as a cruise reviewer who has been in the industry since May 1960, managed a major shipping company and operated his own cruise company in the seventies, I highly recommend this company for it is indeed the pinnacle of all cruise companies! It by far surpasses Princess Cruises and for that matter in so many ways Cunard, and that also comes from my experience of 123 voyages/cruises to date!
For interest, I sailed on ms Volendam for 14
nights from
For a Holland America Line cruise brochure or for more information on their superb cruises from Australia or throughout the world, consult a cruise specialist, who is a travel professional or in Australia call Holland America Line at 1300 987 322 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.au.
Reuben Goossens.
Cruise’n’Ship Reviewer.
-Also visit my other
ms Prinsendam & ms
Statendam
For a
Holland America Line cruise brochure or for more information on their superb
cruises from Australia or throughout the world, consult a cruise specialist,
who is a travel professional or in
Australia call Holland America Line at 1300 987 322 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.au.
***************************************************
Commenced in the Passenger Shipping
Industry in May 1960
Or go directly to the - Cruise-Australia.com - INDEX
Please
Note: Cruise-Australia is a non-commercial and privately owned
cruise site. The author has been in the passenger shipping industry since 1960
and is currently semi-retired, but continues to write cruise and ship reviews
and articles in order to better to inform cruise and ship enthusiasts and
provide information for those intending a cruise in the future.
