When launched in 1999, Volendam, at around 61,000 tons and carrying 1,432 passengers, was the largest capacity ship in the Holland America fleet. Since then, the ship has been extensively modernised. More recent features include Explorations Café - which is equipped with 10 computers as well as a library and games area - improved children’s and teenagers’ spaces, and modern amenities in stateroom such as flat screen TVs and DVD players. A 2014 refit saw the addition of new Lanai staterooms and the Mix, comprising of three bars.
In terms of size, Volendam cruise ship has been superseded by the newer mega-ships, but it has style and comfort to match any HAL cruise ship. It has a garden theme that is seen throughout its beautifully decorated staterooms and spacious, elegant public rooms. Everywhere there are huge displays of fresh tropical flowers, combined with floral tapestries, fabrics and motifs that artfully enhance its sleek and comfortable modern interiors. HAL’s extensive collection of artwork is well represented throughout the ship, with everything from intimate pre-Columbian pieces to grand Italian Renaissance fountains adding that extra sense of luxury and style, culminating in the huge centrepiece sculpture by the modern artist, Luciano Vistosi, which is the focal point of the ship’s atrium.
Volendam sails the South Pacific, visiting Australia and New Zealand, or the countries of South East Asia. Holland America Line has always drawn many of its crew, its waiters and cabin stewards from the former Dutch colonies of Indonesia, or from the Philippines, who make a great contribution to the friendly atmosphere aboard ship.
