Zaandam emerges from two-week refit and refurbishment with upgraded public areas

Holland America Line’s Zaandam has competed a two-week drydock in the Bahamas, during which her library and activity areas were expanded, and the spa, photo gallery, photo studio, and Neptune Lounge were upgraded.

Zaandam departed Saturday, February 8^th, 2025, on her 27-day Amazon Explorer Legendary Voyage , and will spend the next few months exploring the Amazon, sailing through the Panama Canal and visiting Mexico before heading north for Holland America’s Alaska season.

The refurbishment to Zaandam saw her Greenhouse Spa & Salon receive significant updates during the dry dock. The thermal suite was completely rebuilt to include a new infrared sauna, Caldarium steam room and experiential rain shower, while the relaxation lounge now has a new beverage counter and new lounge seating. 

In the salon, guests will see new, custom manicure stations, state-of-the-art pedicure thrones, as well as new salon chairs and shampoo wash basins. Work was also completed during the dry dock to make the spa and salon areas more accessible for guests with disabilities.

The Fitness Centre received a new custom storage area, new bathrooms, and modernised finishes throughout the area.

Zaandam’s Library was completely refurbished with a new, modern design and an updated book collection for guests to borrow during their cruise.  Several activity areas on board also received improvements. 

Explorations Café was transformed into a multi-use space, including new puzzle and games tables. A new Art Studio was also added on board and will host Zaandam’s art & craft programming, including water colouring, painting, origami, crochet and many other classes.

Zaandam’s dry dock included significant improvements to the ship’s Photo Studio and Photo Gallery. A new Signature Studio was added, allowing guests to have custom, private photo sessions and private photo viewings. 

The Photo Gallery was fully refurbished with new photo display areas where guests can view traditional prints, as well as a high-tech facial recognition digital photo system. Guests can now log into their account and see their images digitally, which will appear through facial recognition technology.

Zaandam’s Neptune Lounge, a private space for Neptune and Pinnacle suite guests, received new flooring in parts of the lounge, updates to the food catering area, a refreshed concierge desk with upgraded seating, and larger television for better viewing.

Zaandam is one of just two remaining Rotterdam class ships in the Holland America fleet, following Carnival Corporation’s significant fleet restructuring following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Delivered by Fincantieri in 2000, the vessel is a sister ship to Volendam and carries just over 1,400 passengers. She offers diverse dining options, including the Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto, as well as a variety of bars and cafés such as the Ocean Bar and Wine Tasting Room. The ship also features a range of entertainment and recreation venues, from the Mondriaan Theater and Casino to multiple pools and jacuzzis.