MS Volendam was custom built in 1999 and refurbished in 2005. It has 10 passenger decks and can carry 1,432 passengers and 615 crew. This R-class Holland America Line ship has eight bars, two pools and a show lounge over two decks. The decor has a garden theme with floral patterns and fresh blooms displayed in various locations. This ship is perfect for families as it offers Club HAL activities for children and teenagers.

[fa type=”bed”] Accommodation

MS Volendam 720 staterooms in five categories, including Inside (182–293 square feet), Ocean View (140–319 square feet), Lanai (196–240 square feet) and Veranda Suites (297–1,296 square feet with a private verandah). All staterooms are provided with euro top mattresses and quality cotton bed linen, DVD player, flat-screen television and bathroom toiletries.

[fa type=”cutlery”] Food

Rotterdam is the main dinng room on board MS Volendam. This two deck restaurant offers five-course menus including low-carbohydrate dishes, vegan food and continental cuisine. The first deck of the Rotterdam offers open dining from 5.15 pm to 9pm. The other deck offers early sitting for dinner at 5.45pm and main seating at 8pm. Other restaurants on board are the Pinnacle Grill, Le Cirque (fine dining), Canaletto (Italian) and Lido Restaurant (buffet).

[fa type=”ticket”] Activities

MS Volendam has a gym with a wide range of equipment including stationary bikes, weight machines, free weights, treadmills and rowing machines. There are seven bikes for spinning classes, an aerobics section and a Pilates/yoga area. The Ocean Spa has a thermal suite and offers salon treatments and services such as deep tissue massages, facials, aromatherapy, haircare, pedicure and manicure. The Lido Pool has two hot tubs with retractable dome covers. There is also an open-air pool.

[fa type=”group”] Families

Club HAL provides a wide variety of age-appropriate activities and facilities children aged three to 17 years. Three-six year olds can join activities such as pirate treasure hunts, storytelling, crafts, ice-cream sundae parties and a farewell pajama party. Tweens (seven-12 years) take part in Xbox tournaments, relay races, scavenger hunts and karaoke disco parties. The Loft for Teens (13-17 years) has mocktail mixology classes, late night sporting competitions, hip hop classes, scavenger hunts, tech classes and teen-only night club events. When there are more than 100 children on board, a HAL Talent Show is offered. The Culinary Arts Center has cooking classes for kids and teens.

Verdict

– Cruise Passenger

In one word; FANTASTIC!! The food was excellent and hotel personnel was very professional. The cabin staff was very friendly and helpful. No complaints about the entertainment. Everything was done very professional. You did get the feeling that there was a good atmosphere among the staff. I would have liked the captain to be more visable but apparently there was an annual Port State Control inspection. Also, a minor detail, but the music in the ‘Rotterdam’ dining hall was every evening the same-the endless flute music………maybe a guitar or piano would be a nice addition! -Klaas

– Cruise Critic

– Berlitz