MS Noordam was launched in 2006 and is the newest member of Holland America Line’s Vista class. The 82,318 tonne ship underwent refurbishment in 2015. It appeals to a multigenerational audience and offers special areas and activities for younger children and teenagers. Noordam has 11 passenger decks and can accommodate up to 1,924 guests and 800 crew.

[fa type=”bed”] Accommodation

There are 959 staterooms on board MS Noordam, including Interior (151–233 square feet), Ocean-view (174–180 square feet), Verandah (212–359 square feet including verandah) and Verandah Suite (372- 1,150 square feet including verandah). All rooms are equipped with flat-screen television, DVD players and ample storage space.

[fa type=”cutlery”] Food

MS Noordam’s main dining area is the Vista Dining Room, which is spread over two decks and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a wide range of menu options. Other restaurants on board are the Pinnacle Grill, Le Cirque (fine dining), Canaletto (Italian), Lido Restaurant (buffet) and the Terrace Grill. The dress code is smart casual dress. Formal events require suit and tie for men and gowns or cocktail dresses for women.

[fa type=”ticket”] Activities

The Greenhouse Spa & Salon offers standard day spa services plus massages, acupuncture, body wraps, facial treatments, steam rooms, teeth whitening and water therapy. The Salon offers hair styling and cutting, pedicures, manicures, waxing, facial treatments and eyebrow shaping. The gym has high-tech weight training equipment, cardio machines and classes for yoga, Pilates, circuit training and aerobics (at an added cost). MS Noordam has two pools, a teak deck for walking and jogging, a sports court and a golf simulator.

[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

Holland America Line aims to strike a balance between classic and contemporary, and Noordam, christened in 2006, manages this well. The ship’s smaller size, with fewer than 2,000 passengers, gives Noordam an intimate feel that makes it easy to meet people and make new friends. There are lots of nooks for conversation and quiet diversions like backgammon or settling back with a good book. The overall ambiance makes the ship a good choice for those who don’t need water slides, ziplines or climbing walls to find their bliss at sea.

– Cruise Critic

Noordam features a wide range of public rooms with a reasonably intimate atmosphere, and the overall feel of the ship is quite homely and comforting, with fresh flowers everywhere, as well as some nicely showcased Dutch artifacts from the 16th and 17th centuries.

– Berlitz