Westerdam

Balancing the amenities of a larger cruise ship with the easier pace of a mid-sized vessel, Westerdam is part of Holland America Line’s Vista Class and carries approximately 1,900 guests. Its scale creates a comfortable middle ground for travelers who want a wide selection of dining, entertainment, and public spaces without the feel of a mega-ship. Following a significant dry dock in 2026, Westerdam also received refreshed accommodations and additional Ocean View staterooms, giving the ship a more updated feel while preserving its classic Holland America character.

Westerdam’s itinerary range is one of its greatest strengths. The ship is particularly well suited to scenic and culturally varied voyages, with sailings through Alaska, Asia, and South America depending on the season. Guests may spend one voyage navigating glacier-filled waters and the Inside Passage, then find the ship crossing the Pacific toward Japan, Southeast Asia, or Australia on longer repositioning journeys. This flexibility makes Westerdam appealing to travelers interested in both traditional seven-night cruises and more extensive destination-focused itineraries.

Life onboard centers around comfortable gathering spaces and panoramic views of the sea. The Crow’s Nest offers a relaxed setting high above the bow, while outdoor decks provide plenty of opportunities to take in coastal scenery, glaciers, and port arrivals. The ship also features a retractable-roof pool area, allowing guests to enjoy the pool deck in a wider range of weather conditions—particularly useful on cooler itineraries.

Dining ranges from familiar Holland America favorites to specialty experiences. The Dining Room serves multi-course breakfasts and dinners, Pinnacle Grill focuses on premium steaks and seafood, and Canaletto offers Italian-inspired dishes in a more intimate setting. Lido Market provides a flexible casual option throughout the day, while Dive-In serves burgers, hot dogs, and casual poolside fare.

Staterooms aboard Westerdam include Inside, Ocean View, Verandah, Signature Suite, Neptune Suite, and Pinnacle Suite categories. Many accommodations emphasize ocean views and private verandahs, while the larger suites provide expanded living space and additional amenities. The ship’s 2026 refurbishment introduced new carpeting across numerous Verandah staterooms and suites while adding new Ocean View accommodations on Decks 1 and 7.

With its manageable size, varied itineraries, refreshed accommodations, and emphasis on scenery and destination exploration, Westerdam is a strong choice for travelers who want the traditional feel of Holland America Line paired with enough onboard variety for longer journeys across multiple regions of the world.