The Noordam, a Vista-class ship from Holland America Line, delivers a sophisticated holiday for up to 1,924 passengers. Launched in 2006 and refurbished in 2024, this mid-sized vessel blends elegant Dutch heritage with modern amenities, creating a welcoming atmosphere for couples and mature travellers.
Guests can anticipate a holiday blending relaxation and enrichment. Days offer cooking classes, spa treatments, or pickleball, while evenings feature live music, comedy, or fine dining. The ship’s mid-sized design feels uncrowded, except at peak buffet times, and the crew’s attentiveness creates a warm atmosphere. Family-friendly activities like Club HAL ensure kids are entertained, while adults enjoy refined spaces like the Crow’s Nest or Pinnacle Grill. The focus on music, art, and cuisine suits those seeking a sophisticated cruise with a classic feel.
Reception Areas: Elegant and Spacious
The Atrium, a three-level hub with a Waterford crystal chandelier, greets guests with a bright, open space on Deck 1. Guest services and shore excursion desks provide prompt assistance, while the nearby Explorations Café offers coffee, pastries, and a library with sea views. The Crow’s Nest lounge on Deck 10 provides panoramic vistas and a relaxed setting for trivia or drinks. The ship’s intuitive layout and clear signage ensure easy navigation, though some guests note crowded pathways at peak times.
Dining: Diverse and High-Quality
Noordam’s dining options cater to a range of tastes. The Vista Dining Room, spanning Decks 2 and 3 with ocean views, serves daily-changing menus with open seating for breakfast and lunch, and fixed or flexible dinner via the Navigator app. The Lido Market buffet offers international dishes, including sushi and Indian fare, though some guests report crowding during peak hours. Dive-In serves poolside burgers and hot dogs, while specialty dining includes Pinnacle Grill for steaks, Canaletto for Italian dishes with generous portions, and a weekly Le Cirque pop-up for refined cuisine. Complimentary 24-hour room service provides light meals, and afternoon tea is served daily.
Entertainment: Engaging and Music-Focused
The ship’s entertainment keeps guests engaged with a focus on live music. The World Stage, with a two-story LED screen, hosts Broadway-style shows, BBC Earth concerts, and guest performers like comedians, though some guests note inconsistent quality. The Music Walk features BB King’s Blues Club for soulful tunes, Billboard Onboard for duelling pianos, and Rolling Stone Lounge for rock hits, though recent feedback mentions occasional karaoke substitutions. Families enjoy Club HAL for ages 3–17 with crafts and games, while adults can try cooking classes at the Culinary Arts Centre or visit the casino. The Crow’s Nest offers evening music with 270-degree views, and pickleball courts add active fun.
Accommodation: Comfortable and Spacious
With 986 cabins across 11 decks, Noordam offers interior, ocean-view, verandah, and suite options. Standard cabins range from 151–233 square feet, with verandahs at 54–65 square feet. Pinnacle Suites, at 1,150 square feet, include whirlpool tubs and access to the Neptune Lounge. All cabins feature Mariner’s Dream beds with Euro-Top mattresses, flat-screen TVs with on-demand movies, and mini-fridges, though medication must be stored in the infirmary. Thirty-two wheelchair-accessible cabins ensure inclusivity, but some guests note dated decor like worn carpets.
Hospitality: Attentive and Professional
The crew, primarily Filipino and Indonesian, provides courteous service, fostering a welcoming environment. Cabin stewards offer daily cleaning and towel animals, with complimentary 24-hour room service including sandwiches. The Greenhouse Spa offers massages, a hydrotherapy pool, and complimentary sauna access, though daily passes cost $40. Staff at bars and dining venues maintain a friendly demeanour, though some guests report delays at guest services during peak times. Club HAL and The Loft keep kids and teens engaged, offering parents relaxation time, while suite guests enjoy priority perks via the Neptune Lounge.
Standout Features
The ship’s extensive art collection, with 19th-century oils and contemporary photographs, adds cultural depth. The Music Walk’s live music venues, including BB King’s Blues Club, provide nightly entertainment. The Lido Pool’s retractable roof ensures swimming in any weather, and private cabanas offer a resort-like retreat for $89 daily. The Culinary Arts Centre’s cooking classes, like “We Love Chocolate,” and Canaletto’s shareable Italian dishes stand out. Enhanced Starlink Wi-Fi, added in 2024, ensures connectivity, though some guests report slowdowns. The daily afternoon tea tradition adds a refined touch.
