Sister ship of the ms Volendam, which debuted November 12, 1999, the Zaandam features all the facilities and amenities that have made Holland America's premium cruises so popular.

A music-related decor features throughout the public rooms, but most prominently in the Casino Bar, which showcases music memorabilia, from jazz and blues to rock-and-roll and the classics. The music theme is also subtly interpreted in the upholstery fabrics, wall and window treatments and ceilings, as well as in architectural touches, such as door handles and engraving on glass doors, and some of the ship's artwork.

The centerpiece of the Zaandam's grand atrium is a towering, 22-foot-high pipe organ, designed by the ship's interior architect, Frans Dingemans of Utrecht, The Netherlands, and interpreted by sculptor Gilbert LeBigre of Pietrasanta, Italy. The organ may be played by hand or operated electronically.

Like the Volendam, the Zaandam offers 168 deluxe verandah mini-suites, reflecting the strong demand for that type of stateroom. The ship also features an alternative restaurant, the Marco Polo, serving "California-style" Italian cuisine.

Since the Zaandam's Navigation Deck has been extended aft to accommodate the additional mini-suites, the outdoor swimming pool is conveniently located on Lido Deck adjacent to the Lido Restaurant. The ship features an expanded spa, an Internet center, a special playroom for children and Club HAL, a complete youth program for young cruisers age 5-17. A full-time Club HAL director is on all sailings to coordinate age-appropriate activities - especially appreciated by guests on summer Caribbean cruises which are extremely popular with families.