MS Volendam
MS Volendam is a Rotterdam-class cruise ship operated by Holland America Line.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
MS Volendam is a Rotterdam-class, also known as R-class, cruise ship operated by Holland America Line. Built by Fincantieri at its Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy, the vessel entered service in 1999 as the third Holland America ship to carry the Volendam name. Earlier ships with the same name were SS Volendam, which operated from 1922 to 1952, and another SS Volendam, which operated from 1972 to 1984. The ship was ordered on 12 July 1996 as part of Holland America Line's expansion of its modern cruise fleet. Its design was derived from the line's preceding S-class ships and was closely related to the Rotterdam-class vessels Rotterdam, Zaandam, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Volendam is approximately 237 metres long, with a beam of about 32.3 metres and a draft of approximately 8.1 metres. It has ten decks and passenger staterooms on six decks, with accommodation for about 1,432 guests. Its interior design uses flowers as a recurring theme, including floral decoration throughout the public spaces and a three-deck atrium sculpture by Italian artist Luciano Vistosi. Construction began with the cutting of the first steel in July 1997. Modular assembly followed in October, the keel was laid in February 1998, and the traditional coin ceremony took place in September of that year. Delivery and the maiden voyage were delayed from the original summer 1999 schedule because of shipyard delays and strikes. The vessel was eventually christened on 12 November 1999 by former professional tennis player Chris Evert, who served as its godmother, and began service with a ten-day Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale. During its operating career, Volendam has served a broad range of international itineraries. It has sailed in the Caribbean, Alaska, the Canadian Maritimes, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and numerous Asian markets. In 2002 it became the largest ship reported to have passed beneath Tokyo's Rainbow Bridge. The vessel was also used as a floating hotel in Jacksonville, Florida, during Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005. It first entered the Australian market in 2009 and later operated voyages around Australia, to Asian destinations and through the South Pacific. In 2011 it was chartered for itineraries connected with the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Volendam has undergone several significant modernization programs. A 2006 refit expanded the spa and fitness area above the bridge and added a children's facility. A larger 2014 renovation reshaped several public rooms into The Mix, introduced wine and martini-bar facilities, reconfigured the Explorer's Lounge, and converted 21 promenade-deck outside cabins into lanai staterooms. Suite bathrooms were also upgraded. In 2019, 196 suites were renovated in Freeport, Bahamas. A three-week dry dock in the Bahamas in October 2024 upgraded lower-category interior and ocean-view staterooms, renamed and reworked the Explorations Cafe area as the Library, Library Cafe and Game Room, added an art studio and reconfigured retail space. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted Volendam's normal passenger operation in March 2020. Port restrictions and border closures forced the ship to return to Port Everglades ahead of schedule, after which it remained out of regular service for an extended period. It entered dry dock in Cadiz in February 2022 for cosmetic work and preparation for its return. Instead of immediately resuming passenger cruises, the ship was chartered by the City of Rotterdam from May to September 2022 to house Ukrainian refugees. Holland America Line staff provided meals and onboard services. After the charter, Volendam participated in a GoodFuels biofuel trial while docked in Rotterdam, using the fuel for hotel-load power rather than propulsion. The ship departed Rotterdam on 14 September 2022 and resumed cruise operations with a voyage to Trieste, followed by a Holy Land and Ancient Kingdoms itinerary. Its broader identity is therefore that of a long-serving Holland America Line cruise vessel combining traditional ocean-travel styling, global itineraries, periodic refurbishment and occasional charter or special-purpose use.
History
MS Volendam is the third Holland America Line vessel to use the Volendam name. The first was SS Volendam, which operated between 1922 and 1952, while a later SS Volendam served from 1972 to 1984. The present vessel was ordered from Fincantieri on 12 July 1996 as part of Holland America Line's development of a new generation of Rotterdam-class cruise ships. The ship was constructed at Fincantieri's Marghera yard in Venice. Steel cutting began on 1 July 1997, module assembly started on 13 October 1997 and the keel was laid on 27 February 1998. A coin ceremony was held on 18 September 1998. Delivery was initially expected in July 1999, with a Canadian Maritimes maiden voyage later that month, but delays affecting shipyard newbuildings and industrial action pushed delivery to October and the maiden voyage to November. Volendam was christened on 12 November 1999 by former tennis player Chris Evert and began service with a ten-day Caribbean voyage from Fort Lauderdale. The vessel belongs to the Rotterdam or R class, whose design developed the extended-hull concept associated with Holland America Line's S-class ships. Its sister ships include Zaandam, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The ship measures about 237 metres in length, 32.3 metres across its beam and 8.1 metres in draft. Ten decks are provided, with passenger staterooms on six decks and capacity for approximately 1,432 guests. The interior is organized around a floral design concept. One of its most prominent features is a three-storey atrium sculpture by Luciano Vistosi. Volendam's early service included conventional Caribbean and North American cruises. In October 2002, during its first Orient cruise, it became the largest ship reported to have passed beneath Tokyo's Rainbow Bridge. In 2005 the vessel served as a floating hotel in Jacksonville, Florida, in connection with Super Bowl XXXIX. A 2006 refit extended the upper superstructure forward, enabling expansion of the spa and gym above the bridge, and created a children's room near the funnel. The ship broadened its geographic role over the following decade. It entered the Australian market in 2009 and later operated voyages around Australia, to New Zealand and through the South Pacific. A 2010 call at Batemans Bay was cancelled shortly before arrival because of operational issues; local reporting linked the episode to questions about wharf arrangements. In 2011 Volendam was chartered for travel associated with the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. The vessel also developed a regular role in Alaska's Inside Passage during northern summers, while visiting Asian destinations including Japan, China, South Korea and Vietnam on other deployments. In 2012 it hosted an Inside Passage cruise marking the centenary of the Vancouver Sun, and in 2013 it called at Kangaroo Island after a landing pontoon made the destination more suitable for cruise visits. On 9 March 2016, the ship hosted astronomy enthusiasts while observing a total solar eclipse from the Makassar Strait. A substantial 2014 refurbishment remodeled the Casino Bar, Piano Bar and Seaview Lounge into The Mix, incorporating wine and martini-bar concepts. The Explorer's Lounge was opened into a more flexible floor plan. Twenty-one promenade-deck outside cabins became lanai staterooms with large sliding glass doors, while suite bathrooms received new fixtures, finishes, lighting, stone surfaces and showers or whirlpool bathtubs. In 2019, SMS Group carried out another refit in Freeport, Bahamas, renovating 196 suites. The pandemic brought normal operations to an abrupt halt. On 20 March 2020, border closures and port restrictions required Volendam to return to Port Everglades two days early. Passengers disembarked, but the ship and its crew remained out of regular service for an extended period. After the pause, Volendam spent 16 days in dry dock in Cadiz from 9 to 24 February 2022, receiving minor cosmetic improvements and preparation work. Its planned return to cruising was delayed when the City of Rotterdam chartered the ship as temporary accommodation for Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The charter began in May 2022 and was extended through 14 September. Holland America Line supplied meals and hotel services, and a later commemorative display was planned to preserve artwork and mementos from the families hosted onboard. At the end of the Rotterdam charter, Volendam became the second cruise ship used by the company in a GoodFuels biofuel test. The drop-in fuel required no shipboard conversion and was used for hotel-load electricity while the ship was docked. The trial was reported as producing a substantial lifecycle-emissions reduction compared with marine gas oil during the final part of the test. Volendam then departed Rotterdam on 14 September 2022 for Trieste and resumed passenger service with a 14-day Holy Land and Ancient Kingdoms itinerary. In October 2024 the vessel entered a three-week dry dock in the Bahamas for a reported refurbishment costing approximately $8 million. The work upgraded lower-category ocean-view and interior rooms, converted the Explorations Cafe concept into the Library, Library Cafe and Game Room, replaced the Queen's Room with an art studio and reconfigured retail space. Volendam remains an active Holland America Line ship serving international cruise markets. It also appeared briefly in the 2005 film Into the Blue while docked at Nassau's Prince George Wharf.
- 2024
Bahamas refurbishment
[1]A three-week dry dock upgraded staterooms, public spaces, retail facilities and onboard programming.
- 2022
Cadiz dry dock
[1]The ship spent 16 days in Cadiz for cosmetic work and preparation for its return to service.
- 2022
Rotterdam refugee accommodation charter
[1]The City of Rotterdam chartered Volendam to house Ukrainian refugees from May through 14 September.
- 2022
Biofuel trial
[1]The ship tested GoodFuels drop-in biofuel for dockside hotel-load operations.
- 2022
Return to passenger cruising
[1]Volendam departed Rotterdam for Trieste on 14 September and resumed passenger operations.
- 2020
Pandemic service suspension
[1]Volendam returned to Port Everglades after port restrictions and border closures interrupted its cruise schedule.
- 2019
Suite renovation
[1]A Freeport refit renovated 196 suites.
- 2014
Public-space and stateroom renovation
[1]The Mix was created, the Explorer's Lounge was reconfigured and 21 cabins were converted into lanai staterooms.
- 2009
Australian market entry
[1]Volendam began operating in the Australian cruise market.
- 2006
First major refit
[1]The upper superstructure, spa and gym areas were modified and a children's room was added.
Products and positioning
A mid-sized, traditionally styled Holland America Line cruise ship positioned around destination-focused itineraries, classic public spaces, comfortable stateroom accommodation and a quieter onboard experience than the largest resort-style cruise ships.
Cruise transportation and travel · 1999
MS Volendam cruise voyages
Volendam's primary offering is passenger cruising under the Holland America Line brand. The ship has operated Caribbean, Alaska, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, South Pacific, Asian and Mediterranean-related itineraries, including regional cruises, extended voyages and repositioning cruises. Its mid-sized design supports destination-focused travel while retaining multiple dining, entertainment, enrichment, wellness and accommodation spaces.
Passenger accommodation · 1999
Staterooms and suites
The ship provides passenger staterooms on six of its ten decks, with capacity for approximately 1,432 guests. Accommodation has included standard interior and ocean-view rooms, suites and lanai staterooms created from 21 promenade-deck outside cabins during the 2014 renovation. Later refits upgraded suite bathrooms and refreshed lower-category rooms.
Hospitality and leisure · 1999
Onboard public spaces and entertainment
Volendam offers public areas built around Holland America Line's traditional cruise aesthetic. Its floral interior theme includes a prominent atrium sculpture. Renovations have added or reshaped venues such as The Mix, wine and martini-bar facilities, the Library, Library Cafe and Game Room, an art studio, the Explorer's Lounge and retail areas.
Marketing campaigns
- 2022Ukrainian refugee accommodation charter
Rotterdam · Netherlands
The City of Rotterdam chartered Volendam as temporary accommodation for Ukrainian refugees after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Holland America Line employees continued to provide meals and hotel-style services.
Outcome. The charter was extended through 14 September 2022. Holland America Line planned a permanent display of artwork and mementos created by hosted families.
- 2016Makassar Strait eclipse voyage
Indonesia · International astronomy tourism
Volendam hosted astronomy organizations, eclipse followers and other passengers during an extended Asian itinerary timed to the total solar eclipse of 9 March 2016.
Outcome. The ship provided an at-sea viewing platform in the Makassar Strait and incorporated specialist astronomy participation into its cruise experience.
Brand decisions
2024
Bahamas dry-dock refurbishmentOtherBackground
Holland America Line continued extending the useful life and guest appeal of the established Rotterdam-class vessel.
Action taken
Volendam entered a three-week dry dock for stateroom upgrades, public-space renovations, a new art studio, refreshed library facilities and retail-space changes.
Aftermath
The refurbishment maintained Volendam as an active ship in Holland America Line's fleet.
Reported refurbishment cost. $8 million (October 2024)
2022
Temporary conversion to refugee accommodationStrategyBackground
Volendam had been out of normal cruise service during the pandemic, while Rotterdam needed additional accommodation for Ukrainians displaced by the war.
Action taken
The City of Rotterdam chartered the vessel and retained Holland America Line staff to deliver meals and onboard services.
Aftermath
The charter lasted through 14 September 2022, after which the ship returned to cruise operations.
2022
GoodFuels biofuel testOtherBackground
The cruise industry was testing lower-carbon marine fuels that could reduce emissions without extensive vessel conversion.
Action taken
Volendam tested a drop-in biofuel supplied by GoodFuels while docked in Rotterdam, using it for hotel-load power rather than propulsion.
Aftermath
The reported trial required no special shipboard refit and was associated with a substantial lifecycle carbon reduction compared with marine gas oil during the final 15 days.
Lifecycle CO2 emissions reduction. 78% reduction (Final 15 days of the biofuel trial)
2014
Public-space and accommodation modernizationGeneration changeBackground
The aging cruise ship required updated public venues and more differentiated accommodation.
Action taken
Holland America Line created The Mix, reconfigured the Explorer's Lounge, converted 21 cabins into lanai staterooms and renovated suite bathrooms.
Aftermath
The work refreshed the ship's hospitality offer while preserving its existing mid-sized layout.
1996
Commissioning of a new Rotterdam-class shipStrategyBackground
Holland America Line was expanding its modern fleet with ships derived from the line's S-class design.
Action taken
The company ordered Volendam from Fincantieri for construction at the Marghera shipyard.
Aftermath
The vessel entered service in 1999 as part of Holland America Line's international cruise fleet.
Recent events
- 2024
Volendam receives a major 2024 dry-dock refurbishment[1]
Other
A three-week Bahamas dry dock upgraded staterooms, public spaces, the library and cafe area, retail facilities and onboard creative programming.
- 2022
Rotterdam charters Volendam as a shelter for Ukrainian refugees[1]
Other
The City of Rotterdam used the ship to accommodate Ukrainian refugees from May until 14 September 2022, with Holland America Line staff providing onboard services.
- 2022
Volendam participates in a biofuel trial[1]
Other
After its refugee-shelter charter, the ship tested a drop-in biofuel supplied by GoodFuels while docked in Rotterdam. The trial powered hotel-load operations rather than propulsion.
- 2022
Volendam resumes cruising after its pandemic pause[1]
Product launch
The vessel departed Rotterdam on 14 September and proceeded to Trieste for the first passenger cruise since March 2020.
- 2020
Volendam leaves passenger service during the COVID-19 disruption[1]
Regulation · Other
Port restrictions and border closures caused the ship to return to Port Everglades ahead of schedule and remain out of normal passenger service.
- 2016
Volendam observes a total solar eclipse in Indonesia[1]
Other
During an extended Asian voyage, the ship hosted astronomy groups and eclipse observers for the total solar eclipse visible over the Makassar Strait.
- 2011
Volendam is chartered for Rugby World Cup-related travel[1]
Other
The ship was chartered to visit destinations associated with the Rugby World Cup hosted by New Zealand.
- 2009
Volendam enters the Australian market[1]
Other
The ship began serving Australian cruise markets, later expanding its regional itineraries to New Zealand and the South Pacific.
- 2005
Volendam becomes a floating hotel during Super Bowl XXXIX[1]
Other
The ship was used as floating accommodation in Jacksonville, Florida, during the Super Bowl period.
- 1999
MS Volendam is delayed before its planned maiden voyage[1]
Other
Shipyard delays and strikes moved delivery and the maiden voyage from the original summer schedule to November 1999.
Sources1 sources
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