Holland America Noordam: Complete Guide & Ship Overview
Named after the northern compass point, the MS Noordam is a testament to classic cruise elegance. As a proud member of Holland America Line’s renowned Vista-class, the Noordam beautifully blends traditional maritime heritage with modern amenities. Whether you are planning a bucket-list Alaskan expedition or a sun-soaked Pacific journey, this ship offers a refined, mid-sized cruising experience free from the overwhelming crowds of modern mega-ships.
Technical Specifications
Before diving into the onboard experience, here is a quick look at the ship's core statistics. Its mid-sized footprint allows it to navigate scenic, narrower waterways (like Alaska's Inside Passage) while still offering expansive onboard venues.
82,318 GT
Gross Tonnage
1,924 Maximum
Passenger Capacity
800
Crew Size
2006
Year Built
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Home Port
Dining & Culinary Experiences
Holland America Line is celebrated for its culinary excellence, and the Noordam delivers a rich variety of dining options, from elegant multi-course meals to casual poolside bites.
-
The Dining Room: The multi-level main dining venue offers a sophisticated atmosphere for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features classic cruise fare, regional specialties based on the itinerary, and vegetarian/vegan options.
-
Pinnacle Grill: The ship’s premier specialty steakhouse. For a cover charge, guests can enjoy premium cuts of beef, sustainably sourced seafood, and an extensive, award-winning wine list.
-
Canaletto: An authentic, family-style Italian restaurant located in a dedicated section of the Lido Market. Perfect for sharing hearty pastas and classic Italian desserts.
-
Lido Market: A modern, casual marketplace featuring curated food stations rather than a traditional buffet. Grab freshly baked bread, custom salads, carved meats, and international dishes.
-
Dive-In: Located by the Lido pool, this is the go-to spot for gourmet burgers, Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, and perfectly seasoned French fries.
Entertainment & Onboard Activities
he Noordam focuses on cultural enrichment, world-class live music, and relaxation rather than water slides and go-karts.
The Music Walk Experience
Holland America is famous for the "Music Walk," a collection of venues offering the best live music at sea:
-
B.B. King's Blues Club: An eight-piece band brings the soulful sounds of Memphis directly to the ocean, playing R&B, funk, and classic blues.
-
Billboard Onboard: Two dueling pianists play chart-topping hits spanning several decades, encouraging crowd participation and singalongs.
Enrichment and Relaxation
-
Museum-Quality Art Collection: The ship is a floating gallery. Take a self-guided walking tour to view 19th-century oil paintings, contemporary photography, and historical maritime artifacts.
-
Greenhouse Spa & Salon: A tranquil sanctuary offering heated ceramic loungers, hydrotherapy pools, and a full menu of massage and facial treatments.
-
Explorations Café: Powered by The New York Times, this is a cozy library and coffeehouse hybrid where you can read, play board games, or enjoy panoramic ocean views.
Staterooms & Suites
Accommodations on the Noordam are designed with classic maritime touches, including signature Mariner's Dream™ beds and plush Euro-top mattresses.
-
Inside Staterooms: The most budget-friendly option, offering cozy, well-appointed spaces without a window.
-
Oceanview Staterooms: Featuring a large picture window, these rooms allow natural light and beautiful views of the passing scenery.
-
Verandah Staterooms: The most popular category. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to a private balcony, perfect for viewing glaciers or tropical sunsets.
-
Signature & Neptune Suites: For those seeking luxury, suites offer vastly expanded square footage, oversized balconies, dual-sink vanities, and exclusive access to the Neptune Lounge (for Neptune Suite guests).
Expert Insider Tips for the MS Noordam
Want to cruise like a seasoned Holland America Mariner? Keep these secret workarounds and ship-specific quirks in mind to maximize your time onboard the Noordam.
1. The Deck 5 Balcony Exception
If you love aft-facing views, pay close attention to the deck plans. On most of Holland America's Vista-class ships, the aft balconies on Deck 5 are fully covered by the deck above. However, the Noordam is the exception — its Deck 5 aft balconies are entirely uncovered. If you prefer a shaded retreat to avoid the sun or rain, you will want to book your aft stateroom on Deck 4 or Deck 6 instead.
2. The "Curved" Suite Trade-Off
The exterior architecture of the Vista-class features a distinct curve toward the aft of the ship. Staterooms located right on this curve (such as S7087 and S7088) offer a unique trade-off: the interior cabin space is slightly smaller than a standard suite, but the balconies are massive and wrap around the hull, offering incredible panoramic views.
3. Skip the Dive-In Line
Dive-In serves some of the best gourmet burgers and fries at sea, meaning the line by the Lido pool can get long during peak lunch hours. To bypass the queue entirely, open the Holland America Navigator App, place your custom order digitally, and simply walk up to the counter when your food is ready to be picked up.
4. Ask for the "Crew Food"
If you build a good rapport with your servers in the Main Dining Room or Lido Market, politely ask if there is any "crew food" available that day. The culinary team frequently prepares highly authentic regional dishes — often Filipino or Indian curries and stews — specifically for the staff. If there is extra, they are usually thrilled to share these off-menu dishes with interested guests.
5. Find the Acoustic Chamber
The Noordam features a fun architectural quirk hidden in plain sight. In certain circular spaces on the ship with domed ceilings, there is an "acoustic chamber" effect. If you stand directly dead-center under the light fixture and speak, your voice will bounce back to you as if you are trapped inside a sealed chamber, yet anyone standing just a few feet away won't hear the echo at all.
MS NoordamMain Dining Room
MS Noordam
MS Noordam Spa
MS Noordam Explorations Cafe
MS Noordam Suites
