Zuiderdam Statistics

Guest Capacity : 1,848
Crew : 800
Gross Tonnage : 85,000
Length : 951 ft.
Beam : 105.8 ft.
Draught : 25.59 ft.
Entered Service : December, 2002
Maximum Speed : 24 knots

The Zuiderdam entered service for Holland America Line as the first of four Vista Class Ships.  She was dedicated on December 14th, 2002 by Joan Lunden, long time co-host of United States television network ABC's 'Good Morning America' show.

Being the first ship in a new class, the Zuiderdam incorporated many of the hallmark traditions for which  Holland America Line is known.  She also took some bold, newer direction that many embraced and some did not.  The fact remains that some of the newer features have not only become popular enough to continue with her subsequent three sisters Oosterdam, Westerdam, and Noordam, but are also slated for Eurodam.

It was important for Zuiderdam to introduce change to Holland America Line guests and be the role model for the future.  Most importantly, Zuiderdam incorporates a lot of what Holland America Line has always provided.  Just one of these very important traditions is that of her extensive collection of antiques and centuries-old paintings throughout the ship.

The Zuiderdam is scheduled to enter dry dock in Palermo, Italy in the Spring of 2008 before her Europe season.  Among other enhancements, she will be receiving additional staterooms, new luxury shops, and will have the Explorations Café incorporated into the Crow's Nest Lounge.

Much as the Zuiderdam remains flexible and contemporary in terms of what she offers, this photologue will also do so and change in the future when photography is acquired of her new areas.  In the mean time, all photography reflects her state before April of 2008.

Zuiderdam introduced the use of brighter and more daring colour schemes.  This particularly suits her when she was pursuing Caribbean itineraries year round and when she only seasonally sails there.  Some of the colours have become more muted over time but Zuiderdam is still known for having this exciting scheme.

Zuiderdam hosts an eclectic collection of art pieces throughout.  The most recognized pieces throughout the ship include cast in bronze statues by Lebigre & Roger and the copies of weathervanes from atop the 'New York' hotel in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Paintings that Holland America Line guests have come to know and love include those by Captain Stephen Card.  He interprets the Holland America Line fleet of yesterday and today and his works adorn stairwell landings on all fleet mates.