Vista class · Holland America · In service since 2002
Zuiderdam
Zuiderdam is a Vista class cruise ship operated by Holland America, in service since 2002. At about 82,820 gross tons, it carries roughly 2,388 guests and ranks #9 by size in the 11-ship Holland America fleet we cover.
- 82,820 gross tons
- 2,388 guests
- 936 ft long
Photo: Br100x, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- Holland America Line
- Ship class
- Vista class
- Entered service
- 2002 (24 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 82,820
- Guests
- 2,388
- Length
- 936 ft (285.4 m)
- Speed
- 24 knots
- Builder
- Fincantieri
- Flag
- Netherlands
- IMO number
- 9221279
About Zuiderdam
Zuiderdam was Holland America’s first Vista-class ship when she arrived in 2002, and she changed the fleet by adding far more balcony cabins than earlier vessels offered. Her interiors are bolder and more colorful than the line’s other ships, with a striking art collection that some guests love and others find busy. She keeps the classic Holland America elements, including a wraparound promenade, a two-deck dining room aft and the Crow’s Nest. Zuiderdam is often given longer, port-rich itineraries, with Panama Canal transits and South American voyages featuring alongside Caribbean and European sailings.
Best for: Cruisers who want a reasonably sized, traditional ship for longer voyages such as the Panama Canal or South America.
Zuiderdam highlights
- Colorful, art-filled interiors that set her apart from her sisters
- Crow’s Nest, a forward lounge high above the bow
- Two-deck main dining room with aft windows
- Specialty dining at the Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto
- Teak promenade deck that wraps around the ship
How Zuiderdam compares in size
- Koningsdam99,836
- Rotterdam99,500
- Nieuw Statendam99,500
- Nieuw Amsterdam86,273
- Eurodam86,273
- Noordam82,897
- Westerdam82,862
- Oosterdam82,820
- Zuiderdam82,820
- Zaandam61,396
- Volendam61,214
Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.
Vista class sister ships
Sailing with Holland America
Holland America Line is a classic premium cruise line with mid-size ships, live music, traditional service and especially strong Alaska, Panama Canal and long-voyage programs. The atmosphere is calm and mature, with good food and plenty of room to relax. It suits couples and retirees who value comfort and destinations over thrills, and it’s a less natural fit for young families or nightlife seekers.
Read our full Holland America guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →
Zuiderdam FAQs
How big is Zuiderdam?
Zuiderdam measures about 82,820 gross tons and is about 936 feet (285 m) long. That makes it #9 of 11 Holland America ships we cover by tonnage, and #165 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does Zuiderdam carry?
About 2,388 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.
When was Zuiderdam built?
Zuiderdam entered service in 2002 and was built by Fincantieri. Older ships are often refurbished, so ask about recent upgrades when you compare sailings.
What class of ship is Zuiderdam?
Zuiderdam belongs to Holland America's Vista class, alongside Noordam, Westerdam, Oosterdam. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is Zuiderdam good for families?
Club HAL runs supervised activities for children and teens in age groups, mostly during summer, holidays and Alaska sailings. Facilities are modest compared with family-focused lines, so it suits kids who enjoy nature, scenery and a quieter ship. Facilities vary by ship, so check what Zuiderdam offers for your kids' ages.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, Holland America official site.