Introduced in 2006, the Holland America Noordam has a guest capacity of 1,918 and weighs in at 82,318 tons. Dining onboard is enjoyed in three restaurants: the Vista Dining Room, the intimate Pinnacle Grill, and the casual Lido Restaurant, and guests interested in food preparation can learn from professional instruction in the Culinary Arts Center. Kids have exclusive areas too on the Noordam, with Club HAL for ages 3 – 12 and The Loft for ages 13 – 17.
Holland America cruises receive high praise for their attentive staff, beautiful destinations, and overall organization. Many guests highlight the excellent service and memorable excursions, especially in scenic locations like Alaska and Australia/New Zealand. However, there are recurring criticisms regarding food quality and variety, aging ships, and some reductions in services and amenities. Entertainment and activities are generally enjoyed, though some guests find them lacking in variety or professionalism. The cruise line is seen as offering good value, but some feel recent price increases and service cuts are noticeable. Overall, the experience is positive, with standout service and destinations, but with room for improvement in dining, ship updates, and some specialty services.
Service is consistently highlighted as a strong point, with staff described as friendly, helpful, and attentive. Some isolated complaints about specific staff members or post-cruise customer service exist, but the overall impression is very positive.