Holland America Noordam Reviews: 0 Real Travelers Spill Why This Cruise Ship Got a 0/5 — Must-Read!

Holland America Noordam Review: A Luxurious Cruise Ship Built for Comfort and Adventure

The Holland America Noordam is a cruise ship that combines timeless elegance with modern amenities, making it a favorite choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure on the high seas. Part of Holland America's impressive Vista-class, Noordam offers a wide range of experiences that cater to guests looking for everything from fine dining to lively entertainment. Whether you're embarking on a long voyage or a shorter getaway, this ship promises a top-tier experience with its blend of luxury and practicality.

Detailed Specs & Features

The Noordam, launched in 2006, boasts a sleek design with a length of 936 feet and a beam of 106 feet, making it a spacious and comfortable vessel. The ship features 11 decks that accommodate a variety of public spaces, entertainment venues, and luxurious staterooms. With a gross tonnage of 82,318 GT and a displacement of 82,000 tons, this ship is built to provide plenty of room for its passengers without ever feeling cramped.

One of the standout features of the Noordam is its capacity. With space for 1,918 passengers at double occupancy, and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,506, the ship can handle a substantial number of guests. The ship also boasts a 2.41:1 passenger-to-crew ratio, ensuring a high level of personalized service during your cruise. The 811 crew members on board are ready to provide top-tier service at every turn. The cabin options are plentiful, from inside cabins to more luxurious suites, with a total of 986 cabins onboard, 659 of which have balconies for those who want to enjoy the view from the comfort of their room.

When it comes to performance, the Noordam is powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system with two Azipod propellers, offering a smooth and stable cruising experience. The ship can reach a maximum speed of 24 knots, with a service speed of 20 knots, making it suitable for both leisurely cruising and longer, more extensive voyages. Its cruising range of 2,000 nautical miles ensures that you can travel to distant locations without worrying about frequent stops for refueling.

Design & Build

With a focus on aesthetics and functionality, the Noordam exudes elegance throughout its design. The ship is constructed from steel and features high ceilings and expansive spaces that ensure a sense of openness, even when the ship is at full capacity. Passengers can enjoy the large indoor promenade, stretching for over 8,600 inches, which adds to the ship's spacious feel. Notably, the ship was built in Marghera, Italy, a renowned shipyard, ensuring high craftsmanship and attention to detail. The vessel was also recently refurbished in 2024, which likely brought fresh design updates to keep it modern and appealing for today's cruise-goers.

Performance

The specifications suggest that the Noordam is built for a smooth sailing experience, with features like stabilizers and bow thrusters for enhanced maneuverability and stability. The ship is equipped with two Azipod podded propulsion units that offer excellent fuel efficiency and better control compared to traditional propulsion systems. The engine power, provided by manufacturers like Wartsila-Sulzer and MAN B&W, delivers a total of 62,600 kW, ensuring the ship glides through the water with ease.

Extra Features

The Noordam goes above and beyond when it comes to amenities and onboard activities. For dining, there are seven different venues, including four restaurants, one buffet restaurant, and two specialty restaurants. The ship's culinary offerings are overseen by renowned chefs like Rudi Sodamin, Masaharu Morimoto, and Ethan Stowell, ensuring that meals are more than just sustenance; they're an experience. Guests can also enjoy beverage packages, wine cellar access with sommelier services, and even culinary classes for those looking to take their food appreciation to the next level.

In terms of recreation, Noordam has plenty to offer. The ship has two swimming pools, five jacuzzis, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and yoga/pilates studios. Whether you're in the mood for relaxation or something more active, there are options for all. However, don't expect rock climbing walls or water slides. Instead, this ship focuses on providing more refined options for leisure, including an adult-only area, a kids' club, and a teen lounge for younger passengers. This makes the Noordam a great choice for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Luxurious design and spacious decks for a comfortable cruising experience
Variety of dining options and renowned chef partnerships for an elevated culinary experience
Wide range of onboard activities suitable for all ages, from kids' clubs to adult-only areas

Cons

Lack of high-adrenaline features like a rock climbing wall or water slides
High price point compared to other cruise lines in the same class

Price & Value for Money

When it comes to pricing, the Noordam might not be the cheapest option on the market. With prices ranging from $829 at CruiseDirect, it is clear that this is a premium offering. However, when considering the quality of service, the luxury amenities, and the extensive range of activities and dining options, the Noordam does offer significant value for the price. If you're looking for a cruise with all the bells and whistles, this ship is likely to deliver in spades.

Quick Take

The Holland America Noordam is a top-tier cruise ship that caters to a wide range of passengers. With a beautiful design, ample amenities, and a strong focus on quality service, it provides a well-rounded cruise experience for those willing to pay a premium. The lack of extreme thrill activities might not suit everyone, but for most travelers, the Noordam hits the mark.

Closing Recommendation

If you're in the market for a luxurious, all-inclusive cruise experience that offers a blend of relaxation and adventure, the Holland America Noordam should definitely be on your radar. It's ideal for those looking for a refined, family-friendly, and well-equipped ship for a memorable voyage.

Verdict

Rating: Based on the specifications and overall feature set, we believe Holland America Noordam deserves 4.5 out of 5.

Winner Feature => Its elegant design and top-notch dining options set it apart from many other cruise ships.
Needs Improvement => While the ship offers a great overall experience, it lacks some high-energy entertainment options like rock climbing or water slides.