Top five reasons to cruise on the MS Volendam
- Room with a View
Admire a breathtaking 270 degree view from the ship during the day at the Crow’s Nest and let loose at night when the space converts into a lively nightclub. - Cooking Classes
On a MS Volendam cruise you can try your hand at cooking with the help of The Culinary Arts Center. Presented by Food & Wine Magazine, the centre holds cooking classes, taste testing and gourmet presentations. - Net Cafe
Enjoy a coffee while reading the morning paper, surfing the internet and browsing the library at The Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times. - Show Time
When the mood for entertainment strikes, head to The Frans Hals Show Lounge where you’ll find a range of live performances by dancers, illusionists, comedians, vocalists and variety acts. - Greenhouse Spa
Spoil yourself with a pamper session at the Greenhouse Spa which offers a range of treatments including hot stone massages, facials and hair and nail services.
Holland America's As You Wish Dining lets passengers eat in the main dining hall whenever they like during either the early or late seating. Bookings can be made up to 4pm on the day, or just turn up. Inclusive dining Holland America-style is a feast for all the senses, with mouth-watering five course meals, gleaming white linens and elegant tableware. The onboard menu has been designed by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin - renowned international chef who is a member of various culinary institutions and has a number of cooking books under his belt. A kids menu of child favourites is offered each night. A range of international cuisines is represented, including chef's specials.
Other dining options are plentiful. The premium onboard dining experience can be found in the Pinnacle Grill, where an extensive wine list is expertly paired with your meal, which is served on Bvlgari china. The Lido Restaurant on the deck is a relaxed and informal buffet-style eatery, while other dining options include cafés, afternoon tea (and an enhanced Royal Dutch High Tea on one day per cruise), late night chocolate desserts, complimentary treats in the ice cream bar and hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour. Speciality restaurants can be pre-booked and some incur an additional per-person charge. Other onboard restaurants offer complimentary lunch and have a nominal charge for dinner.
The Rest
Complimentary 24 hour room-service is available for all passengers.
Dietary requirements should be advised at least 90 days before departure or at the time of booking.
The dining and onboard dress code is either smart casual or formal. No shorts, jeans or beachwear in public areas after 6pm.
The MS Volendam offers a supervised kids and youth programs for cruisers aged 3 to 17 years as well as dedicated kids and teen areas. All youth program staff are either permanent or full time, with degrees in education or child or youth related disciplines. Staff are trained to work with children with special needs, who are invited to join in the activities with others their own age. Sea and port day activities are on in the morning, afternoon and evening depending on child numbers on board the ship.
In Club HAL Kids, cruisers aged 3 to 7 take part in arts, crafts, pirate treasure hunts, ice cream sundae parties and more, all specifically designed for their age group. Tweens aged 8 to 12 years can take part in sports events, scavenger hunts, discos and theme parties among other activities. On board Alaska cruises, Tweens get the chance to join in the award-winning National Park Service Jr. Ranger Program. The Loft and The Oasis is for teenagers aged 15 to 17. With activities in their own space like sports events, movie screenings, trivia contests, video games, teen discos, karaoke sessions and more, teen cruisers will be happily entertained.
HAL Kids Culinary Workshops have been introduced onboard for age groups 3 to 7 years and 8 years and older (teenagers aged 15 and upwards are welcome to join the adult cooking workshops). These fun, hands-on cooking sessions take place in the Culinary Arts Centre and are complimentary.
Babysitting
Babysitting is available for children aged 3 and upwards between 10pm and 12am each night for a per-child nominal charge. In-room babysitting is offered as a limited service; passengers are advised to contact the ship's front desk to make arrangements. Also, guests are welcome to borrow a range of equipment such as high-chairs, strollers and cribs. This is a complimentary service.