Zaandam’s Dutch interior architect, Frans Dingemans, designed the 22-foot high pipe organ that occupies, if not overwhelms, the ship’s Atrium. The design, interpreted by the sculptor Gilbert LeBigre whose work is seen throughout the Holland America fleet, is a fitting complement to Zaandam’s theme: music! More subtle links to the musical theme run throughout the ship, including the wall and window treatments. Zaandam is the third Holland America ship to carry the name.
Surrounding the Atrium is the business of business – Front Office, Shore Excursion Desk, a Photo Shop and nearby Photo Gallery. Also on hand is the Art Gallery, but unlike the ship’s artwork, these pieces are for sale! Also for sale are clothing, jewelry, small electronics, Holland American logo gift items and various sundries, all available within the numerous Boutiques, Gourmet Shop, and Shopping Arcade.
Leading from the Atrium are the halls and promenades which connect most of Zaandam’s indoor “business” areas with the entertainment and recreation venues.
New for the Zaandam is a recent addition to most all Holland America ships - Explorations Café. Powered by The New York Times, this venue rolls a library, coffee & pastry bar and Internet café all into one beautifully functional space. Pick up your favorite espresso, sink into one of the cushy oceanview lounge chairs and plug into your favorite music. Holland America guests love their jigsaw puzzles so there’s always a table devoted entirely to “the puzzle.” Finish it and you’ll get another!
Also new is the Culinary Arts Center. It’s here where you can attend complimentary cooking demonstrations – classes cost extra. The center is outfitted with a complete kitchen on the stage; and so that you don’t miss a single pinch of salt, large, plasma screens are mounted on the ceiling for all to see. Signature sailings offer the talents of renowned chefs and wine experts. When there’s nothing cooking, the room functions as the familiar Wajang Theater, serving up movies and fresh-popped popcorn!
The Hudson Room serves as card room, but can easily be converted to a small function room for a private party, seminar or conference.
For swimming, there are two main pools from which to choose – one features an all-weather sliding dome roof and is positioned in the center of the Lido Deck action. The other features solitude!
Lido Pool, the “center stage” choice, is well-positioned for food! The outdoor Terrace Grill tempts with hamburgers, chicken burgers, and a rotating treat of regional fare such as Indonesian, Mexican, or Indian. The more substantial, buffet-style Lido Restaurant is close by. Whirlpools and a wading pool are handy, too. If the Lido Pool is strategic for food, then the quieter Outside Pool is well-positioned for views, with 270-degree vistas above the ship’s wake.
Every Holland America ship offers the age-old tradition of a Promenade which wraps entirely around its waist. Beautifully-maintained teak decking and deep-cushioned, wooden deck chairs complete the timeless picture. Well, not quiet – today’s “promenaders” are as likely to be joggers or power walkers as they are to be idle strollers. But, whatever your speed – about three and-a-half times around completes a mile!
Four of the five accommodation decks – all but the top-most Navigation Deck (interestingly, where all the suites are located) – offer small, self-service launderettes. Laundry and dry-cleaning service is available, as well.
