Holland America's Volendam Celebrates 25 Years of Service

Holland America Line’s Volendam recently marked 25 years in service, having been delivered to the cruise line on October 25, 1999.

Constructed at Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard, the 1,440-passenger vessel debuted with its first voyage on November 12, 1999. The Volendam set sail from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades, offering a ten-day inaugural cruise to the Southern Caribbean.

Throughout the 1999-2000 winter season, the 60,000-ton ship continued to sail from South Florida, providing guests with seven- to ten-night Caribbean cruises.

Before its debut, the Volendam was christened by tennis legend Chris Evert, who served as its godmother. In keeping with Holland America’s tradition, the ship’s name was chosen to honor past vessels in the company’s fleet, including a previous Volendam built in the U.S. in the 1950s and operated by the company from 1972 to 1983.

Based on the Statendam-class design, the Volendam introduced new features, such as more deluxe balcony rooms and an alternative dining venue.

Currently in drydock in the Bahamas, the ship will resume service on November 9, departing from Fort Lauderdale on a 42-night journey to Europe. This round-trip cruise includes stops at over 15 destinations across the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Following this, the Volendam will embark on Holland America’s inaugural Pole to Pole Grand Voyage in late January 2025, and in the meantime, it will offer 14- to 21-night cruises to the Caribbean and Central America.

For the summer season, the Volendam is set to offer itineraries to Canada and New England, sailing from Montreal and Boston.