Holland America Line's Zuiderdam returned to service Dec. 6 (following a two-week dry dock in the Bahamas), with redesigned spaces and expanded accommodations. The Vista-class ship embarked guests in Miami for a 17-day Eastern & Southern Caribbean cruise, showcasing upgrades including a transformed Crow's Nest, 11 additional ocean-view staterooms and refreshed public areas throughout the vessel.
The Crow's Nest received a newly added bandstand stage designed for intimate performances and events, along with upgraded lighting and audio systems to accommodate small-scale live music, lectures and other speaking engagements. The venue now serves as a versatile entertainment space with panoramic vistas.
Zuiderdam added 11 ocean-view staterooms on decks one and seven for additional guest capacity. The refresh included new carpeting in all verandah cabins on decks five through 10 and in Neptune, Signature and Pinnacle suites. Verandah staterooms on deck eight received complete bathroom renovations with new vanities, mirrors, bathtubs, flooring and wall surfaces. Approximately 300 other staterooms received new bathroom floors and fresh wallpaper.
Public spaces also received attention, with new carpeting installed in the Dining Room, Lido Market, Canaletto, guest corridors, stairwells, elevator lobbies and the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. The Atrium features new carpeting and refreshed paint, and Canaletto and Lido Market have updated dining chair and banquette upholstery. The Photo Gallery now includes a redesigned sales counter and retail space, and new furniture was added to the outdoor deck and hydro-pool area.
Additionally, the line announced its 2027 Alaska Cruisetour season with an expanded Denali Lodge and new inclusive dining package ahead of the brand's 80th anniversary exploring Alaska. The package is offered free to guests booking with the Have It All Early Booking Bonus and includes breakfast and dinner at Holland America properties in Denali, Skagway and Dawson City, plus lunch onboard the McKinley Explorer railcars, the Music of Denali dinner theater and lunch during the Tundra Wilderness Tour.
"Guests want an inclusive experience and the seamless convenience of cruising carried through their entire journey — this free meal plan delivers that all the way to Denali," said Dan Rough, vice president of revenue management. "Because Holland America Line owns lodges, railcars and motorcoaches, and now includes meals, we can create a truly unified experience that takes the guesswork out of travel and lets guests simply savor the journey."
Denali Lodge Renovation
The Denali Lodge is undergoing a $70 million transformation to be completed before the 2027 season, featuring new guestroom buildings, a reimagined main lodge with a contemporary restaurant, an upgraded coffee experience, refreshed public spaces and improved trail signage.
The 2027 season offers 19 itineraries pairing Alaska cruises with journeys into Denali National Park and Canada's Yukon onboard Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Westerdam or Zaandam.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on press releases distributed by Holland America Line. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
