Exploring HAL's Volendam in Vancouver

PAX had a chance to tour Holland America’s Volendam in Vancouver and sat down with Business Development Manager Tom Steer to talk about the ship.

PAX: At 61,000 tons, the Volendam is almost a small ship in today’s standards, compared to the mega ships out there. Tell us about this class of ships.

Tom Steer: The Volendam is one of six ships in our R and S class vessels, which includes the Zaandam, Maasdam, Veendam, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. They carry between 1,200 and 1,400 guests. She was just drydocked last winter and many of her public areas and staterooms have been refreshed, reflecting a nice mix of contemporary and traditional decor.

PAX: As we walked through the public areas, there certainly is a sense of intimacy and a cozy feel.

Steer: Absolutely. The Volendam is perfect for guests looking for a more intimate experience, where they can get to know their fellow guests and crew members on a much more personal level. It’s easy to find your way around, and her size allows for docking at smaller ports and access remote areas that the big ships cannot. For this reason, we normally deploy her to longer and more exotic sailings. In 2020 she will sail a 77-day voyage around South America, including Antarctica.

READ MORE: Agents tour Holland America’s revitalized Westerdam in Vancouver

Tips for agents

PAX: What should agents know about the Volendam and the R & S class ships when selling to clients?

Steer: This class of ships appeals to clients seeking destination immersion, to meet like-minded travelers, and the onboard ambience I previously mentioned. There are a variety of oceanview accommodations onboard, but balconies are only available in the suite category, which means they are a higher price point when compared to another ship that has standard balcony staterooms. Also onboard these ships, we offer unique lanai staterooms (Category CA) where a sliding glass door opens to the wrap-around promenade deck, allowing easy access to the outdoors.

PAX: Speaking of longer sailings, tell us about the recently introduced EXC-Indepth voyages.

Steer: The EXC-Indepth Voyages is how we are giving our guests another level of immersion in the destinations we sail to. It is the same Holland America experience but with a touch of soft adventure. The sailings are onboard the Maasdam which carries only 1,258 guests. She is outfitted with a fleet of zodiacs, and an entire team of photography, history, wildlife, arts and culture experts. The expedition team educate and socialize with guests onboard, and accompany them on excursions to provide full immersion into off-the-beaten path ports. Sailings range from 12-20 days, but can be combined to make a 239-day voyage around the South Pacific, Asia and Alaska.

PAX: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Steer: We’ve just launched the new HAL Academy, with rewards at silver, gold and platinum levels. Agents can log onto www.GoHal.com to complete the training. As well, we have our Explore4 promotion going on until Nov. 19, offering a complimentary Signature Beverage Package, dinner for two at our specialty restaurant Pinnacle Grill, and more. Explore4 applies to more than 600 sailings including Cuba, and sailings on our newest ship Nieuw Statendam.