Holland America Line’s Zaandam Returns to Service after Refurbishment
by Dori Saltzman
Photo: Holland America Line
Holland America’s Zaandam, which launched in 2000, recently completed a two-week dry dock in the Bahamas where it received several upgrades to public areas throughout the ship.
The new enhancements include expansions to the ship’s library and activity areas, upgrades to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon and Photo Gallery and Photo Studio, as well as refurbishments to the Neptune Lounge.
The Greenhouse Spa & Salon was one of the more significantly updated spaces with the thermal suite completely rebuilt to include a new infrared sauna, Caldarium steam room, and experiential rain shower. The spa’s relaxation lounge has new lounge seating, while the salon received new manicure stations, state-of-the-art pedicure thrones, as well as new salon chairs and shampoo wash basins. Work was also done during the dry dock to make the spa and salon areas more accessible for guests with disabilities.
The fitness center also received some updates including new bathrooms.
The library also underwent a significant facelift. The space was completely refurbished with a new design and now has an updated book collection for guests to borrow.
Other areas that received upgrades include:
- Explorations Café was transformed into a multi-use space with new puzzle and game tables
- A new Art Studio was added, which will host art & crafts programming, including water coloring, painting, origami, crochet, and more
- A new Signature Photo Studio was added, giving guess the chance to have custom private photo sessions and private photo viewings
- The photo galley was refurbished with new photo display areas where guests can view traditional prints, as well as use a high-tech facial recognition system if they prefer
- The Neptune Lounge received new flooring in parts of the lounge, a refreshed concierge desk with upgraded seating, updates to the food catering area, and larger TVs for better viewing

