Some cruise ships impress you with rollercoasters and ice skating rinks. Others quietly win your heart with elegance, space and service.
Holland America Line’s Noordam firmly belongs in the second category.
As I stepped aboard this timeless vessel, there was almost an indescribable feeling, a whispered promise that the adventure ahead would live up to all the promises in the brochure.
There was no hectic hive of activity or intrusive blaring music. Rather a tranquil atmosphere which set the pace and narrative for the next week. It was clear that Noordam was designed for people who love the art of cruising.
Boarding in Dunedin, the itinerary included scenic cruising through Fjordland, then across to Tasmania, Melbourne and then completing her voyage in Sydney. An itinerary I have done on other ships and I knew that the weather often doesn’t play nice, however my mission for the next eight days was to absorb all this ship had to offer.
First Impressions: Calm, Classic and Comfortable
While I’ve cruised on every style of ship, there’s something about Holland America’s vessels that epitomise and capture that almost bygone era of the romance of cruising.
Noordam has a timeless feel. Polished wood, art-lined corridors, spacious, light-filled and with beautiful spaces. Even after almost 60 cruises, I still feel confused on the first day onboard any ship, sometimes two or three. Getting turned around and confused by the layout; this wasn’t the case on Noordam as the layout felt intuitive rather than overwhelming.
At just over 80,000 gross tons, she’s a mid-sized ship in the Vista Class, which means no endless walking, no battling crowds and plenty of quiet corners to soak in the sea views.
Outstanding Entertainment
When at sea, it’s hard to strike a balance of entertainment options. Over the years I’ve seen hundreds of shows, from Broadway-style productions to magicians, aerial diving and even (gasp) a risque (how do I put this) provocative, scantily-clad adult show.
What I was looking forward to most, however, was the live music. Holland America is known for this and the quality of their performers.
On Noordam there are several venues, including Billboard On Board (with duelling pianos), World Stage and the Rolling Stone Lounge. Plus, live bands play, often more acoustic jams, in the Ocean Bar and Crows Nest, creating the perfect ambiance when sipping a cocktail.
While they were all great venues with efficient bar service, Rolling Stone Lounge was my favourite for two reasons: the layout and the band. After my first night of checking out the band, I was utterly hooked and spent every night there watching both sets until the early hours.
If you didn’t know, Holland America’s signature colour is, obviously, Orange. In the spirit of all things Dutch (instead of a white or black night that most cruise lines put on), Noordam’s theme night, Orange Party, is their twist.
It was absolutely fabulous. The World Stage venue was decked out in all things orange and I was surprised how many guests actually dressed up and got into the festivities. 10 out of 10!
Enriching Activities
The often parroted saying, ‘You can do as little or as much as you want on a cruise’, comfortably describes the mood aboard Noordam.
However, I found myself gravitating away from typical cruise-y things such as bingo, karaoke and cooking demonstrations, and more towards ‘pamper parties’ and artsy-type events such as calligraphy and paper folding. It was as if the slower pace of the ship lent itself to these more mindful activities.
If you love the art of the creating alluring tipples, the cocktail making class is a must. The bartenders were engaging, hilarious and highly skilled. And the drinks do pack a punch.
Staterooms: Designed for Comfort
Despite her age, almost 20 years old, my balcony cabin was pleasant, comfortable and practical. Storage plentiful, the bed very comfortable and the furnishings in a soothing blue and cream colour palette.
There were plenty of power points, a two-seater sofa and plenty of wardrobe space. The balcony itself was spacious and there was no obvious wear and tear.
While the bathroom was on the smaller side, the shower/bath configuration was a nice addition (I do love soaking in a hot bath after a long day).
Dining: Where Holland America Truly Shines
Dining is one of Noordam’s strongest features. Don’t believe me? Ask my scales. In eight days, I put on three kilograms of pure, unapologetic fat. And I don’t regret one mouthful.
The main dining room is split over two levels and offers beautifully presented meals with attentive, unhurried service. As with most lines, there was an ‘always available’ menu, but a daily additional menu that was often developed around different cuisines, with some surprising and delicious dishes.
My favourite soup is still the French onion which was done exquisitely and topped with a generously-slathered gruyere cheese crouton.
The Lido deck – or buffet – was impressive. Clean and organised, this was my go-to restaurant for lunch as the variety was vast and, again, each day featured something different. One day sausages, including a spicy reindeer flavour, another an Aussie array with pies and lamingtons.
I was impressed with the sushi in the Asian section and I could never walk past the desserts without grabbing an irresistible creation (or two, hence the 3kg weight gain).
A delightful addition on the Lido Deck (outdoor pool area) is the Dive-In. This casual, poolside grill offers juicy, made-to-order burgers, hot dogs and the yummy loaded fries. The best part? No additional charge.
Now, let’s talk specialty dining. This is where Noordam outshines many other ships.
Taste of Tamarind – a pop-up experience featured on this sailing is a premium, Pan-Asian restaurant with bold flavours, creative plating and delectable desserts. I went twice. It was that good. Don’t pass up on the lobster.
Caneletto serves up traditional Italian nosh with house made pasta. I had the lobster again with a delicate spaghetti. It was one of the best dishes on the voyage.
Pinnacle Grill is not only in the most beautiful venue, but rivals any steakhouse at sea. Do not pass up on the bacon.
A few extra dining options:
24hr FREE room service. I will shamelessly admit most nights I ordered a Caesar salad and a cheese platter. Easting cheese and crackers at 2am certainly contributed to the additional love handles I brought home.
Pop-up Seafood Boil in the Lido (extra charge, must book) was a tasty and fun experience. I thoroughly enjoyed making a mess slurping on crab legs.
Dutch Afternoon Tea – a fancy high tea, also free, which offered light savouries and sweet treats.
Pool life
The weather for most of the voyage was not great (almost zero visibility and torrential rain through the fjords), so when the ship arrived in Melbourne and all but 130 passengers stayed on board (the Captain told me this number) I made full use of the outdoor pools.
I think I swam and soaked and baked for four hours. Pure relaxation. The outdoor decks are delightful. Cool, calm and elegant – just like the rest of the ship.
What I particularly liked was the retractable roof over the main pool, which also has three hot tubs. The smaller pool aft of the ship was also lovely and the space offered those wonderful wake views.
Service & Atmosphere: The Heart of the Experience
The service onboard Noordam is quietly exceptional. Staff are warm, professional and genuinely attentive. The barista in the Library Café remembered my coffee order by the second day. There’s a sense of pride in their work that enhances the overall experience.
And I’d be remiss not to mention…
I hate to play favourites as the other part of the ship might take offence, but the wrap around promenade teak deck on Deck 3 holds a special place in my heart.
What’s so special is that because it is located quite far down, when you’re promenading, luxuriating in those delicious sea breezes, you feel as if you are part of the ocean. If I could have one wish, I would demand every ship has a wrap-around walkway.
I am obsessed with the elevator doors. As a lover of all things Art Deco inspired, the gold embellished elevator doors gleam and shine and add such a sophisticated look to the ship.
Likewise, the art work all over the ship is so eye catching (even in the stairwells) that I couldn’t help but linger and admire each painting, sculpture and art work.
And, I am utterly obsessed with the plate ware. The blue and white delft designs almost lured me into becoming a kleptomaniac. I did however purchase a beautiful mug.
Is Noordam for every cruiser?
Couples and solo travellers, mature cruisers and those who enjoy traditional cruising will love the ship. However, it’s not the right ship for families with young children, or travellers looking for waterslides and high-energy attractions.
Final Thoughts: A Ship That Reminds You Why You Love Cruising
Noordam delivers a consistently beautiful cruise experience. She offers elegance without excess, entertainment without chaos and service that feels genuinely personal.
If you love cruising for the journey as much as the destinations, Noordam might just remind you why you fell in love with cruising in the first place.
