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Oosterdam, a Vista Class cruise ship, brings high style to the high seas with thoughtful upgrades and stunning artwork. Guests will have plenty to do on board when not taking in expansive views or stretching out in spacious staterooms. Begin with an exquisite breakfast in the Dining Room. Unwind with a massage at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, or challenge the family to an air hockey game at High Score!—an Oosterdam exclusive. Indulge in pre-dinner craft cocktails at Ocean Bar, followed by delectable Italian fare at Canaletto.
I recently returned from a 22 day Holland America cruise aboard the Oosterdam to Antarctica, and while the penguins were wonderful, what stood out most was how thoughtfully the experience was handled. I wasn’t looking for luxury or bells and whistles. I wanted a safe, well run ship with strong educational programming, and Holland America delivered. The itinerary felt well paced, with meaningful time in Buenos Aires, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands, Ushuaia, Antarctica, the Drake Passage, and Chilean Patagonia. The ship handled rough seas well, especially in the Drake Passage, and the captain communicated clearly about conditions, which was reassuring. Ship size mattered more than I expected. The lectures were a highlight. Experts helped us understand why Antarctica matters globally, from krill and plankton to climate and freshwater. Longtime staff brought real passion and depth, turning sightseeing into learning. Even on sea days, there was always something engaging to do. I left the ship rested, informed, and grateful. If you’re considering an Antarctic cruise and value education, safety, and stewardship, this voyage is worth serious consideration.
We would absolutely cruise on the Oosterdam again. We found it to be the perfect fit for us in terms of amenities, service, and food. We weren't sure about a 31 day cruise but actually hated to leave. Our cabin was cared for by 2 excellent stewards, who quickly resolved any issues we experienced. Of course, more plugs by the bed would be great, but we made everything work just fine for us. We enjoyed fixed dining in the MDR with amazing waitstaff. We were surprised that after so many days, there was still a great deal of variation in the menu. We found the food to be wonderful. Our only problem was trying hard not to overeat. We did speciality dining a few times, and it was also very good. The LIdo was ok, and often the most convenient option. Sometimes it was too crowded for us, although the rest of the ship never seemed crowded. We enjoyed the various enrichment programs and special events. For an older ship, the Oosterdam is in good condition. Most of our ports didn't see a lot of cruise ship traffic, so we were often in industrial ports. Transportation out of these areas was generally very good. We had quite a few tender ports, which were all handled efficiently. We loved the itinerary as it felt like we were really getting off the beaten track.
The Oosterdam is nearly identical to the Westerdam which we had cruised New Zealand in February, so everything was familiar: great service, good food, a relaxed environment. We loved it. Our personal preference is the Lido buffet where we can scope out all of the food possibilities up close and personal. We left Barcelona on Sunday, November 2 2025. There were six ships departing that day so they slotted us into a 3 PM departure, which made embarkation more rushed than usual. (Note: The local beer in Spain is fantastic, especially Turia.) We were delighted with PERFECT weather throughout the cruise. with the exception of gloomy Gibraltar. Most of the ports visited (Cartagena/Murcia, Motril, Gibraltar, Casablanca, Bermuda) had good, warm weather, with the exception of Gibraltar where the gloom prevented us from even seeing the top of the rock. The excursions to the Alhambra were sold out, so we visited the lovely park (with a large succulent section) and church in Motril. (Note: If you want to see the Alhambra on a cruise, book that tour immediately.) Notable was the tour of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca with a great guide who immersed us in Moslem culture and tradition. The tour of Bermuda turned out to be rather exhausting, driving from one end of the island (where the ship was docked) to the other on poor, jarring roads. My advice: Skip the tours in Bermuda and get a ticket on the ferry that runs every 20 minutes from Kings Wharf (cruise ship port) to Hamilton, the main town on the other end of the island and home to the famous BERMUDA sign. Upon return you can browse the Clocktower shops until departure. The onboard entertainment was meh, with the exception of the piano/violin duo of a young couple that elevated the entire experience. For me, the most memorable parts of the cruise were the seven sea days between Casablanca and Bermuda. And it was on those fine days that we embraced the wide Promenade deck that goes all the way around the ship. You just don't see that on the newer ships, where Return On Investment dictates bars and other intrusions on to truncated walking decks. I would recline on a chase while reading The Wide WIde Sea, an immersive description of Captain Cook's third voyage crossing every sea in the world. You can't get more Away From It All than sitting in a boat in the middle of the awesome ocean. If you are thinking about a transatlantic voyage, be sure to book it in the autumn (late October to early November) on a route from the Mediterranean to Florida, which will likely offer the better weather than departures from northern Europe. And the older HAL ships, with their full, traditional walkaround Promenade deck, are hard to beat for this.
With refined amenities and Holland America Line signature Mariner’s Dream bed gracing each elegant stateroom, the ship offers six grades of staterooms. Most are ocean-facing, many featuring teak-lined verandas for dining alfresco or private sunbathing.
Holland America Line invites you to dine "As You Wish". To savour Italian cuisine one night and a perfectly grilled porterhouse steak the next. To take your place in the Dining Room at a specific seating time or be spontaneous, following your desires. Onboard, there are restaurants to suit every mood, along with the flexibility to choose the dining style you prefer.
The shake of a martini, the hum of conversation with new friends – Holland America Line offers a wide selection of onboard lounges and gathering places. Sip a cool saketini garnished with a fresh cucumber slice. Sample a 40-year-old Scotch whisky; celebrate with fine French Champagne. Taste the world as you raise your glass to it!
Whether you want to workout in the Fitness Centre, learn yoga, pamper yourself with a massage and spa treatment, or enjoy a game of basketball, there's a perfect onboard activity for everyone.
Holland America Line's youth activities program, Kids Club, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties.
Note: Kids Club is not offered on cruises of 25-days or longer, including all Legendary and Grand Voyages. We will offer a selection of children’s activities throughout these longer voyages for any children who may be onboard.
Safety Comes First
Safety is our primary concern and strict policies are in place for effective supervision. Adult guests are not permitted to remain in Kids Club unless attending to a special-needs child.
Please note: During voyages with a high number of families onboard, we will make all efforts to accommodate interested parties. However, participation in our program cannot be guaranteed. Hours of operation may change to better serve our guests.
