VOLENDAM is a Dutch-flagged R-class cruise ship operated by Holland America Line. Delivered in 1999 by Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard near Venice, she belongs to a generation of medium-sized cruise ships that remain substantially smaller and more traditional than today’s newest mega-ships. Holland America continues to market VOLENDAM as part of its R-class fleet, with a particular emphasis on longer voyages and Grand Voyages.
The vessel measures approximately 237.9 metres in length and 32.25 metres in beam. Current ship-registry data gives a gross tonnage of 61,214 GT and deadweight of 6,150 tonnes. VOLENDAM sails under the Netherlands flag with MMSI 245968000 and call sign PCHM.
Fincantieri lists the ship with 720 passenger cabins, including suites and balcony accommodation, and a maximum of 2,425 persons on board including passengers and crew. Holland America currently presents the ship as a smaller, more intimate vessel compared with its newer Pinnacle-class ships.
Vessel Details
Name: VOLENDAM
IMO: 9156515
MMSI: 245968000
Call Sign: PCHM
Type: Passenger / Cruise Ship
Class: R Class
Flag: Netherlands
Home Port: Rotterdam
Built / Delivered: 1999
Builder: Fincantieri, Marghera, Venice, Italy
Operator: Holland America Line
Registered Owner: HAL Antillen N.V.
Classification: Lloyd’s Register
Length Overall: 237.91 m
Beam: 32.25 m
Design Draught: approx. 7.8 m
Maximum Operating Draught: approx. 8.1 m
Gross Tonnage: 61,214 GT
Deadweight: 6,150 t
Passenger Cabins: 720
Maximum Persons on Board: 2,425
Service Status: Active
History
VOLENDAM was launched in 1998 and entered service with Holland America Line in 1999. She has retained the same name throughout her career and has remained closely associated with the Dutch heritage of the company. The ship belongs to the R-class family and continues to operate alongside sister vessel ZAANDAM in Holland America’s fleet.
Unlike many cruise ships of similar age, VOLENDAM has remained an active part of the operator’s long-term deployment plans. Holland America has already scheduled the vessel for major 2028 Grand Voyages, including extended itineraries covering multiple continents.
VOLENDAM and Piraeus
VOLENDAM has been documented at Piraeus on several occasions and is already part of the PiraeuShips visual archive. A documented Piraeus appearance in December 2024 shows the ship departing the port in strong winds, confirming her continued Eastern Mediterranean presence long after the original PiraeuShips recording.
PiraeuShips Record
VOLENDAM was recorded at Piraeus by PiraeuShips as part of the archive of Holland America Line cruise ships visiting Greece’s largest cruise port. Her inclusion is particularly interesting because she represents an older generation of relatively compact cruise ships that remains in active worldwide service more than 25 years after delivery.
Original video footage © PiraeuShips. All rights reserved.