Zaandam Begins Exciting Amazon Explorer Cruise After Upgrades

Holland America Line’s Zaandam set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on February 8, 2025, for a 27-day “Amazon Explorer” cruise. This special voyage takes guests on a journey through the Amazon River, offering unique experiences in one of the world’s most fascinating regions.

Before departing, Zaandam underwent a two-week refurbishment at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in the Bahamas. The upgrades improved guest spaces, including the spa, fitness center, library, photo gallery, and Neptune Lounge, making the ship more comfortable and modern for passengers.

One of the biggest changes was in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, which was completely redesigned. The spa now features a thermal suite with an infrared sauna, a Caldarium steam room, and an experiential rain shower for relaxation. The lounge was upgraded with new seating and a beverage counter, making it a peaceful retreat for guests.

The salon also received new manicure stations, pedicure thrones, chairs, and shampoo basins. Accessibility improvements were made throughout the spa and salon, ensuring a more comfortable experience for all guests. The fitness center was updated with modern finishes, a custom storage area, and refreshed bathrooms to enhance the workout experience.

The ship’s library was renovated to have a modern layout with an expanded book collection, making it a more enjoyable space for readers. The Explorations Café was redesigned as a multi-purpose area where guests can relax, play puzzles, and enjoy board games. Additionally, a brand-new Art Studio was added to the ship, providing a dedicated space for creative activities such as painting, origami, and crochet.

The Photo Gallery was upgraded with a new display area and a facial recognition system that allows guests to easily access their digital photos. A Signature Studio was introduced for private photography sessions, allowing guests to have custom portraits taken and view their images on demand.

The Neptune Lounge, an exclusive space for guests staying in Neptune and Pinnacle suites, also received major updates. The lounge now has new flooring, an improved food service area, a redesigned concierge desk with better seating, and a larger television, making it an even more luxurious place to relax.

After completing its Amazon Explorer cruise, Zaandam will sail through the Panama Canal, visit several Mexican ports, and then reposition for Alaska’s cruise season, offering guests new adventures in different parts of the world. These recent updates ensure that guests can enjoy a refreshing and more comfortable experience, whether exploring the Amazon or sailing to other exciting destinations.