Curious about the real ‘Cruise Life’? A behind-the-Scenes look aboard Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam
- Ilse Woorts
- Aug 16
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 17
When the invitation to get a behind-the-scenes look aboard Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam landed in my inbox, I didn’t have to think twice. Of course I said yes.
You often see these impressive cruise ships from a distance, docked in the harbour or passing by on the water. Every time I spot one, I wonder: what is life on board actually like? Although I travel frequently, I have never taken a cruise before. That made this opportunity all the more intriguing. What does it feel like to step aboard a cruise ship? What happens behind closed doors? And what is there to discover once you are on board?
Boarding the Zuiderdam in Rotterdam
Having the ship docked in Rotterdam made this first introduction particularly special. After all, this is where the story of Holland America Line began over 150 years ago. Today, the Zuiderdam, one of the fleet's current vessels, is spending the night in port. And what an incredible spot: moored right on the Nieuwe Maas along Rotterdam’s Kop van Zuid.
I walk across the Erasmus Bridge toward the cruise terminal with a clear view of the Zuiderdam ahead. The bridge offers the absolute best vantage point: the ship looks imposing at the quay, framed by the modern architecture of Kop van Zuid. The closer I get, the more I realise just how massive it really is.
Activity around the ship is constant. Supply trucks drive back and forth while tour buses drop off passengers returning from excursions. Standing next to the vessel, the trucks look almost like toy cars.
When you arrive at the cruise terminal in Rotterdam, you instantly feel a sense of excitement. I am about to board a ship twelve decks high, a floating world ready to welcome me.
My introduction to the captain and his crew begins over a cup of coffee. Dressed smartly in uniform, they look sharp and welcoming. Since the ship stays docked for the night rather than setting sail, it offers a rare, relaxed chance to take a look around. The captain and his team take plenty of time to give us a proper welcome.
The bridge: the heart of the ship
The crew leads me to the bridge, the beating heart of the Zuiderdam. Workstations are lined with monitors and radar systems tracking the sea and surroundings in real time.
What strikes me most is the sharp contrast between all this modern technology and the surprisingly small wheel used to steer such a huge vessel. Honestly, I expected a much larger wheel.
“Sailing at sea means constantly working with the elements, from wind to waves,” the captain explains. Showing us the equipment on the bridge, he emphasizes that passenger safety and ship stability always come first.
Surrounded by rows of buttons, screens, and indicator lights, you quickly grasp the sheer level of responsibility that comes with operating a ship of this scale. It takes an incredible amount of expertise, technology, and coordination to deliver thousands of guests and crew safely to their destination.
Yet the bridge is far more than just a command centre; it also offers a breathtaking view. Through the panoramic windows, which wrap around nearly 180 degrees, you look out toward an open horizon. It is an “office” where the view changes every single day.
A complete resort on the water
Once on board, you quickly realise the Zuiderdam is much more than a way to travel from point A to point B. The ship feels like a resort at sea, where you can relax, unwind, and shape your day however you like.
From a hair salon and wellness centre to a variety of bars and dining options, there is no shortage of choices. Whether you prefer a full multi-course dinner or a quick casual bite, every taste is catered for.
Across the different decks, you find comfortable seating areas, live music venues, and quiet spots to sit back and watch the ocean. If you enjoy evening entertainment, you can catch a stage show or visit the casino.
Fitness enthusiasts are well covered too. Working out with panoramic views of the ocean gives exercise a completely new feel. Outside, the sundeck features a pool where you can relax as the scenery slowly passes by.
There is always something going on
A full schedule of activities is organized on board every day. The Daily, the ship’s daily programme, keeps you updated on everything happening across the decks. Options range from origami workshops and movie screenings to pickleball matches on the upper deck.
Tonight, a headline vocalist performs on the World Stage with a tribute to Whitney Houston and other iconic artists, while a live band plays in the Rolling Stone Lounge nearby. There is always energy somewhere on the ship.
I also notice scheduled meet-ups for solo travellers on the programme. Initiatives like these make it easy for single travellers to connect so no one ever feels isolated.
Walking through the Zuiderdam, I am repeatedly struck by its sheer scale. Accommodating around 2,000 guests and 800 crew members, you might expect it to feel crowded, but it really doesn't. Thanks to the thoughtful layout of decks, restaurants, lounges, and open spaces, people naturally spread out.
The little details that make a difference
It is often the subtle touches that elevate the experience. The glass elevator running along the exterior of the ship is a great example. As you move between decks, you take in wide views across the open water.
Even the elevator floor mats are updated daily to display the current day of the week. It says a lot about life on board: you step out of your regular routine so completely that it becomes easy to lose track of time.
Onboard renewal: the future of the Zuiderdam
During the tour, I also catch a glimpse of what lies ahead for the Zuiderdam. Holland America Line invests significantly in fleet updates over the coming years through its Evolution project. I receive an early preview, and photos of the redesigned staterooms give a great sense of what to expect.
The standouts are the new Bridge View Suites: two exclusive accommodations positioned directly above the bridge with floor-to-ceiling windows. Waking up to a view like that looks incredible.
The redesign also puts greater emphasis on solo travellers, offering new accommodations like suites with private verandas.
Holland America Line also shares that its Dutch heritage continues to play a central role. In addition to festive Orange Day celebrations where guests dress in orange, the Zuiderdam features a Grand Dutch Café after its refurbishment, inspired by the classic atmosphere of traditional cafés in Amsterdam and Northern Europe.
Setting a more sustainable course
Sustainability in cruising also plays an important role. ‘We are constantly looking at ways to sail more sustainably, such as slowing down to save fuel, using more efficient routes, sourcing more sustainably, reducing food waste and recycling,’ the captain explains. New technologies are also being explored to make ships more energy-efficient.
Special routes and unique destinations
Holland America Line is also expanding its offerings with new routes and destinations in the coming seasons. Cruisers in the Netherlands benefit from an added homeport: alongside Rotterdam, departures are soon available out of Amsterdam as well.
Beyond popular ports of call, the focus shifts toward experiential travel, such as cruises timed around natural phenomena like the Northern Lights. These voyages feature onboard lectures and guest experts, allowing travelers to gain deeper insight into the destinations they visit.
Culinary delights and a musical finale
After our tour, I sit down for dinner in The Dining Room, the ship’s main restaurant. The three-course menu includes plenty of vegetarian options. I start with the steak tartare, followed by pan-fried sole prepared with lemon butter.
The service is remarkably attentive, never leaving a glass empty for long. You can tell the staff share one clear goal: making sure guests have a wonderful experience, always delivered with a warm smile.
After dinner, I make my way up to the sundeck for a live performance by a local Rotterdam Shanty Choir. The setting is memorable: as the sun dips below the horizon, the city skyline provides a dramatic backdrop while traditional sea shanties echo across the water. It is a fantastic way to end the evening.
One thing is certain: experiencing cruising firsthand is a wonderful opportunity. Visiting the bridge is the absolute highlight. Standing among the radar screens and control panels while looking out over the Nieuwe Maas through panoramic windows makes this introduction unforgettable.
With the live music fading in the background, I step back onto the quay filled with fresh impressions and new inspiration.
Tip for Rotterdam
If you are visiting Rotterdam, take time to explore the Kop van Zuid district. Walk along the quay for a fantastic view of the visiting cruise ships, then continue onward to Hotel New York. This historic landmark served as the original headquarters for Holland America Line. Enjoy a drink on the waterfront terrace and soak in the rich maritime history that fills the air.
Something to watch
Curious about life at sea after reading this? Starting 31 October, RTL 4 airs Cruise Life, a new television series featuring Holland America Line. Tune in to step inside the ships and discover some incredible destinations worldwide.
This article has been published on Reisleven on Sunday 16 th of August.
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