2022 World Cruise Cancelled....Zuiderdam to become WC Ship for 2023

[boze9999]

August 25, 2021 12:53 PM EDT Holland America Line Announces May 2022 Return-to-Service Dates for Volendam and Zaandam

Zuiderdam will sail the Grand World Voyage in 2023 SEATTLE, Aug. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelers looking to get back to sea on their favorite Holland America Line ship can anticipate a restart date of May 2022 for Volendam and Zaandam. The ships will join Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam, which have returned to service or are slated to restart cruising by November 2021.     Holland America Line will restart the two ships in May when Volendam will explore Northern Europe and Zaandam will return to the Canada/New England region. With these new start dates, the Grand World Voyage and Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage will not operate in 2022 and will resume in 2023.  "We have been diligently planning and preparing to move our ships back into service, and after an extremely successful restart in Alaska and Europe we are thrilled to have return-to-service dates for Volendam and Zaandam," said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. "The team members on our ships in service have shared what a positive experience it has been welcoming guests back on board. We look forward to next spring when even more eager travelers can get back to cruising with us." Volendam and Zaandam Return May 2022 When Volendam returns on May 1, the ship will offer longer explorations ranging from 14 to 35 days to the Baltic, Norway up to North Cape and Spitsbergen, British Isles and Iceland, all roundtrip from Rotterdam, Netherlands. The ship also sails along the Iberian Peninsula to the Mediterranean and down to Egypt and Israel.  Zaandam restarts on May 12 in the beloved Canada/New England region, with a cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Boston, Massachusetts, followed by itineraries between Boston and Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The ship will offer the popular 35-day Voyage of the Vikings itinerary in July that sails roundtrip from Boston to Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Ireland.  Grand Voyages Resume in 2023 When the Grand World Voyage departs Jan. 3, 2023, Zuiderdam will debut on the 128-day around-the-world sojourn, offering world cruise guests the opportunity to book a verandah stateroom for the first time. Zuiderdam also features Music Walk's Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King's Blues Club and Billboard Onboard, along with specialty restaurants Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto. Volendam will return for the 74-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage in 2023 that departs Jan. 3, 2023. Guests who were booked on the 2022 Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage will be automatically moved to the 2023 departure aboard Volendam. Guests who were booked on the 2022 Grand World Voyage aboard Zaandam will be automatically moved to the 2023 Grand World Voyage aboard Zuiderdam.  "Our 2022 Grand World Voyage booked in record time, and with the pent-up demand to get back to world cruising we moved the cruise to Zuiderdam," Antorcha added. "For the first time on a Grand World Voyage our guests will be able to book a verandah stateroom category, which makes for spectacular scenic cruising, breakfast with a view or relaxing outside without leaving your stateroom."   2023 Grand World Voyage Highlights — Zuiderdam 128 days. Departing Jan. 3, 2023, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.  Crossing the South Pacific to New Zealand and Australia before sailing up the west coast of Africaand charting a path through Northern Europe.  61 total ports in 30 countries and island nations, including eight overnight calls.  15 calls around the African continent with opportunities for safari experiences. 2023 Grand South America and Antarctica Highlights — Volendam 74 days. Departing Jan. 3, 2023, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on an itinerary that circles the continent on a counterclockwise route.  34 total ports in 16 countries and island nations, including five overnight calls.  Daylight transit of the Panama Canal and overland opportunities to visit Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands, Patagonia and Iguazu Falls.  Four days of spectacular scenic cruising in the icescapes of Antarctica.  11 calls in Brazil and a journey along the Amazon River to Manaus. Koningsdam to Assume Popular Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas Cruise in 2023 With Zuiderdam embarking on the Grand World Voyage, Koningsdam will take on that ship's longer, exotic itineraries in 2023. Koningsdam's 25-day Mexican Riviera and Circle Hawaii Collectors' Voyage will move from a Jan. 31, 2023, departure to Jan. 7, 2023, for 24 days. In February, the larger Pinnacle Class ship offers the exotic 35-day Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas itinerary roundtrip from San Diego, and all guests booked for that departure aboard Zuiderdam will be moved to Koningsdam.  Zuiderdam's Panama Canal cruises in January and April 2023, as well as a 10-day Mexico and Sea of Cortez voyage, will be assumed by Zaandam. Full Refund Option Also Available  Guests who prefer a 100% refund of monies paid to Holland America Line can visit the Cancellation Preferences Form to indicate their preference by Sept. 24, 2021.  The above options are not applicable to guests booked on a charter sailing. Other booking and cancellation conditions and policies may apply if the cruise was not booked through Holland America Line. See the terms and conditions in the Cancellation Preferences Form for all details.

 

[StLouisCruisers]

Thank you for posting this.  I've been expecting it due to penalty phase coming up soon.  Glad I didn't have to make a last minute cancellation by Sept. 5.

[KirkNC]

Thanks, I think most expected this.

 

@Gail & Marty sailing away looks like we will see you on the Zuiderdam next year on the PC and Hawaiian cruises after all!

Edited August 25, 2021 by KirkNC

[Turtles06]

We are booked on B2B Panama Canal cruises on the Zuiderdam in January 2023. I just received an email from HAL about one of them stating that we are being moved to the Zaandam, and I’m sure I’ll be getting an email about the second one.
 

We had a really nice Signature Suite booked, the same on both cruises. I’m not terribly familiar with the Zaandam (just that she’s older and smaller), and until I do more research, I don’t know whether I want to spend that much time on the Zaandam. Any thoughts and advice appreciated. Thanks! 

[KirkNC]

I hope the Zuiderdam works out size wise.  The Amsterdam virtually never sold out the full world cruise segments.  Typically 600-800 people did the full cruise.  2020 was an exception due to an itinerary that included Antarctica and Africa.  I suspect 2023 may do ok due to pent up demand but after that will be interesting.

[HALrunner]

I wonder why the Westerdam was not mentioned in the press release? 

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

18 minutes ago, KirkNC said:

Thanks, I think most expected this.

 

@Gail & Marty sailing away looks like we will see you on the Zuiderdam next year on the PC and Hawaiian cruises after all!

Yep

[kazu]

Not a real surprise but that I think that means our sailing will be the first on the Volendam next year 😔. Not thrilled about being on the first cruise going.  Hopefully they will put more Volendam cruises on before us.  🤞 

[KirkNC]

2 minutes ago, kazu said:

Not a real surprise but that I think that means our sailing will be the first on the Volendam next year 😔. Not thrilled about being on the first cruise going.  Hopefully they will put more Volendam cruises on before us.  🤞 

I understand that concern,  we are coming right behind you on June 12th so be sure and work the kinks out 😜😜

[kazu]

14 minutes ago, Turtles06 said:

We are booked on B2B Panama Canal cruises on the Zuiderdam in January 2023. I just received an email from HAL about one of them stating that we are being moved to the Zaandam, and I’m sure I’ll be getting an email about the second one.
 

We had a really nice Signature Suite booked, the same on both cruises. I’m not terribly familiar with the Zaandam (just that she’s older and smaller), and until I do more research, I don’t know whether I want to spend that much time on the Zaandam. Any thoughts and advice appreciated. Thanks! 

 

I like the R class ships personally.  Also like the Vistas.

 

Zaandam doesn’t have any signature suites but their verandah cabins (called Vista Suites) are bigger than the verandahs on the Vista Class.  And the verandahs are wider and deeper.

Maybe they will transfer you to a Neptune Suite since there are no Signatures, but I’m not sure.  The Neptunes on the R. Class are nice and balconies huge.  

 

There’s no BB Kings on the Zaandam but all the other amenities are there.  

 

Perhaps take a look at some pics on halfacts.com - just go to R class.  Don’t be concerned if the ship is not the Zaandam - Volendam and the old Amsterdam are basically the same layout of cabins.

Hope this helps.

[kazu]

1 minute ago, KirkNC said:

I understand that concern,  we are coming right behind you on June 12th so be sure and work the kinks out 😜😜

 

Or we’ll end up adding some for you 🤣😅😇

[Tfquig]

Grand voyages resume in 2023. did I miss something or does this imply the Oct 2022 Grand Africa on the zaandam is also to be cancelled?

[StLouisCruisers]

3 minutes ago, Tfquig said:

Grand voyages resume in 2023. did I miss something or does this imply the Oct 2022 Grand Africa on the zaandam is also to be cancelled?

 

Not mentioned by them in the release.  For now it should go as planned.  We have the Oct. 2022 Zaandam cruise booked but also will be moving to the Jan. 2023 Volendam Grand S.A./Antarctica cruise.  Not sure I want to follow a 71 day cruise with a 74 day cruise just 14 days after I return home from the first.

[Sobro]

27 minutes ago, Turtles06 said:

We are booked on B2B Panama Canal cruises on the Zuiderdam in January 2023. I just received an email from HAL about one of them stating that we are being moved to the Zaandam, and I’m sure I’ll be getting an email about the second one.
 

We had a really nice Signature Suite booked, the same on both cruises. I’m not terribly familiar with the Zaandam (just that she’s older and smaller), and until I do more research, I don’t know whether I want to spend that much time on the Zaandam. Any thoughts and advice appreciated. Thanks! 

 

We'll accept the transfer to Zaandam for our Jan 2023 Panama Canal trip but I'm not real happy since I'll have to coordinate two other cabin assignments whenever HAL decides to reassign. 

 

I  can't give any advice regarding the ship change but hope you get a suitable suite Turtles06. 

[zelker]

1 hour ago, KirkNC said:

I understand that concern,  we are coming right behind you on June 12th so be sure and work the kinks out 😜😜

Yep, us too.  

[kazu]

1 hour ago, kazu said:

Not a real surprise but that I think that means our sailing will be the first on the Volendam next year 😔. Not thrilled about being on the first cruise going.  Hopefully they will put more Volendam cruises on before us.  🤞 

 

1 hour ago, KirkNC said:

I understand that concern,  we are coming right behind you on June 12th so be sure and work the kinks out 😜😜

 

Oops, I’m happy to say I’m in error.  The cruise on May 1st is before ours so it will be up them to work the kinks out, thankfully 😄 

[Mickb]

I think is the beginning of the end for Volendam and Zaandam. Maybe Fred Olen will take them too.

[GeorgiaPeach51]

Well, yuk.  We were so excited about our Zuiderdam cruise to Hawaii and Tahiti, but will now have to cancel because it is being replaced with the Koningsdam.
 

Not willing to spend hard earned money to be on a ship with smoking in the casino, which then travels around the open areas.  The lack of smoking in the casino on the Zuiderdam was what convinced us to take the cruise in the first place.  Very disappointed. 

Edited August 25, 2021 by GeorgiaPeach51

[KirkNC]

9 minutes ago, Mickb said:

I think is the beginning of the end for Volendam and Zaandam. Maybe Fred Olen will take them too.

Hadn’t even thought about that possibility.  I assume they switched to the Zuiderdam for the 2023 is that it makes it easier to roll people from the 2022 WC.

[Tampa Girl]

I just tried pulling up the 2023 WC info on the HAL site, but the Grand Voyages were whited out.  Has anyone been able to pull then up?

[Turtles06]

2 hours ago, kazu said:

 

I like the R class ships personally.  Also like the Vistas.

 

Zaandam doesn’t have any signature suites but their verandah cabins (called Vista Suites) are bigger than the verandahs on the Vista Class.  And the verandahs are wider and deeper.

Maybe they will transfer you to a Neptune Suite since there are no Signatures, but I’m not sure.  The Neptunes on the R. Class are nice and balconies huge.  

 

There’s no BB Kings on the Zaandam but all the other amenities are there.  

 

Perhaps take a look at some pics on halfacts.com - just go to R class.  Don’t be concerned if the ship is not the Zaandam - Volendam and the old Amsterdam are basically the same layout of cabins.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks Jacqui, this is all very helpful. 

 

I took a look at the photos on Halfacts and at the Zaandam's deckplan (among other things), and I see that the Neptunes are all on the deck below the pool deck, buffet, and fitness center.  I have no idea what stateroom category they will move us to, but we would be loathe to book a stateroom below a noisy public deck. 

[richwmn]

4 minutes ago, Tampa Girl said:

I just tried pulling up the 2023 WC info on the HAL site, but the Grand Voyages were whited out.  Has anyone been able to pull then up?

they will not be available for viewing, other than maybe looking at inactive, until HAL finishes moving everyone around.

 

[canadianbear]

11 minutes ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

Well, yuk.  We were so excited about our Zuiderdam cruise to Hawaii and Tahiti, but will now have to cancel because it is being replaced with the Koningsdam.
 

Not willing to spend hard earned money to be on a ship with smoking in the casino, which then travels around the open areas.  The lack of smoking in the casino on the Zuiderdam was what convinced us to take the cruise in the first place.  Very disappointed. 

I have spent over 40 days on the Kongingsdam and their ventilation system was great.  I don’t smoke but I could actually walk through the casino if I chose to with no issue.  The smoke did not (in my opinion) travel to open areas.  
 

I loved the ship.  Wasn’t sure if I would but I kept going back on her!    I hope you’ll give it a chance.  

[Mary229]

I am sorry for your disappointment, it will be far better in 2023. The equatorial world is having a great deal of difficulty with Covid.  

[kazu]

10 minutes ago, Turtles06 said:

 

Thanks Jacqui, this is all very helpful. 

 

I took a look at the photos on Halfacts and at the Zaandam's deckplan (among other things), and I see that the Neptunes are all on the deck below the pool deck, buffet, and fitness center.  I have no idea what stateroom category they will move us to, but we would be loathe to book a stateroom below a noisy public deck. 

 

I understand your misapprehension to be under a public area but....There are lots of cabins on that deck that are safe to book.  Under the Lido marketplace (which is carpeted) and usually under the Canaletto.  If you like forward go to underneath the beauty salon or spa.

 

The pool area can cause noise only when the chairs are being put up and down (which is why I avoid that area 😉 ) 

I've been in a few of those cabins on the S & R class ships and as long as you look at the deck plans for above it's not hard to find a good cabin.

 

Many have reported not even hearing the noise from the loungers being set up but I know I would - I'm a light sleeper 😉.