The MS Volendam, an R-Class cruise ship operated by Holland America Line, is a classic ship that was built in 1999. It has an elegant garden theme with a nice intimate atmosphere and is focused on providing cruise enlightenment to all aboard. The ship is 781 feet long and weighs 61,214 gross tons with 10 decks. A total of 1,432 passengers can be accommodated onboard, and there are 716 staterooms. The MS Volendam operates routes in Alaska, Asia, and Canada/New England from Vancouver, Japan and Boston, respectively. The vessel's smaller size may appeal to cruisers looking for a more traditional type of cruise. Because this vessel is older and has a different layout, some cabins may not have the peacefulness you would like to experience while cruising on board due to noise from motion (sea conditions), view obstructions or due to their layout.
As recent times, we have compiled a list of Holland America Volendam cabins to avoid. This is based upon feedback from various cruise review sources, including TripAdvisor, Reddit's r/HollandAmerica, and YouTube tours and their associated cabins, as well as various analysis of the deck plans from Cruisedeckplans.com and HAL's deck plans. We will categorize problems, provide specific cabin numbers and decks, explain why these are on the list, and provide a list of the corresponding alternative cabins available. Low-end cabins (i.e., Dolphin Deck) are generally included on this list and the insulation of the Neptune Suites is superior to other cabins. As always, please check HAL's interactive deck plans and read the most recent reviews for this ship— recent sailings have had consistent engine noise, but the dry dock renovations have improved cabin maintenance and overall cabin quality.
Volendam Noisy Cabins
Noise has been the biggest complaint from guests. There are three primary sources of noise: proximity to public spaces, crews working close by, and vibrations from the ship's structure.
Cabins Underneath the Lido Pool or Buffet (Deck 7 Forward/Aft)
The cabins on Deck 7 (e.g., rooms 7005–7029, Neptune Suites) underneath the Lido Deck pools and buffet have noise issues. The dragging of loungers on the pool deck at 6 a.m., combined with heavy foot traffic in the area and frequent cleanup operations, lead to a loud thump and scrape noise throughout the night and into the morning. A Review in 2025 regarding an Alaskan cruise indicated that the noise from the pools was "like a bowling alley above us and impossible to sleep." In addition to these noise issues, the suites at the back end of the ship also had issues with receiving food preparation noise from the buffet until the late evening hours on Deck 7.
Near Elevators & High Traffic Areas (Decks 1–3, Various)
The cabins on Deck 1 (Dolphin Deck) such as rooms 1824–1829, 1881–1883, 1894–1898, 1915–1919, and 1926–1930, because they are all located within doors to the elevators, receive a continuous amount of dings, luggage rolling, and conversation, which peaks during embarkation times and in the evenings. Furthermore, a post in a TripAdvisor forum regarding a 2025 cruise to Canada indicated that "the noise in the hallway was never-ending, especially late at night." The same noise issues exist on Decks 2 (Main Deck, e.g., rooms 2544–2549, 2618–2625), and Deck 3 (Lower Promenade, e.g., rooms 3325–3326, 3331–3332).
Adjacent to Crew Stairwells or Service Areas (Decks 1-7)
Suites in the vicinity of stairwells for passenger access or service locations are situated immediately adjacent (Decks 1-7). Guests in suites 1935–1954 on Deck 1 near the engine rooms will likely have to put up with considerable cart traffic and staff talking/working early in the morning. A Reddit thread on r/HollandAmerica mentions "Non-stop banging on busy sails like Alaska." Suites in the vicinity of Galley kitchens are also likely to hear a lot of foot traffic and kitchen preparation sounds (Deck 3, Suites 3355–3394).
Specific Trouble Spots
Suite 3394 on Deck 3 is infamous for excessive noise due to vibrations from the galley above the suite, with one YouTube user posting on 2024 still validating this fact and posting "dragging and dropping all night." Guests booking suites at the extreme of Deck 1 (suites 1945-1964) may also have to contend with noise from thrusters when the vessel is docking.
Alternatives: Midship on Decks 4-6 (e.g., 4001–4050, 5001–5050) have peace and calm as they act as natural sound buffers. Neptune Suites on Deck 7 offer better insulation, though avoid those suites located in forward areas.
Motion-Prone Cabins
Volendam was built for stable cruising, but Alaska fjords or Asia seas can cause sway. Periods greater than 15 minutes or more than 30 minutes coupled with increased after-motion, create additional effects on people who might be prone to seasickness.
Forward Cabins on Higher Decks (Decks 6-7, Bow)
Volendam's most forward cabins (6 and 7 with cabins like 6100–6120, 7001–7010) pitch up and down in rough seas (e.g., if you stay in a cabin on Deck 6 like 6100, it may feel like riding a roller coaster as per reddit review from a Yokohama sailing in 2025) adding to the feeling of sea sickness. Height also contributes to the pitching motion.
Aft Cabins (Decks 1-3, Stern)
A major contributing factor to sea sickness is being docked at either end of the ship where there is a lot of vibration from the ship's engines and propellers (i.e., from the Aft cabins [1, 2] like cabins 1945-1964 and 2704-2711) and from the ship's movement at the bow (i.e., from Aft cabins on Deck 3 cabins 3355-3394).
Alternatives: Got for Midship on lower Decks 4-5 (e.g., 4001–4050, 5001–5050) for the ship's stability center. Oceanviews here are value picks without motion-sickness issues.
Obstructed View Cabins
Partial views are great bargains for price, but some cabins are severely limited in visual experience and are noisy too. Let's check out which ones can cause problems.
Fully or Partially Obstructed Oceanviews (Decks 1-3, Various)
HH-grade cabins (e.g., Dolphin Deck 1800–1964) have fully obstructed windows by beams or lifeboats. H-grade (partial obstruction) and G-grade (porthole with minimal view) offer little scenery. "Paid for oceanview, got a wall," lamented a TripAdvisor review. Deck 3 Lanai cabins (CA grade) have promenade walkers passing, which creates noise and reduces peace of mind.
Alternatives: Unobstructed Oceanviews (C, D, DA, DD, E, EE, F, FF grades) on Decks 1-3 midship are best options. Verandahs on Decks 6-7 are also preferable for full views.
Connecting and Small Cabins
Connecting cabins are great for big families, while small cabins are great for privacy and low cost. But that doesn’t mean noise cannot overcome barriers and cause you trouble. Some cabins deserve some scrutiny, especially for very sensitive sleepers.
Connecting Staterooms (Decks 1-7)
Thin doors in rooms like 1935–1954, 2681–2707 transmit sound (TVs, conversations). "Heard every snore next door—zero privacy," as per a Cruise Critic thread. They are great for families, but solos or couples suffer, unfortunately.
Small Interiors (M, MM Grades, Decks 1-3)
With only 160-180 Sq ft of space, and sleeping capacity of 2-4 persons, it feels cramped with Pullmans down. "Too tiny for four—bunks blocked everything," from a 2025 review. Dolphin Deck interiors (e.g., 1935–1954) also add engine noise.
Alternatives: Opt for non-connecting midship on Decks 4-5. Larger interior (I, J, K, L, N grades) cabins are better options for more living space.
Guarantee (GTY) Cabins
GTY booking option is best if you want to avoid the hard work searching for cabins. But it’s a bad idea if you are selective with cabins.
Random Assignments (Decks 1-7)
Decks 1 through 7 have random assignments. That means a lot of GTY bookings panned out badly (obstructed views, noise, and movement). Customers reported this on a 2025 message board as something they "never want to experience again".
Alternatives: Decks 4-5 midship provide alternatives, as they have specific bookings and it is possible to pay to have a set of choices.
Suites Near Noisy Areas
It is somewhat disappointing, when the suite you booked doesn’t lead to a peaceful sleep. Let’s check out which suites you should avoid.
Neptune Suites Under Lido (Deck 7)
Cabins 7005-7029 are positioned near noise centers from The Buffet and Deck 8 Pools. Reviewers say they were "Overpaid for the noise of thumping on all the time".
Alternatives: There is also the option to stay Midship in The Neptune Suites or Vista Suites on Deck 6 for peacefulness or solitude.
Updates, Tips, and Strategies
Volendam has been fitted with a small amount of sound insulation in the 2024 dry dock but complaints of noise from guests sailing Alaska in 2025 continue to be reported. Make sure to check weather before your sail for possible swaying due to boat movement. To take a virtual tour of Volendam, use the HAL app and join other guests at r/HollandAmerica or in other similar forums.
- Strategies For Improved Booking: Do not book a GTY; check out the noise maps on cruisedeckplans.com
- Seasickness Remedies: Book on Deck 3 mid-ship and bring dramamine to help alleviate motion sickness.
- Travel Angle: Deck 3 forward, near the kids' club, is noisy when there are no children at the kids' club.
- Budget-Friendly Travel Tips: If you receive an obstructed view cabin, you can save 20-30% on your fare, but only after verifying the view from the cabin photo.
Summary Table of Cabins to Avoid
| Category | Cabins/Decks | Reasons | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Lido/Pools | 7005–7029 (Deck 7) | Lounger dragging, traffic | Deck 6 midship |
| Near Elevators | 1824–1829, 1881–1883 (Deck 1) | Dings, chatter | 10 doors away |
| Crew Stairwells | 1935–1954 (Deck 1) | Carts, slams | Midship Decks 4-5 |
| Forward Motion | 6100–6120, 7001–7010 | Pitching seas | Midship Decks 4-5 |
| Aft Vibration | 1945–1964 (Deck 1), 3355–3394 (Deck 3) | Engine hum | Midship Decks 6-7 |
| Obstructed Views | HH, H, G grades (Decks 1-3) | Beams, lifeboats | Unobstructed C-F grades |
| Connecting | 1935–1954, 2681–2707 | Sound transfer | Non-connecting Decks 4-5 |
| Small Interiors | M, MM (Decks 1-3) | Cramped 160-180 sq ft | Larger I-L grades |
| GTY Random | Various Decks 1-7 | Undesirable spots | Specific Decks 4-5 midship |
| Neptune Suites Under Lido | 7005–7029 | Overhead noise | Midship Deck 7 |
Conclusion
The Volendam by Holland America is an adorable ship for a cruise guest wanting more enrichment-based activities, but if you really want to experience all the sophisticated elegance onboard, make sure that you avoid sleeping in the staterooms we talked about so that you can sleep peacefully. While the best views, good quietness, and stability is found on deck 4 and 5 in the middle of the ship, please consider the deck number when selecting which stateroom you want to book and avoid booking numbers 5612-5614, 5619-5622, 5640-5641 and 5644-5660 as these staterooms will have you experiencing more movement due to the fact that they are located at either end of the ship’s midship portion. The Volendam has some sailings scheduled. Please take into account sailing conditions when booking your cruise including: recent weather patterns/reviews related to how much the ship has motion sickness issues in relation to cruising relatively rough waters; and that if you have any post-dry dock concerns you should contact the cruise line directly prior to your cruise departure. Finally, if you know which staterooms you want, you should book them as far in advance as possible to allow the true ambiance of Volendam's legacy ambiance to be realized.
