On Holland America's Zaandam, the cabins most cruisers should avoid are interior cabins on the Dolphin and Main Decks (Decks 1 and 2), which sit closest to the engines and experience the most noise and vibration; certain Lower Promenade Deck 3 cabins located beneath the show lounge stage or galley, where late-night entertainment and early-morning kitchen activity carry into the rooms; Ocean View cabins with partially or fully obstructed views, where metal beams and ship structure block the sea — the most affected cabins include 1824-1829, 1881, 1883, 1894, 1896, 1898, 1915, 1917, 1919, 1926, 1928, and 1930; and cabins positioned directly opposite elevator lobbies, which get foot traffic late into the night. Cabins at the very back of the ship feel the most engine vibration on every deck, and forward cabins on Decks 1 and 2 feature small double portholes instead of picture windows. For the quietest, most comfortable stay, choose a midship Ocean View or Verandah Suite on Decks 6 or 7 — these cabins sit away from the engines, galley, and show lounge, with staterooms above and below to buffer noise. The MS Zaandam is an R-Class ship in Holland America Line's fleet, launched in 2000 and refurbished multiple times since, and her layout places certain cabin categories much closer to noise sources than others.
The Holland America Zaandam cabins to avoid are mainly the aft Navigation Deck staterooms (7058–7086) prone to motion, the rooms directly below the Lido pool (7005–7029) that catch early-morning lounger noise, all Ocean View rooms on the Lower Promenade Deck (deck 3) where the promenade compromises privacy, obstructed-view cabins (grades G, H and HH), interior cabins near the engines (M and MM, 1923–1947), and any rooms right next to the elevators. None of these are outright bad rooms, but depending on your priorities — quiet, view, privacy or a steady ride — each carries a trade-off worth knowing before you book.
The Zaandam is one of the traditional R-class ships, and there are certain cabin “tricks” associated with the smaller ships that you simply cannot detect from photos and the reservation interface. While some staterooms are truly superb for an enjoyable and peaceful cruise vacation, others may result in waking up very early and hearing noises throughout the entire trip. The list below features all of the best cabins and those to avoid at all costs.
MS Zaandam Cabin Types at a Glance
Zaandam offers three main cabin categories, each with its own subtypes:
- Interior – Large (160–180 sq. ft.)
- Ocean View – Standard, Partial Sea View, Fully Obstructed View, and Porthole (200–255 sq. ft.)
- Suites – Vista, Neptune, and Pinnacle (approx. 260–1,290 sq. ft.)
One quirk to know upfront: The first weird thing worth noting is that contrary to the new generation ships of Holland America, Zaandam does not feature any standard Verandah staterooms. To enjoy some fresh air, you have to go for a suite. The majority of the Vista Suites are as spacious as a regular Verandah Stateroom in the new generation ships.
Zaandam Cabin Grades Explained
Every Holland America room number starts with one or two letters (the grade) followed by four digits, where the first digit tells you the deck. Here's how the grades break down:
| Cabin Grade | Type |
|---|---|
| PS | Pinnacle Suite |
| SA, SB | Neptune Suite |
| A, AA, B, BB, BC | Vista Suite |
| C | Ocean View – Shower Only |
| D, DA, DD, E, EE, F, FF | Ocean View – Bath and Shower |
| G | Ocean View – Porthole View |
| H | Ocean View – Partially Obstructed View |
| HH | Ocean View – Fully Obstructed View |
| I, J, K, L, M, MM, N | Interior Stateroom |
Decks with bookable staterooms: Dolphin (1800–1964), Main (2500–2715), Lower Promenade (3300–3431), Verandah (6100–6228), and Navigation (7001–7088). The Promenade, Upper Promenade, Lido and Sports decks have no staterooms.
The Worst Cabins on MS Zaandam
These aren't always bad rooms — but depending on your circumstances, you may want to steer clear.
Cabins That Could Make You Seasick
Cabin numbers: 7058 to 7086
Although very few cruising passengers ever have to deal with seasickness, those who do should definitely avoid staying in cabins located in the back of the Navigation Deck. A general recommendation here is that the higher up and the closer to either side the passenger stays on the deck, the more movement he will feel during the cruise. Since the Bridge is situated in the front of the Navigation Deck, the aft part is what passengers should avoid when sailing the ship. Being relatively small, Zaandam offers a greater level of movement compared to mega-ships, so passengers shouldn't believe their fears about the steadiness of a ride are unfounded just because of that.
Connecting Staterooms (If You Don't Need Them)
Cabin numbers: Various (Ocean View only)
Connecting cabins are great for families and groups. But here's the practical reason to avoid them if you're not booking the adjacent room: cruise staterooms are built from a metal frame that provides decent soundproofing. Cut a connecting door into that frame — even one that stays locked — and the soundproofing is partially compromised. You'll likely hear your neighbours, and they may hear you. If you value your privacy and quiet, book a non-connecting room.
Obstructed Ocean View Staterooms
Cabin numbers: Any G, H or HH grade stateroom
This one comes down to how much the view matters to you:
- G-grade (Porthole): Two small portholes instead of a picture window, sitting close to the waterline. You get natural light but barely any view.
- H-grade (Partially Obstructed): View partially blocked by steel support beams — not too bad.
- HH-grade (Fully Obstructed): View completely blocked by those beams.
If you want a real ocean view without paying suite prices, choose any Ocean View cabin in grades C, D, DA, DD, E, EE, F or FF instead. If you only care about natural light and want to save money, the obstructed rooms can be a smart bargain.
Rooms Directly Below the Swimming Pools
Cabin numbers: 7005 to 7029
If you love a lie-in, avoid the rooms directly below the Lido pool and Sea View pool areas. You won't hear much at night — but in the early morning you'll hear loungers being dragged across the deck floor as people stake their claim. That scraping sound carries straight through the ceiling. Book elsewhere if lazy mornings are sacred to you.
Rooms Right Next to the Elevators
Cabin numbers: 1824–1829, 1881, 1883, 1894, 1896, 1898, 1915, 1917, 1919, 1926, 1928, 1930, 2544, 2546, 2547, 2549, 2618, 2620–2623, 2625, 2650, 2652, 2654, 2655, 2657, 2659, 3325, 3326, 3331, 3332, 3363, 3364, 3366, 3389, 3391, 3394, 3396, 6115, 6117, 6119, 6120, 6122, 6124, 6165, 6167, 6169, 6170, 6172, 6174, 6197, 6199, 6201, 6202, 6204, 6206, 7056–7061
The cabins overlooking the elevator lobbies will receive more walking traffic and hence have some level of noise due to this movement, especially late into the night. This will not pose any significant issue aboard such a large vessel; however, those cabins that lie slightly farther away from the elevators will remain relatively quiet. This is the case with the Forward Navigation Deck because it has very few cabins.
Rooms Where Privacy May Be an Issue
Cabin numbers: All Ocean View rooms on the Lower Promenade Deck (beginning with 3)
The Lower Promenade Deck offers a complete surrounding promenade, which is a very nice place for an enclosed walk. However, there is a disadvantage associated with Ocean View cabins on this level. You can expect disturbance from all the activities on the promenade since Ocean View staterooms have windows that open out directly on to the promenade. Moreover, people may also use the deck chairs, and you can be surprised when you open your curtains because you will see somebody's back there.
Noisy Interior Cabins Near the Engines
Cabin numbers: M and MM grade cabins, 1923 to 1947
Reviews of Zaandam are largely glowing, but one recurring complaint is engine noise in the Interior rooms on the lowest deck. The closer you are to the centre of the ship and the engines, the more noise and vibration you may notice — and Interior staterooms tend to suffer most. If this concerns you, book a higher deck.
The Best Cabins on MS Zaandam
Now for the rooms genuinely worth seeking out.
Unobstructed Aft-View Staterooms
Cabin numbers: 2702, 2713, 2715, 3429
Wake-view cabins at the aft are among the most coveted on any ship — you watch the churning water you leave behind, sheltered from the wind. On Zaandam these sit on lower decks so the view isn't as dramatic as on a taller ship, but they're still a treat and clearly the pick of the Ocean View rooms on their decks.
The Pinnacle Suite
Cabin number: PS7001
Pinnacle Suite is undoubtedly the most spacious — measuring about 1,290 sq. ft. with the private veranda, this suite can easily hold six Interior staterooms in it, while the size of the veranda alone exceeds that of certain cabins. The Pinnacle Suite features an oversize whirlpool bath, a free glass of mimosa during breakfast, and VIP access to any line on board. Expensive it may be, it is definitely a luxury worth it.
Navigation Deck Aft Staterooms (For Smokers)
Cabin numbers: 7050 to 7086Smoking (both regular and electronic) is allowed only in the Sea View Bar on Deck 8. Being located only one level below it, these Navigation Deck cabins mean that your trip to the only smoking lounge on the ship will be a short one. No worries if you don’t smoke – because the bar is open-air, there’s no smell left because the wind takes it all away. The one problem with them is that they are among the most mobile cabins.
The Best Deck on MS Zaandam
There's no single "best" deck on Zaandam. Most cruisers prefer a deck with staterooms above and below — and the only one fully sandwiched that way is the Main Deck, which sits low on the ship. That low position makes it excellent for anyone prone to seasickness, though it limits the view. You could also argue the Navigation Deck is best since it hosts the finest suites. In practice, sound transfer through floors and ceilings is rarely an issue on a ship this size, so most guests will be comfortable on any deck.
FAQs About Holland America Zaandam Cabins to Avoid
Which Zaandam rooms will make me seasick?
The after deck staterooms in the Navigation Deck, which are around rooms 7058-7086, will make you the most seasick due to their location high up on and towards the back of the boat. You should consider mid-ship cabins on a lower deck like the Main Deck if you’re seasick-prone.
Are there Balcony cabins for Holland America Line Zaandam?
Not really. Contrary to other Holland America ships, the Zaandam does not have any normal Verandah cabins. The Verandah Staterooms on this cruise liner are available only in suites - either Vista, Neptune or Pinnacle. Some of the Vista Suites are equivalent in size to the Verandah Staterooms.
What does the letter codes G, H, and HH indicate in relation to cabin types onboard Zaandam?
They refer to obstructed ocean views. The G-class rooms come with small portholes just above the water line with limited view. The H-class rooms come with views that are partially obstructed by the steel beams, whereas the HH-class rooms offer no view at all.
Should one opt for cabins on the Lower Promenade Deck of Zaandam?
It is suitable only if the need for privacy is not considered essential. Ocean View cabins on the Lower Promenade Deck (starting from 3) overlook the promenade corridor, meaning that others walking past will be able to peer in as long as the curtains aren’t drawn.
What is the best cabin on MS Zaandam?
As for luxury, the best choice will be the only available Pinnacle Suite (PS7001), which provides the biggest cabin on the boat, complete with whirlpool bathtub and special VIP privileges. For less fortunate guests, the aft staterooms with an open view of the wake will provide the best value for money (2702, 2713, 2715 and 3429).
Final Thoughts
Zaandam has her quirks — suites with balconies but no standard Verandah staterooms, and a promenade deck running right past some windows. But none of the cabins above are outright bad. It all comes down to personal preference, and several of the "cabins to avoid" are cheaper for exactly that reason, which may matter more to you than the downside. Match the room to what you value most — a steady ride, a clear view, quiet, or privacy — and you'll book with confidence.
