Alaska 2011 decision- which ship Zaandam or Statendam

[stacylv]

Definitely want to leave from Vancouver/Seward and return to other, only can do 7 nights otherwise flexible, help me decide!

[Middle Aged and Happy]

Zaandam is a newer and larger ship. I have not been on her but have been on Statendam twice, once on this exact cruise. I dont think you can go wrong.

[paganwoman]

I have been on both to Alaska. Both are lovely. The Zaandam is a little newer and larger but the Statendam has been recently renovated ( I have not been on her since then) But you can't go wrong with either one. Both crew are just wonderful.

[cruz chic]

Personally I would go with the Zaandam. It's a newer ship. I've been on both of them.

[Willsot]

We love the Zaandam. It is newer than the Statendam, but not new (I believe now over 10 yrs. old).

[RuthC]

Is the itinerary the same? If not, then choose by itinerary first. If it is the same, is the sailing day of the week the same?

If not, then take a look at how many, and size of, other ships will be sharing ports with you. More people changes the experience. Also, it can make a difference in airport crowding upon disembarkation.

If day of the week is the same, then take a look at the two ships. The Statendam and Zaandam are similar in lay-out, but not identical. One major difference is the addition of a mid-ship elevator bank/staircase on the Zaandam. There's no dead end on Promenade Deck as there is on the Statendam.

Either choice is a good one to provide a fabulous time.

[mr green]

I have been on both, thay are nice little ships by to days standards, so, go on the cruise that suites you the best.

 

john

[sassyredhat]

What Ruth Said. :)

 

I've sailed on both, and for me, the layout of Zaandam is a winner.

Zaandam is our favorite ship.

Pat

[DutchByAssociation]

Zaandam is amazing but Statendam has some upgrades that have me pulling that way too.

 

Here's some of the most notable refurbs on Statendam, including ALL staterooms and stateroom bathrooms, the addition of Mix and the Showroom at Sea and much more

 

http://www.dutchbyassociation.com/2010/06/statendam-post-soe-20.html

[Wyoming2010]

We just booked our cruise for May 2012 and were toiling over the same decision. We chose Zaandam because it is newer and we've read good things about it. So I called HAL and asked about the refurbishing. They said it is scheduled for drydock this October. So hopefully it comes back with all the sparkling new updates that the Statendam had. ;) Enjoy your trip!

[John Cruise]

I just got off the Zaandam and she is in good shape.

She still has the old piano bar venue, if you enjoy that.

The public space on the Zaandam is better than the Statendam.

The Exploration Lounge/library/computer area is much better

on the Zaandam. The Zaandam also has new outdoor deck

chairs and lounges.

 

JC

[SwissMyst]

Haven't been on the Zaadndam but the Statendam (11/10) was fine on our last Panama trip though the main dining room food was not as good as we found on the Zuiderdam Alaska (6/10), which also did the Alaska route from Vancouver - larger but excellent food in the main dining room. Because the Zuiderdam was so good, our next trip on the Statendam left us a bit disappointed.