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You are here: Home / Travel / Cruising / Cruising Tips and Cruise Ships / Oosterdam: Our Tour on a Mid-Sized Holland America Cruise Ship

Oosterdam: Our Tour on a Mid-Sized Holland America Cruise Ship

Last Updated: September 25, 2022 // by Rhonda Albom // 31 Comments
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Holland America Oosterdam at port in Auckland
Holland America Oosterdam at port in Auckland

As soon as I stepped onboard the Holland America Oosterdam, I was reminded that all mid-sized cruise ships are not the same.

The Oosterdam is tasteful decorated, bright and vivid, but with an impressive, understated beauty, a refined elegance.

This five-star ship carries up to 1,964 passengers and 817 crew. It features several restaurants, lounges, and entertainment options, as well as both relaxing and active alternatives.

To date, we have spent over 160 days on a variety of cruise ships, the majority of which are mid-sized (1,500-2,499 passengers) across seven cruise lines. Too bad we are not cruising at this time.

We won a tour and a decadent lunch. It’s a prize earned simply from having my name randomly pulled from the hat.

Holland America’s ms Oosterdam was christened in July 2003 by her royal highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands.

Our first view of the Oosterdam

Auckland skyline seen from the ferry into the city. The HAL Oosterdam is in port.
The HAL Oosterdam in front of the Auckland skyline.

We arrived in Auckland for our afternoon onboard the Oosterdam via ferry.

Our first glimpse of the HAL Oosterdam came as we approached the city. She sat prominently in front of the Auckland skyline, her black and white exterior almost blending into the background rather than being a huge eyesore.

Let’s get into the cruising mood …

First impression onboard the ms Oosterdam

This globe sits over the atrium of the Holland America Oosterdam cruise ship.

Greeted by the beautiful atrium, it was the giant globe hanging over the entrance that first caught my eye. It instantly took me to places all around the world, reminding me of the romance of long-term travel and of faraway places that can be reached via ship.

Lounges and dining

The formal dining room of the Holland America Oosterdam cruise ship.
More fomal dining
More casual dining
Dessert following our cruise ship lunch
My dessert
Lounge at the front of the HAL Oosterdam.
A lounge area

With six places to eat onboard, plus 24-hour room service (included), you will not leave this ship hungry. In fact, it is the opposite, and you might want to check out a few of our tips for eating onboard without gaining weight.

The dining options range from casual to formal that are included, although both the steak house and the Italian cuisine restaurant have an additional cost.

The food was fabulous, and our lunch was so good that I am almost embarrassed to admit that I ate it before I remembered to take photos. That is until dessert, a light, fluffy strawberry perfection.

Artwork on the Oosterdam

Elevator doors onboard the Holland America Oosterdam
Artwork onboard the Holland America Oosterdam

In this case, a picture is worth 1,000 words. The artwork around the ship was eclectic, interesting, striking, and seemingly every where. Even the elevator doors were intricately decorated.

Cabins on the Oosterdam

One of the suite balconies on the Holland America Oosterdam with a spa
Looking out from the balcony of the suite
Hallway on the MS Oosterdam
Long hallways to the cabins.
A suite on the HAL Oosterdam.
A suite

The carpet in the long hallways did match the decor in the rooms, although I share here a blue hallway and a red room.

We saw two different cabins, this was the larger suite. Attention is paid to every detail.

It was the view from the balcony of the suite in the photo just above that let me really see how the other half live. We can clearly see a spa tub on the balcony of one of the largest suites.

I can only imagine how magical it would be to sit in that tub whilst cruising on a moonlit evening. Although, the lack of total privacy might be a disappointment.

Entertainment

World Stage, the main entertainment lounge on the Oosterdam
World Stage

We got a chance to see World Stage, the main entertainment stage, although we were not treated to a performance (nor did we expect one, as all we thought we won was lunch, even the tour was a big bonus).

I can only imagine it is impressive. After all, it’s a five-star ship, and all of the entertainment we have seen on other ships (ranging from 3-6 stars) has been excellent.

Plus, HAL has an exclusive partnership with the Lincoln Center, one of the world’s leading centers for performing arts. This is a real treat for fans of classical cruise ship music.

Swimming pools and spa tubs

Sea view pool
Main/Lido pool

There are two pools, and the main/lido pool has a retractable roof so that you can swim regardless of the weather.

Each pool has spa tubs, and the outdoor sea view pool has four adorable chairs that keep your body dry, but your feet in the water.

More onboard the Oosterdam

We didn’t see it all, there is also…

  • Observation deck
  • Two pianos
  • Trivia games
  • Sing-alongs
  • Bars
  • A family game room
  • Lectures
  • Shops
  • Two-story LED screen
  • Full spa services, including massage
  • Casino
  • Fitness center
  • Art Gallery
  • Kids clubs (for ages 3-17)

I could easily enjoy a few weeks aboard this ship. A few hours was not long enough.

Cruising into New Zealand

  • Nearly every summer day, at least one cruise ship arrives in Auckland, New Zealand (about 120 per year).
  • If you are lucky enough to be on one, there are plenty of things to do in Auckland and lots of interesting places to head to nearby Auckland.
  • And if it’s your first time visiting, be sure to check out some of the New Zealand highlights on Albom Adventures and tips for first-time visitors.

Save on your trip and cruise with these resources

We use these aggregator companies to save time and money. They do the work for us by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews for anywhere we are travelling worldwide. Plus, we have personally had positive customer service experiences with all of them: 

  • Cruise: We find great deals at Cruise Direct.
  • Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
  • Hotels: we use Booking.com as they consistently return the best rates and their reviews are from actual guests. However, for self-contained lodging, use VRBO
  • Cars: we use RentalCars to find the best deals and dealer ratings.
  • Set up private guides at the ports: Looking to maximize our limited time at a port, we often hire private guides from Tours by Locals.
  • Travel Insurance: we start at InsureMyTrip as they are the best option to compare plans and find the right coverage for you.

Before you book the rest of your trip: Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.

We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.

Don’t miss our cruise tips.

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Staircase in the entertainment lounge of the HAL Oosterdam cruise ship.

Will you cruise on the ms Oosterdam?

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Category: Cruising Tips and Cruise Ships, TravelTag: Cruise Ship

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Claudya Martinez

    December 8, 2014 at 5:16 am

    What a wonderful experience to win.

    Reply
  2. Claire

    December 6, 2014 at 10:57 am

    Oh wow, amazing… I want to go on here 🙂

    Reply
  3. kristi

    December 5, 2014 at 3:26 am

    The Oosterdam looks like a luxurious ship! I would love to lunch there, but of course. 😉 Otherwise, I had lunch in my car after work. Glamorous, I know! lol

    Reply
  4. Alissa Apel

    December 5, 2014 at 3:14 am

    Oh wow that looks ultra fancy! What a great win for you. I hope you got to swim, and relax in their hot tub. During the week I have lunch here at work. Exciting I know. 😉

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      December 7, 2014 at 10:44 am

      LOL – no swimming for us, it was just an afternoon tour and lunch. (I shouldn’t say “just” as it was much cooler than that.)

      Reply
  5. Julie Kemp Pick

    December 4, 2014 at 10:05 pm

    What a beautiful ship! I loved the pool with the retractable roof for cool days. I agree that the spa balcony should’ve been more private. Congrats on winning the wonderful lunch and tour, Rhonda!

    Reply
  6. Jolanta aka Casual Traveler

    December 4, 2014 at 3:30 pm

    Congratulations! It’s always fun to win a free lunch. Thank you for the tour and for your comparison with other cruise ships that you’ve seen. I’m not sure we’ll ever go on a cruise, but it’s good to know what we might expect if we decide to do that.

    Reply
  7. Feed Me Dearly

    December 4, 2014 at 10:41 am

    Sounds like a lunch to remember – I’m so happy for you!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      December 7, 2014 at 10:42 am

      It was like to remember, and we got to take the ferry to and from the city another one of my favorite things to do.

      Reply
  8. posh

    December 4, 2014 at 7:20 am

    Wow. That sounds like an amazing trip!

    Reply
  9. LD Masterson

    December 4, 2014 at 6:25 am

    Ah, I love cruising. Now you’ve given me the bug to go on another.

    Reply
  10. Susan

    December 4, 2014 at 4:06 am

    I’m with you about the “private” spa. I just love the way the cruise ship blends in with the city skyline. That is so impressive. Always love your pictures and commentary!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      December 7, 2014 at 10:40 am

      You know it was the angle that I took that photo that made it appear to blend into the city. From other angles it was clearly A huge ship docked at Queens wharf. This one was just the most fun.

      Reply
  11. Cathy

    December 4, 2014 at 12:10 am

    Would I cruise on the Oosterdam – too right I would! Have been on her sister ship Zuiderdam twice as well. As well others in the HAL fleet so it would be no lie if I said ‘ too right I would’ lol
    Lucky you to have lunch on her – me, well today, I lunched on cheese, crackers and some fruit the back deck.
    Cathy

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      December 7, 2014 at 10:35 am

      How exciting to have traveled so many times on Holland America line. So much luxury. I will add her sister ship to my WishList as well, and I hope you get sail on the Oosterdam sometime soon.

      Reply
  12. Ai Sakura

    December 3, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    wow what a wonderful prize! I’ve never been on a cruise before.. this looks very impressive.

    Reply
  13. Joyce

    December 3, 2014 at 2:18 pm

    Cruises are so much fun. I’d love to go on another one. I ate a sack lunch in my classroom by myself while I worked. Aren’t you glad you asked?

    Reply
  14. Emma and Buster

    December 3, 2014 at 2:10 pm

    Wow, what a good fortune.

    Reply
  15. Leovi

    December 3, 2014 at 1:12 pm

    Great photos, wonderful shots with beautiful details of this beautiful hotel!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      December 7, 2014 at 10:32 am

      I never really thought about who should that way, But I guess they are floating hotels.

      Reply
  16. April - My Bizarre Family

    December 3, 2014 at 11:43 am

    Looks like a wonderful time!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      December 7, 2014 at 10:32 am

      Yes we got a good flavor for the shipping just a couple hours. It would be even better if we could spend week.

      Reply
  17. Alex J. Cavanaugh

    December 3, 2014 at 7:11 am

    Very cool! Agree about the spa. I’d want the balcony more private than that.

    Reply
  18. Comedy Plus

    December 3, 2014 at 5:55 am

    Way to go on the win. It’s morning here so lunch hasn’t happened yet. Neither has breakfast.

    I’ve cruised before, but the last cruise was awful. We’ll never get on a cruise ship again. Ever.

    Have a fabulous day. 🙂

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      December 7, 2014 at 10:31 am

      Honestly, this really surprises me. You are such a boatie, for some reason I thought you loved cruising and did it quite often. But now that I think about it I haven’t seen increasing posts from you quite a while.

      Reply
  19. stevebethere

    December 3, 2014 at 4:26 am

    Wow! that is some cruise ship what a lovely experience it looks so posh and grand doesn’t it 🙂

    Have a shiptastic week 🙂

    Reply
  20. Dominique Goh

    December 3, 2014 at 3:11 am

    That’s a really grand cruise ship. Great Win.. you must have enjoyed yourself on the cruise.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      December 7, 2014 at 10:29 am

      Grand is a nice word for it. It was so much more refined than some of the other ships we have been on.

      Reply
  21. Merlinda Little

    December 3, 2014 at 3:05 am

    What an amazing experience! Love the interior as well! If i have a chance to have lunch in a cruise ship I would of course to savor the food and interiors like this =)

    Reply
  22. Hilary

    December 3, 2014 at 2:39 am

    Hi Rhonda .. I’ve never been keen to cruise … but I do hear things that perhaps make me think I should change my mind. What a great advertising ploy … and pity you didn’t take any photos of the food – I had salad – my usual … I’m not the best lunchtime eater …

    Cheers and perhaps another cruise for you both coming up? Hilary

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      December 7, 2014 at 10:28 am

      Cruising probably isn’t for everybody, But we enjoy it. And, I agree it is a great advertising ploy but also quite a fun adventure. It certainly got me to consider Holland America for my next cruise.

      Reply

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