OOSTERDAM
August 31, 2026 | Ajaccio, Corsica, France
Our 14-day Mediterranean cruise aboard Oosterdam (Holland America Line) brought us to Ajaccio, Corsica, on August 31, 2026. The visit came during our voyage from Athens to Barcelona, with the Vista-class ship spending the day in Ajaccio before continuing west toward Marseille and Gibraltar.
Entering service in 2003, Oosterdam is the second of Holland America Line’s four Vista-class ships. Built by Fincantieri in Italy, the ship was designed to combine traditional Holland America cruising with a greater number of balcony accommodations, spacious public areas, and itineraries throughout Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, and other regions.
Information List
Name: Oosterdam
Operator: Holland America Line
Year Entered Service: 2003
Shipyard: Fincantieri, Marghera, Italy
Class: Vista Class
Length: 936 feet (285 meters)
Beam: 105.8 feet (32.2 meters)
Tonnage: Approximately 82,000 GT
Passenger Capacity: Approximately 1,964
Crew: Approximately 800
Passenger Decks: 11
Country of Registry: Netherlands
IMO Number: 9221281
History and Features
Construction and Entry Into Service:
Oosterdam was built by Fincantieri at its Marghera shipyard near Venice, Italy.
She was the second member of Holland America Line’s Vista Class, following Zuiderdam.
The ship entered service in 2003.
Her name follows Holland America’s long tradition of using the “dam” suffix and translates roughly as “East Dam” in Dutch.
Westerdam and Noordam later completed the four-ship Vista Class.
Design and Features:
The Vista Class introduced a new generation of larger ships to Holland America Line in the early 2000s.
Oosterdam was designed with a high proportion of outside and balcony accommodations.
The ship features a multi-level central atrium and a variety of restaurants, lounges, entertainment venues, and outdoor spaces.
The Lido Pool is protected by a retractable roof, allowing the area to be used in different weather conditions.
The Sea View Pool provides a second outdoor pool area overlooking the stern.
Dining options include the Dining Room, Lido Market, Pinnacle Grill, and Canaletto.
Entertainment spaces include World Stage, Rolling Stone Lounge, and Billboard Onboard.
Service:
During more than two decades of service, Oosterdam has operated cruises throughout Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific.
Mediterranean cruising has remained an important part of her career, with voyages connecting ports throughout Greece, Italy, France, Spain, and the Adriatic.
The ship has also operated longer voyages to South America and Antarctica.
During summer 2026, Oosterdam was based in Europe for a series of Mediterranean cruises.
As of September 2026, she remains in active service with Holland America Line.
August 2026 Mediterranean Cruise:
Our 14-day voyage aboard Oosterdam departed Piraeus, the port for Athens, on August 22, 2026.
The itinerary included Kotor, Corfu, Messina, an overnight visit to Salerno, Civitavecchia, Portofino, Ajaccio, Marseille, and Gibraltar.
Scenic cruising included the Bay of Kotor, Strait of Messina, and Stromboli.
Oosterdam arrived in Ajaccio on August 31 and remained in port from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
After leaving Corsica, the ship continued to Marseille and Gibraltar before arriving in Barcelona on September 5.
The voyage was marketed by Holland America as the 14-Day Greece, Italy & French Riviera Collectors’ Voyage.
Vista Class:
Holland America Line’s Vista Class consists of Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam, and Noordam.
The four ships entered service between 2002 and 2006.
Their design provided more balcony accommodations than earlier Holland America ships while maintaining a size suited to destination-focused cruising.
Vista-class ships have operated extensively throughout Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, and other worldwide destinations.
Holland America has announced that Oosterdam will become the first ship to undergo the company’s major Holland America Evolution modernization program in 2027.
Legacy:
Oosterdam has spent more than two decades operating a wide variety of international itineraries for Holland America Line.
Her size has allowed her to combine longer destination-focused voyages with access to ports throughout the Mediterranean and other regions.
As the second Vista-class ship, she represents an important generation in the development of Holland America’s modern fleet.
Her planned Holland America Evolution transformation in 2027 will begin a new chapter in the ship’s career.
