OOSTERDAM
August 28, 2026 | Salerno, Italy
Our 14-day Mediterranean cruise aboard Oosterdam (Holland America Line) brought us to Salerno, Italy, on August 28, 2026. The port was one of the Italian stops on our voyage from Athens to Barcelona, taking us along the coast of southern Italy before continuing toward Civitavecchia and the western Mediterranean.
Entering service in 2003, Oosterdam is the second of Holland America Line’s four Vista-class ships. Built by Fincantieri in Italy, the ship combines the line’s traditional approach to cruising with a high proportion of ocean-view and balcony accommodations and a size well suited to destination-focused itineraries around the world.
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: 81,769 GT
Passenger Capacity: Approximately 1,964
Passenger Cabins: 924
Passenger Decks: 11
Maximum Speed: Approximately 24 knots
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.
Delivered in 2003, she was the second member of Holland America Line’s Vista Class.
She followed Zuiderdam, with Westerdam and Noordam completing the four-ship class.
Approximately 85 percent of her original passenger cabins were designed with ocean views, with a large proportion also featuring private balconies.
Exterior glass elevators on both sides of the ship are among the distinctive features of the Vista-class design.
Design and Features:
The Lido Pool has a retractable roof, allowing the area to be used in a variety of weather conditions.
The Sea View Pool provides an additional outdoor pool and open deck area at the stern.
Dining venues include the Dining Room, Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, Lido Market, and Dive-In.
Entertainment spaces include World Stage, Billboard Onboard, and Rolling Stone Lounge.
The Crow’s Nest provides panoramic views from high on the forward section of the ship.
At roughly 82,000 gross tons, Oosterdam is considerably smaller than many of today’s newest cruise ships.
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 itineraries visiting 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.
Our 2026 Mediterranean Cruise:
We sailed aboard Oosterdam on a 14-day Mediterranean cruise from Athens to Barcelona beginning August 22, 2026.
The voyage included destinations in Greece, Montenegro, Italy, France, Spain, and Gibraltar.
Salerno was one of several Italian ports visited during the cruise.
Our August 28 visit placed Oosterdam along the coast of southern Italy, with Salerno serving as a gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and the surrounding Campania region.
The voyage later continued west through the Mediterranean before arriving in Barcelona on September 5.
Vista Class:
Holland America Line’s Vista Class consists of Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam, and Noordam.
The four ships entered service between 2002 and 2006.
The class introduced more balcony accommodations while retaining the moderate size associated with Holland America’s destination-focused cruising.
The design has allowed the ships to operate successfully in regions ranging from Alaska and the Caribbean to Europe and South America.
Legacy:
Oosterdam has served Holland America Line for more than two decades.
As the second Vista-class ship, she represents an important generation in the development of the company’s modern fleet.
Holland America has selected Oosterdam as the first ship to undergo its major Holland America Evolution modernization program.
The transformation is scheduled for 2027 and will introduce new accommodations and venues while beginning a new chapter in the ship’s career.
