MS Zuiderdam
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| ms Zuiderdam | |
| Status: | in service |
| Maiden Voyage: | March 2004 |
| Tonnage: | 85,000 gross tons |
| Length: | 951 feet |
| Beam: | 109.8 feet |
| Decks: | 11 |
| Speed: | 24 knots |
| Complement: | 1,848 passengers, 800 crew |
| Registry: | Netherlands |
The ms Zuiderdam (IPA pronunciation: [zvɪɘdʊrda:m]) is a cruise ship that sails for Holland America Line. It is the first of the Vista Class of ships, so named for the extensive use of glass in their superstructure. It is sister to the ms Oosterdam, ms Westerdam, and the new ms Noordam. The names of the four ships translate to the four directions of the compass in Dutch.
The ship shares similar exterior dimensions with Carnival Cruise Lines' Spirit Class and Costa Cruises' Costa Atlantica. Cunard's upcoming RMS Queen Victoria was to share the design as well, until the RMS Queen Mary 2's overwhelming popularity sent designers back to the drawing board to create a unique ship. The RMS Queen Victoria, which had begun construction, was then sold to P&O Cruises and went on to become the new Arcadia.
She utilizes the latest in industry technologies, such as a full-scale diesel-electric power plant for the best possible energy efficiency and an Azipod propulsion system for maneuverability. Eighty-five percent of her staterooms have ocean views and sixty-seven percent have verandahs.
