MS Prinsendam, intimate refinement and timeless charm
Built in 1988 in Turku by the Wärtsilä Marine shipyards, the MS Prinsendam stood out as a unique vessel within Holland America Line. With a capacity of around 835 passengers and 470 dedicated crew members, the MS Prinsendam offered a rare balance of refined comfort, friendly atmosphere, and exclusive itineraries. Valued for its intimate size and elegant character, it left the fleet in 2019 after leaving a memorable mark on the history and spirit of the company.
A refined life on board
Cabins, havens of serenity
The cabins of the MS Prinsendam combined classic elegance with modern comfort, offering a majority of outside cabins, many with verandas opening onto the ocean. Guests enjoyed premium bedding, bright bathrooms, and clever storage solutions, creating an intimate space where relaxation and travel blended together. Some cabins also featured comfortable sitting areas, further enhancing the feeling of a true home at sea and making every journey even more enjoyable.
Shared spaces, between conviviality and culture
The public areas of the MS Prinsendam invited both connection and contemplation, with a majestic multi-level atrium, a richly stocked library, cozy lounges, and elegant bars. Each space fostered a welcoming, warm atmosphere where travelers could share discoveries, stories, and moments of serenity. The harmonious design of these areas offered intimate concerts, engaging cultural lectures, lively gatherings, or quiet relaxation in a refined and graceful setting.
Sun-drenched decks
On the exterior decks of the MS Prinsendam, passengers enjoyed breathtaking panoramic views and an atmosphere designed for comfort and relaxation. The ship featured a heated pool, a bright solarium, and spacious terraces that invited guests to savor the beauty of the sea’s horizons, both day and night. Peaceful walks along the decks, accompanied by the soothing sound of the waves, turned every moment into a poetic interlude at the heart of the ocean. Guests could simply relax and enjoy the calm sea air.
Gastronomy and pleasures aboard the MS Prinsendam
Tables with international flavors
The restaurants on the MS Prinsendam offered a wide variety of options, with a main dining room decorated with elegance where each meal became a true experience, the Lido Market for relaxed moments with views of the sea, Canaletto with generous Italian flavors, and the Pinnacle Grill, renowned for its quality meats and fresh seafood. Each dining space reflected careful attention to detail, thoughtful service, and the desire to satisfy every guest’s culinary preference.
A culinary journey
The gastronomic experiences on the MS Prinsendam highlighted menus inspired by the destinations visited, creating a subtle and elegant harmony between travel and dining. Fresh ingredients, regional dishes, refined wine selections, and healthy options composed meals where authenticity blended with elegance and creativity. This thoughtful culinary approach allowed passengers to fully extend their cultural discoveries onto the plate, making each meal a moment of pleasure and sophistication.
Elegant bars and evenings
Evenings on the MS Prinsendam unfolded in a cozy, refined atmosphere, with bars featuring live music, intimate lounges, and carefully selected wine tastings. Occasionally complemented by elegant shows, refined concerts, cultural activities, or friendly gatherings among fellow passengers, these beautiful moments truly turned each night on board into a true celebration of the art of life at sea, where gentle relaxation blended with quiet sophistication and the simple joy of sharing.
Unique stops and experiences
Inspiring cultures and discoveries
Thanks to its intimate size, the MS Prinsendam could access exclusive and authentic ports often unreachable by larger ships. Passengers discovered historic cities, colorful markets, quiet villages, and unspoiled natural landscapes off the beaten path, turning each special stop into a truly unique cultural immersion. These carefully crafted itineraries allowed curious guests to fully absorb rich local traditions and explore hidden gems, adding a rare and enriching dimension to the journey.
Serenity and relaxation on board
The Greenhouse Spa on the MS Prinsendam offered a wide range of treatments, from soothing massages to beauty rituals inspired by traditions from around the world. Its modern relaxation areas, filled with a soft and peaceful atmosphere, invited guests to slow down and fully recentre themselves. Between two shore explorations, passengers found in this wellness sanctuary a precious moment to recharge, reconnect with their vital energy, and extend the pleasure of the journey.
Refined entertainment
Entertainment on the MS Prinsendam favored understated elegance, with high-quality artistic performances, classical music concerts, and enriching cultural lectures. These thoughtful activities offered a sophisticated and welcoming setting where culture and entertainment blended harmoniously. Far from the usual noise of large stages, passengers enjoyed a calm, peaceful, and distinguished atmosphere that perfectly matched the ship’s intimate and elegant character.
Itineraries and panoramas of the MS Prinsendam
Exclusive landscapes
The MS Prinsendam explored exceptional and varied itineraries, from the majestic fjords of Norway to the sun-drenched islands of Greece, including South America and the Black Sea. Its ability to navigate smaller ports allowed guests to admire unspoiled, breathtaking panoramas and access off-the-radar, hidden destinations, offering passengers unique viewpoints and unforgettable experiences unavailable to larger, modern ships.
Gourmet stops
Each stop on the MS Prinsendam became a true culinary adventure, offering the chance to explore the rich local markets, taste fine regional wines, savor unique artisanal specialties, and discover traditional recipes passed down with passion. These delightful gastronomic discoveries added a rich sensory dimension to the journey, extending the cultural experience and allowing guests to fully enjoy the authentic, subtle, and varied flavors of each wonderful destination.
Poetic horizons
Passengers aboard the MS Prinsendam experienced unforgettable, peaceful moments at sunrise and sunset, when the sea and sky gently blended into an endless palette of shimmering, vibrant, and ever-changing colors. These suspended, magical moments, where the horizon seemed to softly dissolve into the light, truly transformed the voyage into a rare and deeply memorable poetic experience. They left lasting, beautiful memories, etched forever in the mind like living paintings.
An elevated experience with Voyages Aqua Terra
Personalized support
Voyages Aqua Terra always offered exceptional service aboard the MS Prinsendam, providing tailored advice, smooth organization, and discreet attentions adapted to the unique needs of each traveler. From trip preparation to personalized touches during the cruise, the support stood out for its great refinement and careful precision. This custom approach truly transformed every crossing into a calm, elegant, and warm experience perfectly suited to everyone’s own desires and wishes.
Exclusive privileges
With Voyages Aqua Terra, the cruise on the MS Prinsendam came with exclusive privileges such as elegant upgrades, priority reservations, and discreet personalized attentions. These key benefits added a unique and refined dimension to the wonderful journey, combining comfort, peace, tranquility, and prestige. Passengers were thus able to enjoy truly special and privileged moments that enhanced the feeling of experiencing an exceptional cruise, far from the usual standards.
Unforgettable memories
The MS Prinsendam, combined with the true expertise of Voyages Aqua Terra, left travelers with unforgettable memories, filled with the great beauty of the landscapes, flawless service quality, and the authentic discoveries made at each exotic stop. These special moments, full of deep emotion and refinement, stayed deeply in the memory, turning the trip into a unique collection of precious, inspiring, and truly unique times that one loves to relive again and again.
