MS Noordam is a member of Holland America Line's Vista class, and the fourth Holland America Line vessel to bear the name.

The ship was christened on February 22, 2006, in New York City by the actress Marlee Matlin.

The prefixes of the four Holland America ships' names represent the four directions of the compass in Dutch.

The power generated is used both for propulsion, via two 17.5MW (23,467 HP) ABB Azipods, and the ship's "hotel load," which includes HVAC and freshwater production.

She can achieve a maximum speed of approximately 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph).