Overview

One of the oldest cruise ship companies in the world, Holland America now includes 11 medium-sized cruise ships that carry between 1,200 and 2,600 passengers. Cruises focus on the cultural experience, with an emphasis on culinary journeys. Holland America is dedicated to creating voyages for explorers, foodies, and music lovers.

Itineraries range from Northern Europe onboard Rotterdam to exotic locales in the Far East, with ports of call in more than 100 countries. Book an adventurous Alaska cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam or Noordam for an unforgettable experience with unbeatable shore excursions and ports. Guest lecturers, local cultural ambassadors and guides plus an array of onboard activities, ensure no cruise experience is the same.

Holland America Line: A Long Maritime Tradition

With its origin dating back to 1893, Holland America Line has a long tradition of carrying passengers across the oceans of the world. Its current fleet of 11 medium-sized ships cruise regions around the globe, from Alaska to the Mediterranean to Tahiti. Bought by Carnival Corp. in 1989, the cruise line is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Holland America Line ship designs are elegant and spacious, so passengers never feel crowded in their cabins or in public areas. All of the vessels have the signature black hull, a good way to spot Holland America ships in port. The designs are divided into four classes.

Two ships belong to the Rotterdam or R Class, each one carrying around 1400 guests. The Rotterdam Class ships were all built and launched between 1997 and 2000. They are the Volendam and the Zaandam.

There are four ships in the Vista Class, one launched each year between 2002 and 2006. These are named for the four points of the compass: the Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam and Noordam. The Vista Class ships are larger and faster than earlier vessels, carrying close to 2,000 passengers each.

The Signature Class ships, the Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam, are an enhanced Vista Class design. The design added a deck between the Lido and Observation decks, making room for a specialty restaurant and some spa-class cabins.

The largest ships of the fleet are the Pinnacle Class: Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam. These ships weigh nearly 100,000 lbs. gross tonnage and carry 2,650+ passengers within 12 passenger decks.

Holland America ships sail all over the world, from Alaska to the Caribbean, the Far East and the South Pacific. Each cruise is an immersive experience, with fascinating cultural seminars, cooking classes for local cuisine, and shore excursions designed to educate as well as entertain. Find a Holland America cruise and expand your world view.