• Home 
•  
• Cruise Lines 
•  
• Destinations 
•  
• Ex UK Cruising 
•  
• Families 
•  
• New to Cruising 
•  
• Luxury 
•  
• Contact Us

Holland America Line

Ships: Amsterdam, Eurodam, Maasdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Oosterdam, Prinsendam, Rotterdam, Ryndam, Statendam, Veendam, Volendam, Westerdam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam

• Description
• Ships
• Further Info
• Cruises

With 135 years of experience, Holland America Line is recognized as the undisputed leader in the cruise industry's premium segment. With the introduction of the 2,104-passenger ms Eurodam in July 2008, Holland America Line's fleet grows to 14 ships, offering over 500 cruises from more than 38 home ports. Itineraries range from two to 108 days and visit all seven continents, including new Australia/New Zealand and Asia sailings, a World Cruise and popular sailings to several ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico and Europe.

Holland America Line's $425 million fleetwide Signature of Excellence enhancements feature new programs and amenities including the Culinary Arts Centre presented by Food & Wine magazine - a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where annually more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes - Explorations Cafe powered by the New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new cabin amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

Amsterdam

Launched:
Tonnage:
Length:
Total Crew:
Occupancy:
Rating:

1st October 2000
61,000
600
1,653
5 Stars

The ms Amsterdam is the third ship to bear the name of the Dutch capital in Holland America Line's 135-year history. Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, the ms Amsterdam blends the very latest in shipbuilding technology with the artistry, personalized touches and superior service that has made Holland America Line one of the highest-rated cruise lines in the world.



At the heart of the ms Amsterdam is the Planeto Astrolabium, a commissioned signature sculpture soaring in a three-story atrium. The stunning Astrolabe tracks constellations, the planets, world time and ship time. Dutch heritage and tradition is clearly displayed throughout the ship in original Art Deco pieces that once graced the Nieuw Amsterdam of 1938. For a contemporary touch, works of the noted maritime artist Stephen Card adorn public spaces.

Eurodam

Launched:
Tonnage:
Length:
Total Crew:
Occupancy:
Rating:

1st January 2008
86,000
800
2,104
5 Stars

The Eurodam will further the evolution of Holland America Line's sophisticated mid-sized ships. With 11 passenger decks, new innovations include a topside 144-seat Pan-Asian restaurant and 50-seat lounge surrounded by panoramic views overlooking the ocean expanse and the Lido pool. Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, a new specialty restaurant adjacent to the Lido offering the finest in Italian food, elegant luxury jewelry boutiques, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured show lounge with theater-style seating, and a new photographic and imaging center.

Maasdam

Launched:
Tonnage:
Length:
Total Crew:
Occupancy:
Rating:

1st December 1993
55,451
557
1,627
5 Stars

Grandly proportioned and designed to carry fewer passengers than other ships in her class, the ms Maasdam is among the most spacious ships at sea. Among her many delights: a soaring atrium lobby around which are clustered all the essential services: the front office, shore excursion office, photo gallery, boutiques, internet center, the lively Ocean Bar, dining in the two-tiered Rotterdam Dining Room with grand sweeping staircase, suites with their own private verandahs, offering an airy, outdoor room for relaxing, dining, and private viewing. All so you have an extra measure of space.

Nieuw Amsterdam

Delivering in 2010, the 86,000-ton Nieuw Amsterdam will be built at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard and its interior design and art collection will reflect the glamour and history of New York City, formerly called Nieuw Amsterdam.



Nieuw Amsterdam, joins the recently launched Eurodam to further define and expand the Holland America Line premium brand with new concepts such as the innovative pan-Asian Tamarind restaurant and Silk Den lounge surrounded by panoramic views overlooking the ocean expanse and the Lido pool. Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, a premium wine-tasting lounge, an elegant luxury jewelry boutique, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured show lounge, and a new photographic and imaging center.



The ship will continue several much-admired Holland America Line features, including outside-view, glass elevators at midship; the Explorations Cafe -- a cyber-coffee house powered by The New York Times; the Pinnacle Grill and Pinnacle Bar; the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, where culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchens; an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon with thermal suites and hydro-pool, the largest gymnasium ever built for Holland America Line; and a youth facility that includes the teens-only Loft. In addition the ship will feature the family-style Canaletto's Italian restaurant.



Nieuw Amsterdam will feature 11 guest decks and staterooms will spotlight all the Signature of Excellence premium amenities. Also featured are innovative spa staterooms with additional spa amenities.

Noordam

Understated. Elegant. Warmly hospitable. You'll feel it the moment you step aboard the ms Noordam. Here are all the amenities of a great cruise ship - a magnificent teak promenade deck that completely encircles the ship, expansive windows for unobstructed viewing, exceptional cuisine, dazzling entertainment in a two-tiered show lounge. What you'll really appreciate about this Holland America ship is her sense of spaciousness and intimacy. The ms Noordam carries only 1,214 guests, far fewer than other premium cruise lines, the better to allow for uncrowded spaces on board, streamlined excursions ashore, a cruise experience worthy of five shining stars.

Oosterdam

Introducing the ms Oosterdam (pronounced OH-ster-dam), named for the east position of the compass, pointing the direction cruising will take in the future. More staterooms with verandahs for private sunning, dining and relaxing. More dining choices including an intimate reservations-only restaurant, the casual Windstar Café, and the Lido Restaurant, now transformed to a culinary courtyard. More ways to pamper and relax in The Greenhouse Spa and Salon, largest and most luxurious in our fleet. More lounges and nightclubs to entertain you. And more dazzling surprises: two elevators are glass, on the outside of the ship with hundred-mile views. A sensational cruising choice.

Prinsendam

The moment you step on board the ms Prinsendam you know you are on a very special ship. She is our most intimate ship, with a guest list limited to just 793. Yet she is grandly proportioned with 22 spacious public rooms, all the "big ship" amenities, and activities enough to fill your days with delight. Imagine enjoying the sensual warmth of aroma stone therapy. Savoring the unique cuisine of the Pacific Northwest in the intimate reservations-only restaurant. Relaxing in a stateroom with such space and commanding ocean views. A full 40% feature verandahs for breakfast or lunch al fresco or cocktails at sunset as the ms Prinsendam sails for the world's special places.

Rotterdam

The term "flagship" is reserved for the standard bearer of the line, the best of the best as evidenced in the elegant ms Rotterdam. Everywhere, premium pervades. Spacious staterooms, a full 80% of them, offer expansive ocean views. (Guests staying in Penthouse or Deluxe Verandah Suites have exclusive use of the Neptune Lounge and its attentive concierge.) An intimate reservations-only restaurant features the cuisine of the Pacific Northwest. There's an expanded spa, duty-free shops, intriguing art. And in the soaring atrium lobby, a fanciful clock tower announces 14 world times as the ms Rotterdam explores the planet's special places.

Ryndam

On October 20, 2004, Holland America Line re-launched the spacious and elegant ms Ryndam, featuring dramatic product and service enhancements in virtually every area of the ship. All of the guest-pleasing improvements, upgrades and amenities are a direct result of Holland America Line's $225 million Signature of Excellence initiative which focuses on five areas: spacious, elegant ships and accommodations; sophisticated five-star dining; gracious, unobtrusive service; extensive enrichment programs and activities; and compelling worldwide destinations.

Statendam

The ms Statendam - and subsequently her luxurious sister ships, the ms Maasdam, ms Ryndam and ms Veendam - are truly masterpieces of the sea. Luxurious, technologically advanced, and because they carry fewer passengers than other ships in our class, truly spacious. Experience a soaring atrium lobby, where you can pause for espresso, shop exclusive boutiques, send e-mail, meet friends for pre-dinner drinks and hot hors d'oeuvres; two-tiered dining rooms with spectacular views; and suites with their own private verandahs.

Veendam

Grandly proportioned and designed to carry fewer passengers than other ships in her class, the ms Veendam is among the most spacious ships at sea. Among her many delights: a soaring atrium lobby around which are clustered all the essential services: the front office, shore excursion office, photo gallery, boutiques, internet center, the lively Ocean Bar. Enjoy the two-tiered Rotterdam Dining Room with grand sweeping staircase, and suites with their own private verandahs, offering an airy, outdoor room for relaxing, dining, and private viewing. All so you have an extra measure of space.

Volendam

The luxurious ms Volendam reflects a graceful combination of classic and state-of-the-art features found on board both the ms Rotterdam flagship and the Statendam-class vessels. Special features include a reservations-only restaurant, Internet center, a third staircase for convenient access to public rooms and a children's play room, as well as more of the popular mini-suites with verandahs. The Volendam's predominant theme is flowers--from the 17th to the 21st centuries--featured in the ship's artwork and interior design elements.

Westerdam

The ms Westerdam is named for the west position of the compass, pointing the direction cruising will take in the future. On board, pampered guests will enjoy unsurpassed space per person ratio by any other ship in a fleet already known for its stylish, spacious comfort.



More staterooms with verandahs for private sunning, dining and relaxing. More dining choices including the intimate reservations-only Pinnacle Grill, and the Lido Restaurant, now transformed to a culinary courtyard. More ways to pamper and relax in The Greenhouse Spa and Salon, largest and most luxurious in our fleet. More lounges and nightclubs to entertain you. And more dazzling surprises: two elevators are glass, on the outside of the ship with hundred-mile views. Wouldn't you like to be among her first privileged guests?

Zaandam

The ms Zaandam reflects a graceful combination of classic and state-of-the-art features found on board both the ms Rotterdam flagship and the Statendam-class vessels.



The Zaandam's predominant theme is music and will be featured in the ship's artwork and interior design elements including a magnificent Baroque-style Dutch band organ playing in the atrium. Other special features include a reservations-only restaurant, Internet Cafe, a third staircase for convenient access to public rooms and a children's play room, as well as more of the popular mini-suites with verandahs.

Zuiderdam

The ms Zuiderdam (pronounced, ZI-der-dam), named for the south position of the compass, pointing the direction cruising will take in the future. She began her inaugural season in 2002 and is the first of a new class of cruise ships aptly called the Vista Series - forward-looking in both design and spirit. Everywhere you look, discover more that matters in a cruise ship. There are more staterooms with verandahs for private sunning, dining and relaxing. More dining choices including the Lido Restaurant, now transformed to a culinary courtyard. More ways to pamper and relax in The Greenhouse Spa and Salon, largest and most luxurious in our fleet. More lounges and nightclubs to entertain you. And more dazzling surprises: two elevators are glass, on the outside of the ship with hundred-mile views. A sensational cruising choice.

Holland America Line recently completed an unprecedented $425 million investment in unparalleled product and service enhancements to its fleet of five-star ships. Called Signature of Excellence, this initiative built on Holland America Line's renowned Tradition of Excellence® by significantly raising the standard in premium cruising. The comprehensive enhancements focused on five areas central to the Holland America Line guest experience: spacious, elegant ships and accommodations; sophisticated five-star dining; gracious, Award-winning service; extensive enrichment programs and activities; and compelling worldwide itineraries.

From the moment you step aboard one of our mid-sized ships you will recognize the Holland America Line difference. We sail with nearly one crew member for every two guests, providing the gracious, award-winning service that defines classic cruising. Our ships feature spacious wraparound teak decks, panoramic views, abundant spacious private verandahs and large staterooms. All our ships have recently completed extensive Signature of Excellence enhancements to staterooms and public rooms. With elegant fine dining and enriching activities, welcome aboard a Holland America Line ship and discover timeless cruising, refined for a new generation.

Holland America Line was founded in 1873 as the Netherlands-America Steamship Company (NASM), a shipping and passenger line. Because it was headquartered in Rotterdam and provided service to the Americas, it became known as Holland America Line. The company's first ocean liner was the Rotterdam, which sailed its maiden voyage from the Netherlands to New York City on Oct. 15, 1872. The one-way voyage took 15 days. Following that first voyage, Holland America Line has seen a series of benchmark moments in its history.

By its 25th anniversary, Holland America Line owned a fleet of six cargo and passenger ships, and also provided service between Holland and the Dutch East Indies via the newly constructed Suez Canal.
The line was a principal carrier of immigrants from Europe to the United States until well after the turn of the century, carrying 850,000 to new lives in the New World.
In 1895, the company offered its first vacation cruise; its second leisure cruise, from New York to the Holy Land, was in 1910.
In 1971, Holland America Line suspended its transatlantic passenger trade and turned to offering cruise vacations full time.
In 1989, Holland America Line Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Corp., the largest cruise company in the world.