Holland America Cruises
Overview
Holland America Line has sailed the world's oceans since 1873, bringing over 150 years of maritime heritage to modern cruise travel. Known for refined elegance, exceptional dining, and destination-rich itineraries, Holland America appeals to experienced travelers who appreciate sophistication without stuffiness.
A Legacy of Excellence
Founded as the Netherlands-America Steamship Company, Holland America originally transported immigrants between Rotterdam and New York. The line's legendary service began during the golden age of transatlantic travel and continues today across a fleet of premium mid-sized vessels. This heritage infuses every voyage with timeless elegance and maritime tradition.
Holland America's Dutch officers maintain the line's European character, while the predominantly Indonesian and Filipino crew delivers the warm, intuitive service that has defined the company for generations. This multicultural atmosphere creates uniquely comfortable voyages appreciated by repeat guests.
The Holland America Fleet
Holland America operates 11 mid-sized ships carrying 1,432 to 2,668 guests—large enough for diverse amenities yet small enough for personalized service and access to smaller ports.
The Pinnacle-class flagships Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam showcase Holland America's evolution, featuring Music Walk entertainment venues, Rudi's Sel de Mer French restaurant, and expanded Explorations Central enrichment facilities. These vessels carry 2,668 guests in refined Dutch elegance.
Koningsdam leads the earlier generation with similar features, while Vista-class ships Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Noordam, and Westerdam offer classic Holland America experiences. The venerable Volendam and Zaandam continue serving loyal guests who appreciate traditional ocean liner elegance.
Destination Excellence
Holland America's mid-sized vessels access over 450 ports across seven continents, including destinations too small for larger ships. The line's reputation for Alaska cruising spans decades, with seven ships deployed to the Last Frontier each summer—more than any competitor.
Signature itineraries include Grand World Voyages circumnavigating the globe over 100+ days, Amazon explorations, and Northern Europe voyages tracing historic trading routes. The line's partnership with BBC Earth brings destination programming aboard, while Explorations Central (EXC) provides port insights and planning assistance.
Shore excursions range from standard tours to EXC Premium experiences offering exclusive access and intimate encounters. Culinary-focused tours, adventure activities, and cultural immersions extend the destination experience ashore.
Culinary Excellence
Holland America's dining program has earned consistent recognition. The Dining Room serves sophisticated international cuisine with regional specialties. Pinnacle Grill delivers premium steakhouse excellence. Tamarind offers Pacific Rim cuisine. Canaletto serves Italian classics. Sel de Mer features French coastal cuisine.
The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, hosts cooking demonstrations and hands-on classes. Each ship features a demonstration kitchen where guest chefs and onboard culinary experts share techniques and recipes from destinations visited.
All main dining and most venues are included in cruise fares. Specialty restaurants carry modest surcharges representing excellent value compared to shore-side fine dining.
Enrichment Programs
Holland America's enrichment programs distinguish the line from competitors focused primarily on entertainment. Explorations Central provides destination insights through talks, demonstrations, and port planning. BBC Earth natural history programming connects to ports visited. Onboard experts in music, dance, and culture share knowledge through performances and lectures.
America's Test Kitchen brings science-based cooking education to sea. Digital Workshop offers technology training. Wellness programming spans fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness. The emphasis on intellectual engagement attracts curious travelers.
Music Walk
Music Walk venues on newer ships bring live performance to the heart of the ship. Billboard Onboard offers interactive piano experiences with talented musicians. B.B. King's Blues Club delivers authentic blues and jazz. Lincoln Center Stage hosts classical chamber music. Rolling Stone Rock Room celebrates rock legends.
This concentration of live music distinguishes Holland America from competitors relying primarily on DJ entertainment. Each venue offers intimate settings for world-class performances without cover charges.
Who Sails Holland America
Holland America attracts sophisticated travelers aged 55+ who appreciate premium experiences without ultra-luxury pricing. The line's heritage draws repeat guests and multi-generational families. While couples predominate, the Club HAL youth program welcomes families during summer and holidays.
The atmosphere is refined but comfortable—smart casual predominates with optional gala evenings. Guests who appreciate destination enrichment, exceptional dining, and live entertainment find Holland America's balance appealing.
Cruise Now Pay Later for Holland America
Holland America cruises from $799 to $8,000+ per person deliver premium experiences with heritage appeal. Our flexible Cruise Now Pay Later options let you secure your preferred stateroom while spreading payments over time. Book early for Alaska and Grand Voyage sailings.
Fleet Information
Pinnacle Class (2,668 guests):
- Rotterdam (2021) - Flagship
- Nieuw Statendam (2018)
- Koningsdam (2016)
Vista Class (1,916 guests):
- Zuiderdam (2002)
- Oosterdam (2003)
- Westerdam (2004)
- Noordam (2006)
Classic Ships (1,432-1,848 guests):
- Volendam (1999)
- Zaandam (2000)
All ships feature Music Walk entertainment venues
Onboard Experience
Holland America signature experiences:
- Music Walk live entertainment
- Explorations Central destination programming
- BBC Earth natural history
- America's Test Kitchen
- Dutch heritage and maritime tradition
- Over 150 years of cruising expertise
- Mid-sized ship intimacy
- EXC port insights and planning
- Digital Workshop programming
Dining & Entertainment
Holland America dining:
- The Dining Room - International cuisine
- Pinnacle Grill - Premium steakhouse
- Tamarind - Pacific Rim
- Canaletto - Italian classics
- Sel de Mer - French coastal
- Lido Market - Casual buffet
- Dive-In Poolside
Music Walk Venues:
- Billboard Onboard piano bar
- B.B. King's Blues Club
- Lincoln Center Stage classical
- Rolling Stone Rock Room
Pricing Guide
Holland America Cruise Pricing:
Stateroom Categories:
- Inside from $799 per person
- Ocean View from $999 per person
- Verandah from $1,299 per person
- Signature Suite from $2,499 per person
- Neptune Suite from $4,999 per person
Have It All Premium Package:
- Shore excursions included
- Beverage package included
- Specialty dining included
- Wi-Fi included
Mariner Society loyalty benefits for repeat guests
Frequently Asked Questions
Smart casual most evenings with optional Gala nights. Men typically wear slacks and collared shirts; women dress comparably. Formal attire is welcome but not required on Gala evenings.
Holland America suits travelers who prefer refinement over party atmosphere. First-timers comfortable with sophisticated environments appreciate the service, dining, and enrichment.
Have It All bundles shore excursions, beverage package, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi at savings compared to purchasing separately. It's available for booking at time of reservation.
Exceptional. Holland America has cruised Alaska longer than any competitor, deploying more ships to the region than any other line. The expertise and port relationships are unmatched.
Club HAL welcomes children 3-17 during summer and holidays. While Holland America isn't primarily family-focused, multi-generational groups find comfortable programming.
Guest Reviews
Rotterdam delivered everything we love about Holland America—refined dining, enriching programs, wonderful live music—in a beautiful new setting. The Have It All package was excellent value.
Ship: Rotterdam | Destination: Alaska | July 2024Explorations Central transformed how we experience ports. The talks, planning assistance, and cultural insights enriched every stop. Holland America understands that we cruise for destinations.
Ship: Nieuw Statendam | Destination: Mediterranean | October 2024