ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: Holland America Line

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: Holland America Line
Edited by Travel Weekly


Here is everything you need to know about Holland America Line and their most spacious and comfortable ships, award-winning service, extensive activities, and compelling worldwide itineraries.

The fleet of 11 modern ships offers over 500 sailings a year, visiting over 300 ports across all seven continents. The cruises include both popular and less-traveled ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Mexico, South America, the Pana Canal, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. They also have unique voyages to the Amazon, Antarctica, and extended Grand Voyages.

Dining

Holland America Line’s world-class chefs ensure the cuisine on the cruises satisfies every travellers’ cravings. Each ship features various dining options from classics to delicacies from around the world. Guests can enjoy premium Lindt chocolates, global fresh fish, and signature dishes.

Fine dining:

  • The Dining Room – The flagship dining experience that offers sophisticated setting for an exquisite breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
  • Pinnacle Grill – The ultimate steakhouse at sea with an exceptional menu of prime steaks, seafood, and wine.
  • Canaletto – This restaurant provides a relaxed setting with an authentic Italian cuisine.
  • Tamarind – A venue that features the traditions of Southeast Asia, China, and Japan with highly praised cuisine rivaling the top restaurants on land.
  • Rudi’s Sel de Mer – Master Chef Rudi Sodamin’s award-winning brasserie that offers a modern twist on classic French dishes and seafood.
  • Nami Sushi – The restaurant offers the vibrant recipes of Master Sushi Chef Andy Matsuda.
Holland America Line dining

Holland America Line dining.

Casual dining:

  • Lido Market – A casual venue that offers the widest range of food options on board.
  • Dive-In – The casual poolside grill serves burgers, Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dogs, French fries, and more.
  • New York Pizza – A poolside pizzaria that serves fresh Italian salads and authentic thin-crust personal pizzas with savory toppings.
  • Gelato – Guests can enjoy various flavors of this Italian classic.
  • Grand Dutch Cafe – The cafe serves savory snacks, lager, traditional Dutch coffee, and other meals.
  • Explorations Cafe – A relaxing cafe with panoramic views with handcrafted espresso drinks during the day and refreshing cocktails at night.

Entertainment

Guests’ aboard Holland America Line can experience the best in cruise ship entertainment with live music performances. They can enjoy innovative cruise ship shows and a two-story LED screen at the World Stage or listen to live bands at the Rolling Stone Lounge. Guests can also enjoy sing alongs, music trivia challenges, and listening to chart-topping hits at the Billboard Onboard. Holland America Line’s All-Star Band also serves up classic R&B hits nightly at the B.B. King’s Blues Club.

Wellness

Hollan America Line offers leisurely spa experiences at sea with a few places for guests to refresh, relax, and rejuvenate. The Greenhouse Spa & Salon helps nurture every aspect of guests’ well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. They can also keep fit at the professionally staffed Fitness Centre equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines.

Ships

Rotterdam – The newest ship in the fleet offers the best of everything the cruise line offers. The 297m long, 35m wide ship can accommodate 2,668 guests. Travellers can enjoy the Pinnacle Class luxury ship’s amenities which include exquisite cuisine, award-winning service, superbly appointed room, and world-class entertainment.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam.

Eurodam – Holland America Line’s first Signature Class ship. The 285m long, 32m wide ship can accommodate 2,104 guests that can join activities at the Billboard Onboard, catch performances at the World Stage, and challenge each other to play pickleball on the top-level decks.

Eurodam

Eurodam.

Koningsdam – The 297m long, 35m wide ship features fluid lines, light-filled spaces, and a blend of 21st-century elegance and nautical tradition. The ship is host to innovative dining and entertainment options to ensure each of the 2,650 guests have a memorable time on the cruise line’s first Pinnacle Class ship.

Koningsdam

Koningsdam.

Nieuw Amsterdam – The second of the Signature Class ships and one the celebrates historic New York City with an inspired design and art collection. The 2,106 guests aboard the 285m long, 32m wide ship can rejuvenate in the tranquil Spa & Salon, play pickleball at sea, and enjoy a tantilising meal at fine dining restaurants.

Nieuw Amsterdam

Nieuw Amsterdam.

Nieuw Statendam – The 297m long, 35m wide ship features fluid lines and dramatic spaces that make the ship a modern beauty. It is the second in the line of the Pinnacle Class ships with design inspiration drawing from the elegant curves of musical instruments.

Nieuw Statendam

Nieuw Statendam.

Noordam – Guests aboard the Noordam, named for the Nothern compass point, can enjoy the various onboard activities. It can hold a total of 1,924 passengers with a length of 285m and a width of 32m.

Noordam

Noordam.

Oosterdam – The second Vista Class ship brings high style to the high seas with thoughtful upgrades and stunning artwork. The 1,964 guests aboard the 285m long, 32m wide ship have plenty to do onboard with exquisite meals, relaxing massages, performances, and various activities.

Oosterdam

Oosterdam.

Volendam – An elegant and spacious 238m long, 32m wide ship that takes its decor cues from the garden. Its grand public spaces are graced with floral fabrics and tapestries, as well as huge vases of fresh floral arrangements. The 1,432 guests aboard can enjoy regional cooking demonstrations, food and wine tastings, spa treatments, and fine dining.

Volendam

Volendam.

Westerdam – The 285m long, 32m wide ship has won multiple Best Cruise Ship awards and features superb bar, entertainment, and dining venues. It can accommodate up to 1,916 guests that can enjoy a multitude of activities, amenities, and experiences onboard.

Westerdam

Westerdam.

Zaandam – The ship is designed to carry fewer guests, with up to 1,432 aboard, while offering greater space. It is 238m long and 32m wide. The decor is inspired by music and features musical instruments including signed guitars from Queen, Iggy Pop, Eric Clapton, and the Rolling Stones.

Zaandam

Zaandam.

Zuiderdam – The ship features classic nautical finishes, modern amenities, and a spectacular art collection that makes it a continued favourite for travellers and the new home for the Holland America Line’s annual Grand World Voyage. The 285m long, 32m wide ship can accommodate up to 1,964 guests.

Zuiderdam

Zuiderdam.

Shore Excursions

Holland America Line offers shore excursions made available through their partnerships with local suppliers and guides, in the majority of the ports they visit. These excursions take guests to an amazing array of places, landmarks, activities, and experiences. Guests can book their excursions on the Holland America Line website to guarantee the best price, get earlier departures, guaranteed refunds, and many other benefits.

Awards & accolades

  • 2022 Cruise Critic, Editor’s Picks Awards – Best Service
  • 2022 Cruise Critic, Editor’s Picks Awards – Best Spa
  • 2020 Porthole Cruise Magazine, Editor-In-Chief Awards – Best Alaska Itineraries
  • 2020 AFARTravelers’ Choice Awards – Best Alaska Cruise
  • 2020 TravelAge West, Wave Awards – Best Cruise Line for Alaska Sailings
  • 2020 TravelAge West, Wave Awards – Best Cruise Line for Hawaii Sailings
  • 2020 TravelAge West, Wave Awards – Best World Cruise
  • 2020 Porthole Cruise Magazine – Best Restaurant, Pinnacle Grill
  • 2020 Porthole Cruise Magazine – Best New Restaurant at Sea: Rudi’s Sel De Mer
  • 2020 Vibe Vista – Best Wine Program
  • 2020 TravelPulse Gold, Travvy Awards – Best Mid-Sized Cruise Ship: Nieuw Statendam

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