Description

For more than 137 years, Holland America Line has been a recognized leader in cruising, taking our guests to exotic destinations around the world. If you are looking for some of the most spacious and comfortable ships at sea, award-winning service, five star dining, extensive activities and enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries, you've come to the right place. We are committed to our mission: through excellence, we create once-in-a-lifetime experiences, every time.

Today, Holland America Line's fleet of 15 elegant, mid-size ships offers more than 500 sailings a year visiting all seven continents. Cruises include both popular and less-traveled ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Europe, Mexico, South America, the Panama Canal, Australia, New Zealand and Asia - as well as unique voyages to the Amazon, Antarctica and our extended Grand Voyages. Along with enticing destinations, we offer one-of-a-kind programs such as the Culinary Arts Center cooking demonstrations, Digital Workshop powered by Windows and The Collections of Holland America Line - specially chosen shore excursions to further enhance our guests' appreciation and understanding of the places they visit.

Holland America Line has a long and proud history of delivering extraordinary vacation experiences, and with our ongoing $525-million Signature of Excellence® commitment, that experience is now better than ever. Signature of Excellence enhancements encompass virtually every area of our ships and range from new facilities and public spaces to added services and amenities.

Innovative programs and superior amenities have consistently placed us among the highest-rated premium cruise lines, earned us the prestigious Five Star Diamond Award from The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences and one of the highest rates of repeat guests in the industry. We are very proud of these achievements and look forward to exceeding guests' expectations in every aspect of our operation.

Ships

	Amsterdam 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.	Launched: 1st October 2000 Tonnage: 61,000 Length: 780 Feet Total Crew: 600 Occupancy: 1,653 Rating: 5 Stars

	Eurodam 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.	Launched: 1st January 2008 Tonnage: 86,000 Length: 935 Feet Total Crew: 800 Occupancy: 2,104 Rating: 5 Stars

	Maasdam 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.	Launched: 1st December 1993 Tonnage: 55,451 Length: 720 Feet Total Crew: 557 Occupancy: 1,627 Rating: 5 Stars

	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.	Launched: 1st January 2010 Tonnage: 86,000 Length: 936 Feet Total Crew: 800 Occupancy: 2,104 Rating: 5 Stars

	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.	Launched: 1st April 1984 Tonnage: 33,930 Length: 704 Feet Total Crew: 566 Occupancy: 1,350 Rating: 5 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.	Launched: 1st June 2003 Tonnage: 85,000 Length: 951 Feet Total Crew: 842 Occupancy: 1,848 Rating: 5 Stars

	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.	Launched: 16th December 1988 Tonnage: 37,845 Length: 674 Feet Total Crew: 460 Occupancy: 840 Rating: 5 Stars

	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.	Launched: 1st December 1997 Tonnage: 59,652 Length: 777 Feet Total Crew: 593 Occupancy: 1,668 Rating: 5 Stars

	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.	Launched: 1st November 1994 Tonnage: 55,451 Length: 719 Feet Total Crew: 557 Occupancy: 1,627 Rating: 5 Stars

	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.	Launched: 1st January 1993 Tonnage: 55,451 Length: 719 Feet Total Crew: 557 Occupancy: 1,627 Rating: 5 Stars

	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.	Launched: 1st May 1996 Tonnage: 55,451 Length: 719 Feet Total Crew: 561 Occupancy: 1,627 Rating: 5 Stars

	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.	Launched: 1st November 1999 Tonnage: 63,000 Length: 781 Feet Total Crew: 561 Occupancy: 1,850 Rating: 5 Stars

	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?	Launched: 1st March 2004 Tonnage: 82 Length: 950 Feet Total Crew: Unknown Occupancy: 1,848 Rating: 5 Stars

	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.	Launched: 1st May 2000 Tonnage: 63,000 Length: 777 Feet Total Crew: 561 Occupancy: 1,850 Rating: 5 Stars

	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.	Launched: 1st December 2002 Tonnage: 85,920 Length: 951 Feet Total Crew: 842 Occupancy: 2,272 Rating: 5 Stars

Further Information

Compelling Worldwide Itineraries

In 2008, Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to more than 320 ports. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, including Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia and Grand World Voyages; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.

Guests will have more destination choices in every corner of the world that will bring them not just to new and exciting locations but into the culture and heart of each place to create a truly memorable and unique experience.

Continuing Signature of Excellence

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.

Five Star Fleet

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.

Providing Passage to the New World

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.

Cruises