The Holland America cruises originated in 1873 when the first ship of the cruises started its sea journey. Since then, the Holland America Line Fleet has kept evolving into a luxurious cruising experience for its prestigious passengers. The upscale and premium amenities are unparalleled and aim to perfect the comfort of the cruisers.
The Holland America Line Fleet is the ultimate space where passion and recreation blend together to provide the cruisers with a wide range of onboard activities in which to try their hands. As a cruiser of this luxurious line’s fleet, you can get hands-on training at the exquisite culinary arts center as you get to learn more about the behind-the-scenes preparation of gourmet meals at the Holland America Line’s Culinary.
The Holland America cruises cover all seven continents, which is why you are all set to return home with a suitcase full of memories and unique experiences that are incomparable. To help you get a better idea about the Holland America Cruise and what is has to offer, we have crafted this Holland America Line Ship Guide for you.
Holland America Line Ship Classes 2025
Holland America Cruises believes that travel has the ultimate power to change one’s perspective and the world. With nearly one hundred and fifty years of voyage experience, HAL is confident and certain to offer a remarkable cruising experience to its cruise passengers. Their award-winning services offer their guests the unique yet essentially luxurious opportunity to experience a more elegant way to sail the seven seas at the best price.
You should know that each of these classes comprises ships that were constructed around the same time and are also similar in their designs.
HAL’s impressive fleet of eleven ships is divided into the following four categories:
The Pinnacle Class
The Pinnace class of the Holland America Line comprises three vessels, which are essentially the largest ships in the fleet. Due to their larger sizes, these vessels of this class have more amenities.
Amenities & Events Exclusive to the Pinnacle Class
If you are looking for innovation and the feel of “new,” then this class is good for you. All ships that fall in this category have been in the picture since 2016, which means that these ships are relatively younger than other vessels in the HAL fleet. This category generally boasts more amenities.
The Pinnacle-class ships have five exclusive dining venues in addition to the primary restaurant and casual buffet setups. Amongst the great options, you can enjoy an Italian restaurant, a steakhouse, and a pan-Asian eatery. This is so much more than what you can actually find on other ships that are part of the Holland America Line fleet.
Pinnacle Class – Entertainment Venues
The Pinnacle Class ships comprise the line’s signature entertainment venues, which is something that cannot be said for the older vessels. On the ships that fall into the Pinnacle Class, you can enjoy a billboard onboard a music venue where the top hits are played by a live pianist. In the entertainment area, you can also enjoy classic rock in the Rolling Stone Lounge. If you are into rhythm and blues, you can enjoy the vibes in the Blues Club of B.B. King.
You get the picture: there is something for everyone.
The cruisers who love to dance can choose from three places that are open all night. This entertainment type isn’t found on other cruise line ships. The best part about these dance floors is that they are made of wood and not tiles.
Spectacular theatres are also part of the entertainment venues of the Pinnacle-class and host all sorts of comedy, music, and dance performances.
Other Amenities
The top decks of all ships from the Pinnacle category have main pools that can be used in all weather due to the retractable glass domes. The pool areas comprise big screens for the best movie experience. Besides, all ships of the Pinnacle-class have a casino, spa, and lounge areas for an exclusive retreat.
The Rotterdam Class
The Rotterdam class of the Holland America Line comprises two vessels, which are essentially the smallest ships in the fleet. This class is ideal for those who are looking forward to the destinations rather than the onboard.
Amenities & Events Exclusive to the Rotterdam Class
Due to the smaller size of the Rotterdam-class vessels, these ships have fewer amenities and features than the ships of other HAL classes, especially when compared with the Signature and Pinnacle categories. Generally, the Rotterdam-class vessels appeal to those who are more interested in the destinations rather than onboard amenities.
Due to the fewer onboard attractions, the cruise line often embarks on ships of these categories to far-flung destinations that are rich with itineraries. Nonetheless, irrespective of the smaller sizes, all Rotterdam-class ships offer two pool areas with retractable glass domes.
Each of the ships also comprises two exclusive dining venues, the signature Grill steak house and the signature Italian restaurant. You can also enjoy the seafood eatery.
Rotterdam Class: Entertainment Venues
When it comes to the entertainment venues at the Rotterdam-class ships, you will find a world-class theater for enjoying shows. You can also get entertained at a piano bar.
The Signature Class
The Signature class comprises two vessels, which exhibit a more intimate onboard feel while closely relating to the feel of the Pinnacle-class ships. Live music entertainment plays a big part in this class.
Amenities & Events Exclusive to the Signature Class
Compared to the Pinnacle-class, the ships of the Signature class might have a tad fewer amenities. Similar to the ships of the Pinnacle-class, the Signature-class ships offer live music entertainment in the form of the Rolling Stone lounge and the Billboard music venue onboard. However, these ships don’t have the Blues Club. In place of that, you can enjoy live music at Third Avenue West, which is an additional venue.
When it comes to the eateries, you can find up to four extra-charge restaurants, including Canaletto, which is an Italian restaurant, and a pan-Asian cuisine. However, compared to the Pinnacle category vessels, the Signature vessels don’t have a Grand Ditch café.
Signature Class: Entertainment Venues
You will get quite a similar vibe in the Signature class as the Pinnacle-class ships, despite the fact that the eateries and entertainment venues are different for both classes. Similar to the Pinnacle-class, the vessels of the Signature category comprise primary pool areas that can be used in any weather due to the retractable glass dome.
Nonetheless, you can also find other pool areas at the back of the ships.
The Vista Class
The Vista class is the biggest category as it comprises four ships, which are slightly smaller in size than the Signature class ships. The spa and fitness centers of this category allow for the ultimate relaxing experience.
Amenities & Events Exclusive to the Vista Class
The Vista-class ships are smaller in size compared to the Signature-class ships, which is why these vessels have fewer amenities, too. For instance, when it comes to the eateries, each of the Vista vessels offers only two exclusive restaurants, the signature grill steakhouse and Canaletto, the Italian restaurant.
The pan-Asian dining that is present in the vessels of the Signature class is not available in the Vista-class vessels. Nonetheless, three out of the four ships that are part of the Vista class have a seafood-focused eatery.
Vista Class: Entertainment Venues
You will find that the entertainment offerings in the Vista-class ships are quite similar to the entertainment venues offered in the Signature-class vessels. You can enjoy live music in specific entertainment areas, such as the Billboard Onboard area and the Rolling Stone Lounge. All the ships in the Vista-class offer a Third Avenue West musical.
Other amenities include main pool areas that are covered by retractable glass domes. Secondary pools can also be found at the back of the vessels.
Holland America Line Culinary
Holland America Line Culinary offers amazing dining options, especially in the Vista-class ships. Planning the dining for tourists is essential as it leads to a more enjoyable cruising experience. The dining halls offer beautiful views, and if you are lucky enough to be seated near the windows, you will be transfixed by the view.
Breakfast Options
Of course, the cuisine must be good enough to tempt your eyes away from the breathtaking views. You will find the breakfast menu to be quite detailed as you get to choose from a wide range of small, large, and regional dishes. You are served a wide range of juices, free-flowing tea, and coffee.
Lunch Options
When it comes to lunch, the menu remains the same throughout the voyage, with a couple of daily specials, depending on the day of the week. The options are divided into small plates, large plates, and sweets that come with a variety of cuisines on offer, including Mexican cuisine, Dutch pancakes, and fried chicken.
If you have a sweet tooth, you can avail yourself of a variety of desserts.
Afternoon Tea
In the grand dining halls of the cruise ships, you get served afternoon tea, too. Afternoon tea is mostly served from three o’clock in the afternoon. If you are into afternoon teas, you will enjoy the selection of small sandwich bites, cakes, and scones. Usually, these tea snacks are plated on a cute little cake stand, which is ideal for sharing between two people.
Dinner Options
Usually, dinner is served from five o’clock onwards. You have the choice of sharing your table with other guests. You can also eat on your own. The dinner menu changes every day, and you can choose from generous starters and several main courses, along with a few staples. You can also ask about the culinary traditions of the ship’s destinations.
With dessert, you always have several options, including ice cream and sundaes.
Dive-In Bar
Almost all cruise ships have poolside burger bars or at least something similar for that fast food, Alfresco experience without having to change the pool swimsuits. The Dive-In bar is perfect for daytime munchies as well as late lunches. Typically, the dive-in menu comprises an interesting variety of burger options with funky names, such as skinny dip and backflip.
Usually, the food at these bars is served fresh. You can also enjoy self-service nachos and tacos. The dive-in is certainly a pleasant surprise for guests. So you can come back time and again to work through that delicious menu.
Holland America Line Enrichment Programs
Cruising with the Holland America Line vessels allows you to enjoy a wide range of fun onboard activities. It doesn’t matter whether you are cruising alone or with friends; you will never get bored, as you have loads of fun options to choose from to customize your voyage. If you are into game shows, you can test your knowledge and skills at Bingo, Mahjong, and board games.
Even if the voyage stretches over days, you can keep up your fitness game and exercise at the Sport Court under the instructions of dedicated and professional sports directors. To calm your mind and body and establish internal balance, you can start your day off on the cruise with Tai Chi. The guided daily sessions are gentle and reflect the ancient Chinese martial arts.
Rest assured, you can choose from a wide range of fitness classes, including circuit training, meditation, and spin. Let out your inner artist with the daily onboard art sessions that are led by expert artists who can instruct you on creative writing, drawing, needlework, and so much more.
Holland America Line Fleet
Since Holland America Cruises has become the biggest cruise ship operator in the world, the company has moved its headquarters to Seattle, in the northwest of the USA. Still, the Holland America Line has retained a strong link to its heritage as all of the line’s ships have Dutch-inspired names, with many taking on historic names from the line’s past. They also carry a Dutch flag. The line offers a premium level of service, from the views to the staterooms and from the destinations you visit to their beautiful ships.
Let us have a look at all the ships of the Holland America Line Classic Cruises.
MS Eurodam
This ship is a signature class, and the year of build is 2007. Two thousand one hundred four passengers can cruise on this ship. Its length is 936 ft.
MS Koningsdam
This ship is a pinnacle class, and the year of build is 2014. Two thousand six hundred fifty passengers can cruise on this ship. Its length is 975 ft.
MS Nieuw Amsterdam
This ship is a signature class, and the year of build is 2009. Two thousand one hundred six passengers can cruise on this ship. Its length is 936 ft.
MS Nieuw Statendam
This ship is a pinnacle class, and the year of build is 2017. Two thousand six hundred sixty-six passengers can cruise on this ship. Its length is 975 ft.
MS Noordam
This ship is a Vista-class, and the year of build is 2005. One thousand nine hundred twenty-four passengers can cruise on this ship. Its length is 936 ft.
MS Oosterdam
This ship is Vista-class, and the year of its construction is 2002. One thousand nine hundred sixty-four passengers can cruise on this ship. Its length is 936 ft.
MS Rotterdam
This ship is a Pinnacle class, and the year of build is 2019. Two thousand six hundred sixty-eight passengers can cruise on this ship. Its length is 975 ft.
MS Volendam
This ship is a Rotterdam class, and the year of build is 1999. One thousand four hundred thirty-two passengers can cruise on this ship. Its length is 781 ft.
MS Westerdam
This ship is a Vista-class, and the year of build is 2003. One thousand nine hundred sixteen passengers can cruise on this ship. Its length is 936 ft.
MS Zaandam
This ship is a Rotterdam class, and the year of build is 2000. One thousand four hundred thirty-two passengers can cruise on this ship. Its length is 781 ft.
MS Zuiderdam
This ship is Vista-class, and the year of its construction is 2001. One thousand nine hundred sixty-four passengers can cruise on this ship. Its length is 936 ft.
Final Thoughts
The Holland America cruises are popular for their diverse and popular destinations, including the Caribbean and Alaska. They also schedule their voyages to Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii. Alaska is popular for its mesmerizing scenery and wildlife. Europe has many itineraries to offer, such as the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea. The Panama Canal is a popular route for cruisers, whereas Australia and New Zealand offer the perfect mixture of cultural experience and natural beauty.
Other notable Holland America Line Destinations are Mexico and cruises that go along the East and West U.S. coasts. You get to explore all parts of the world, including majestic glaciers, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches. Holland America Line voyages to over three hundred ports that are spread over all seven continents.
So, what are you waiting for? Find your favorite destination and book the next cruise to sail over the seas.