A Guide to All 11 Holland American Cruise Ships
Here's what you should know before booking your Holland America cruise.
Courtesy of Holland America
When you cruise with Holland America Line (HAL), a World’s Best Awards Hall of Fame honoree, you can expect incredible food, exciting destinations (over 300 ports of call across all seven continents), and luxe service. This Travel + Leisure reader-favorite cruise line provides a luxury cruise ship experience without the luxury price tag.
Based on my Holland America experience, I can confirm that the service is top-notch. I sailed on the Eurodam, and the main dining room servers always greeted my sister and me by name. Being treated like a friend, not just another passenger, is a luxury, especially on such a large ship. (Each vessel accommodates between 1,432 and 2,668 passengers.) HAL “prides itself on its beautifully appointed ships and gracious services where all of its guests can expect to enjoy touches of luxury throughout the journey," Holland America Line specialist and Marvelous Mouse Travels travel advisor Charlene Recio says.
Other features include the cruise line's partnership with the Professional Pickleball Association — which outfits every ship with courts and complimentary lessons — and sophisticated dining options like the new Global Fresh Fish Program, which allows you to enjoy over 80 varieties of fresh, locally sourced regional seafood specialties, depending on your location. Think yellowtail snapper while cruising the Caribbean, sardines in the Mediterranean, and halibut in Alaska.
Though all 11 ships have things in common, it's essential to understand their nuances when choosing the right cruise for you. “The Pinnacle Class ships offer more dining options and entertainment, but the smaller-sized ships, such as those that are part of the R or Vista classes, allow easier access to more unique destinations,” Recio explains. Here, learn about each Holland America ship, including essential amenities and capacities, and make booking your next sailing a breeze.
Rotterdam
Courtesy of Holland America
Inaugural Year: 2021
Ship Class: Pinnacle
Capacity: 2,668 passengers
Holland America’s newest ship, Rotterdam, is extremely impressive. Expect incredible entertainment, contemporary staterooms and suites, swanky public spaces, and over 20 drinking and dining options. Post-dinner, you can check out the casino, catch an outdoor movie screening by the pool, or take in a performance in the dazzling World Stage theater. For live music, the "Music Walk" area offers several options, from pop hits at Billboard Onboard to soul at B.B. King's Blues Club.
Nieuw Statendam
Courtesy of Holland America
Inaugural Year: 2018
Ship Class: Pinnacle
Capacity: 2,666 passengers
Nieuw Statendam offers a traditional cruising experience (formal nights, afternoon tea) with contemporary flair. Music is a big theme on the ship — its unique design draws inspiration from musical instruments, and there's a music-themed art collection on board. Additional highlights include an expanded Music Walk area, the two-level World Stage theater, and top-notch specialty dining options, including Tamarind for Southeast Asian and Rudi’s Sel De Mer for haute French-inspired cuisine.
Koningsdam
Courtesy of Holland America
Inaugural Year: 2016
Ship Class: Pinnacle
Capacity: 2,650 passengers
Thanks to its clean lines, modern decor, and natural light-filled spaces, Koningsdam has a brighter, airier aesthetic than Holland America's other vessels. It was the first ship in the line’s Pinnacle Class and is home to live music venues, outdoor movie screenings by the pool, pickleball courts, and a lively casino. For some well-deserved R&R, head to the spa or the adults-only Retreat area.
Nieuw Amsterdam
Courtesy of Holland America
Inaugural Year: 2010
Ship Class: Signature
Capacity: 2,106 passengers
As you might be able to guess by its name, this sophisticated ship pays homage to New York City. Design elements hammer the theme home: There's a crystal chandelier shaped like the skyline, tons of photos and paintings with motifs of "The City That Never Sleeps," and a full-size yellow cab in the kids club.
Stroll along the wraparound promenade, listen to live music at Billboard Onboard, and rent a plush cabana at the swanky adults-only Retreat. Be sure to indulge in the ship's dining options, too — this is the only Holland America Line vessel with a permanent Morimoto by Sea restaurant. Iron Chef alumnus Chef Masaharu Morimoto, who was named the line's Fresh Fish Ambassador when the Global Fresh Fish Program launched, designed Morimoto by Sea pop-up experiences on several HAL ships, but his pièce de résistance is the full-time, standalone Morimoto eatery exclusive to Nieuw Amsterdam.
Eurodam
Courtesy of Holland America
Inaugural Year: 2008
Ship Class: Signature
Capacity: 2,104 passengers
The first vessel in Holland America’s Signature Class, Eurodam exudes elegance in every sense, sans any stuffiness. I cruised to Alaska on this ship in August 2022 and was especially blown away by the live music at Music Walk.
I also relaxed on a thermal lounger at the spa, tucked into crispy fish and chips (made with Alaskan halibut, of course), lounged by the Lido Pool — the retractable roof here comes in handy in inclement weather — sipped iced lattes and hot cocoa, and kept an eye out for whales in the Explorer’s Lounge.
Noordam
Courtesy of Holland America
Inaugural Year: 2006
Ship Class: Vista
Capacity: 1,924 passengers
Noordam boasts a gallery-worthy art collection and elegant staterooms. There are ample public spaces and activities, but don’t expect over-the-top entertainment. Instead, you can play pickleball, sing along to live tunes in one of the Music Walk venues, cozy up with a good book in the library, relax at the spa, or take a dip in one of the pools.
Westerdam
Courtesy of Holland America
Inaugural Year: 2004
Ship Class: Vista
Capacity: 1,916 passengers
Westerdam celebrated its 20th birthday this year, but it feels as contemporary as any of the other vessels, thanks to the addition of music venues such as Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Lounge. It also hosts activities like wine tasting and bingo. If you're a fitness lover, check out the sports court to perfect your pickleball game with a free lesson.
Oosterdam
Courtesy of Holland America
Inaugural Year: 2003
Ship Class: Vista
Capacity: 1,964 passengers
Oosterdam — the second Vista Class ship in the fleet — is among the line’s most family-friendly vessels. Although all HAL ships have complimentary kids clubs for children ages three to 17, only a few (Oosterdam included) offer High Score!, a game room where children and adults can play games like skeeball.
While the little ones play, grown-ups can enjoy a massage at the spa or cocktails at a stylish bar or lounge like Ocean Bar. Regroup for dinner before heading out to Billboard Onboard or Rolling Stone Lounge on a date night or trying your luck at the casino.
Zuiderdam
Courtesy of Holland America
Inaugural Year: 2002
Ship Class: Vista
Capacity: 1,964 passengers
The 22-year-old Zuiderdam is a Holland America fan favorite for its classic nautical design elements, modern bells and whistles, and numerous dining options, including the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse and Dive In, a casual poolside eatery serving Nathan’s Famous hot dogs and fries.
The public spaces are equally impressive, including the posh cabana-lined Retreat (exclusively reserved for adults) and the buzzy Rolling Stone Lounge. The ship is also the 2025 home of Holland America’s annual Grand World Voyage, a world cruise that sails to six continents over an eye-popping 124 days.
Zaandam
Courtesy of Holland America
Inaugural Year: 2000
Ship Class: R Class
Capacity: 1,432 passengers
Along with its near-identical sister ship the Volendam, Zaandam represents the small end of HAL's fleet. The vessel — designed to carry a line-minimum 1,432 passengers while offering plenty of room to roam — is ideal for a more personal and intimate cruising experience. The ship’s musical-inspired decor includes signed guitars from Queen, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton.
Volendam
Courtesy of Holland America
Inaugural Year: 1999
Ship Class: R Class
Capacity: 1,432 passengers
Volendam is the line’s oldest operating ship, dating back 25 years. Despite its age, this small vessel delights with its elaborate public spaces, which feature elegant garden-inspired touches like fresh blooms, floral fabrics, and tapestries. Volendam is one of just two Holland America ships without a Music Walk, so expect a quieter, more low-key onboard atmosphere.
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