Holland America Line : The history
For almost 150 years, Holland America Line has been offering travelers fine cruises around the world. Originally named the Netherlands America Steamship Company in 1873, the company was renamed Holland America Line in 1896 because of its headquarters in Rotterdam, Holland.
Between cargo and passenger activities, Holland America concentrated on its tourism activities. From 1971 onwards, the company refocused its business on cruises and continued to grow steadily.
In 1989, Holland America Line was acquired by Carnival Corporation & PLC. The Holland America fleet continued to evolve and the ships are now built in Italy.
The five-star cruise line has big ambitions and is growing year by year into a large group. Holland America Line is regularly awarded for the quality of its service.
The fleet
Holland America Line's fleet consists of 14 cruise ships. They all have spacious cabins and, more generally, a design that emphasizes elegance and discretion.
The MS Amsterdam and MS Rotterdam are the pride of the cruise line with their blend of art and technology. Built in Italy, the MS Amsterdam can accommodate around 2000 guests and the MS Rotterdam around 1900 guests. They belong to the "Rotterdam" class with MS Volendam and MS Zaandam.
MS Eurodam is the largest ship of Holland America Line. Measuring 290 meters in length, it has 11 decks, 1052 cabins and many facilities dedicated to passenger entertainment and enjoyment.
The MS Maasdam, launched in 1993, and the MS Veendam, launched in 1996, are twin ships of 219 meters in length, with a capacity of 1258 passengers.
The MS Nieuw Amsterdam is one of the "newest" ships in the Holland America Line fleet. Inaugurated in 2010, the MS Nieuw Amsterdam is a large ship that carries up to 2,337 passengers in one cruise.
Sailing since 1988, the MS Prinsendam is the smallest ship in the Holland fleet. It is 205 meters long and carries up to 904 passengers.
The MS Oosterdam, MS Noordam and MS Zuiderdam belong to the "Vista" class. They can accommodate up to 2500 passengers.
The MS Westerdam is named after the western cardinal point of the compass rose. It is 254 meters long and carries 1916 passengers and 800 crew members.
The MS Koningsdam, which takes its name from the Dutch 'koning' meaning 'king' has now been sailing since April 2016. Designed to accommodate around 2650 guests, the Koningsdam combines class and modernity, with spacious, flowing spaces and a timeless design.
Cruise destinations by Holland America Line
Cruises in the Caribbean
Holland America Line offers relaxing and enjoyable cruises in the Caribbean. There's no better place to recharge your batteries and reconnect with yourself and the world around you. With your Holland America Line cruise, you'll go to Mexico, Panama Canal, the Bahamas, armed with your snorkel and sunscreen. Departures are from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Cruises in the Alaska
From the departure ports of Vancouver, Seattle and Seward, discover the immense wild beauty and majestic landscapes of Alaska with Holland America Line. Cruise departures are usually between April and September and last 7 days.
Cruises in Canada & New England
Come and discover Canada with Holland America Line cruises! Sail along the East Coast of the United States to the ports of New England and immerse yourself in the multicultural provinces of Canada. Your cruise will take place between June and October and you will depart from Boston, New York, Montreal or Quebec.
Cruises in Europe
Holland America Line takes you on a cruise all over Europe! Discover the Mediterranean and Northern Europe between April and October on incredible voyages. From exciting excursions in the great Mediterranean and Baltic cities to activities that will satisfy your gastronomic soul, you will enjoy every moment of your cruise!
Cruises in New Zealand & Australia
Oceania will hold no secrets for you on a Holland America cruise. You will be enjoying astounding landscapes where nature reigns. Book your trip between November and March and enjoy a cruise of approximately 14 days.
Restaurants onboard the ships of Holland America Line
Eating onboard HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Holland America Line offers a wide range of restaurants on board its ships. The shipowner invites his guests to dine and introduces the 'As you wish' concept. You can choose to dine at the table of your choice and the hour that suits you the most. However, you can also opt for the traditional way with a designated time and place. Holland wants you to have a relaxed and spontaneous time that suits your habits and desires.
You don’t have to worry if you are following a specific diet. By informing the crew in advance, you can be sure to have a meal that suits you if you are vegetarian or if you follow a gluten-free or kosher diet.
In addition to the restaurants listed below, you can of course order room service at any time during your cruise (free of charge!).
You can dine in our ship's main restaurant. The menu fare is included in the price of your Holland America Line cruise. All chefs in the main restaurants have been trained in the prestigious Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.
The Pinnacle Grill is a romantic and refined restaurant that will appeal to couples. For a reasonable price, you can enjoy delicious seafood meals, or sumptuous grilled meat.
Holland America Line welcomes you to the Lido for exquisite breakfasts and tasty lunches. Sushi, sandwiches, salad bar... The Lido is the ideal option for a simple meal!
The Canaletto will give you an authentic Italian experience. With a wide variety of dishes and a rich menu, spend a pleasant moment with your loved ones.
Tamarind is a restaurant that is available on the ships Ms Eurodam and Ms Nieuw Amsterdam. There you can enjoy all kinds of Chinese and South East Asian cuisine.
Drink packages during your cruise with HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Signature Drink Package: Holland America offers its Signature Drink Package to all guests over 21 years old for $45 per day per person. Throughout your cruise, this package entitles you to all beverages (wine, coffee, soda, juice, etc.) priced under $8, with a limit of 15 drinks per day.
Beverage Card: Holland America also offers the option of purchasing a beverage card and crediting it with the amount of your choice (for example $90). With each credit, you get a discount. This way, you will save money and enjoy the drinks that you like!
The company’s features
Your children’s cruising experience
Your family cruise will be your best trip ever with Holland America .
Holland America Line has clubs for children from 6 months and teenagers up to 17 years of age, so that you can travel with peace of mind and have fun with your children. The programme includes Olympics, karaoke, arts and crafts and sleepovers!
Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay is an island paradise located approximately 150 kilometers from Nassau, Bahamas. The Caribbean island has been wholly owned by Holland America Line since 1997, which paid nearly $6 million for it. The little corner of paradise is a private retreat for Holland America passengers cruising on the Caribbean , one of the company's main destinations.
