Holland America Cruises 2022: Explore the World in Style and Comfort

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Stormy clouds with dramatic sky above smooth lake made with long exposure photography, Province, Friesland, Holland
Credit: pexels.com, Stormy clouds with dramatic sky above smooth lake made with long exposure photography, Province, Friesland, Holland

Holland America Cruises 2022 offers a wide range of itineraries to suit every interest and style.

From 3- to 128-day cruises, you can explore the world in style and comfort. Holland America's fleet of 11 ships features a variety of onboard amenities and activities, including a spa, fitness center, and entertainment options.

Each ship has its own unique character, but all share a commitment to providing exceptional service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line has been back in business for a year, celebrating 500,000 nautical miles sailed and 6.5 million meals served. Their guests and team members have had a wild ride, with over 240 cruises and 169 different ports visited.

Their ships have been busy, with the last one returning to service in June 2022. The pace of their return was carefully planned, with each ship welcomed back into service at a different time. Here are the return to service dates for each ship:

They've also had some fun facts and figures, including 122 glacier visits in Alaska, over 2,000 unique shore excursions operated, and 700,000 specialty coffee drinks served.

Nieuw Statendam

White Cruise Ship
Credit: pexels.com, White Cruise Ship

Nieuw Statendam is a ship that offers a traditional cruising experience with a modern twist. It has a capacity for 2,666 passengers and is part of Holland America Line's Pinnacle Class.

Music is a big theme on the ship, with its unique design drawing inspiration from musical instruments. You can even find a music-themed art collection on board.

One of the standout features of Nieuw Statendam is its expanded Music Walk area, which is a must-visit for music lovers. The ship also has a two-level World Stage theater, perfect for live performances.

If you're looking for specialty dining options, Nieuw Statendam has got you covered. You can indulge in top-notch cuisine at Tamarind, which serves Southeast Asian dishes, or Rudi's Sel De Mer, which offers haute French-inspired cuisine.

Here are some key stats about Nieuw Statendam:

  • Capacity: 2,666 passengers
  • Music-themed art collection on board
  • Two-level World Stage theater
  • Specialty dining options: Tamarind and Rudi's Sel De Mer

Overall, Nieuw Statendam is a great option for those who want a traditional cruising experience with a modern twist.

Koningsdam

Credit: youtube.com, Holland America Koningsdam Ship Tour - Full Walk-Through 🚢

The Koningsdam is a standout ship in the Holland America Line fleet. With a capacity for 2,650 passengers, it's a great size for those who want a crowd, but not so big that it feels overwhelming.

Its modern decor and natural light-filled spaces give it a brighter, airier aesthetic than some of the other ships in the line. This makes for a really pleasant cruising experience.

You'll find live music venues on board, which is perfect for those who love to dance the night away. The ship also features outdoor movie screenings by the pool, so you can catch a movie under the stars.

Pickleball courts and a lively casino are also on the menu, offering something for every interest. And if you're feeling stressed, the spa is the perfect place to unwind.

The adults-only Retreat area is another great spot to relax and recharge.

Noordam

The Noordam is a great choice for those looking for a more laid-back cruise experience. It has a capacity for 1,924 passengers.

One of the standout features of the Noordam is its impressive art collection, which is truly gallery-worthy.

If you're looking for some relaxation time, you can unwind at the spa or take a dip in one of the pools.

Oosterdam

Credit: youtube.com, Explore Holland America’s Oosterdam: Full Ship Tour

The Oosterdam is a family-friendly vessel with a capacity for 1,964 passengers.

It's one of the line's most family-friendly ships, offering a game room called High Score! where kids and adults can play games like skeeball.

While kids are having fun, grown-ups can enjoy a massage at the spa or a cocktail at the Ocean Bar.

Dinner is a great time to regroup with the family before heading out to Billboard Onboard or the Rolling Stone Lounge on a date night.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line offers a range of ships to suit different tastes, with the Zaandam and Volendam being two of the smaller vessels in their fleet.

The Zaandam has a capacity for 1,432 passengers and is designed for an intimate cruising experience.

One of the unique features of the Zaandam is its musical-inspired decor, which includes signed guitars from famous musicians like Queen, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton.

Credit: youtube.com, What Does HOLLAND AMERICA Do Different To Other Cruise Lines ?

The Volendam, on the other hand, is the line's oldest operating ship, dating back 25 years.

Despite its age, the Volendam still delights with its elegant garden-inspired public spaces and a more low-key onboard atmosphere.

The Volendam is one of the few Holland America ships without a Music Walk, which is a quieter area on the ship.

Cruise Experience

Holland America cruises offer a unique and immersive experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Their ships feature a variety of public rooms, including the Ocean Bar, Explorer's Lounge, and the Crow's Nest.

You'll have access to a range of onboard activities, from trivia games and cooking demonstrations to wine tastings and live music performances. Holland America's ships also offer a variety of dining options, including the main dining room, specialty restaurants, and room service.

Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or stay active and engaged, Holland America's cruise experience has something for everyone.

Koningdam — Pinnacle Class Ship

Credit: youtube.com, Koningsdam | TRIP REPORT | ULTIMATE guide on Holland America’s Pinnacle class ship

The Koningsdam is a Pinnacle Class ship with a capacity of 2,650 passengers, but don't worry, it's still quite manageable even with a full ship.

We chose the Koningsdam for our Alaska Inside Passage cruise, and I have to say, it was a great choice. The ship's size was still quite impressive, but after walking around the first day at sea, we easily got our bearings.

Our Verandah stateroom had plenty of space, with adequate closet and storage space, including under the bed, where we stowed our luggage. Choose a Verandah if your budget allows, especially for the Inside Passage cruises.

Temperatures in July were in the 60s and even into the high 70s in all our ports, which was perfect for us, given my dislike of cold weather. We packed rain jackets and layers for cold weather that weren't needed or used.

We traveled with only carry-on luggage, which was a great experience, and it can be done!

Specialty Dining

Close-up view of Holland America Line cruise ship docked in Vancouver's harbor.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up view of Holland America Line cruise ship docked in Vancouver's harbor.

Specialty Dining is a highlight of the Holland America experience. Holland America's specialty dining options are well worth the extra cost.

You can fit in three specialty dining experiences on a week-long cruise, like we did on the Koningsdam. Specialty dining packages are available to make it more affordable.

USA TODAY 10 BEST READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS for 2022 named the Koningsdam the #1 ship for dining. This is a testament to the exceptional culinary experience on board.

Rudi’s Sel de Mer is a must-try, especially if you love seafood. It's a French seafood brasserie that exceeded my expectations as a pescatarian.

Canaletto offers a classic Italian menu with nightly specials like Osso Bucco and Veal Saltimbocca. Our entrees were perfectly prepared, and I highly recommend it.

Pinnacle Grill is a traditional steakhouse with plenty of fish and seafood options. I opted for scallops and risotto with asparagus, and it was a great choice.

Holland America Line has been awarded Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification, ensuring that their wild Alaska seafood is fresh, sustainable, and traceable. This is a great feature for seafood lovers like me.

Music Walk at Sea

Credit: youtube.com, Best Music-Themed Cruises | Best Cruises

Music Walk at Sea is a fantastic way to spend your evenings on a cruise. Every night after dinner, head to Deck 2's Music Walk live entertainment area to experience the best of live music.

B.B. King's Blues Club is one of the three music venues in Music Walk, offering Memphis-style rhythm and blues. The talented musicians here will keep you entertained with their soulful performances.

If you're looking for something a bit more upbeat, Billboard OnBoard is a great choice. This venue features two talented singers/pianists playing Billboard chart-toppers and taking requests from the audience.

The Rolling Stone Rock Room is the third music venue in Music Walk, featuring a live band playing classic rock. This is a great option if you're a fan of rock music and want to get your toes tapping.

We found Billboard OnBoard to be our favorite spot in Music Walk, and we stopped by almost every evening to enjoy the music.

Reviews and Opinions

Credit: youtube.com, Holland America Was NOT What I Expected. Here's Why

Many Holland America cruisers praise the line's exceptional service, with some reporting that their cabin steward even knew their names by the second day of the cruise.

Holland America's emphasis on fine dining has earned the line a loyal following among foodies, with some passengers raving about the ship's signature Pinnacle Grill restaurant.

Cruisers have also praised Holland America's enrichment programs, which offer a range of lectures, workshops, and other activities that cater to diverse interests.

Some passengers have noted that Holland America's ships can feel a bit dated, with older decor and amenities that don't quite measure up to those found on newer vessels.

Despite this, many cruisers appreciate the line's relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, which makes it easy to unwind and enjoy the sea views.

Holland America's commitment to destination immersion has also won over many travelers, who appreciate the line's efforts to provide authentic experiences and insights into the ports of call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Holland America offer discounts for seniors?

Yes, Holland America offers discounts for senior travelers aged 55 and above, but they vary by cruise and departure date. Check for eligible itineraries and promotions to save on your next Holland America cruise.

What is the average age on a Holland America cruise?

The average age of Holland America cruise passengers is 55 years old. Holland America's older demographic may appeal to those seeking a more mature and relaxed cruising experience.

Clara Donnelly

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Clara Donnelly is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting engaging content across various industries. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she brings complex topics to life through her writing. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including sustainable packaging solutions, where she explores innovative ideas and eco-friendly practices that minimize waste and promote environmental responsibility.

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