Holland America Line: A Comprehensive Guide to Cruising

Holland America Line is a premium cruise line that offers a wide range of itineraries to destinations around the world. With a rich history dating back to 1873, Holland America has built a reputation for providing exceptional service and amenities to its passengers.

The line's fleet of ships is designed to provide a comfortable and elegant experience, with amenities like fine dining restaurants, spas, and entertainment venues. Each ship has its own unique character, but they all share a commitment to providing exceptional service and hospitality.

From short cruises to extended voyages, Holland America offers a variety of options to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for relaxation and leisure or adventure and exploration, Holland America has something for everyone.

Holland America Line was founded in 1873 as the Nederlandsch-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij, or Dutch-American Steamship Company. It was headquartered in Rotterdam and had its first ship, the original Rotterdam, sail its maiden voyage from the Netherlands to New York City on October 15, 1872.

In its first 25 years, the company carried 400,000 people from Europe to the Americas. By 1892, HAL ships sailing between Rotterdam and Hoboken were scheduled to call en route at Boulogne in France. The company's main route was between Rotterdam and New York, with its "New York" terminal located in Hoboken, New Jersey.

The fifth Rotterdam, launched in 1959, was one of the first North Atlantic ships equipped for two-class transatlantic crossing and one-class luxury cruising. This ship marked a notable milestone in the post-war era of Holland America Line.

Holland America Line was founded in 1873 as the Nederlandsch-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij, a shipping and passenger line headquartered in Rotterdam.

The company's first ship was the original Rotterdam, which sailed its 15-day maiden voyage from the Netherlands to New York City on October 15, 1872.

The company's main route was between Rotterdam and New York, with a terminal in Hoboken, New Jersey, on the opposite side of the Hudson River from New York City.

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By 1892, HAL ships sailing between Rotterdam and Hoboken were scheduled to call en route at Boulogne in France.

In its first 25 years, the company carried 400,000 people from Europe to the Americas.

Cargo service to New York started in 1909, expanding the company's reach to other North American ports.

During the Interwar Period, Holland America Line continued to grow and expand its operations. The company's fleet increased significantly, with the addition of several new ships, including the SS Nieuw Amsterdam in 1938.

In the 1920s, Holland America Line began to focus on the transatlantic market, offering more luxurious amenities and services to attract higher-end passengers. This shift in focus helped the company to increase its revenue and establish itself as a leader in the industry.

The SS Statendam, launched in 1922, was one of the first ships to feature a more modern and luxurious design, with amenities such as a swimming pool and a gym. This ship set the standard for future Holland America Line vessels.

Holland America Line also made significant strides in employee relations during the Interwar Period, introducing a pension plan for its employees in 1924. This move helped to improve morale and retention among the company's staff.

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After the war, HAL played a significant role in transporting immigrants from the Netherlands to Canada and other destinations.

The Rotterdam – Hoboken route continued to serve Southampton, but the port of Boulogne didn't resume handling large ocean liners until later.

From 1948, Nieuw Amsterdam started calling at Le Havre in addition to Southampton, making it the only HAL ship to do so at first.

Veendam made intermediate calls at Southampton, while Noordam and Westerdam ran direct between Rotterdam and Hoboken.

By 1959, HAL ships were calling at Cobh and running a service to Quebec and Montreal.

The fifth Rotterdam, launched in 1959, was one of the first North Atlantic ships equipped for two-class transatlantic crossing and one-class luxury cruising.

In 1973, HAL sold its cargo shipping division, which continued to operate under the trade name Incotrans.

The proceeds from the sale were put into an investment company, HAL Investments, majority-owned by the van der Vorm family.

HAL ceased operating as a Dutch line in 1989, when Carnival bought it for 1.2 billion guilders (€530 million).

The Holland America Line has a rich history, and before 1989, the company's fleet was quite different from what we see today. The company's first ship, the SS Rotterdam, was launched in 1872 and was a paddle steamer.

In the early 1900s, the company's fleet consisted of 14 ships, including the SS Statendam, which was launched in 1905. The SS Statendam was a large ship for its time, measuring over 700 feet in length.

The SS Volendam, launched in 1952, was a popular ship in the Holland America Line's fleet. It was known for its elegant dining rooms and spacious staterooms.

The company's fleet continued to grow throughout the decades, with the introduction of new ships such as the SS Prinsendam, launched in 1972. The SS Prinsendam was a smaller ship compared to some of the others in the fleet, but it was known for its luxurious amenities and exceptional service.

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Holland America Line has a diverse fleet of ships, each with its own unique character. The largest ship, Rotterdam, accommodates 2,668 guests and features 10 restaurants, not including snack spots.

While the ships vary slightly, they're generally more similar than different. The smallest ships, Volendam and Zaandam, have fewer guest rooms, but still offer a range of amenities.

If you're looking for a ship with the most options, Rotterdam is the way to go. It's also the newest ship, having set sail in 2021, which means it's likely to have better layouts and up-to-date fixtures.

Here's a breakdown of the 11 Holland America ships, sorted by largest to smallest guest capacity:

Two ships, Volendam and Zuiderdam, are perfect for those who want to live on a ship, carrying out Grand Voyages and World Cruises that sail around the world for months.

The Holland America fleet is made up of 11 ships, with the largest being the Rotterdam, which can accommodate around 2,650 guests.

If you're looking for a more intimate experience, you might prefer the smaller ships like Volendam and Zaandam, which have a guest capacity of around 1,400.

The Rotterdam is not only the largest ship but also the newest, having set sail in 2021. Newer ships often come with better layouts and up-to-date fixtures.

If you're planning a long journey, consider Volendam and Zuiderdam, which offer Grand Voyages and World Cruises that can last for months.

Here's a breakdown of the Holland America ships by guest capacity, from largest to smallest:

The Prinsendam is the smallest ship in the fleet, with a guest capacity of around 830.

The staterooms on Holland America ships are a major highlight, offering a range of options to suit every taste and budget. They're spacious, with even the smallest rooms measuring around 143 square feet.

You can choose from a variety of room types, including suites that are easily double the size of the smallest rooms. The smallest suite, the Vista Suite, ranges from 260-356 square feet.

For maximum space and service, the Pinnacle Suite is the way to go, filling roughly 1,290 square feet. It's perfect for those who want to splurge and enjoy the ultimate luxury experience.

Inside staterooms are also available, offering a more affordable option for those who don't need a balcony. But even the smallest rooms come with some nice perks, like premium massage shower heads.

If you're looking for a cruise ship that's not too big, but not too small either, Holland America is a great choice. Their ships are relatively small, with the largest one, Rotterdam, accommodating 2,668 guests.

You'll still have plenty of amenities to enjoy, like a gym, spa, and multiple pools. Holland America ships also have a variety of restaurants to choose from, with the largest ship offering 10 different dining options.

On a short three-night cruise, you could easily eat at a different restaurant each day and never run out of new places to try. And with snack spots like the café and gelato shop, you'll never go hungry.

The balance of size and amenities makes Holland America a great fit for cruisers who want a more intimate experience without sacrificing the luxury and variety of a larger ship.

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Holland America Line offers a unique travel experience that's perfect for those seeking relaxation over partying. Its mid-sized ships are ideal for mature travelers, including families with infants who are at least six months old.

The line's subdued atmosphere is a welcome respite from the high-energy shows and waterslides found on other cruise lines. You can enjoy live music, trivia nights, and a casino without the need for excessive stimulation.

Travelers can choose from over 300 ports of call across all seven continents, making Holland America Line a great option for those seeking enriching journeys.

Traveling is about immersing yourself in new cultures and flavors, and Holland America gets it right from the start. They offer a unique dining experience called Destination Dining, where you get to taste the region you're visiting from day one.

Their sailaway celebration features passed appetizers that reflect the local cuisine, so you can get a taste of what's to come. For example, in Alaska, you can enjoy Alaskan crab, hot smoked salmon, and Alaskan wild game sausage with onion huckleberry marmalade.

In Canada/New England, you'll find mini lobster rolls and tourtière with maple syrup. Northern Europe offers frikadeller with beetroot and cucumber, and caramel cheese with huckleberries. And in the Mediterranean, you can indulge in grilled mushroom and roasted pepper tapenade, plus seafood antipasti.

Here are some of the delicious Destination Dining options you can look forward to:

This is just a taste of what Holland America has to offer, and I'm sure you'll be excited to try more of their culinary delights on your next trip.

One of the highlights of a Holland America cruise is the diverse dining options available on board. Larger ships have a dozen or more eateries to choose from.

You can enjoy a casual Italian meal at Canaletto, which is a restaurant that operates on every Holland America ship.

The Lido Market is another great option, serving meals in an all-you-can-eat, cafeteria-style setting that's perfect for busy travelers.

Travel insurance can be a lifesaver, especially when unexpected things happen. Holland America offers a Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) that lets you cancel your cruise for any reason, starting at $79.

This plan is convenient because it doesn't require proof of illness or have a lot of fine print. However, it doesn't get you a full refund, with the Standard Plan refunding up to 80% of your total cost and the Platinum Plan refunding up to 90%.

Don't overlook credit card coverage, as some credit cards offer travel insurance benefits on cruises purchased with that card.

Traveling solo can be a liberating experience, and some cruise lines are more welcoming than others. Holland America Line is a great option for solo travelers, offering inclusive programming like wine tastings and lectures.

If you're a solo traveler, you'll find that Holland America Line has solo staterooms available on some ships. This means you can avoid paying a single supplement altogether.

Solo travelers will appreciate the flexibility and freedom that comes with not having to pay extra for a single cabin. With Holland America Line, you can enjoy the best of both worlds - socializing with fellow travelers and having your own space when you need it.

The Have It All premium cruise package can be a great value if you plan to use its included perks, such as shore excursions, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and drinks. On average, it's cheaper than buying these things separately, but consider what you really need.

If you only drink one alcoholic beverage per day, the $55 beverage package might not be worth it. However, if you plan to indulge in multiple drinks, it could save you money.

Cruise prices can be negotiable, especially if you're booking last-minute. Holland America's Last Minute Cruise Deals page lists discounted sailings within the next 60-90 days, but don't forget to factor in potentially expensive airfare.

Joining AARP can pay off, literally. Members can earn up to $200 in stateroom credits, which can more than cover the $16 annual membership fee.

The cost of a Holland America cruise can vary greatly depending on several factors. The average price for a seven-night, inside stateroom starts at $646 per person, assuming double occupancy.

Prices can also vary widely by region, with the average cost ranging from $349 for a California coast cruise to $972 for a Northern Europe cruise.

If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, suites can easily cost double the price of an inside stateroom, with the average Vista Suite costing $1,322 per person for a seven-night trip.

Here's a breakdown of the average prices per person for seven-night journeys by major region:

In addition to the base cruise fare, you'll also need to factor in extra fees, including taxes and gratuities, which can add up quickly.

If you're looking to save money, consider booking a cruise in a region with lower average prices, such as the California coast.

Holland America Line offers a staggering 300+ ports of call across all seven continents, giving travelers a wealth of options for their ocean cruise.

Their mid-sized ships provide an elegant and refined experience, complete with fine dining and gracious service.

With over 300 ports of call, you'll have no shortage of opportunities to discover new cultures and connect with fascinating people.

Cruising with Holland America Line offers a traditional and elegant experience, perfect for those who value sophisticated service and delicious food.

If you're a foodie, you'll love Holland America's high-quality dining options, but be aware that the best restaurants come with an extra cost.

Crowds on Holland America cruises tend to be mature, which can be a pro or con depending on your preference for entertainment and nightlife.

Families and those seeking high-energy entertainment might want to consider another cruise line, as Holland America's atmosphere is more subdued.

With over 300 ports of call across all seven continents, Holland America offers a wide range of itineraries to choose from, allowing you to explore the world in style.

Their mid-sized ships provide a welcoming atmosphere, where you can discover timeless cruising and refined service in a classic cruise style.

The sailaway experience on Holland America Line is truly something special. You'll be greeted with a welcome toast and speech from your ship's cruise director, setting the tone for a fantastic voyage.

The sailaway soundtrack, "Home to Rotterdam", will be playing as you depart, and you'll even have the chance to take a piece of this experience home with you - it'll be available as a ringtone this summer! This exclusive soundtrack is a unique touch that adds to the excitement of setting sail.

The sailaway celebration is a time to mingle with ship officers, take photos, and enjoy celebratory music and dancing led by the activities team. This is a great opportunity to get into the vacation spirit and start your cruise off on the right foot.

Onboard activities are a big part of the Holland America experience. You can expect to find live music and wine tasting, which are pretty tame options.

World Stage is a theater on every ship, hosting entertainment like expert lecturer talks and dance performances. These events are a great way to learn something new or enjoy some culture.

Ships also have at least one lounge or club, such as the Rolling Stone Rock Room or B.B. King’s Blues Club. These venues offer a fun spot to relax and socialize.

Every ship has a casino, where you can try your luck and have some fun. If you're looking for a more relaxing experience, you can visit the spa or fitness center.

Outdoor sport courts, including pickleball courts, are also available on every ship. Pickleball is a popular activity, thanks to Holland America's partnership with the Professional Pickleball Association.

As you prepare to set sail, you're probably wondering what to expect during the Enhanced Sailaway celebration. The good news is that Holland America has really upped the ante on this tradition, making it a truly special experience.

A welcome toast and speech from your ship's cruise director is a great way to kick off the celebration. You'll also get to enjoy the exclusive sailaway soundtrack called "Home to Rotterdam", which will be playing as you depart.

Ship officers will be mingling with guests, providing a great photo opportunity. I'm sure you'll want to capture this moment to remember your special day.

Celebratory music and dancing led by the activities team will get you in the mood for a fantastic cruise. It's the perfect way to let loose and have fun with fellow passengers.

Here are some of the highlights you can look forward to during the Enhanced Sailaway:

And as a fun bonus, you'll be able to take a piece of this experience home with you – the "Home to Rotterdam" tune will be available as a ringtone this summer!