
Holland America Line has a fleet of ships that cater to different tastes and preferences. The newest ship in their fleet is the Nieuw Statendam, which was launched in 2018.
The Nieuw Statendam is part of the Pinnacle-class ships, which are known for their elegant design and luxurious amenities. It has a capacity for 2,666 passengers and features a variety of dining options, entertainment venues, and recreational activities.
The next in line is the Koningsdam, launched in 2016, which also belongs to the Pinnacle-class ships. It has a capacity for 2,650 passengers and offers a range of onboard experiences, including a music walk and a culinary arts center.
The ship's design and amenities are geared towards providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers of all ages.
Newest Ships
The newest ships in the Holland America fleet are truly impressive. The Pinnacle Class ships are the most recent additions, with Rotterdam being the latest and largest vessel, launched in 2021.

These ships are a game-changer, offering the most amenities and entertainment venues of any Holland America ship. With five separate specialty dining venues, you'll never be bored or hungry. The Pinnacle Class ships also feature all of Holland America's signature entertainment venues, including a B.B. King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, and Rolling Stone Rock Room.
Here's a quick rundown of the newest ships in the Holland America fleet:
- Rotterdam (2021, 99,863 GRT, 2,650 passengers)
- Nieuw Statendam (2018, 99,863 GRT, 2,650 passengers)
- Koningsdam (2016, 99,863 GRT, 2,650 passengers)
Nieuw Statendam (2018)
The Nieuw Statendam is the second Pinnacle-class ship with Holland America, with the "Nieuw" part of the ship's name referring to the previous ships with the Statendam label.
This ship has a gross tonnage of 99,863, making it a significant addition to the Holland America fleet.
Maiden voyage for the Nieuw Statendam took place in 2018, marking a new era for the line.
The Nieuw Statendam has a passenger capacity of 2,650 at double occupancy.
It measures 983 feet in length and has 14 decks.
The ship's double capacity is 2,666.
For your interest: Double Door Shipping Containers
Nieuw Amsterdam

The Nieuw Amsterdam is a great example of a modern cruise ship. It has a gross tonnage of 86,273.
This ship entered service in 2010, but it's not just a relic of the past - it was refurbished in 2023 to bring it up to date. The refurbishment must have been successful, as it still has a capacity for 2,106 passengers at double occupancy.
The Nieuw Amsterdam has a crew of 929, which is a significant number. I'm sure they work hard to keep everything running smoothly on board.
Here are some of the key features you can expect to find on the Nieuw Amsterdam:
- EXC Port to Table programming
- Morimoto at Sea
- BBC Earth in Concert
- Club HAL kids’ clubs
- New York Pizza
- Greenhouse Spa & Salon
- Canaletto Italian restaurant
- B.B. King’s Blues Club
- Pinnacle Grill steakhouse
- Billboard Onboard piano lounge
What Is the Newest Ship?
The newest Holland America cruise ship is Rotterdam, launched in 2021. It's a big deal, as it's also the fleet's largest vessel.
Rotterdam can accommodate 2,650 passengers, making it a significant addition to the Holland America fleet. This ship is part of the Pinnacle Class, which also includes Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam.

These three ships have the most amenities of any Holland America vessels, including five separate specialty dining venues. You can enjoy everything from pan-Asian cuisine to Italian food and even a steakhouse.
The Pinnacle Class ships also feature all of Holland America's signature entertainment venues, which is more than you'll find on the line's older vessels.
Ship Classes
Holland America's fleet of 11 ships is divided into four ship classes. The Pinnacle Class is the newest class of Holland America ships, made up of three vessels: Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Koningsdam.
Each of the three Pinnacle Class ships measures 99,863 gross tons and carries 2,650 passengers at double occupancy. These ships rolled out as a series between 2016 and 2021.
The Pinnacle Class ships have the most venues of any Holland America ship, including all of the line's signature entertainment venues like B.B. King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, and Rolling Stone Rock Room.

The Pinnacle Class ships also have spectacular state-of-the-art main theaters with push-out stages enveloped by two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screens.
The Signature Class embodies the line's two ships built in 2008 and 2010, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam. These ships received retrofits that introduced music and entertainment venues found on the newer Pinnacle Class.
The Signature Class ships are about 15 percent smaller than the Pinnacle Class ships, and have just three specialty restaurants on offer: the Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, and Tamarind.
Ship Ages
The average age of a Holland America ship is about 15 years old, with nearly half of the fleet built about 20 or more years ago. Despite their age, these ships have undergone thorough renovations to include new and updated spaces and amenities.
The oldest Holland America cruise ship is the 1,432-passenger Volendam, launched in 1999. It's not just the oldest ship but also the smallest in the Holland America fleet, measuring just 61,214 gross tons.

Here's a list of Holland America ships by age, ranked from newest to oldest:
- Rotterdam — 2021 (99,863 GRT | 2,650 passengers)
- Nieuw Statendam — 2018 (99,863 GRT | 2,650 passengers)
- Koningsdam — 2016 (99,863 GRT | 2,650 passengers)
- Nieuw Amsterdam — 2010 (86,700 GRT | 2,106 passengers)
- Eurodam — 2008 (86,273 GRT | 2,104 passengers)
- Noordam — 2006 (82,318 GRT | 1,924 passengers)
- Westerdam — 2004 (82,305 GRT | 1,916 passengers)
- Oosterdam — 2003 (82,305 GRT | 1,916 passengers)
- Zuiderdam — 2002 (82,305 GRT | 1,916 passengers)
- Zaandam — 2000 (61,396 GRT | 1,432 passengers)
- Volendam — 1999 (61,214 GRT | 1,432 passengers)
Average Ship Age
The average age of a Holland America cruise ship is about 15 years old, which might surprise you considering the line's commitment to modernity.
While some of the fleet's newer additions, like the Pinnacle-class ships, were built between 2016 and 2021, nearly half of the fleet was originally built about 20 or more years ago.
To give you a better idea, here's a list of Holland America's ships by age, from newest to oldest:
To maintain a modern fleet, Holland America regularly sells off its oldest vessels, like Maasdam, which was sold to a Greek ferry operator in 2020.
Ships by Age: Newest to Oldest
The newest Holland America cruise ship is the Rotterdam, launched in 2021 and boasting a gross tonnage of 99,863.
This ship is part of the Pinnacle Class, which balances grandeur and comfort, offering ample space for various venues and amenities while maintaining a cozier atmosphere.

The Rotterdam is also the fleet's largest vessel, measuring 99,863 gross tons.
Here's a list of the newest Holland America cruise ships, ranked from newest to oldest:
The Volendam, launched in 1999, is the oldest Holland America cruise ship and the smallest in the fleet, measuring 61,214 gross tons.
This ship has fewer features and amenities compared to the newer Pinnacle Class and Signature Class vessels.
Despite its smaller size, the Volendam appeals to cruisers looking for a more intimate cruise experience.
Noordam (2006)
The Noordam (2006) is a Vista-class vessel that's been a part of Holland America's fleet. It was the 4th and last of its class.
Launched in 2006, the Noordam has a gross tonnage of 82,500, making it a substantial ship. It measures 936 feet in length and has 11 decks.
The Noordam has a passenger capacity of 1,916 at double occupancy. Its crew consists of 820 people.
Here's a breakdown of the Noordam's key features:
The Noordam has been refurbished in 2019 to maintain its luxury standards. It's a great example of a well-designed and well-maintained ship.
Zuiderdam (2002)
The Zuiderdam was launched in 2002, a notable year for Holland America Line as it introduced its first Vista-class ship.
The Zuiderdam is a massive vessel, measuring 81,769 gross tons and stretching 954 feet in length.
It has 11 decks, providing ample space for its 1,916 passengers.
The Zuiderdam was the first of four ships in the Vista-class series, each named after a direction on a compass derived from the Dutch language.
Difference Between Newer and Older Ships
Newer Holland America ships are significantly larger than their older counterparts, often by as much as 39%. This means they can accommodate more onboard venues and attractions.
The biggest Holland America ships can hold up to 2,650 passengers at double occupancy, while the line's oldest vessels, the R Class, can only carry 1,432 passengers at double occupancy.
Holland America's oldest ships, like the R Class, have a more intimate feel and hold fewer people, making them a great choice for those who want to avoid large crowds.

These older ships are often less expensive to sail on, on a per-day basis, making them a more budget-friendly option for travelers.
Despite their age, even the oldest Holland America cruise vessels have undergone renovations and upgrades, featuring newer carpeting, updated furniture, and modern decor in cabins.
In many cases, entire eateries and bars on the older ships have been renovated with concepts that first debuted on newer vessels, ensuring a fresh and modern experience for passengers.
Oldest Ships
The oldest Holland America cruise ship is the Volendam, which was unveiled in 1999. It's not just the oldest ship, but also the smallest, measuring just 61,214 gross tons.
Volendam has fewer features and amenities compared to other Holland America ships, but it appeals to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience. It also draws those who care more about the destinations they visit than onboard attractions.
Here's a list of the oldest Holland America ships, ranked from newest to oldest:
- Maasdam (1993)
- Zaandam (2000)
- Volendam (1999)
Koningsdam

The Koningsdam is a relatively new ship, having made its maiden voyage in 2016. It's a massive vessel, weighing in at 99,863 gross tons.
Its size allows it to carry a lot of passengers, with a capacity of 2,650.
Oldest Ship
The oldest Holland America cruise ship is the Volendam, unveiled in 1999 with a capacity for 1,432 passengers.
It's not just the oldest Holland America ship, but also the smallest, measuring 61,214 gross tons, which is 39% smaller than the Rotterdam and other Pinnacle Class vessels.
Volendam has fewer features and amenities than most other Holland America ships due to its smaller size.
This intimate cruise experience appeals to cruisers who prioritize visiting destinations over onboard attractions.
Here's a list of the top 5 oldest Holland America cruise ships, ranked from newest to oldest:
- Nieuw Statendam — 2018 (99,863 GRT | 2,650 passengers)
- Koningsdam — 2016 (99,863 GRT | 2,650 passengers)
- Nieuw Amsterdam — 2010 (86,700 GRT | 2,106 passengers)
- Zaandam – 2000 (61,396 GRT | 1,432 passengers)
- Volendam — 1999 (61,214 GRT | 1,432 passengers)
Ship Information
The oldest ship in Holland America's fleet is the Zaandam, built in 2000 with a gross tonnage of 61,396.

The Zaandam has a capacity for 1,432 passengers.
The Zaandam's sister ship, the Volendam, was built in 1999 with a gross tonnage of 61,214.
The Volendam also has a capacity for 1,432 passengers.
Here is a list of Holland America's ships by age, from oldest to newest:
- Zaandam – 2000 (61,396 GRT | 1,432 passengers)
- Volendam — 1999 (61,214 GRT | 1,432 passengers)
- Oosterdam — 2003 (82,305 GRT | 1,916 passengers)
- Westerdam — 2004 (82,305 GRT | 1,916 passengers)
- Noordam – 2006 (82,318 GRT | 1,924 passengers)
- Eurodam — 2008 (86,273 GRT | 2,104 passengers)
- Nieuw Amsterdam — 2010 (86,700 GRT | 2,106 passengers)
- Koningsdam — 2016 (99,863 GRT | 2,650 passengers)
- Nieuw Statendam — 2018 (99,863 GRT | 2,650 passengers)
- Rotterdam — 2021 (99,863 GRT | 2,650 passengers)
Ship Sizes
Holland America ships come in a range of sizes, but they're generally considered mid-sized by industry standards. Their ships feature 10 to 12 decks each.
Despite a slight increase in size with each new build, Holland America ships have an average capacity of just over 2,000 passengers. You'll find that even the largest ships hold only around 2,650 passengers at double occupancy.
The line's oldest vessels, known as the R Class, are significantly smaller, carrying only 1,432 passengers at double occupancy. This intimate atmosphere is one of the reasons some cruisers prefer the older ships.
Here's a rough breakdown of the size difference between Holland America's newer and older ships:
Keep in mind that all Holland America ships are renovated and upgraded on a regular schedule every few years, so even the oldest vessels have newer amenities and decor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cruise line is best for older people?
For older travelers, Holland America Line and Azamara are excellent choices, offering relaxed atmospheres and a range of accessible amenities, making them ideal for seniors. Both lines cater to mature travelers with a focus on comfort, convenience, and enrichment.
Which are Holland America's newest ships?
Holland America's newest ships include the Rotterdam, which joined the fleet in 2021 as the 3rd Pinnacle class ship, and its sister ships. Learn more about Holland America's modern fleet and exciting itineraries.
What are the different classes of ships on Holland America?
Holland America Line has four main ship classes: Pinnacle, Signature, Vista, and R, each offering unique amenities and experiences. Learn more about the distinct features and benefits of each class to find the perfect fit for your next cruise.
Sources
- https://thepointsguy.com/cruise/holland-america-cruise-ship-newest-oldest/
- https://cruiseradio.net/holland-america-line-ships-by-age-newest-to-oldest/
- https://eatsleepcruise.com/holland-america-cruise-ships/
- https://cruisefever.net/holland-america-line-cruise-ships-list/
- https://mfame.guru/holland-america-line-ships-by-age-newest-to-oldest/
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