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975 ft. length

114.8 ft. width

If complete bliss is the destination,  Koningsdam  is the journey. Fluid lines, light-filled spaces, and a blend of 21st-century elegance and nautical tradition dazzle at every turn. The ship abounds with innovative dining and entertainment options. Head to B.B. King’s Blues Club for Memphis R&B, take in visually stunning entertainment at World Stage, revisit classic hits at Billboard Onboard, and head to the Rolling Stone Lounge for the best in rock music.  There’s so much to see and do on  Koningsdam , the first of the cruise ships in our Pinnacle Class.

Winner Best Mid-Sized Ship

Hooray for Koningsdam. A sublime balance of big and small, this mid-size features larger than life music venues and activities galore.

Cruise Activities Onboard

Billboard Onboard

ENTERTAINMENT

Sing along, test your music trivia knowledge, or sit back and enjoy as chart-topping hits fill the room each night.

World Stage

World Stage features innovative cruise ship shows and a two-story LED screen that creates a vivid wraparound display.

Rolling Stone Lounge

Our 7-piece band brings you the best in rock, pop, country and more.

Onboard Shopping

Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping onboard.

Fitness Center

Take a class in our professionally staffed Fitness Center.

Holland America Line Navigator

Personalize your cruise experience with our free mobile-friendly tool.

Casino Action

The Casino offers games for all levels.

Movies On Board

Enjoy recent-release films in the movie theater on select ships or in the comfort of your stateroom.

Pickleball at Sea

Enjoy complimentary lessons, tournaments, and courts with amazing top-deck views.

Kids ages 3 to 17 can enjoy an array of activities. Registration required for children under 13.

Dining Experiences On Your Cruise

Pinnacle Grill

The ultimate steakhouse at sea, with an exceptional menu of Prime steaks, seafood and wine.

Canaletto is a relaxed setting with authentic Italian cuisine that is best enjoyed when shared.

Explore traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan with cuisine praised by Condé Nast Traveler as rivaling the top restaurants on land.

Rudi's Sel De Mer

Master Chef Rudi Sodamin’s award-winning, lively brasserie offers a modern twist on classic French dishes and seafood.

Grand Dutch Cafe

Enjoy a savory snack, a pint of lager or a traditional Dutch coffee in a space that exudes Dutch heritage from the moment you walk in.

Lido Market

A casual, modern marketplace, Lido Market offers the widest range of food options on board for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a late-night snack.

This casual poolside grill serves up the best burgers at sea, Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dogs, golden French fries and more.

New York Pizza

Our poolside pizzeria has fresh Italian salads and authentic thin-crust personal pizzas with savory toppings.

24-Hour Room Service

Enjoy breakfast in bed or an early dinner on your verandah — entrées and more are available whenever you wish.

Explorations Cafe

Our relaxing café with panoramic views is your home for handcrafted espresso drinks during the day and refreshing cocktails in the evening.

Dine on delectable sushi and sip Asian-inspired spirits at Nami Sushi, a sushi bar within Tamarind offering stunning ocean views.

With many flavors to choose from and ingredients like Sicilian pistachios and amarena cherries, each frozen spoonful transports you to Italy.

Club Orange Program Benefits

Club Orange offers an added level of luxury on Holland America with expanded dining menus, special events and priority access. Learn more about Club Orange.

The Dining Room

Our flagship dining experience is a welcoming and sophisticated setting for an exquisite breakfast, lunch or superb multicourse dinner.

Suites & Staterooms

Please select your stateroom or suite type and room category from the available options.

• Daily housekeeping
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, shampoo
• Luxurious bathrobes
• Generous storage
• Fresh fruit upon request
• Ice service
• TV with On Demand movies, programming

Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms.

• Hair dryers, makeup mirrors

These expansive staterooms include include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our Signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, a host of amenities and an ocean view.

Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and shower with premium massage showerheads.

Vista Suite

With a verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable sitting area, these comfortable suites are filled with light. They include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, plus a shower, mini-bar and refrigerator.

Signature Suite

• Premium bathrobes, slippers

These large, comfortable suites feature a spacious sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, two lower beds convertible to one king-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and one murphy bed for one person.

Neptune Suite

• Fresh flowers
• One-Touch concierge service
• Whirlpool bath (suite dependent)
• In-suite coffee, espresso
• Complimentary laundry
• Pre-dinner hors d'oeuvres served in suite
• Welcome glass of sparkling wine
• Priority boarding for tender ports, priority dining/seating requests, special disembarkation service
• High tea in suite on request
• Exclusive tote bag

With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these spacious suites are flooded with light. They feature a large sitting area and two lower beds convertible to one king-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses. The bathroom comes with a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, plus additional shower stall. Amenities include use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge, a private concierge and an array of complimentary services.

Koningsdam FAQs

What entertainment options are available in my stateroom?  Each room includes a flat-screen TV with interactive menu of programming including; on-demand movies, music stations, as well as both live and pre-recorded television. Additionally, guests can access ship information, dining options, an onboard activities schedule, shore excursions, and port information through this interactive media console. There are no external inputs available such as A/V or HDMI.

Does my stateroom have a mini-fridge?  A mini-fridge is included with all staterooms. Guests who need to refrigerate medication should store it in the ship’s infirmary, as mini-fridges aren’t cold enough for that purpose. What's the cost for mini-fridge rentals?  Unnecessary as all staterooms include a mini-fridge. Are the balconies partitioned? All can be opened upon request. Does my stateroom have an alarm clock?  No, but guests can request a wake-up call. Is there a hairdryer in my room?  Yes. Is there a safe in my room?  Yes. Are there coffee makers in the room?  Only Neptune and Pinnacle Suites feature in-suite coffee and espresso machines. Does my stateroom have WiFi?  All ships are outfitted with wireless Internet. However, we cannot guarantee that each stateroom will receive a signal, as signal strength varies depending on the location of your stateroom. . Lanai Staterooms:  No. Family Rooms:  Yes. Single Rooms:  Yes.

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Debuted in October 2021, Rotterdam welcomes up to 2,668 guests. The name hearkens back to the line's founding in the late 19th century, when its first ship, Rotterdam, sailed from the Netherlands to New York. Though the ship's name is rooted in the cruise line's past, its amenities are anything but antiquated. 

Among Rotterdam's standout facilities is World Stage, a performance venue that features a two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screen that creates a panorama of light and sound for audience members. For more entertainment, passengers can catch a performance at any of the ship's numerous music venues, including the Rolling Stone Rock Room and B.B. King's Blues Club.

When travelers aren't grooving to live tunes, they can test their luck at the onboard casino or relax at the spa. Meanwhile, kids can play the day away at the Kids Club. Foodies will be pleased to hear the ship offers eight dining options, including Rudi's Sel de Mer, a French brasserie, and Tamarind, which highlights the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan.

Cabins range in size from 143 square feet to 1,290 square feet, with some of the luxury suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, whirlpool baths and verandas with hot tubs.

Sailings aboard Rotterdam depart from ports like Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and Amsterdam to destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and the Panama Canal.

U.S. News Insider Tip: The art collection aboard Rotterdam is valued at more than $4.1 million and has 2,645 pieces of diverse works ranging in value from $500 to $620,000. Take some time to walk around the ship to explore the collections. Each of the three stairwells has a theme that reaches from top to bottom: architecture, music or zoology. – Jill Schildhouse, Contributor

Launched in 2016, the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam is one of Holland America's newer ships and the first in the more contemporary Pinnacle Class. Passengers can participate in everything from cooking classes to duty-free shopping, or simply relax by the pool or at the spa.

Holland America now features an exclusive amenities program, Club Orange. Members can receive benefits such as a complimentary stateroom upgrade, a dedicated concierge hotline and skip-the-line priority access.

Members of Club Orange will also receive additional benefits when onboard Koningsdam including a premium in-room breakfast menu and a private dining venue with an expanded menu.

Guests can spend their evenings playing casino games or watching stage shows and musical acts through a partnership with "Rolling Stone" magazine. While the ship does offer youth clubs for children ages 3 to 17, most of the entertainment and activities are geared toward adults.

When hunger strikes, passengers can choose between 11 dining venues, ranging from the casual New York Pizza & Deli to the more formal Pinnacle Grill steakhouse.

The ship's cabin categories are also diverse. Staterooms range from Interior and Ocean View cabins to Verandah rooms and three Suite categories.

Koningsdam departs from ports like San Diego , Seattle ,  Vancouver  and Anchorage , Alaska, for sailings through Mexico, Hawaii , Alaska and California. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: The three Pinnacle Class ships (Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam) have Single and Family Staterooms. Family Staterooms accommodate up to five guests and have two bathrooms, plus extra closet space. – Jill Schildhouse, Contributor

More colorful than most of Holland America's fleet, Oosterdam launched in 2003 and was last updated in 2016. The 1,964-passenger ship houses 812 crew members, making the passenger-to-crew ratio roughly 2-to-1.

The ship features six stateroom categories: Inside, Ocean View, Verandah, Signature Suite, Pinnacle Suite and Neptune Suite. All accommodations are outfitted with Sealy-Premium Euro-Top mattresses, flat-screen TVs and plenty of storage space.

Like other Vista-class ships, Oosterdam   is equipped with a large pool and a sizable spa and fitness area, along with BBC Earth Experiences and sports courts. While there are kids and teens clubs for younger passengers, most of the activities and entertainment on the ship are geared toward adults.

When it's time to dine, guests can enjoy varied dishes in the main dining room, Italian fare at Canaletto or other options ranging from casual to fine dining. 

Oosterdam departs from ports in  Fort Lauderdale , Buenos Aires , Rome , Athens and more. Itineraries include destinations in Europe, South America and Antarctica.

Originally launched in 2008 and updated in late 2015, Eurodam   carries up to 2,104 passengers and 876 crew members.

The ship’s 11 decks include multiple cabin categories: Interior staterooms, Ocean View and Verandah staterooms, Signature Suites and Neptune & Pinnacle Suites. All cabins come equipped with plush Euro-Top mattresses and flat-screen TVs. Suites received updates to the furniture, carpeting and bathrooms, as well as a USB outlet on the bed's headboard and a Bose Bluetooth speaker. 

Recent cruisers of Eurodam were pleased with the versatile selection of nine dining venues. Most notably, the ship offers Tamarind, which serves exotic fare from Southeast Asia, China and Japan. 

Daytime activities range from the Greenhouse Spa & Salon to the BBC Earth in Concert experience. More active pursuits include two swimming pools, pickleball courts and more. In the evenings, passengers can sip cocktails at one of the bars or lounges or take in a show at B.B. King's Blues Club.

Eurodam departs from Fort Lauderdale , San Diego , Seattle  and  Vancouver  for sailings in the Caribbean, Alaska, the Pacific Coast and the Panama Canal.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Make sure to attend a show or two – which feature comedy, dancing or singing – offered at the Main Stage. There are also piano duels in the lounge by the casino, and fantastic music at the B.B. King's Blues Club (which can be hard to get a seat at – get there early!). – Leilani Osmundson, Digital Producer

Nieuw Statendam

One of Holland America Line's newest cruise ships, Nieuw Statendam, launched in December 2018. This 2,666-passenger ship is the second in the line's contemporary Pinnacle Class collection. Like its sister ship, Koningsdam , this vessel places an emphasis on elegant, eye-catching design.

Along with its great aesthetics, Nieuw Statendam features a mix of engaging daytime and nighttime activities, as well as facilities designed to keep guests rested and relaxed. Passengers can unwind at the spa or pools, work up a sweat at the fitness center or pickleball court or participate in enriching activities like cooking demonstrations and wine-blending classes. At night, cruisers have several entertainment options, including the B.B. King's Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room or the World Stage for theatrical performances.

For dining, expect a mix of options, including a traditional dining room, casual spots and specialty restaurants that feature cuisines from Asia, France and – of course – Holland. Cabin categories are just as diverse: Accommodations range from Inside and Ocean View staterooms to Verandah staterooms to spacious suites with balconies and living areas. 

Holland America now features an exclusive amenities program, Club Orange. Members can receive benefits such as a complimentary stateroom upgrade, a dedicated concierge hotline and skip-the-line priority access.

Members of Club Orange will also receive additional benefits when onboard Nieuw Statendam including a premium in-room breakfast menu and a private dining venue with an expanded menu.

Nieuw Statendam departs from Fort Lauderdale  and European ports in  Rome , Barcelona and more. It sails to various destinations in the Caribbean and Europe. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're looking for a little outdoor privacy with pampering, book a cabana at The Retreat on one of the following ships: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Oosterdam, Rotterdam, Westerdam or Zuiderdam. The Retreat has double or family cabanas available to rent by the day or for the whole cruise, with an attendant for beverage and food service. – Jill Schildhouse, Contributor

Nieuw Amsterdam

Borrowing its name from the former city of New Amsterdam (now known as  New York City ), this 2,106-passenger member of the Holland America fleet launched in 2010 and is famous for its extensive art collection valued at more than $3 million. Guests can admire works from Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein through a complimentary self-guided tour.

Passengers can also pass the time by the pool or in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, while more enriching programs include the BBC Earth in Concert and onboard movie screenings. While the ship offers youth clubs for kids ages 3 to 17, most activities are geared toward adults.

When it comes to dining, guests can choose from New York Pizza on the pool deck, Asian delicacies at Tamarind and more. Several casual eateries and the main dining rooms are included at no extra cost.

Meanwhile, staterooms range from Interior cabins to expansive Signature, Neptune and Pinnacle Suites, all of which are equipped with Sealy Premium Euro-Top mattresses and flat-screen TVs.

Holland America now features a new exclusive amenities program, Club Orange. Members can receive benefits such as a complimentary stateroom upgrade, a dedicated concierge hotline and skip-the-line priority access. 

Nieuw Amsterdam departs from ports across the United States and Canada for sailings in the Caribbean, Alaska, the Pacific Coast and the Panama Canal. 

Carrying up to 1,964 passengers and 810 crew members, Westerdam first debuted in 2004 and last received small updates in January 2023. 

Onboard facilities include the World Stage live music venue, as well as BBC Earth Experiences, the Greenhouse Spa & Salon and multiple swimming pools.

When it’s time to dine, the ship's dining venues range from the casual poolside Dive-In grill to the upscale Pinnacle Grill. After dinner, guests can enjoy live music at the B.B. King’s Blues Club, take in a theatrical performance or try their luck in the casino.

Lodging options include Inside, Ocean View and Verandah cabins, as well as three Suite categories. Standard amenities include Euro-Top mattresses and flat-screen TVs.

Westerdam departs from  Hong Kong , Seattle , Vancouver ,  Singapore ,  Tokyo  and more for sailings across Alaska, Australia, the Pacific Coast and Asia. 

Launched in 2002 and last refurbished in 2017, Zuiderdam features BBC Earth in Concert and cooking demonstrations with Explorations Central. If you're looking to relax on your voyage, head to the line's signature Greenhouse Spa & Salon for a calming treatment. 

With room for 1,964 passengers and 817 crew members, the ship maintains a 1-to-2 staff-to-guest ratio. Recent passengers said everyone was friendly and attentive, from the bartenders to the room stewards.

Inside and Ocean View staterooms aboard Zuiderdam measure between 151 and 180 square feet. All cabins include sofas, coffee tables, chairs and vanities, in addition to a queen-sized bed (or two twin beds). Other amenities include Euro-Top mattresses and flat-screen TVs. Dining venues include the upscale Pinnacle Grill, traditional dining rooms and more. 

Zuiderdam   departs from ports around the world for sailings in Canada, the Caribbean and Europe, as well as world voyages. 

Launched in 2000, Zaandam attracts older, more sophisticated travelers, with onboard activities catering more to those in need of R&R than those seeking an adrenaline rush. The 1,432-passenger ship carries up to 604 crew members and was most recently updated in 2017. It is designed to cater to fewer guests while offering spacious common areas. 

While active pursuits include pickleball courts and a fitness center, the majority of onboard activities are geared toward enrichment. Examples include Explorations Central (EXC), Step One Dance Company and BBC Earth in Concert. The ship also offers kids clubs for passengers ages 3 to 17.

Most recent guests described the cabins as comfortable. Inside and Ocean View cabins measure between 182 and 319 square feet – large enough to fit a queen bed (or two twin beds), a sitting area and a vanity space. Travelers were also pleased with the multiple onboard restaurants, ranging from the casual Lido Market buffet to Canaletto, which serves Italian fare.  

Zaandam sails from Fort Lauderdale , Montreal , San Diego  and more for itineraries in Canada, New England, Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, the Pacific Coast, the Panama Canal and South America. 

Volendam maintains an almost 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio, with 1,432 passengers and 604 crew members. Originally launched in 2000 and last updated in 2017, cabins come equipped with flat-panel TVs and 100% Egyptian cotton towels. Upgrade to a Neptune suite for a private balcony and access to the private Neptune Lounge.

The ship's other features are similar to the rest of Holland America's fleet. Cruisers can enjoy games at the casino, treatments at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon and drinks at the piano bar or catch a live show on the World Stage, a two-story with a 270-degree wraparound LED screen stage. While the ship does cater to more mature passengers, kids ages 3 to 17 can participate in Kids Club programs, and there are pickleball courts on board. Volendam houses multiple dining venues, including the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse. 

Volendam   departs from Fort Lauderdale , San Diego , Vancouver ,  Sydney and more for sailings in Alaska, the Caribbean, the Pacific Coast, Europe, the Panama Canal, Hawaii and Canada. 

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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HAL-Holland America Line (HollandAmerica.com) is a Seattle -based cruise shipping company owned by Carnival Corporation .

HAL's current President is Gustavo Antorcha (since July 2020) who was previously the COO/Chief Operating Officer of CCL-Carnival Cruise Line . HAL's current CEO/Chief Executive Officer is Stein Kruse. HAL's current CFO/Chief Financial Officer is Jeremy Schiller (former CCL employee). HAL's current CMO/Chief Marketing Officer is Kacy Cole (promoted in May 2023 from VP of Marketing & E-commerce).

Holland America Group's current President is Jan Swartz (since December 2020) who is the Group President of four of Carnival's brands/subsidiaries (Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Australia) plus HAP-Holland America Princess Alaska Tours. Jan Swartz also manages all inter-group operations.

Company History

Between 1873-1989, HAL was a Dutch mail-, cargo- and passenger shipping company operating regularly scheduled Transatlantic crossings between Holland and North America (also between Europe and South America). HAL was founded in 1873 (as "Nederlandsch-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij"/Dutch-American Steamship Company) and is headquartered in Rotterdam Netherlands .

On October 15, 1872, started the company's first cruise itinerary (15-day Transatlantic crossing from Rotterdam to NYC ).

In 1989, HAL was acquired by Carnival Corporation for ~EUR 530 million.

On April 18, 2020, HAL celebrated its 147th anniversary. Nowadays, the company's main assets are the Westmark hotel chain (Alaska-Yukon region), Worldwide Shore Services (warehouses and logistics) and the Caribbean private island Little San Salvador Island (approx 160 km / 100 mi southeast of Nassau Bahamas). Widely known as Half Moon Cay , the island is an exclusive port destination for all Carnival Corporation-owned vessels.

Westmark hotels allow Holland America to dominate completely the Alaskan cruisetour market, offering the most diverse and cheap "land and sea" Alaska travel packages.

Being one of the cruise brands rated "best for couples", "best for adults" and "best and cheapest for Alaska", Holland America is a featured brand of Carnival Corporation - the world's largest cruise shipowner by tonnage and fleet capacity. One of the main operating companies in Carnival Group, HAL is also a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines Alliance (WLCLA) - together with the sister-brands CCL-Carnival , Cunard , Costa , Princess , P&O (UK and Australia) , Seabourn .

Holland America Line is also amongst the premium-deluxe and mainstream ship travel brands. HAL ships visit 300+ seaports in 100+ countries, with 500+ traditional and Transoceanic itineraries scheduled annually. Voyages' lengths range from 2-day to 110+ days ( World Cruises ), but the majority are 7-day roundtrips, and many are between 10-21 days (including B2Bs/back-to-back itineraries ). In 2023, voyages leaving from the USA (FL, CA, MA, WA) visited 225 ports in 91 countries.

The company has a fleet of specifically designed liners providing home-feel accommodations, first-class theater productions, professionally-served and well-equipped wellness facilities (fitness/sports, health/spa and beauty), complimentary onboard programming for adults University at Sea (enrichment) and children Club HAL (kids and teens).

In 2017, was celebrated the company's 70 years of Alaskan cruisetour operations. HAL's Alaska passenger shipping services started in 1947 with a spontaneous cruisetour in Fairbanks. The idea eventually evolved into the "Alaska Land+Sea Journeys" - HAL's itinerary program that combines sea voyages with land-based adventure tours to Denali NP and Yukon Canada.

Since April 21, 2021, HAL has offered the all-inclusive package (alcohol included) "Have It All". It includes beverages (also spirits/max 15 drinks per day, bar service included), specialty dining (1x dinner for all passengers in the stateroom), Wi-Fi package (1st and 2nd passengers in the stateroom), 1x shore excursion (max value $100). "Have It All" costs USD 99 per person per day and offers at least 50% savings (as included amenities) in comparison to purchasing them separately. On longer itineraries (10-20 days in length) the "Have It All" package additionally offers US$100 (tour credit) per passenger.

In 2022, HAL became the first cruise shipping company awarded with RFM (Responsible Fisheries Management) certification (for wild-capture fisheries). HAL's credential is for serving on all its Alaska-deployed boats (6x in 2022) Alaskan wild seafood that is certified, traceable and fresh-caught via sustainable fishing methods. RFM is aligned with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization's CCRF (Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries/1995-issued). Also in 2022, HAL partnered with ASMI (Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute/state's official seafood marketing arm) thus committing to serve onboard only sustainably sourced seafood.

In October 2022 HAL partnered with Pike Brewing Company (Seattle WA-based craft brewery) for "HAL Pils" (limited-edition Pilsner beer) available fleetwide (in all ship bars and lounges) since January 2023.

In December 2022, HAL became PPA's exclusive cruise line (Professional Pickleball Association). The company announced plans to add fleetwide pickleball courts (installed on every ship's top deck) by April 2023. Beginner lessons led by onboard instructors are offered complimentary. HAL also added Play Pickleball tutorial videos (on the interactive cabin TV programming) and started selling branded pickleball starter kits at the ships' retail shops.

In March-April 2023, HAL completed the expansion of its Onboard Enrichment Program (fleetwide) by adding to each liner new or expanded activity facilities (art studio, sports courts for playing basketball/volleyball/pickleball/tennis, and deckgames zones for playing ping-pong, cornhole, ladder ball, shuffleboard) and full-time specialists (art and crafts instructor, sports director). The new supervised Art Studios host classes like painting, drawing, coloring, crafting, needlework. In 2023-2024 were upgraded the entire fleet's libraries as well as the ships' card rooms (with new board games and jigsaw puzzles).

On April 27, 2023, the birthday of Willem-Alexander Claus George Ferdinand (The Netherlands' King/1967-born), HAL debuted the company's new mascot "Lewie the Lion". The mascot honors Holland's King's Day (celebrated as a national holiday).

In September 2023 Michael Stendebach (HAL's VP of Food and Beverage) announced the Global Fresh Fish program. Through this initiative, HAL locally sources ~80 different types of fish (from ~60 different ports globally) which are served on the ship in less than 48 hours. The announcement also mentioned that Masaharu Morimoto (1955-born Japanese chef) was appointed as HAL's Fresh Fish Ambassador. Dishes made with fresh fish are also available in the MDRs/main dining rooms at no charge. However, Morimoto's signature dishes offered in the MDRs cost extra.

In January 2024, HAL launched its "fresh fish" program announced by Michael Stendebach (HAL's VP of Food & Beverage).. ~80 different fish types are locally sourced globally (from 60 ports). Fresh fish is served on the ship in less than 48 hours and at no extra charge in the MDRs/main dining rooms.

Dutch Royal Family members serving as HAL ship godparents

On October 17, 2021, HAL officially announced the name of the new Rotterdam ship 's godmother - HRH Princess Margriet Francisca of the Netherlands (1943-born, from the house of Orange-Nassau/van Lippe-Biesterfeld). Princess Margriet is the 3rd daughter of Queen Juliana Louise Emma Marie Wilhelmina (1909-2004) and Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld (1911-2004) and is an aunt of Holland's current monarch Willem-Alexander Claus George Ferdinand (1967-born, King of the Netherlands since 2013).

HAL's connection to The House of Orange-Nassau (Huis van Oranje-Nassau/Dutch Royal Family) started in 1929 when Duke Henry of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1876-1934, Prince of the Netherlands/husband of Queen Wilhelmina between 1901-34) godfathered Statendam III (1927-built passenger liner). Next are listed the godmothers of HAL liners through the 20th-21st centuries.

Princess Margriet Francisca (1943-born) named 5x liners - Prinsendam I (1972), Nieuw Amsterdam III (1983), Rotterdam VI (1997), Oosterdam (2003), Rotterdam VII (2021).

Queen Maxima Zorreguieta Cerruti (1971-born/spouse of King Willem-Alexander) named 2x liners - Nieuw Amsterdam (2010), Koningsdam (2016).

Princess Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard (1938-born) named Statendam IV (1957) and/as Queen Beatrix (reign 1980-2013) named Eurodam (2008).

Queen Juliana Louise Emma Marie Wilhelmina (1909-2004) named Rotterdam V (1958).

Queen Wilhelmina Helena Pauline Maria (1880-1962) named Nieuw Amsterdam II (1937).

HAL's newest vessels are from the PINNACLE class and named Koningsdam (2016), Nieuw Statendam (2018) and Rotterdam (2021). These are also the company's ever largest, with volume 99500 GT-tons and max passenger capacity 3200.

In late-January 2017, the shipowner/Carnival Corporation announced 2 more shipbuilding orders. The new liners were ordered for Princess (ROYAL-class) and HAL (PINNACLE-class). Carnival signed an MoA (memorandum of agreement) with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to construct both units. They were delivered in 2021 ( Nieuw Rotterdam for HAL, at Marghera yard) and 2022 ( Discovery Princess , at Monfalcone yard). By the time when both contracts were finalized (February 2017), Carnival Corporation had a total of 19 new boats scheduled for deliveries between 2017-2022.

In 2023, HAL conducted 5 wet-dock refurbishments to expand the casino space on its vessels in the PINNACLE-class (Nieuw Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam) and Signature-class (Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam). Each of the enlarged gambling facilities now has 140 of the gaming industry's newest slot and video poker machines. In addition, a separate non-smoking area was added in the casinos of Nieuw Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam.

HAL's 150th Anniversary (2023)

On April 18, 2023, the company celebrates its 150th Anniversary. In July 2022 were announced the special events and activities including on the two themed Transatlantic crossings (April 4th/16-day from Fort Lauderdale to Rotterdam, and October 15th/15-day from Rotterdam to Fort Lauderdale) on the fleet's newest member MS Rotterdam VII .

The planned commemorative onboard activities and amenities include expanded food and beverage menus, entertainment and enrichment programs (special guest speakers and artists).

More details are expected in the coming months.

HAL ships names

In the company's over 130 years of maritime history, there are some quite charmingly special traditions and truly unique practices. One of them is that all HAL ships go with the "dam" suffix. They usually bear names of famous Dutch landmarks, the 4 compass points, or some of the most prominent river dams or port cities in the Netherlands. And this special list of "Dutch landmarks" includes rivers, mountains, sea, city/town.

Some vessel names have been reused (some of them several times) with the old ship's retirement. This practice of renewing ship names allows the company to emotionally connect its glorious past with its amazing business growth in our times.

HAL ship classes (ordered high to low)

The fleet's newest and ever largest vessels are from the PINNACLE-class - Koningsdam (2016), Nieuw Statendam (2018) and Nieuw Rotterdam (2021).

SIGNATURE-class (enhanced Vista-class design) are Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam. Compared to Vista-ships, they have 1 additional deck (between Lido and Observation) allowing more staterooms (mostly spa cabins) and public venues ("Tamarind", "Silk Den").

VISTA-class are Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam and Noordam.

SINGLE-class is Prinsendam (sold in 2018).

ROTTERDAM-class (R-class) are Rotterdam VI, Volendam, Zaandam and Amsterdam.

The fleet's oldest are from the STATENDAM-class (S-class). These are Statendam (now Vasco da Gama ), Maasdam (now CFC Renaissance ), Ryndam (now Celestyal Journey ) and Veendam (now Aegean Majesty) . They were the fleet's first to have an Atrium, a 2-deck dining room, a theater lounge, Lido Pool Deck (with a retractable glass roof).

In July 2018, MS Prinsendam was sold to Phoenix Reisen , starting operations for the German company (as MS Amera) on July 1, 2019. Prinsendam's schedule was assimilated by the fleetmates Rotterdam , Volendam and Veendam .

In July 2020 were sold 4 units - Amsterdam/Bolette and Rotterdam/Borealis (to Fred Olsen ), and Maasdam/Renaissance and Veendam/Aegean Majesty (to Seajets Greece). Their schedules were canceled or assumed by other HAL ships.

Holland America Line refurbishments

In 2003-2008, by the SOE (Signature of Excellence) program, HAL upgraded all older vessels, on which were also added new venues, stateroom categories, and amenities.

In November 2015, HAL announced a USD 300 million fleetwide drydock refurbishment program. The fleet renovation project included Suite improvements (new decors, furnishings, amenities and services upgrades) for all staterooms on Vista-Signature-R-Class boats. The first scheduled for drydocks were Oosterdam and Eurodam , followed by Westerdam , Nieuw Amsterdam , Noordam, Zuiderdam, Amsterdam , Rotterdam , Volendam , Zaandam .

All passenger Suites were upgraded with new sofas, chairs, headboards, carpets and wall coverings, privacy curtains, draperies, bed runners, bed skirts, quartz stone tops (on the vanity desks), vanity lighting, dressers, dressing tables, nightstands.

Other upgrades included a new USB outlet (on the headboard), bedside LED lights, upgraded electrical outlets, lighted closet rod, new interactive HDTV system (allowing complimentary movies-on-demand, access to the ship's daily scheduled activities program, ship information - restaurants, bars, spa services, checking onboard accounts, Internet). Suite bathrooms received a wall of designer glass tiles (backdrop to the new dressing area with modern taps, under-mount sink), new mirrors (with integrated LED lighting), stylish floor tiles, nightlight.

Since 2016, all Suites (fleetwide) received the following exclusive amenities - priority services (embarkation, disembarkation, tendering, dining reservations), complimentary services (laundry, pressing, dry cleaning), exclusive access to Neptune Lounge, private breakfast service (at Pinnacle Grill). The list of new suite cabin amenities includes a premium duvet, luxury bathrobes, and slippers, luxury bath products (by Elemis). BOSE SoundDock (iPod docking station), umbrella, binoculars, complimentary mimosa cocktails (with in-cabin breakfast), Nespresso coffee machine.

In 2018, HAL contracted ABB Group (Swedish-Swiss corporation specializing in robotics, marine power, and propulsion equipment) for installing shore-power systems fleetwide. The technology allows docked ships to receive shoreside power supply (from the port city's grid) and turn off their diesel engines/generators, thus reducing to zero emissions and noise. ABB installed its shore-power equipment on 11x HAL liners. Switchover (ship-to-shore power) at seaports takes ~20 min.

HAL's Club Orange

"Club Orange" program provides exclusive amenities to HAL's Suite passengers booked in cabin categories Neptune and Pinnacle. The bonus perks by this program include:

• priority services (check-in, disembarkation, tendering, dining reservations)
• 24-hour concierge service (assistance, information, reservations, hotline)
• exclusive dining venue (serving complimentary Pinnacle Grill breakfast and Dining Room dinner, plus exclusive dishes)
• dedicated Concierge Desk (Guest Services and Tours)
• room service (a la carte breakfast menu with complimentary gourmet dishes - including smoked salmon with eggs Benedict, steak and eggs), sparkling wine (welcome glass, at embarkation day)
• Club Orange tote bag (welcome gift)
• premium bathrobes (in-cabin use, available for monogramming and purchasing)

Club Orange is also available for a limited number of non-suite staterooms per voyage. The program was launched in December 2018 (on Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam) and available fleetwide since 2019. On other HAL ships, Club Orange Restaurant is designed as a dedicated section in MDRs (Main Dining Rooms) opened for breakfast and dinner. On Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam, "Culinary Arts Center" was renamed "Club Orange Restaurant".

In October 2019, HAL implemented fleetwide new Club Orange amenities, including cabin upgrades (within the booked category) and the "Captain's Choice" event.

• HAL customers purchasing the "Club Orange" package receive a cabin upgrade to the best available (within the booked category) stateroom (based on availability at the time of the package purchase).
• The "Captain's Choice" is during the voyage and offered as an exclusive event for Club Orange passengers only. It could be one of several pre-scheduled experiences - like exclusive pre-opening shopping access, behind-the-scenes hotel department tour, private coffee chat with Music Walk musicians, etc.

The Club Orange package costs USD 35 per person per day (on Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam) and USD 25 pp per day on all other HAL cruise liners. The stateroom's first and second passengers are both required to buy the package. Stateroom's 3rd and 4th passengers are not charged. Club Orange must be purchased prior departure (not available for onboard purchasing).

(NEW 2019) Holland America Line's coffee brand "Rotterdam 1873"

Since February 2019, passengers on all HAL ships (fleetwide) can enjoy the new specialty coffee "Rotterdam 1873". The new brand was created exclusively for Holland America Line via partnership with Beukenhorst Coffee USA Inc (Dutch coffee house in West Palm Beach, Florida ).

"Rotterdam 1873" is a small-batch roasted coffee blend named after the port city Rotterdam and the year in which Holland America Line was established. The new coffee blend consists of the best Indonesian and Central-South American Arabica coffee beans. It is available for purchasing (by the cup) in all shipboard beverage venues. As a souvenir (at ship's Grand Dutch Cafe, and Explorations Cafe) is available for purchasing regular and decaffeinated 12-oz bag (Rotterdam 1873 beans).

The new coffee blend is roasted fresh in batches (by Beukenhorst Coffee USA) then supplied to the liners. Since 1989, HAL offered as an alternative (at extra cost) the Netherlands-imported "Beukenhorst Koffie" in Main Dining Rooms, Lido Market (buffet restaurants) and other onboard venues serving complimentary coffee.

(NEW) HAL cruise gratuities (2024)

Prior to December 2018, HAL's daily gratuities per person/pp were USD 13,50 (interior-oceanview-balcony staterooms, applied to both adults and kids) and USD 15 (suites).

On HAL cruises after December 1st (2018), daily gratuities were increased to US$15,50 pp per day (non-suite passengers) and US$17 pp per day (for suite passengers).

On February 1st, 2023, HAL's daily gratuities were increased to US$16 pp per day (non-suites) and US$17,50 pp per day (suites).

Starting February 1st, 2024, HAL's daily gratuities are increased by 9% - to US$17 pp per day (non-suites) and US$19 pp per day (suites).

Daily gratuity is an automatic service charge (applied to both adults and kids) that is added to the passenger's onboard account each day. Passengers can prepay cruise gratuities. The amount of gratuities is split between the ship's staff (dining, housekeeping, cabin stewards).

However, the charge can be removed/its amount adjusted at any time during the voyage up until the onboard account is settled before debarkation.

Note: On May 1, 2017, Holland America Line raised daily gratuities from USD 12,50 to 13,50 pp (non-suite pax).

Holland America fly-cruise deals

In August 2015, Holland America added enhanced features to its flight booking program "Flight Ease". HAL's website allows travelers to choose flights (departure and return) separately, also to compare real-time airfares, plus detailed schedules. HAL also allows adding of stopover flight segments.

Flight Ease's improved functionality includes:

• calendar for flight cruise planning based on the cruise itinerary's departure and arrival dates
• independent selection of departing/return flights
• improved website navigation - you can move across fly bookings, including search, select, summary, pay
• improved search box filters to select best flights as preferred airlines, number of stops, ticket price, departure time, flight duration
• easy airfare comparison for the same flight
• flight schedules with detailed info on aircraft types, flight connections, layover times.

HAL's "Flight Ease" air booking program offers up-to-the-minute flight schedules and selection of 2 competitive pricing on flights with arrival/departure dates same as the booked cruise itinerary. All flight cruise deals booked through HAL's Flight Ease program feature 24-hour assistance and "Next Port Protection". The latter guarantees that in case of flight delays or cancelations, Holland America Line takes care of the flight changes in order to join the cruise ship at the next port of call along the booked itinerary.

Airfare payments are due with HAL cruise's final payment. Restricted Fares include cancelation fees and require full payment for the flight reservation at booking time.

(NEW) HAL cruise shore excursions "Best Price Guarantee"

Since November 2017, HAL offers a "best price guarantee" for customers with pre-booked shore excursions (land tours). The new program is available fleetwide and on all cruise itineraries, excluding only voyages in Asia. By the program, any booked passenger who finds a comparable excursion/tour deal (offering same amenities, including date, duration, transfers, transportation, meals) elsewhere at a lower price will receive an OBC ("onboard credit") of 110% of the price difference.

The request must be submitted online up to 7 days prior cruise ship departure. Booked passengers are notified within 2 days of submission if the tour/excursion meets the "Best Price Guarantee" requirements. If eligible, booked passengers receive a non-refundable OBC to be used during the voyage.

Best Price Guarantee applies only to publicly available and advertised with pricing tour deals. Passengers canceling their HAL tour on the ship are not eligible for "Best Price Guarantee" OBC. The new program further guarantees HAL tour deals' exceptional value, competitive pricing, and best quality. As of 2018, through HAL can be purchased over 4100 tours/excursions in around 550 cruise ports.

Holland America smoking policy

Implemented in January 2017, Holland America Line has a new cruise ship smoking policy banning smoking on all cabin balconies. As previously, in-cabin smoking is also not allowed. Smoking E-cigarettes and vaping devices is permitted in designated areas, as well as inside passenger staterooms (but not on cabin balconies).

Passengers who violate the company's ship' smoking policy will be fined a cleaning fee USD 250 per day.

There are smoking-allowed areas for active slot machine players located in all HAL cruise ship casinos - excepting on MS Oosterdam and MS Eurodam, which casinos are entirely smoke-free. Follows the list of Holland America ships' designated smoking-allowed areas:

• MS Maasdam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side; Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow's Nest on the starboard side
• MS Veendam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side; Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow's Nest on the starboard side
• MS Volendam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side; Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow's Nest on the starboard side
• MS Zaandam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side; Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow's Nest on the starboard side
• MS Rotterdam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side; Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow's Nest on the starboard side
• MS Amsterdam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side; Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow's Nest on the starboard side
• MS Noordam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side and the Oak Room
• MS Oosterdam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side
• MS Eurodam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side
• MS Zuiderdam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side
• MS Prinsendam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the port side
• MS Nieuw Amsterdam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side
• MS Westerdam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side
• MS Koningsdam and MS Nieuw Statendam - Seaview Bar/ Pool (aft portside on deck 9) and Sun Bar (aft starboard on deck 11).

For comparison, NCL Norwegian banned smoking in November 2014, Royal Caribbean - in 2011, Carnival Cruise Line - in July 2014.

Holland America Alaska cruisetours (land-and-sea packages)

The 7-day "Alaskan Explorer" (roundtrip from Seattle WA ) is the company's signature cruise tour itinerary for this unique destination.

The other itinerary (7-day "Inside Passage") is roundtrip from Vancouver Canada .

HAL liners in Alaska offer cruisetours with lengths 10-13-14-15 days. They are inclusive of 3-day cruising (between Vancouver-Juneau) plus scenic train travel (Juneau-Anchorage) on the White Pass-Yukon Route Railway.

• (Y5C) 10-Day Yukon+double Denali (Vancouver to Anchorage)
• (Y3C) 13-Day Yukon+triple Denali (Vancouver to Anchorage)
• (Y3L) 14-Day Yukon+triple Denali (Anchorage to Vancouver)
• (Y2l) 15-Day Yukon+triple Denali (Anchorage to Vancouver).

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, HAL suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (all 14 liners) canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 13, 2020, through June 30, 2021.

HAL's fleet was fully operational by June 12, 2022.

Next are listed HAL's first departures by ship (homeport/destination) in 2021-2022 : ROTTERDAM (October 20, 2021/ Maiden Voyage /Transatlantic from Amsterdam to Fort Lauderdale), NIEUW AMSTERDAM (July 24, 2021/Alaska from Seattle), NIEUW STATENDAM (Nov 21, 2021/Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale), KONINGSDAM (Oct 10, 2021/Mexico from San Diego California), EURODAM (Aug 15, 2021/Mediterranean from Piraeus-Athens), ZUIDERDAM (Dec 24, 2021/Mexico from San Diego California), NOORDAM (April 24, 2022/Fort Lauderdale to San Diego/Alaska from Vancouver), OOSTERDAM (May 8, 2022/Mediterranean from Civitavecchia-Rome), ZAANDAM (May 12, 2022/Fort Lauderdale to Montreal/Canada-New England), VOLENDAM (July 3, 2022/Norway from Rotterdam), WESTERDAM (June 12, 2022/Alaska from Seattle).

• All HAL Alaska cruises and Alaskan cruisetours (Land+Sea Journeys) in 2020-2021 were initially canceled, but in 2021 NIEUW AMSTERDAM was rescheduled for Alaskan roundtrips from Seattle (July 24 thru Oct 2).
• Due to Canada's extended (through 2022) ban on cruise ships, HAL's Canada and New England 2021 schedule was entirely canceled.
• VOLENDAM's "World Cruise 2022" from Fort Lauderdale (74-day "Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage 2022") was canceled.
• ZAANDAM's "World Cruise 2022" (129-day roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale/Jan 3-May 12) was canceled.
• All ship relocation itineraries (through November 1, 2021) visiting ports in the USA-Canada were canceled.
• NOORDAM's Asia 2021-2022 program (from Hong Kong-Singapore-Yokohama), OOSTERDAM's Australia-New Zealand 2021-2022 program (from Sydney and Auckland), WESTERDAM's South America 2021-2022 program, and ZUIDERDAM's Caribbean-Mediterranean 2021 programs (from Fort Lauderdale and Barcelona-Venice-Rome) were also canceled.
• HAL's Europe 2021 schedule (ships Eurodam, Nieuw Statendam, Volendam, Rotterdam) was canceled.
• ROTTERDAM's Maiden Voyage was rescheduled from August 1 to Sept 26 and finally Nov 3, despite the on-schedule delivery from Fincantieri (July 30).

To all affected bookings were offered 2 options. The first offer is rebooking with 125% refund in FCC (future cruise credit) plus USD 250 pp in OBC (onboard credit) on any itinerary through Dec. 31, 2022. The second offer is canceling with a full (100% monetary) refund including on prepurchased through HAL packages and services.

• HAL's cruise cancelation policy was expanded to allow penalty-free cancelation of cruises departing through December 31, 2020. Fully refunded (100%) were all prepurchased through HAL packages and services. HAL also reimbursed cancelation fees for flights and other travel arrangements to and from the ports of the canceled voyage.
• In July 2020, Carnival Corporation (via Holland America Line) sold 4 liners - MS Amsterdam and MS Rotterdam (to Fred Olsen ) and MS Maasdam and MS Veendam (to Seajets Greece). All scheduled for the 4 ships voyages were canceled or assumed by other HAL ships.

In 2021, HAL's Alaskan program (cruises and "Alaska Land+Sea Journeys" packages) was canceled entirely but (unlike in 2020) the Carnival Corporation-owned Alaskan businesses Gray Line Alaska (Westours Motor Coaches LLC), Princess Alaska Lodges (Princess Cruises) and Westmark Hotels (Holland America Line) remained operational offering travelers lodging and escorted land tours (fishing, flightseeing, wildlife viewing, river rafting, etc).

Itinerary of Holland America

The list of HAL-Holland America cruise destinations includes Alaska, Caribbean (also Panama Canal), Hawaii, Europe (mainly Mediterranean, but also Baltic, UK, Iceland, Greenland, Bermuda), Australia, Asia, Canada and New England USA, Transatlantic crossings (RepositionCruises.com), South America, Grand Voyages and Around The World voyages .

At CruiseMapper you can easily compare all HAL cruise itinerary changes per liner (now and in the coming two years) on a single page. The comparison of all HAL destinations by boat will give you all homeport and itinerary changes in the company's current program.

Note: Holland America Line is famous for having the most Glacier Bay NP permits (more than any other cruise company). HAL ships also visit College Fjord (Prince William Sound), Dawes Glacier (Endicott Arm Fjord), Hubbard Glacier (Wrangell–St Elias NP) and Tracy Arm Fjord (Twin Sawyer Glaciers/south of Juneau). In Alaska, HAL offers ~180 shore excursions/tours themed on wildlife viewing.

Pole-to-Pole World Cruise 2025 (Volendam & Zuiderdam)

In April 2023 HAL announced MS Volendam's "Pole-to-Pole World Voyage 2025" (133-day itinerary).

Curiously, this first for the brand pole-to-pole voyage runs simultaneously with MS Zuiderdam's "Grand World Voyage 2025" (124-day itinerary), both are roundtrips from Florida USA ( Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale ) and both depart in January 2025.

To book the unique itineraries customers were required to contact HAL's World Cruise Reservations Desk or a travel agent, starting from April 20th. Customers with a deposited Future Cruise Request get priority booking confirmation before these voyages officially open to the public on May 24th, 2023.

Volendam's 133-day "Pole-to-Pole Grand Voyage 2025" departs on January 25th (2025) and visits 68 ports (28 countries/5 continents). The south-north-south route features a Panama Canal transit, navigation along South America's west coast to Antarctica and the Falklands, then up and along South America's east coast (Argentina and Brazil/including cruising on Amazon River). Follows a Transatlantic crossing to Africa, northbound to Europe and up to Norway's Nordkapp/North Cape and the Norwegian Fjords, then westbound (crossing again the Atlantic Ocean) and via Iceland and Greenland back to North America/USA.

HAL's first "pole-to-pole cruise" also features 8 overnight ports (Fuerte Amador/Panama City, Callao-Lima, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Barcelona, Lisbon, Reykjavik).

Zuiderdam's 124-day "Grand World Voyage 2025" departs on January 4th (2025) and visits 46 ports (32 countries/6 continents). The east-to-west route features a Panama Canal transit, Transpacific crossing (via Easter Island) to Australia, then up (via the Great Barrier Reef) to Asia (Indonesia, Sri Lanka), then southwards to South Africa, up to Seychelles and along Africa's east coast. Follows a Suez Canal transit to Europe/Mediterranean and a Transatlantic crossing back to the USA.

Zuiderdam's World Voyage 2025 also features 9 overnight ports (Callao-Lima/2 nights for a visit to Machu Picchu, Hanga Roa/Easter Island, Papeete Tahiti, Sydney NSW, Singapore, Cape Town South Africa, Mombasa Kenya, Safaga-Luxor Egypt, Barcelona) as well as 7 late-night departures (Manta Ecuador, Seychelles, Cape Town, Durban, Aqaba-Petra Jordan, Civitavecchia-Rome, Gibraltar UK).

Both HAL ships also are scheduled to meet in Barcelona on April 24th (2025), for a joint overnight port stay with planned festivities to mark the unique occasion.

HAL cruise itineraries 2024-2025-2026 review

San Diego is HAL's principal West Coast USA homeport since the 1990s. HAL's 2023-2024 schedule includes two "solar eclipse" voyages (ms Koningsdam and ms Zaandam) for total viewing during the eclipse over Mexico on April 8th (2024). Zaandam's 14-day Solar "Eclipse Cruise" (departure March 30th, 2024) visits Mazatlan on April 8th. Koningsdam's 22-day "Solar Eclipse Cruise" (San Diego to Vancouver relocation itinerary) departs on April 5th and will be at sea on April 8th.

Pacific Coast, Mexico, Hawaii, and Panama Canal sailings are operated by 6 ships (39 departures), and are either San Diego roundtrips or begin/end in the port.

(Volendam) 12-day "Historic Baja & Sea of Cortez" voyage departs on December 10th, 2023, and explores Baha Peninsula. The roundtrip from San Diego visits La Paz, Loreto, and Vallarta.

Highlights of HAL's MEXICO 2024 program (all roundtrips from San Diego) include:

• 3 ships (Koningsdam, Volendam, Zaandam)
• all 7-day "Mexican Riviera" voyages feature calls at Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas.
• all 10-, 11- and 12-day itineraries include the ports on the 7-day voyage, plus a combination of Guaymas , Loreto , Manzanillo , La Paz (Pichilingue) , Santa Rosalia , Topolobampo , Zihuatanejo .
• a 5-day trip calls at Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas.

Highlights of HAL's HAWAII 2024 program include:

• 2 ships (Koningsdam, Volendam)
• the itineraries are roundtrip from San Diego CA/Vancouver BC, or between Vancouver-San Diego.
• "Circle Hawaii" voyages range between 16-18 days:

17-day roundtrip from Vancouver with calls at Lahaina , Hilo , Honolulu , Kailua-Kona , and Nawiliwili, Hawaii . The 17-day roundtrip from San Diego also includes Ensenada .

16-day with calls at Lahaina, Hilo, Honolulu, Kona, and Ensenada.

18-day with calls at Lahaina, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight), Nawiliwili, Kona, and Ensenada.

HAL's 2024 Pacific Northwest and West Coast USA program features:

• 6 ships (Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Volendam, Zaandam)
• Itineraries are roundtrip from San Diego CA, roundtrip from Vancouver, or between Vancouver-San Diego.
• 2 one-day "Pacific Northwest" getaways are offered in October 2023 & May 2024 between Vancouver-Seattle aboard ms Eurodam.
• "Pacific Coast" itineraries are 4- and 5-day. The 4-day offers a call at Avalon (Santa Catalina Island CA) , Astoria Oregon , or 3 days at sea. The 5-day visits are a combination of Monterey CA , Santa Barbara , San Francisco CA , and Victoria BC Canada .
• "Classic California Coast"/"Wine Country and Pacific Northwest" are 6- or 7-day. Ports of call include a combination of Ensenada, Monterey, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Victoria BC.
• a special 5-day itinerary roundtrip from Vancouver BC on April 30th calls at Ketchikan AK and Prince Rupert, BC Canada .

HAL's Panama Canal 2024 transition program features:

• 4 Panama Canal transit ships (Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Volendam, Zaandam)
• voyages sail between Vancouver BC/ Seattle WA /San Diego and Fort Lauderdale Florida .
• Transits range between 14-22 days and visit Aruba, California, Canada, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Grand Turk.

Most Panama Canal sailings visit Half Moon Cay Bahamas . Passengers enjoy a daylight canal transit, with commentary on the open decks.

HAL's South America 2024-2025 program (November through March) offers to visit Antarctica's glaciers and the Amazon's lush jungles with the ship Oosterdam . Itineraries (14 to 22 days in length) offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences like Machu Pichu's ruins (from Cusco ) and circumnavigating Cape Horn en route to the Antarctic Peninsula .

The 14-day "South America Passage" itinerary offers overnight stays in Buenos Aires , visits ports in Chile, Argentina, Falkland Islands UK, and Uruguay, and features scenic cruising through the Chilean Fjords , Strait of Magellan, Beagle and Cockburn Channels/Glacier Alley Patagonia , and rounding Cape Horn.

The 17-day "Panama Canal and Inca Discovery" connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, with a full transit through Panama Canal 's lakes and locks. The itinerary visits Grand Cayman, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, with an overnight at Fuerte Amador (Panama City), and two nights at Callao-Lima (Peru), allowing extra time for guests to take a land tour to Machu Pichu.

The 22-day "South America and Antarctica" itinerary offers four memorable days exploring Antarctica and ports in Uruguay, Argentina, Falkland Islands UK, and Chile, with scenic cruising through the Chilean fjords, Drake Passage , and Beagle Channel/Glacier Alley Patagonia.

The 27-day "Amazon Explorer Cruise" (ship Zaandam ) visits 12 ports in the Caribbean and Brazil,. The itinerary includes an overnight at Manaus/Amazonas , several days cruising along the Amazon River and two equator crossings.

HAL's 2024-2025 West Coast cruise season includes sailings from San Diego, California , and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada . These cruises offer guests the opportunity to explore various destinations without the need for international air travel, making it convenient for North American travelers. The cruise itineraries range from four-day voyages along the Pacific Coast to 21-day transits of the Panama Canal , with options for roundtrip cruises from San Diego or Vancouver, or cruises that begin or end in either of these two ports.

The itineraries are thoughtfully curated to include both popular and lesser-visited ports, showcasing the natural beauty, cultural diversity, and rich history of each region. Holland America Line is also featuring more Panama Canal Collectors' Voyages this season, which combine multiple itineraries into longer journeys ranging from 14 to 31 days, allowing guests to visit multiple regions in one trip at more economical fares compared to booking individual cruises.

Highlights of the 2024-2025 Mexico cruise season include itineraries on two ships, Koningsdam and Zaandam , with roundtrip cruises from San Diego. There are seven-day "Mexican Riviera" cruises that visit Puerto Vallarta , Mazatlan , and Cabo San Lucas , as well as a seven-day "Baja Peninsula and Sea of Cortez" itinerary that includes La Paz , Loreto , and Cabo San Lucas. There are also 10-day and 11-day itineraries that combine the ports from the seven-day itineraries with additional stops in Manzanillo, Mexico .

For the 2024-2025 Hawaii cruise season, Holland America Line offers cruises to Hawaii on Koningsdam and Zaandam, with roundtrip itineraries from either San Diego or Vancouver. These itineraries range from 16 to 18 days and include visits to various Hawaiian ports such as Honolulu , Lahaina , Hilo , and Kona , as well as Ensenada, Mexico . The overnight call at Honolulu allows guests extra time to explore popular sites such as Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, and Diamond Head State Monument, or enjoy an authentic luau.

The 2024-2025 Pacific Northwest and Coast cruise season features five ships, including Eurodam , Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam , Westerdam , and Zaandam, sailing along the West Coast of the United States. Itineraries include roundtrip cruises from San Diego or Vancouver or cruises between Vancouver and San Diego. There are four to seven-day itineraries that visit ports such as Avalon , Santa Barbara , San Francisco , Astoria , and Victoria, offering opportunities to explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest and California coast.

For the 2024-2025 Panama Canal cruise season, Holland America Line offers three ships, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Zaandam, with itineraries that sail between Vancouver, Seattle, San Diego, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Guests can enjoy a daylight transit of the Panama Canal with commentary on the open decks, providing insights into this amazing man-made marvel. The itineraries range from 14 to 21 days and include calls at various destinations such as Aruba, California, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Turks and Caicos. Many Panama Canal cruises also include a call at Half Moon Cay , Holland America Line's private island in the Bahamas, known for its pristine beaches and natural beauty.

HAL's 2025-2026  Panama Canal  and Hawaii cruises depart from 5 North American homeports, featuring sailings on 5 distinct ships. The upcoming season introduces 6 diverse Panama Canal cruises, boasting several inaugural experiences. Notable additions include the inclusion of the  port of Acajutla, El Salvador , on most Panama Canal sailings. Additionally, guests have the opportunity to embark on the Pinnacle-Class ship  Koningsdam  for its maiden transit through the canal. Furthermore,  Zuiderdam offers new departures from  Miami  for those seeking to traverse the canal aboard this vessel. Spanning from 15 to 22 days, these voyages cater to travelers seeking varied vacation durations.

In Hawaii, the debut of  Nieuw Amsterdam  marks a significant addition, as it offers roundtrip itineraries from  San Diego, California . Joining Nieuw Amsterdam are Koningsdam and  Zaandam , embarking on island-hopping adventures that typically include an overnight stay in  Honolulu , Hawaii's captivating capital. These Panama Canal and Hawaii cruises are available from October 2025 through April 2026, with durations ranging from 15 to 22 days.

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Panama Canal Cruise Season:

• Cruises available aboard  Eurodam , Koningsdam, and Zuiderdam.
• Departures from  Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada ;  Seattle, Washington ; San Diego, California; or Miami or  Fort Lauderdale, Florida .
• Daylight transit of the Panama Canal with informative commentary on open decks.
• Itineraries include calls in Aruba, California, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Turks and Caicos.
• Select sailings offer multiple embarkation or disembarkation options, such as Fort Lauderdale to San Diego, Seattle, or Vancouver.
• Select cruises include a call at Acajutla, a new port for Holland America Line, offering excursions to well-preserved Mayan ruins, volcanoes, and cacao plantations, as well as opportunities to explore El Salvador further.
• Many itineraries feature a visit to  Half Moon Cay , Holland America Line's private island in the Bahamas.

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Hawaii Cruise Season:

• Cruises aboard Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Zaandam, with Nieuw Amsterdam making its Hawaii debut.
• Guests sailing on Nieuw Amsterdam can indulge in the culinary delights of the ship's newest restaurant, Morimoto by Sea. Guests on Koningsdam or Zaandam can enjoy the restaurant menu during special pop-up dinners.
• Itineraries range from roundtrip voyages from San Diego to Vancouver, or from Vancouver to San Diego.
• The 17-day "Circle Hawaii" itinerary from Vancouver to San Diego visits  Nawiliwili ,  Kahului ,  Hilo , Honolulu (overnight), and  Kona . The roundtrip from San Diego includes an overnight or late departure from Honolulu, a call to  Ensenada, Mexico , and additional Hawaiian ports.
• The 18-day "Circle Hawaii" itinerary, roundtrip from San Diego or Vancouver, includes stops at Kahului, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight), Nawiliwili, and Kona. The roundtrip from San Diego adds a call at Ensenada, while the roundtrip from Vancouver includes  Victoria, Canada .

HAL's Mexico and Pacific Coast seasons for 2025-2026 offer extended visits to distinctive ports such as  Loreto  and  Topolobampo  in Mexico, alongside a novel 7-day Great Bear Rainforest itinerary, a rarely explored route highlighting the natural beauty of British Columbia, Canada. These cruises operate from August 2025 to May 2026, ranging from single-day trips to 29-day Collectors' Voyages.

Known for its prominence in cruising in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, Holland America Line introduces a 7-day "Great Bear Rainforest" itinerary, departing on October 5, 2025, and April 19, 2026, aboard  ms Noordam . This journey provides travelers seeking an intimate experience with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture, nature, and unique wildlife of  Ketchikan, Alaska , and  Prince Rupert ,  Nanaimo , and  Victoria  in British Columbia. Departing from  Seattle, Washington , the roundtrip voyage includes stops in Ketchikan before venturing south to explore various ports in British Columbia, with an overnight stay in Prince Rupert. The ship then embarks on a scenic cruise through Greenville Channel, past Bella Bella's First Nations village, Johnstone Strait, and Seymour Narrows, offering guests a chance to observe wildlife such as whales, eagles, and the rare Kermode bear, known as the spirit bear. A maiden call at Nanaimo and visits to popular Victoria allow guests to immerse themselves in diverse communities in British Columbia.

Additional itineraries along the Pacific Coast showcase the region's stunning landscapes, sailing from  San Diego, California , to Seattle or  Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada . These cruises include stops at popular ports like  Astoria, Oregon ,  Santa Barbara, California , and  Ensenada, Mexico , with select itineraries featuring overnight stays in  San Francisco, California .

For those seeking sunny escapes, Holland America Line's Mexico season offers roundtrip cruises from San Diego or between San Diego and Vancouver, stopping at iconic Mexican ports like  Cabo San Lucas  and  Puerto Vallarta , as well as lesser-known destinations such as  Guaymas  and  Santa Rosalia, Mexico . Late-night stops in  Loreto  and  Topolobampo  provide opportunities for exploration and scenic appreciation.

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Pacific Coast Season include a variety of itineraries on  Eurodam ,  Koningsdam ,  Nieuw Amsterdam , Noordam, and  Zaandam , ranging from one-day getaways to longer voyages. The Mexico Season, featuring Nieuw Amsterdam and Zaandam, offers 7-day "Mexican Riviera" and "Baja Peninsula" cruises, among others.

Alaska 2024-2025 voyages and cruisetours

A new 28-day Arctic Circle itinerary leads the 2024 Alaska season sailings. The cruise by ms Westerdam from Seattle WA departs on June 9th, 2024, in time for the summer solstice and features 12 Alaskan ports.

Two 14-day sailings from Vancouver BC Canada cover 8 ports in Alaska, with departures by ms Nieuw Amsterdam on May 5th and ms Noordam on September 15th.

The program also includes 117x 7-day voyages (ms Eurodam, ms Koningsdam, and ms Zaandam) between April-September 2024.

All HAL Alaskan voyages visit one or more of the glacier destinations: College Fjord, Dawes Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park , Hubbard Glacier , and Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm .

HAL's Alaska 2025 schedule (April thru October) was open for booking in July 2023. The program is based on 6 ships (Koningsdam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, Zaandam) and roundtrip itineraries leaving from homeports Seattle WA and Vancouver BC Canada; or between Whittier/Anchorage AK and Vancouver BC.

Signature itineraries include 28-day “Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice Cruise" (ship Westerdam/June 8, 2025), 14-day “Great Alaskan Explorer” (Vancouver roundtrip), 7-day "Glacier Discovery” (Northbound and Southbound itineraries between Whittier and Vancouver, ships Noordam, Nieuw Amsterdam). 7-day “Alaska Inside Passage Cruise” (Vancouver roundtrip, ships Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Zaandam), 7-day “Alaskan Explorer” (Seattle roundtrip, ships Eurodam, Westerdam).

HAL's Alaska Cruisetours 2024 program features the new "Klondike Gold Tour" (in Dawson City, Yukon Canada) and upgraded accommodations at McKinley Chalet Resort (in Denali NP). As part of the resort's enhancements, 28x river-view accommodations received step-out balconies, all (84x) Denali Suites were completely refurbished, and a new Deluxe Room category was introduced (45x non-balcony accommodations) offering suite amenities.

• HAL's "Klondike Gold Tour" is complimentary for all tourists booked on select "Alaska Denali and Yukon Cruisetours". The land tour offers exploration of the Discovery Claim National Historic Site (where the Klondike Gold Rush started in 1896) and the "Gold Dredge 4" along Bonanza Creek Road 13 (utilized for gold mining in the period 1913-1959).
• HAL also introduced Klondike Gold Rush-themed onboard activities and shore excursions in Skagway (visiting the Gold Rush Training Camp, engaging in gold panning, White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad travel to Liarsville Gold Camp, exploring the Gold Rush Cemetery and Historic Skagway Inn/the city's largest brothel during that era).

HAL's Alaska 2024 Yukon and Denali Cruisetours have durations of 9 to 18 days and encompass either a 3- or 4-day "Inside Passage Cruise" (ships Koningsdam or Zaandam) or a 7-day "Glacier Discovery Cruise" (ships Nieuw Amsterdam or Noordam), along with a 2- or 3-night stay at Denali NP and additional city visits.

Canada and New England USA 2024-2025 program

HAL's 2024 Canada and New England program groups 29 voyages (ranging from 7-day getaways to longer itineraries) and is based on homeporting in Boston (Massachusetts USA) . An extended roundtrip-Boston itinerary visits destinations in Iceland and Greenland.

The season runs from April thru October (2024) and two ships ( Volendam and Zuiderdam ) sail on a series of mainly 7-day "Canada and New England Discovery" voyages. Volendam's longer (10- and 11-day) voyages visit Newfoundland, while a 24-day itinerary adds Greenland plus a circumnavigation of Iceland.

A 24-day voyage (departing on July 27th on Volendam) sails roundtrip from Boston and circumnavigates Iceland. The trip visits 6 ports in Iceland plus 10 others (in Maine USA, Canada's Nova Scotia, Labrador, Newfoundland, and Greenland).

Volendam is scheduled to sail between Boston and Montreal (Quebec Canada) in the summer and fall (2024) on a series of 7-day "Canada & New England Discovery" itineraries. With weekend departures, they visit Bar Harbor , Quebec City , Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) , Sydney NS , and Halifax .

Zuiderdam's 7-day "Canada and New England Discovery" itinerary is between Boston and Quebec City, with weekend departures from/overnight stay in Quebec City (at the beginning/end of the trip) and call ports Bar Harbor, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax.

Volendam's 7-day "Historic Coasts" roundtrip from Boston departs on July 20th and visits Portland, Bar Harbor, Saint John NB , Halifax, Sydney.

Volendam's longer "Newfoundland & New England Discovery" itineraries (between Boston and Montreal) are with lengths 10 days (Quebec City, Baie-Comeau, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Corner Brook, St. John's, Halifax, Portland) and 11-days (Portland, Saint John, Corner Brook, Charlottetown, Saguenay).

Holland America's Volendam and Zuiderdam ships are small enough to cruise the Saint Lawrence River and visit Quebec City and Montreal on nearly every voyage.

Volendam's 13- and 14-day relocation voyages (RepositionCruises.com) are along the Atlantic Coast and between Quebec Canada and Florida USA (Montreal to Fort Lauderdale/Port Everglades ) in 2024 (April and October). Both sailings include an overnight in Quebec City.

Zuiderdam's 11-day Atlantic Coast repositioning (Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale) in October (2024) adds Charleston (South Carolina) .

HAL's 2025 Canada and New England Season offers longer voyages, maiden ports, and a 25-day "Legendary Voyage" to Greenland and Iceland. MS Zuiderdam and MS Volendam provide a range of cruises exploring Canada, New England, Greenland, and Iceland from May to October.

MS Zuiderdam offers 7-day departures showcasing the Atlantic Coast's seafood, maritime history, charming towns, and natural beauty. Volendam's itineraries last ten to eleven days, emphasizing English and French influences at various ports, including fall foliage in September.

MS Volendam's 25-day "Canada, New England, Greenland, and Iceland" Legendary Voyage departs from Boston MA on July 12, featuring stops in Iceland, Greenland, Maine, and Canada, including a new port in Eastport, Maine .

Zuiderdam's 7-day itineraries include "Canada & New England: UNESCO Sites & Quebecois Nights" and "Canada & New England Circle: New Brunswick" between Boston and Quebec City , with late-night departures on select dates.

Volendam offers 10- and 11-day itineraries between Boston and Montreal during the summer and fall. An 11-day "Canada and New England Circle" itinerary is added, departing from Boston or Montreal and visiting various ports.

Repositioning cruises of 14 days are available between Montreal and Fort Lauderdale , including the maiden port of Yorktown (Williamsburg) . Zuiderdam offers a 15-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Quebec City in May, with late-night departures from Newport, Maine, and Charlottetown .

GRAND / COLLECTORS' VOYAGES 2024-2025 (Australia and New Zealand)

In Sept 2022 HAL announced the 94-day "Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage 2024" (San Diego roundtrip on MS Volendam ), leaving on January 3, 2024.

The 3-month-long Australian expedition features 43x total call ports, two Transpacific crossings (via Hawaii), visiting Indonesia's Komodo Island , cruising the Great Barrier Reef (2x days), 4x overnight port stays ( Fremantle-Perth , Sydney NSW , Auckland NZ , Papeete Tahiti ), cruising NZ's Fiordland NP (Milford Sound cruising).

GRAND VOYAGE 2024 includes two shorter itinerary segments - 58-day San Diego to Sydney NSW, and the return 36-day Sydney to San Diego.

The 14-day itineraries aboard  Noordam (November 2025 to March 2026) provide seamless travel between Australia and New Zealand, allowing guests to experience the best destinations in the region while enjoying Holland America Line's renowned service and authentic, localized programming. The introduction of New Collectors' Voyages combines a 2-week cruise with an epic Legendary Voyage to the South Pacific, extending vacation options up to 50 days across multiple cruising regions.

Departing from  Sydney, Australia , or sailing between Sydney and  Auckland, New Zealand , Holland America Line's Australia and New Zealand cruises offer a variety of highlights for guests to enjoy:

• All cruises are aboard Noordam.
• 14-day "Australia and New Zealand" itineraries between Sydney and Auckland, with departures in November, February, and March.
• 14-day "New Zealand Discovery" roundtrip from Sydney departing on December 7, 2025.
• 14-day "South Australia Discovery Holiday" roundtrip from Sydney departing on December 21, 2025.
• All itineraries featuring New Zealand include scenic cruising in the picturesque Milford Sound within  Fiordland National Park .

Guests can indulge in the Holland America Line's Global Fresh Fish Program, offering native fresh fish and local ingredients onboard, including New Zealand green-lipped mussels, Tasmanian Atlantic salmon, Sydney rock oysters, and Tasmanian meat pies.

Noordam is due to host 5 Collectors' Voyages, combining back-to-back, non-repeating itineraries for a seamless exploration of multiple areas:

• 41-day "South Pacific Crossing & New Zealand" Collectors' Voyage from  Seattle, Washington , to Auckland, departing on October 12, 2025.
• 28-day "New Zealand & South Australia Discovery" Collectors' Voyage roundtrip from Sydney, departing on December 7, 2025.
• 42-day "South Australia & South Pacific Islands" Collectors' Voyage from Sydney to Auckland, departing on December 21, 2025.
• 42-day "South Pacific Islands & New Zealand" Collectors' Voyage roundtrip from Sydney, departing on January 4, 2026.
• 50-day "New Zealand & South Pacific Crossing" Collectors' Voyage from Auckland to Seattle, departing on March 1, 2026.

EUROPE 2024-2025

HAL's Northern Europe 2024 schedule (April thru November) lists 4x boats (Nieuw Statendam, Oosterdam, Rotterdam, Zuiderdam) and 7- to 35-day itineraries.

The program is based on 11x departure ports (Amsterdam, Ijmuiden, Rotterdam, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Civitavecchia-Rome, Trieste-Venice, Piraeus-Athens, Reykjavik, and the USA"s Fort Lauderdale FL and Boston MA) and 9x overnight ports (Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Marghera-Venice, Haifa, Istanbul, Reykjavik, Piraeus, Rhodes, Valletta) and 33 late-evening departure ports.

The destinations include Baltic-Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany), Iberia-Canary Islands, Mediterranean (also Holy Land/Israel), as well as Atlantic Europe (UK-British Isles, Iceland and Greenland). Mediterranean itineraries (7- to 14-day) visit ports and islands in Greece, Turkey, Israel, Tunisia, Adriatic (Italy, Croatia, Montenegro), France, and Spain.

Two HAL liners in 2024 (Nieuw Statendam in April, and Zuiderdam in May) have scheduled Transatlantic crossings between Europe and North America (USA and Canada) along the way visiting North Atlantic destinations in Greenland and Iceland, Bermuda, the UK (England, Scotland, Ireland, Guernsey), Northern Ireland, France, Belgium, Norway.

HAL's 2025 European season has many longer (over 10 days) voyages, more sailings to Iceland, and a total of 62 overnight port calls or late-night departures. Europe 2025 schedule features Port Rotterdam as a homeport of 2 ships (ms Rotterdam, ms Nieuw Statendam) for roundtrips to Northern Europe/Baltic. The program also introduces itineraries to Holy Land , Iberia, Iceland and the UK. The 28-day Legendary Voyage "Arctic Circle Crossing" visits Greenland, Iceland, North Cape , and Scotland.

From April to November (2025), 3 ships (Oosterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam) have a full European season, while ms Zuiderdam sails the popular 35-day "Voyage of the Vikings". The itineraries range from 7 to 42 days, prioritizing destinations in Northern Europe/Baltic, British Isles, Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean.

Key highlights of HAL's 2025 Europe season include:

• 10x homeports/departure cities
• 11x overnight ports
• 32x late-night departures
• Northern Europe deployment - 2 ships (Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam)
• Mediterranean ship - Oosterdam
• Canary Islands ship - Nieuw Statendam (a 14-day voyage)
• Transatlantic "Voyage of the Vikings" (ship Zuiderdam, also offered in smaller segments)

Collectors' Voyages are B2Bs/combined itineraries allowing tourists to spend more time in Europe.

CARIBBEAN 2024-2025 itinerary program

HAL's Caribbean program is based mainly on ex-Florida roundtrips (7- to 21 days) and 6 ships - all leaving from homeport Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale Florida .

The program (running between October and April) features voyages that offer a day cruising in the Panama Canal's Gatun Lake . All the 6x HAL Caribbean ships (Nieuw Rotterdam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Volendam, Zaandam) visit the private island Half Moon Cay Bahamas.

• 3-4-5-day "Bahamas Sampler" itinerary to Half Moon Cay and Nassau (ships Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Rotterdam)
• 7-day "Eastern Caribbean" itinerary to Grand Turk, San Juan Puerto Rico, St Thomas USVI and Half Moon Cay (ships Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Rotterdam)
• 7-8-day "Western Caribbean" itinerary to Belize City, Falmouth Jamaica, Ocho Rios Jamaica, Grand Cayman Island, Cozumel Mexico, Half Moon Cay and Nassau (ships Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Rotterdam)
• 7-9-10-11-14-day "Southern Caribbean" itinerary to Amber Cove Dominicana, Bridgetown Barbados, Oranjestad Aruba, Kralendijk Bonaire, Willemstad Curacao, Philipsburg St Maarten, Fort-de-France Martinique, Castries St Lucia, Basseterre St Kitts, Pointe-a-Pitre Guadeloupe, St Georges Grenada, Port-of-Spain Trinidad, Half Moon Cay, San Juan Puerto Rico, St Thomas USVI (ships Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Rotterdam, Volendam, Zaandam)
• 6-7-day "Tropical Caribbean" itinerary to Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay (ships Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Rotterdam)
• 10-11-day "Partial Panama Canal" itinerary to Cartagena Colombia, Colon Panama, Puerto Limon Costa Rica, Oranjestad Aruba, Half Moon Cay, Panama Canal partial transit (ship Eurodam)

Many Caribbean itineraries can be extended/combined into B2Bs (Collectors Voyages) and booked as discount-priced B2Bs/back-to-backs ranging between 13-21 days.

7x HAL ships (Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, Volendam, Zuiderdam, Zaandam) are deployed in the Caribbean in 2022-2023 offering 5- to 14-day roundtrips from Fort Lauderdale. Some of the island-hopping itineraries include a day of scenic cruising in Panama Canal's Gatun Lake ) and all call at Half Moon Cay.

Eastern Caribbean

• 7-day (Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Volendam, Zuiderdam, Rotterdam) with call ports Grand Turk, San Juan, St Thomas USVI, Half Moon Cay
• 5-day (Nieuw Amsterdam) with call ports Amber Cove, Half Moon Cay

Western Caribbean

• 7-day (Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Zuiderdam, Rotterdam) with call ports Cozumel, Falmouth or Ocho Rios, George Town/Grand Cayman, Key West FL, Half Moon Cay

Southern Caribbean

• 7-day (Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Zuiderdam) with call ports Oranjestad Aruba, Willemstad Curacao, Half Moon Cay
• 9-10-11-14-day (Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Volendam, Zaandam, Rotterdam) visit the islands St Kitts, Barbados, St Lucia, Martinique, Bonaire, St Maarten, St Georges, Amber Cove Dominicana, Aruba, Curacao, Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, Puerto Rico, St Thomas USVI

Tropical Caribbean

• 7-day (Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam) with call ports Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, Key West

Longer Caribbean itineraries are scheduled for winter 2024-2025, including visits to Bermuda. The program is based on two homeports - Boston (Massachusetts) and Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale (Florida) , 5- to 21-day itineraries, and partial Panama Canal transits ( Gatun Lake ).

In the Caribbean (October 2024 thru March 2025), HAL has 6 ships (Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, Volendam, Zuiderdam). Most roundtrips are from Florida (Fort Lauderdale), and two new itineraries are out of Boston. Most voyages visit Half Moon Cay Bahamas. Evening departures from Aruba, Curacao, Puerto Rico, and St Maarten are scheduled for selected/longer itineraries visiting more islands.

Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific 2024-2025 itinerary program

In the 2024-2025 season, HAL is offering 3 of its ships to explore the stunning landscapes and natural wonders of Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. MS Westerdam is stationed in the region, while ms Koningsdam and ms Zaandam embark on longer Legendary Voyages to the South Pacific and Hawaii.

Westerdam kicks off her journey with a westward South Pacific crossing in October 2024, followed by the iconic Australia Circumnavigation. From December 2024 to March 2025, the ship operates a series of 14-day departures from Sydney, Australia , or between Auckland, New Zealand , and Sydney. Zaandam's "Tales of the South Pacific" voyage in September 2024 takes passengers from Vancouver, Canada , to San Diego, California , or on a roundtrip from San Diego. Koningsdam's "Hawaii, Tahiti, and Marquesas" voyage in February 2025 is a roundtrip from San Diego.

Holland America Line's Legendary Voyages are extended journeys lasting from 25 to 59 days, combining the elegance of a Grand Voyage with itineraries that feature an extensive selection of ports to enhance the experience in each destination. Most of these Legendary Voyages sail roundtrip or to/from a North American homeport, allowing travelers the convenience of seeing the world from their doorstep with a domestic flight and easy embarkation.

The Australia and New Zealand 2024-2025 Season offers several exciting highlights, which include:

• A remarkable 35-day "Australia Circumnavigation" voyage departing on November 17, 2024. This roundtrip journey from Sydney aboard Westerdam takes guests to 16 ports around the continent of Australia, featuring scenic cruising in the Great Barrier Reef , Ribbon Reef, Far North Regions, and a visit to Komodo Island . Overnight stays are enjoyed at Fremantle (Perth), Australia , and Hobart, Tasmania , with a late-night departure from Adelaide.
• From January to March 2025, Westerdam presents 14-day "Australia and New Zealand" cruises between Auckland and Sydney. These sailings encompass six ports in New Zealand and include a call at Hobart. All itineraries offer scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park , while select dates also feature an exploration of Milford Sound.
• An exceptional 14-day "New Zealand Holiday" cruise, departing on December 22, 2024, is available as a roundtrip journey from Sydney. Guests have the opportunity to spend the holidays exploring 6 ports across New Zealand, including an overnight call at Wellington . The holiday itinerary also includes scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.

The South Pacific 2024-2025 Season offers several exciting highlights, including:

• A remarkable voyage called "Tales of the South Pacific" aboard Zaandam is available as a 51-day or 56-day itinerary. The 51-day journey departs from San Diego on September 30, 2024, and returns to the same port. Alternatively, the 56-day cruise begins in Vancouver and concludes in San Diego, departing on September 25. This expedition takes passengers on a counterclockwise route around the South Pacific, featuring 20 stops at various destinations such as Hawaii, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Niue, Cook and Society Islands, Marquesas, and Tahiti. Guests have ample time to explore with overnight stays in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Papeete, Tahiti, as well as late-night departures from Honolulu and Suva, Fiji.
• Westerdam presents a 23-day "South Pacific Crossing" from Seattle, Washington , to Sydney, departing on October 24, 2024. This Pacific Ocean crossing encompasses seven ports in Hawaii, New Caledonia, Fiji, and American Samoa.
• Koningsdam offers a 35-day "Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas" journey departing on February 15, 2025, from San Diego and returning to the same port. This roundtrip expedition makes four stops in Hawaii and 6 additional island visits in the South Pacific. Noteworthy overnight stays include Honolulu , Raiatea , Moorea , and Papeete .
• Westerdam presents another remarkable option with a 29-day "South Pacific Crossing" from Sydney to Vancouver, departing on March 30, 2025. This itinerary showcases 12 ports in Hawaii, American Samoa, Fiji, and New Caledonia. Guests enjoy an overnight stay in Honolulu and late-night departures from Lahaina and Kona in Hawaii, as well as Suva in Fiji and Noumea in New Caledonia.

The Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific Collectors' Voyages range from 43 to 58 days. These voyages offer a combination of back-to-back itineraries without repeating ports, providing guests with an extensive and varied journey. Additionally, these voyages offer exceptional value per day for guests.

Asia 2024-2025 itinerary program

HAL's 2024-2025 Asian season is based on homeporting in Hong Kong China , Yokohama-Tokyo Japan and Singapore .

MS Noordam sails 9 different 14-day itineraries around Japan, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia. The voyages feature late-night departures and overnight ports allowing extra time for sampling the local culture, cuisine, and nightlife of the region.

MS Westerdam sails Asia on a 53-day Legendary Voyage ("Majestic Japan") roundtrip from Seattle WA . Travelers can visit the Far East with a North American flight, easy embarkation, and a jetlag-free journey spanning several time zones.

Longer Legendary Voyages on 2 ships:

• LEGENDARY VOYAGE: 53-/52-day "Majestic Japan" aboard ms Westerdam departing September 1 or 2, 2024, either roundtrip Seattle or between Vancouver BC Canada and Seattle. Featuring 21 ports, 13 calls throughout Japan, and overnights at Yokohama-Tokyo, Kobe, and Honolulu Hawaii .
• LEGENDARY VOYAGE: 28-day "Coral Triangle, Volcanoes and The Great Barrier Reef" departing January 5, 2025, roundtrip from Singapore aboard ms Noordam that explores 10 ports in 5 countries, including Indonesia and the Philippines, with scenic cruising in the Great Barrier Reef , Torres Strait, and past Kumba and Krakatau volcanoes.

Highlights of HAL's Asia 2024-2025 season include:

ms Noordam (deployment September 2024-April 2025) offers overnights in Yokohama, Kobe-Osaka, Laem Chabang-Bangkok, and Da Nang. The voyages visit 49 ports, including 24 in Japan.

• 13-day "North Pacific Crossing" from Vancouver to Yokohama (Sept 29, 2024)
• 14-day "Circle Japan" roundtrip from Yokohama (3 itineraries)
• 14-day "Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines" from Yokohama to Singapore
• 14-day "Far East Discovery" from Hong Kong to Singapore
• 14-day "Far East Discovery Holiday" roundtrip from Singapore
• 14-day "Indonesian Discovery"
• 14-day "Japan and Taiwan" roundtrip from Yokohama
• 14-day "Japan and South Korea Discovery" roundtrip from Yokohama.

Asia Collectors' Voyages offer an ideal option for enthusiastic adventurers who desire a more extensive cruise experience, ranging from 27 to 42 days. These voyages are tailored for guests who want to explore various destinations without repeating itineraries, providing excellent value per day.

HAL's extended Legendary Voyages (25 to 59 days) combine a Grand Voyage with carefully curated itineraries. Most of these Legendary Voyages are roundtrips with one-way routes to/from a North American homeport, allowing travelers to embark on a global adventure conveniently starting from their own doorstep, with the added convenience of domestic flights.

Panama Canal Sunfarer itinerary

HAL is among the few companies that offer partial Panama Canal cruises (ships Eurodam and Volendam) that combine popular Caribbean islands with Panama's Gatun Lake . The itinerary's "Panama Canal" segment features passing through the Gatun Locks and sailing in the Gatun Lake.

Next table shows the "Panama Canal Sunfarer" itinerary (11-day roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale ).

Prices vary between USD 750-1200 per person (with double occupancy) depending on ship and dates/season.

Holland America Line itinerary changes, ship deployments, homeports

IMPORTANT: In July 2020, MS Amsterdam (now Bolette) and ms Rotterdam (now Borealis) were sold to Fred Olsen Cruise Lines .

IMPORTANT: In July 2020, MS Maasdam (now CFC Renaissance) and MS Veendam (now Aegean Majesty) were sold to Seajets Greece.

Holland America Line's itineraries themed "Signature Experiences"

HAL's new culturally themed "Signature Experiences" are available on select voyages departing out of Montreal (Quebec Canada) and in Europe - from Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Civitavecchia-Rome and Venice.

• These are pre-cruise packages created exclusively for HAL with included evening event (themed on culture or culinary), 2-night luxury hotel stay and bus transfers to the cruise ship. Guests booking a suite cabin on these eligible cruises receive the package complimentarily, but as space is limited reservations are required.
• The pre-cruise "Signature Experiences" tour packages for non-suite passengers as prices range between USD 700-1000 per person (double occupancy). Taxes and port fees are additional.
• "Taste of Montreal" pre-cruise tour package is on select Canada New England cruises from Montreal. The tour visits the city's most popular sights. The package also includes a 2-night hotel stay and complimentary ship transfers. HAL passengers visit Place Ville Marie and its observation deck (Au Sommet Place Ville Marie) for fabulous city views. The tour culminates with the Pointe-a-Calliere museum where a private party with appetizers and an open bar is held.
• Port of Amsterdam Holland - the pre-cruise tour package includes an evening at Rijksmuseum - after-hours private tour, cocktail reception with hors-d'oeuvres in the museum's foyer, Rijksmuseum Honor Gallery tour, followed by a 3-course dinner in its cafe.
• Port Barcelona Spain - the pre-cruise tour package includes an evening at Casa Batllo - private tour, followed by an informal dinner with tapas and drinks while enjoying flamenco music by Son de Cajon.
• Port Copenhagen Denmark - the pre-cruise tour package includes a night at Kronborg Castle (UNESCO Heritage Site) where guests are entertained by local actors providing a history of Shakespeare's Hamlet, then follow appetizers and beverages.
• Port Civitavecchia (Rome Italy) - the pre-cruise tour package "A Night Out in Ancient Rome" includes an evening at Casa dei Cavalieri di Rodi. The formal dinner is on a terrace overlooking the Roman Forum. After in appetizers and prosecco, guests enjoy a private tour of the Colosseum lead by an expert guide.
• Port Venice Italy - the pre-cruise tour package "An Evening on the Grand Canal" includes an evening canal cruise to the entrance of a privately owned palace overlooking the Grand Canal. The guests enjoy a formal dinner with appetizers, drinks, and live music, all in the company of the countess or member of her noble family.

Signature Experiences" pre-cruise tour packages for departure ports in Australia, New Zealand, South America, and Asia will be added soon.

HAL's 2023 Grand World Voyage, 2023 Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage

HAL's world cruises (themed "2022 Grand Africa Voyage", "2023 Grand World Voyage" and "2023 Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage") range from 71 to 127 days and visit destinations across 6 continents. All itineraries are roundtrips from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida) .

Grand Africa Voyage 2022

• 71 days departing October 10, 2022, and sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale FL aboard ms Zaandam on clockwise navigation around the continent.
• 4 overnights: Aqaba-Petra, Cape Town (two nights), Zanzibar, and Victoria (Mahe Island)
• 25 ports in 21 different countries and territories
• daylight Suez Canal transit en route to Aqaba, Jordan
• safari and wildlife opportunities
• 2 days at Cape Town to explore Table Mountain, Kulala Desert Lodge, Chapman's Peak Drive, Nelson Mandela's prison cell.

Grand World Voyage 2023

• 127 days departing January 3, 2023, aboard ms Zaandam roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale FL on an itinerary that circles the globe on a westwardly route.
• ms Zaandam crosses the South Pacific to Australia and New Zealand before sailing up Africa's west coast and heading to Northern Europe.
• 61 ports in 30 different countries and island nations
• 8 overnights: Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Papeete, Sydney, Hobart, Adelaide, Fremantle (Perth), Cape Town, and Amsterdam
• 20 calls around Africa with opportunities for safari experiences.

Grand South America and Antarctica 2023

• 74 days departing January 3, 2023, aboard ms Volendam roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale FL on an itinerary circling the continent on a counterclockwise route.
• 34 ports in 16 different countries and island nations across 2 continents
• 5 overnights: Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Manaus and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Buenos Aires (2 nights); Callao (Lima, 2 nights)
• Daylight Panama Canal transit and opportunities to visit the Galapagos Islands , Machu Picchu, Patagonia, Iguazu Falls.
• 4 days of scenic cruising in Antarctica
• scenic cruising including the Chilean Fjords, Cape Horn, Amalia or Brujo Glacier, Strait of Magellan, Cockburn and Beagle channels.
• 12 calls in Brazil and Amazon River cruising (inland) to Manaus.

HAL cruises to Cuba

HAL scheduled cruises to Cuba leaving roundtrip from Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale (Florida USA) on MS Veendam .

HAL's 7-11-12-days long Cuban itineraries also visited other Caribbean ports of call. Prices started at USD 900 per person with double occupancy (inside cabin rates).

Note: According to the current Cuban law, US citizens of Cuban origin (born in Cuba) are not allowed to visit the island country (including on cruise ships). Regardless of their US citizenship status, Cuba-born Americans were denied booking on cruise itineraries visiting ports in Cuba. However, the situation changed in April 2016, after Carnival Corporation negotiated with the Cuban government for allowing ships with Cuban-born passengers, as such US citizens are allowed to visit the country on USA-Cuba charter flights. The Carnival-fathom line started Miami to Cuba cruises in May 2016.

Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles (California USA). An 80-min ling JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Havana costs less than USD 100. Previously, air travel from the USA to Cuba was thought charter flights only.

On June 4, 2019, the US Government announced new regulations (economic sanctions) that ended group travel to Cuba, including via US-homeported cruise liners, effective immediately. The ban relates to "private and corporate aircraft, cruise ships, sailboats, fishing boats, and other similar aircraft and vessels". The US travel restrictions impacted hundreds of pre-scheduled cruise itineraries, which were adjusted to no longer stop in Cuban seaports.

Holland America related cruise news

HAL-Holland America elevates Alaska cruising experience with 'Glacier Day' and enhanced programming

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Search underway for missing crew overboard from Holland America's cruise ship MS Rotterdam

A maritime search operation has been initiated following reports of a crew member going overboard from HAL-Holland America Line's ship ms...

HAL-Holland America Line achieves dual MSC&ASC certifications for Sustainable Seafood Sourcing

HAL-Holland America Line has made maritime history by becoming the inaugural global cruise line to attain both Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and...

HAL-Holland America changes World Cruise 2025 itinerary (ship Zuiderdam)

HAL-Holland America Line has announced a revised itinerary for its 2025 Grand World Voyage aboard ms Zuiderdam, aiming to enhance safety and provide...

Engine room fire claims lives of 2 crew on HAL's cruise ship Nieuw Amsterdam

An incident aboard a HAL-Holland America cruise ship resulted in the loss of two crew members' lives. A joint statement from HAL and the Royal...

HAL-Holland America unveils 2025-2026 Mexico and Pacific Coast seasons

HAL-Holland America Line has launched its Mexico and Pacific Coast seasons for 2025-2026, offering extended visits to distinctive ports such as...

HAL-Holland America unveils Panama Canal and Hawaii cruises for 2025-2026 season

HAL-Holland America Line has commenced bookings for its 2025-2026 Panama Canal and Hawaii voyages, offering departures from 5 USA homeports across a...

Norovirus outbreak affects ~100 cruisers on Holland America's ship ms Koningsdam

A norovirus outbreak affected ~100 tourists on a HAL-Holland America Line ship. Out of the 2,522 guests onboard ms Koningsdam, 98 passengers and 12...

Carnival Corporation unveils solar park at Amber Cove Cruise Terminal (Dominicana)

Highlighting its dedication to sustainability, Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest cruise company, has introduced a new solar park at...

MSC Cruises implements No-Smoking Zones in ship casinos fleetwide

MSC Cruises has implemented no-smoking policies in the casino areas of its ships MSC Virtuosa and MSC Euribia. The decision to ban smoking onboard...

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Holland America Line Cruises

About Holland America Line Cruises

Caters to the 50+ set who enjoy fine dining, live music and a more subdued vibe -- no whiz-bang attractions here, though partnerships with Lincoln Center and Billboard raise the bar on entertainment; sails globally with ships ranging in size from 835 to 2,650 passengers.

More about Holland America Line

Who goes on holland america line cruise ships, do i have to dress up on a holland america line cruise.

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Holland America Line cruisers usually run 50 or older and are evenly split between being retired and employed -- the longer the cruise, the older the demographic and the more retired passengers there are. HAL passengers prioritize travel, and most are experienced cruisers. They tend to be foodies and music-lovers (two things for which HAL prides itself), and most are from the U.S. and Canada, though about 20 percent of the passengers are international, with the U.K. and Australia at the top of the list.

During the summer and holiday periods, the average age onboard comes down as families, particularly multigenerational groups that include the grandparents and grandkids, take to the ships. This is particularly true of the line's Alaska and Canada/New England itineraries.

Not during the day, but most Holland America Line evenings are designated as smart-casual, so swimsuits, flip-flops, shorts and tank tops are not permitted in any of the restaurants. The line does have more formal evenings (how many depends on how long a sailing you're on) called Gala Nights calling for gala attire. Men usually show up in suits and ties (or jackets and no ties, especially in the Caribbean); women usually opt for cocktail dresses or gowns, or dress slacks with fancy blouses.

Is everything free on Holland America Line cruises?

No. Your cruise fare includes meals in the main dining room, Lido buffet restaurant, the outdoor Terrace Grill and 24-hour room service (except for some for-charge items); the extensive youth program, Club HAL, is complimentary until 10 p.m. every day. Additionally, access to the fitness center, and most culinary lessons and enrichment lectures, movies, performances and live music are complimentary.

What will cost you extra is all drinks beyond water, tea, basic coffee and some juices; all specialty restaurants; most fitness classes; spa and salon services; shore excursions; gratuities; laundry and purchases from any of the onboard shops.

Passengers cruising in suites get a host of extra privileges and might find that some of the extra-fee options are provided complimentarily.

What are Holland America Line’s most popular activities?

Passengers onboard Holland America Line's ships love the line's dedication to traditional cruise activities, including afternoon tea and ballroom dancing, but they also flock to the line's newer options. In particular, the line's live music offerings, including BB King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Rock Room and Lincoln Center Stage, draw a crowd most nights, while the line's culinary demonstrations are usually standing room only. Culinary classes (including some specifically for kids), wine tastings and blendings (on select ships only), and complimentary computer classes fill quickly.

Just as popular for many Holland America Line passengers is relaxing in the line's top-deck Crow's Nest. You'll often find people up there reading a book, putting together a jigsaw puzzle or playing cards or board games.

Why go with Holland America Line?

• Traditional cruising experience with modern touches
• Impressive, immersive itinerary options, particularly in Alaska
• Extensive dining options and enrichment programs

Best for: Laid-back but curious travelers who explore by day and relish culinary experiences and live music by night

Not for: Thrill-seekers who crave a variety of onboard attractions and endless nightlife

Holland America Not For Us

one First Time Cruiser

First Time Eurodam traveler

Loved Koningsdam

Not a great experience

couple 2-5 Cruises

Related Cruises

Holland America Volendam

Holland America Zaandam

Holland America Zuiderdam

Holland America Oosterdam

Holland America Westerdam

Holland America Noordam

Holland America Eurodam

Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam

Holland America Koningsdam

Holland America Nieuw Statendam

Holland America Rotterdam

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Holland America Line Ships by Size, Age and Class (2022)

Holland America Line has an active fleet of eleven ships currently. They have no current plans to extend their fleet.

In this guide, we will cover all the different ships in the Holland America fleet and how they compare to each other.

Introduction to Holland America Line

Holland America Line (or Holland America as it is sometimes more frequently referred to) was founded in 1873 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

All the way until 1989, it operated as a Dutch shipping line with passenger, cargo and cruise voyages between the Netherlands and North America (hence the name of the company!)

After 1989, it was acquired as a subsidiary of the Carnival Corporation but it is run as a separate brand and headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

They have a relatively small fleet of ships (eleven) compared to some of the bigger cruise line brands in the world, but all ships are under 2,700 passengers which makes them particularly attractive to people who don’t like a lot of people on their cruises!

In addition to this, the Holland America Culinary Council helps direct the quality of food and drink served across the line. Due to this, the dining experience onboard the ships is of a more premium nature than some of the more mass-market cruise lines.

Holland America Line Frequently Asked Questions

What is holland america line known for.

They are well-known for being specialists in cruising in Alaska. Spacious, mid-sized ships with luxury culinary experiences and exclusive onboard activities.

Is Holland America a Premium cruise line?

Yes. The line positions itself as a more premium cruise line than others, but not at the same cost as Seabourn or Silversea. Distinct differences to other lines are ships no bigger than 2,700 passengers, the Holland America Culinary Council and onboard experiences like classical music performances.

What cruise lines are associated with Holland America?

P&O Cruises , Princess Cruises , Cunard Line , Carnival Cruises are just four of the brands which are sisters to Holland America Line.

How many ships are in the Holland America fleet?

There are eleven ships in the Holland America Line fleet. The latest ship to be added was in 2021.

Is Holland America cruise line part of Carnival?

Yes, Holland America is part of the Carnival Corporation which also owns Cunard Line and P&O Cruises amongst others.

Why do people like Holland America?

Primarily because none of their ships carries more than 2,700 passengers and they offer a luxury feel at a much lower cost. Their attention to food and drink is very high due to the Holland America Line Culinary Council which was formed with distinctive top chefs to oversee the culinary options on each ship.

What is the average age on Holland America?

The average age is reportedly between 57 and 64 across the fleet. Attracting mainly couples and solo cruisers.

What is the largest ship in the Holland America Line?

The largest ship currently is the MS Rotterdam which joined the fleet in 2021 and can carry 2,650 passengers.

What is the smallest Holland America ship?

The smallest Holland America line ship is MS Volendam , which carries 1,432 passengers and is 237m in length.

Holland America Line Ships by Size (from largest to smallest)

What does ‘tonnage (grt)’ mean.

GRT (Gross Registered Tonnage) is a term used to calculate the volume inside a ship. It is a measure of cubic capacity and is calculated by the total volume from inside the hull and decks of the ship. 1 GRT = 100 cubic feet of space. In essence, the bigger the GRT – the more ‘space’ the ship has for passengers, cargo, etc.

How are ‘Passengers (Max)’ calculated?

You’ll see multiple numbers for passengers on ships – this is because many ships include extra beds in cabins (such as the sofa/couch can convert to a pull-out bed) – but the majority of cabins usually have 2 people in them. the ‘Max’ number is if every cabin used their additional pull-out bed, etc. This number is unlikely to be reached very frequently.

Holland America Line Ships by Age (from newest to oldest)

Are all holland america line ships new builds.

Yes. All the current fleet of ships for Holland America Line are purpose-built specifically for the cruise line. Whilst some of their ships have been sold off or transferred to sister cruise lines in the past, every ship in the current fleet was designed for Holland America passengers from the beginning!

Holland America Line Ships by Class (from newest to oldest)

Final thoughts.

Holland America Line is a line that feels more like an exclusive club than your other large cruise lines. Whilst they do cater for families, they are firmly aimed at couples and solos who enjoy the finer things in life – from high-end food and drink to exclusive lectures and classic musical performances.

Ideal for travellers who wish for some luxury, but don’t want to go very high end like Seabourn or Silversea.

If you enjoyed this article you may also like our comparisons of MSC Cruises , P&O Cruises and Royal Caribbean ships .

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Home » Cruise » Holland America Line » Holland America Cruise Ships: Newest to Oldest

Holland America Cruise Ships: Newest to Oldest

For those considering a cruise with this historic brand, we have put together this guide to Holland America cruise ships: newest to oldest.

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Founded in Rotterdam, Netherlands in 1873, Holland America Line was originally a Dutch shipping company that played a major role in transporting hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Europe to the United States in the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries. 

Today, Holland America is a U.S.-based cruise line that sails to destinations worldwide, including Asia, Australia, and Alaska. Known for its comprehensive land-and-sea packages, Holland America is a cruise line that dedicates a lot of its focus to destination immersion and onboard cultural enrichment. With the line’s Grand Voyages and new Legendary Voyages, guests can “linger longer”. Holland America has also been sailing in Alaska for 75 years, which is more than any other cruise line.

As a nod to its heritage, the cruise line still maintains the practice of giving its ships Dutch names. Many of the names have been recycled in the company’s 150-year history and most derive from directional terms, cities, or landmarks. The line also incorporates touches of the Netherlands across its fleet, like at its traditional dining venue the Grand Dutch Café. 

For those considering a cruise with this historic brand, we have put together this guide to Holland America cruise ships from newest to oldest.

Call to Book Your Next Cruise Now: 1-855-228-5584!

Complete Guide to Holland America Cruise Ships

Who owns holland america line.

Holland America Line has been a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc since 1989 and is headquartered in Seattle. Sister companies include Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises , among others.

How many Holland America cruise ships are there?

Holland America Line currently operates a fleet of 11 ships built over the course of 22 years — between 1999 and 2021.

How big are Holland America ships?

Despite a slight increase in size with each new build, these ships remain squarely mid-sized by industry standards. They feature 10 to 12 decks each and an average capacity of just over 2,000 passengers. Holland America’s ships — most notably the line’s oldest vessels — and are known for their relatively intimate atmosphere. Still, the cruise line’s more modern Pinnacle-class ships are about 39 percent larger than its oldest and smallest R-Class vessels.

What is the average age of a Holland America cruise ship?

The average age of a Holland America ship is about 15 years old. While the line’s three Pinnacle-class ships were built between 2016 and 2021, nearly half of the fleet was originally built about 20 or more years ago.

Despite their age, Holland America ships have been thoroughly renovated over the decades to include new and updated spaces and amenities in addition to routine refurbishments to carpets, soft furnishings and other cosmetic features. For example, Volendam – the company’s oldest ship — was last refurbished in 2019 to include an expanded spa, a new bar complex called The Mix, and a series of Lanai Suites on the Promenade Deck.

Holland America makes a regular practice of selling off its oldest vessels to maintain a modern fleet. Most recently, the cruise line sold Maasdam (1993) to a Greek ferry operator in 2020.

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS: Get Deals on Your Next Holland America Cruise!

What is the newest Holland America cruise ship?

The newest Holland America cruise ship at publication is Rotterdam, launched in 2021. Rotterdam is also the fleet’s largest vessel. The long lineage of Holland America Line includes a handful of other vessels that have been named Rotterdam — the cruise line’s founding city and a main shipping hub — over the years.

There are currently no ships on order by Holland America, which means the timeline for another new ship joining the fleet is uncertain.

Holland America Cruise Ships By Age: Ranked 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)

Which ship classes does Holland America have?

Holland America Line’s fleet of 11 ships is divided into four ship classes.

Pinnacle Class

Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Koningsdam

The ships of Holland America’s Pinnacle Class reflect the cruise line’s embrace of a more modern take on entertainment, dining, and nightlife. Beginning in 2016 with Koningsdam, this class of ship boasts more amenities, like a state-of-the-art theater encircled by 270-degree LED screens, across more square footage. All three ships in this class are identical in size and passenger capacity.

With the additional space across 13 decks, existing venues like Rudi’s Sel de Mer restaurant have been expanded. A standout for cruisers aboard these ships is the line’s now-signature Music Walk, featuring branded venues like B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard, as well as the Rolling Stone Rock Room. With nightly offerings of live rock and blues as well as dueling pianos, this hub of the ship comes alive by night as a great place to dance, unwind, or grab a drink.

Another feature that debuted with Pinnacle ships is more stateroom accommodations serving solo cruisers , including cabins with an ocean view. For fresh ocean air, Pinnacle-class cruisers can indulge in The Retreat, a private outdoor sun deck that comes with an entry fee.

Signature Class

Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam

Holland America’s Signature Class embodies the line’s two ships built in 2008 and 2010, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam. In the years since construction, these 11-deck ships both received retrofits that have introduced music and entertainment venues found on the newer Pinnacle Class. This includes a recent fleetwide inclusion of pickleball courts . In that sense, they have a similar feel to the newer ships, despite being about 15 percent smaller.

Without the Grand Dutch Café or Rudi’s, Signature-class ships have just three specialty restaurants on offer: the Pinnacle Grill (steakhouse), Canaletto (Italian), and Tamarind (pan-Asian).

Eurodam draws upon the line’s European heritage for interior inspiration. While the Nieuw Amsterdam celebrates historic New York through its onboard art collection and design touches.

Vista Class

Noordam, Westerdam, Oosterdam, and Zuiderdam

The largest ship class in the Holland America fleet, Vista ships are well-liked for their space-to-passenger ratio. Despite being 20 percent smaller than the Pinnacle-class vessels, they also carry just 72 percent of those ships’ passengers.

Regardless of size, the Vista Class still offers its guests ample Holland America amenities. Some of these offerings include branded live music venues; two pools including a main pool covered by a retractable glass magrodrome; the Greenhouse Spa & Salon; and a fitness center.

The four ships in this class, built between 2002 and 2006, are lacking solo, family, or lanai staterooms as well as Tamarind restaurant.

Rotterdam Class (R Class)

Zaandam and Volendam

Making their debut in 1999 and 2000, the Volendam and Zaandam are the fleet’s coziest and oldest vessels. They are also the two remaining ships in the Rotterdam Class, which originally consisted of four.

Cruisers who choose the line’s R Class are likely more sold by the exotic itineraries than any flashy ship facilities. These are the vessels that primarily feature Holland America’s lengthy Grand Voyages as well as world cruises, ranging in length from about seven weeks to four-plus months.

While their size makes them ideal for managing remote locations and smaller harbors, the R Class ships still feature two pools; the Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto; the World Stage main theater, live music and more.

Additionally, all Holland America Line ships feature casinos as well as a kids club for children ages 3 to 17. Yes, Holland America Line does appeal to cruisers of all demographics .

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How many of these Holland America cruise ships have you sailed? Do you prefer larger or smaller cruise ships? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences sailing on Holland America Line.

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Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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Everything you need to know about Holland America cruise cabins and suites

Editor's Note

Choosing a cabin on a Holland America cruise is never easy because the line excels at making all categories enticing.

Across its fleet, the line's accommodations are comfortable, with a neutral decor that ensures they weather the test of time. That aesthetic is in keeping with Holland America's desire to design ships that balance innovation with classic, elegant style and to blend a pride in the line's long heritage with the needs of a modern traveler.

From basic digs to swanky suites, we'll cover the different types of Holland America cabins and help you figure out which one might be right for you on your next voyage.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter .

Holland America cabin primer

Holland America cabins fall into four main categories: insides (no window or balcony), outsides (with windows that don't open), balconies (with walk-out porch areas) and suites (high-end accommodations, generally with more space and better amenities).

If you're looking for a specialty cabin, those are available, too. Holland America offers a selection of accessible rooms on every one of its ships. They span all cabin categories, including suites, and they're provided in several types: fully accessible, fully accessible single-side approach (with both left- and right-side approaches as options) and ambulatory accessible. Available types vary by ship.

Spa cabins come in inside, outside, balcony and Neptune Suite varieties. They offer the same square footage as standard cabins in each of those categories and share the same layout. What sets them apart is that they provide spa-themed amenities, such as cut fruit and flavored water, a spa concierge to help with booking treatments at the Greenhouse Spa and in-room fitness equipment, such as yoga mats and exercise DVDs.

Select Holland America vessels also offer solo accommodations designed for one person. They feature full-size beds instead of queens, and they come only in the outside category, ranging from 127-172 square feet.

The line's only rooms designed specifically with families in mind are outside family cabins, which range from 222-231 square feet and sleep up to five people with a queen bed, a two-person sofa bed and a single bunk that pulls down from the ceiling. These cabins are also outfitted with a split bathroom setup — one room with a bathtub/shower, sink and toilet and another with a shower and sink.

Several inclusions come standard in cabins on all Holland America ships. Even the most basic accommodations feature a queen bed that can split into two twins, a couple of nightstands, a vanity/desk area with a chair or stool and a phone, a closet with shelves and room for hanging clothes, a safe, a minifridge, a variety of outlets and USB ports, a private bathroom and daily housekeeping services. You'll also find a TV with a handful of channels, ship-sponsored content and free movies.

Some cabins also include sofas, some of which have pull-out beds. Other cabins designed to sleep more than two cruisers may also have bunks that pull down from the ceiling.

Unlike most other lines, Holland America provides some standard amenities that other lines only offer to passengers booked in higher-tiered cabins. They include Elemis toiletries, bathrobes, shoeshine service, fresh fruit, signature pillow-top mattresses and complimentary 24/7 room service.

Inside cabins on Holland America ships

Inside or interior cabins on Holland America's vessels range in size from 143-225 square feet and come with the standard amenities previously mentioned.

Inside rooms don't have a view, but that means they offer near-total darkness each night, making for great sleep. They're also generally the least expensive accommodations, so they can be a terrific value if all you're planning to do in your cabin is sleep and shower.

Outside cabins on Holland America ships

Holland America's outside or ocean view cabins are slightly larger than inside cabins, providing 175-282 square feet of space plus a window through which you'll have access to natural light.

Travelers booked in ocean view rooms have access to the basic amenities above.

Balcony cabins on Holland America ships

With 228-405 square feet of space (including the private veranda), balcony cabins are the largest non-suite cabins and come with basic amenities. They offer not only natural light but also fresh air via a sliding-glass door that grants access to a small private balcony area with chairs and a table.

Several varieties exist, including standard balcony accommodations, obstructed view (which means you might have a life boat partially blocking your ocean vista) and aft-facing (which gives you a view off the back of the ship, rather than the side).

Suites on Holland America ships

All suite passengers have access to additional amenities, including fresh flowers, a pillow menu, a stocked minibar and binoculars for use during each sailing.

Neptune and Pinnacle Suites come with additional perks, such as higher-end toiletries, an in-cabin coffee and espresso machine, a Bose Bluetooth audio system, a special in-cabin daily breakfast with mimosas, complimentary laundry and dry-cleaning services, a tote bag and a welcome glass of sparkling wine at dinner on embarkation day.

Additionally, all passengers booked in suites automatically receive access to Club Orange, a program that allows cruisers to eat in a private dining room and skip the line at the shore excursions and guest services desks, as well as during tendering. Exclusive onboard events — such as behind-the-scenes tours, private spa consultations and Q&A sessions — are also offered for Club Orange members. Passengers not booked in suites have the option to purchase Club Orange perks.

Learn more about each suite type below.

Vista Suites

Vista Suites are essentially mini-suites — balcony cabins with a bit more space (260-356 square feet). Like balcony rooms, they come with standard amenities and a walk-out veranda with a table and chairs.

This category also includes accommodations with aft-facing balcony views.

Signature Suites

These suites, with even more space (393-400 square feet), are similar to balcony cabins and Vista Suites in terms of amenities and inclusions.

However, they include king-size beds instead of queens, as well as a pull-down bunk, a Murphy bed or a sofa bed, depending on the configuration. This makes them a great higher-end option for families.

Neptune Suites

Neptune Suites span 465-502 square feet. In addition to more space and king-size beds, they include bathrooms with dual sinks and vanities, as well as whirlpool bathtubs in some configurations.

Passengers booked in Neptune Suites have a private concierge and access to the exclusive Neptune Lounge, which offers daily continental breakfast, tea, light snacks and a place to watch TV or relax with a book.

Pinnacle Suites

Pinnacle Suites, found on Holland America's newer Pinnacle-class ships, are the largest and most upscale rooms in the fleet. They run about 1,290 square feet, including the balcony, and they're divided into separate rooms — a living room, dining room (complete with microwave and pantry) and bedroom with a king-size bed.

A separate dressing room provides space for your clothes, and the bathroom and balcony each have their own whirlpools. A sofa bed sleeps two additional passengers, and the suite also includes a guest toilet.

Cruisers booked in these accommodations have access to a variety of complimentary services, including those of a private concierge. Other amenities include an in-cabin stereo system and entry to the Neptune Lounge.

Bottom line

Holland America offers a variety of classy, timeless cabins to suit the needs of cruise travelers, from inside cabins that are great for sleeping to lavish suites that entitle you to a plethora of exclusive amenities.

The line also caters to passengers with specific needs, including families, solo vacationers and travelers with limited mobility. No matter what you prioritize in a cruise room, Holland America will have plenty of choices for you.

For more information, visit Holland America's cabins page .

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My 12-day cruise cost me about $109 a day. See inside my 160-square-foot cabin, the most economical option on the ship.

• I went on a 12-day Holland America Line cruise and paid a little over $1,300 for my interior cabin.
• The cabin was an incredible value and I especially liked the storage and spacious shower.
• I'd book this room again — my cruise was so fun and busy that I barely spent time in it anyway. 

In a time of high inflation and stretched budgets, cruises reign supreme . Since most packages are pretty all-inclusive, you can pay for a week or more on a ship and then not spend another dime until you return.

I definitely had value in mind when I booked my recent 12-day cruise on the Holland America Line Rotterdam from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to the Panama Canal. I selected an interior cabin , the most economical option on the ship.

I booked directly with Holland America Line and paid $849 plus $460 for taxes, fees, and port charges — about $109 a day. The rate came with a $25 onboard credit and didn't include gratuities or add-ons like drink packages , specialty dining, WiFi, or excursions.

Overall, my room was one of the best values of the trip. Here's what it was like.

I booked an interior room on deck seven.

On this ship, interior rooms can range from 143 to 225 square feet. I chose a cabin on deck seven that was 160 square feet.

The location of my stateroom was convenient and quiet. My cabin was a quick two decks up to the areas I frequented most, the spa and its thermal suite, and the fitness center.

My cabin was generously sized.

The stateroom featured a small hallway with a bathroom on the right, and two wardrobes and a cabinet on the left.

The main area of my room contained the bed.

The hallway opened to a small rectangular space with a queen bed on the right flanked by two small nightstands, each with two drawers and a tall bottom shelf.

I had a vanity that could also be used as a desk.

To the right of the bed was a large desk/vanity with an ottoman that doubled as a seat and storage space for the bed's decorative throw pillows.

This area had even more storage: The desk had three spacious drawers.

My bed was across from a mounted TV and bar area.

At the foot of the bed was a wall-mounted interactive television with on-demand movies, programming, and multi-channel music.

Next to it, I had a fully stocked minibar area, including a cabinet with things like red wine, white wine, rocks glasses, a stainless steel ice bucket, and tongs.

There was so much storage space in the room.

The full-height wardrobe had 26 hangers, including 13 pant and 13 skirt hangers, two bottom shelves, and a full-length mirror on one door.

The second half-height wardrobe closet had 12 hangers, including four pant and eight skirt hangers, four bottom shelves, and a tie rack.

One closet contained a mini fridge.

The cabinet featured three compartments: the top where robes, beach towels, and a safe were stowed, the middle with the mini fridge, and the bottom with three deep drawers.

The safe was roomy, accommodating my 13.6-inch MacBook Air plus all of my other valuables and important travel documents.

The bathroom felt spacious and well-designed.

The bathroom layout was thoughtfully designed with three glass shelves for toiletries and a large-size vanity with an underneath storage ledge.

A roomy shower was the highlight of the bathroom.

The walk-in shower was complete with a shaving foot bar, a retractable clothesline, Elemis bath products, and an adjustable handheld shower.

There were also two grab bars for stepping into and out of the shower.

There were plenty of electrical outlets in the room, too.

The room had an abundance of power outlets where I could charge my gear.

On both sides of the bed were a type-B plug, mainly used in the US, Mexico, and Canada, and a USB port. The desk had a USB port, three type-B plugs, and two type-C plugs, mainly used in Europe, South America, and Asia.

The bathroom had one electrical outlet that could accommodate a US or European two-pronged plug.

The room service was impeccable, too.

There were two cabin stewards assigned to my room. They worked together to fully service my stateroom twice daily.

On embarkation day, I was able to request extra pillows and towels plus other preferences like turn-down service, which included a towel animal and Astor Chocolates on most nights.

Overall, I had such a fun experience on my cruise I didn't even spend much time in my stateroom.

There was so much to do on the Rotterdam that I barely spent time in my stateroom.

I spent many of my days relaxing in the expansive multiroom thermal suite, singing along at B.B. King's Blues Club, or sunbathing by the Lido Pool with a retractable roof.

The room was an excellent value, and I was glad I hadn't splurged on a balcony room or one with a window.

• Main content

Port to plate in 48 hours? How Holland America Line brings fresh fish to guests

The semitruck carrying my dinner backed into its parking spot at the Port of San Diego on a late morning in early April.

Shortly before noon, the vehicle opened to reveal roughly 2,800 pounds of fish that had been caught just days earlier. Workers transferred boxes of mahi-mahi and other seafood from the chilly trailer to a warehouse-like space. The fish was inspected and moved onto an extension lift – think a utility vehicle modeled on Mr. Fantastic – parked near Holland America Line’s Koningsdam ship.

Its mechanical arm reached across the edge of the pier into a square opening toward the vessel’s aft, where it disappeared from view. But by about 7 p.m., a piece of that mahi-mahi was on my plate in the ship’s main dining room.

Prepared with cilantro rice, guajillo chiles, chipotle and tomato, the fish was mild and sweet with a kick from the spicy sauce.

As part of its Global Fresh Fish Program, Holland America brings a wide range of seafood from port to plate within 48 hours across its fleet. Last week, the brand took that a step further, revealing it is the first global cruise line to receive Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifications for more sustainable and responsible seafood sourcing.

USA TODAY got a behind-the-scenes look at how the program works during a recent cruise.

What is Holland America’s fresh fish program?

The cruise line sources fish locally from more than 60 ports around the world. During Koningsdam’s April 5 voyage, the crew picked up the mahi-mahi along with rockfish, swordfish, rainbow trout and sea bass in San Diego.

The 48-hour window applies on most voyages, but on repositioning sailings or crossings, fresh fish may be served over a longer window. In those circumstances, however, the fish is not served under the “port to plate” banner.

On our sailing, they initially loaded enough for five or six days and would later restock. “So out of the 22-day voyage, hopefully, we can do maybe 12 or 13 times fresh fish upstairs and in the dining room,” said executive chef Darran Yardley-Salisbury in a storeroom lined with metallic shelves on one of the vessel’s lower decks.

Michael Stendebach, the line’s vice president of Food & Beverage and Guest Services, told USA TODAY the program was born in response to increasing guest demand for seafood and a desire to make the procurement process more sustainable. He said at least 75% of Holland America passengers order fresh fish once – if not twice – per cruise.

“We were looking into the destinations where we are cruising, like Alaska or the Caribbean, and we wanted to get away from the delivery of (shipping) containers into ports,” Stendebach said. “We wanted to build relationships in the single destinations we are in with suppliers.”

The cruise line previously announced in 2022 that it was certified by Responsible Fisheries Management by serving only fresh, sustainable Alaska seafood on its ships sailing there before scaling up its efforts.

Unlike frozen fish, which is prepared in larger portions – though they vary based on the ship’s size – Stendebach said the fresh fish is cooked “á la minute.”

“The fresh fish is kept cold until the order is coming in and then they start to produce it, so there's no overproduction,” he said. “It's really on the spot, and I think that is the freshest way you can experience the fish.”

During the first few days of the April cruise, other fresh fish dishes included sea bass with lemon butter sauce and tapenade at brasserie Rudi’s Sel de Mer and trout with a bread crumb and cashew crust served in a curry sauce at Asian restaurant Tamarind.

Fresh fish is not available in all ports, though, Yardley-Salisbury said, and the line also still serves seafood that has been frozen (outside of Alaska). The percentage of fresh versus frozen fish varies by sailing.

What kinds of fish are part of the program?

The program features more than 80 kinds of fish, with different selections depending on where the ship is sailing. The Caribbean has options like summer flounder and yellowfin tuna, while Hawaii offers striped marlin and Hawaiian pink snapper, among others (a full list can be found on Holland America’s website ).

Getting fresh supplies is easier on some cruises than others. On sailings like ours with many sea days, the kitchen staff has fewer options than in Europe for instance, where vendors are plentiful. "In Europe, it's a little bit like heaven for a chef," said Yardley-Salisbury. "We can go from port to port and we can get the most amazing stuff."

The cruise line denotes which options are fresh on the menus, and will label items that are MSC and ASC certified as well. MSC certifications apply to wild-caught seafood, while ASC certifications are for farmed seafood.

“Overfishing, unregulated fishing, excessive bycatch, these are all things that have a huge impact on the oceans,” said Erika Feller, regional director, Americas at the MSC.

MSC issues certifications to fisheries that meet its sustainability requirements, as well as Chain of Custody certifications that affirm the fish customers are buying comes from a certified fishery. The process is voluntary and the certifications are based on third-party audits.

The fishery certification lasts five years, while the Chain of Custody certification is good for three. Both undergo annual audits to ensure they are maintaining those conditions.

The crew on Koningsdam did a quality check of its own kind.

Yardley-Salisbury and members of the kitchen staff tasted dishes, including fish, before service to make sure the dishes are prepared according to the recipe and the flavor profile is "as it should be." Gathered around a table in a galley, they each grabbed spoon or forkfuls of every dish.

They repeat that process every day before service. "Any alterations that we need to make should only be seasoning issues, temperature issues, volume issues, maybe a little bit of sauce," he said.

What happens to uneaten cruise food?: These lines are working to reduce waste

Does fresh fish cost more?

Fresh fish may be more expensive, but passengers shouldn’t worry about seeing higher fares or food costs as a result. Stendebach said the line is saving money on logistics costs by cutting back on containers “being shipped from A to B.”

“So for that reason, you can spend more money on the product,” he said.

The program and the new certifications help offer guests a user-friendly way to eat more sustainably . Feller said, “the whole idea here is to make it easy for people to find that good choice.”

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Holland America Line. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Holland america line set to debut new 'glacier day' and enhanced alaska-focused experiences on every alaska cruise in 2024.

Culinary highlights include Alaska dishes by Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Morimoto and new Alaska -themed cocktails by acclaimed bartender Sam Ross

SEATTLE , April 17, 2024 /CNW/ -- Holland America Line is debuting "Glacier Day" on its Alaska cruises as it rolls out new programming within its "We Love Alaska" on board experience. The new offerings include Alaska Up Close presentations as well as culinary and beverage experiences to help foster a deeper connection to the people, history and culture of the state. The 2024 season kicks off April 27 from Vancouver and May 4 from Seattle.

"Holland America Line continues to focus on bringing regional and local experiences on board every cruise, with our Alaska sailings leading the way in authentic programming, localized cuisine, and now special events like 'Glacier Day'," said Beth Bodensteiner , chief commercial officer of Holland America Line. "We continue to cultivate like-minded partnerships and fine-tune everything from cocktails to wildlife maps to ensure our guests are completely immersed in all facets of Alaska ."

Alaska Season Itineraries and Cruisetours Through September 2024 , guests can embark on Holland America Line's Alaska cruises and Cruisetours  from Vancouver and Seattle aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam. In addition to seven-day itineraries, guests can take longer 14-day cruises and a new 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice Legendary Voyage that includes 12 Alaska ports.

Cruisetours range from nine to 18 days and include a one-, two- or three-day visit to Denali National Park . Select Cruisetours also include a journey into the wilds of Canada's Yukon . Holland America Line remains the only cruise line that offers overland tours to the Yukon combined with an Alaska cruise and Denali experience.

'Glacier Day' Puts a Spotlight on Alaska's Majestic Glaciers As a leader in Alaska cruising, Holland America Line offers more glacier  experiences than any other cruise line. The new Glacier Day includes sighting times, scenic commentary, presentations, informational viewing stations, photo opportunities, Dutch Pea Soup on deck, Glacier Ice cocktails, insightful talks by Glacier Bay National Park Rangers and Huna cultural interpreters, an open bow for viewing, and more.

Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska's iconic glacier destinations: Glacier Bay National Park , Hubbard Glacier , Dawes Glacier , and the Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm . Shore excursions also offer the opportunity to visit additional glaciers, including Mendenhall and Portage glaciers.

Serving Fresh Fish in Alaska Holland America continues to build on its groundbreaking Global Fresh Fish  program, which includes being the only cruise line with Alaska seafood certified sustainable  by the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) and bringing locally sourced fresh fish from port to plate in less than 48 hours. In addition to the seafood and other local delicacies served on the menus, ships in Alaska will serve three exclusive dishes created by the brand's Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Morimoto: Fresh Black Cod Yuzu, Morimoto Epice Lobster and Fresh Halibut XO.

A new Alaska Seafood Boil will be offered once per cruise in Lido Market for a surcharge. The foodie feast will serve Ivar's Northwest-Style Clam Chowder, Dungeness Cruise Clusters, Alaska Salmon, Penn Cove Clams, Penn Cove Mussels and a Shrimp Bucket, with Triple Berry Crisp and vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Offered once per cruise, all dishes on the Alaska Brunch menu in the Dining Room were created with the influence of fresh, local Alaskan and Pacific Northwest ingredients. The selections range from sweet to savory and include Alaskan Blueberry Pancakes, Salmon & Potato Chowder, Wild Forest Mushroom and Tarragon Crepes, Kodiak Steak and Egg Skillet, Crab and Hot Smoked Salmon Cakes, Biscuits with Gravy and Alaskan Reindeer Sausage, and Home Smoked Gulf of Alaska Cod Benny.

Bartender Sam Ross Creates Alaska Cocktails Acclaimed bartender Sam Ross created a menu of exclusive cocktails that will be featured in the bars on all Alaska ships: Juneau AK , Klondiker, PNW Penicillin, Mosquito, Midnight Sun and Frontier Champagne Flip. Ross was the 2011 "U.S. Bartender of the Year" and his flagship bar, Attaboy, won the 2022 award for "Best Bar in the U.S." by The World's 50 Best Bars. Ross is credited with creating two of the most famous modern classic cocktails: Penicillin and Paper Plane.

New Exclusive 'Killer Whale Pale Ale' Available On Board Holland America Line is debuting a new "Killer Whale Pale Ale" on all Alaska cruises. The beer was produced in collaboration with Pike Brewing – Seattle's oldest craft brewery – and features notes of honey, citrus and tropical fruits. The label artwork was created in collaboration with Native Artist Rico Worl , a member of the Tlingit and Athabascan community, who also designed the Native artwork featured on the Alaska menus. The Killer Whale Pale Ale label represents the food chain in the Pacific Northwest, with a seal deftly maneuvering out of the grasp of a killer whale.

More Wildlife Viewing than Any Other Cruise Line Alaska is synonymous with stunning wilderness, and Holland America Line offers more ways to see wildlife  in its natural habitat. Alaska ships carry an expert on board to help guests witness the majestic animals found in the region, and a Wildlife Spotting Guide points out the native animals found along the cruise route and includes a map with the best places to see each species. Ashore, Holland America Line offers nearly 180 shore excursions to see species of all kinds.

On Deck for a Cause Continues to Support Alaska's Parks Holland America Line will continue to donate proceeds from its "On Deck for a Cause" charitable event aboard ships in the region to Alaska Geographic , the nonprofit education partner of Alaska's parks, forests, refuges and conservation lands. Called "On Deck for a Cause: Alaska's Parks," guests on all Alaska cruises will be invited to donate $25 to participate in a noncompetitive 5K fundraising walk aboard every sailing. Funds raised through "On Deck for a Cause: Alaska's Parks" will go to support education, science and research in Alaska's parks. The 2023 Alaska season raised more than $100,000 for Alaska Geographic.

Standby Program Offers Reduced Rates for Seattle and Vancouver Cruises Guests with easy access to Seattle or Vancouver have an opportunity to cruise to Alaska at a reduced rate of $49 per person, per day with Holland America Line's Standby  program. Travelers who sign up for a cruise are alerted between seven and two days before departure if they will be sailing. Solo cruisers also only pay $49 per day and do not incur a single supplement for a double stateroom.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com .

Find Holland America Line on  X (formerly Twitter ),  Facebook , Instagram  and the Holland America Blog . You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at  hollandamerica.com .

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)] Holland America Line has been exploring the world for 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering an ideal perfectly-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests enjoy the best entertainment at sea each evening and dining venues featuring exclusive dishes by world-famous chefs. A new global fresh fish program brings more than 80 types of fresh fish on board, sourced and served locally in regions around the world.

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/holland-america-line-set-to-debut-new-glacier-day-and-enhanced-alaska-focused-experiences-on-every-alaska-cruise-in-2024-302119613.html

SOURCE Holland America Line

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2024/17/c3880.html

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We’ve Found the World’s Most Beautiful Cruise Ships

Posted: January 6, 2024 | Last updated: January 6, 2024

When it comes to cruising, it really is more about the journey than the destination – and today's cruise ships focus more and more on passenger experience. Designs and aesthetics are constantly improving and being elevated with spaces curated by top interior designers, high-end suites that rival those in 5-star hotels and even extensive art collections on board. We take a look at the world's most beautiful cruise ships that bring a little extra sparkle, inside and out.

MS Rotterdam, Holland America Line

The 2,668-guest MS Rotterdam is the third in the Pinnacle Class series for Holland America Line. At 984 feet (300m) in length, the craftmanship used to create the classic nautical lines of the ship’s exterior reflects almost 150 years of expertise within the company. Her interiors dazzle too, with fluid lines, vibrant colors and airy, light-filled spaces from the shared areas to the staterooms and suites.

Music is the ship's main inspiration, on show everywhere from the atrium’s dramatic harp-like sculpture to the impressive World Stage, where musicians play against a wraparound LED screen. Thoughtfully curated art is displayed throughout the decks and staterooms too, from museum-quality antiques and works by the masters to avant-garde sculptures and thought-provoking photography by emerging artists. Together, they make up a floating gallery of 2,645 pieces of work ranging in value from around $500-$620,000.

Silver Moon, Silversea

Silversea's  Silver Moon maintains the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodation that the cruise line has become known for – yet takes it to a whole new level. The ship's high-end suites have been enriched with elegant decor, premium amenities and luxurious details such as handcrafted beds by Savoir. Bespoke crystal panels by luxury French brand Lalique have been incorporated into the brand's signature restaurant, La Dame.

The innovative new culinary enrichment programme Sea and Land Taste (SALT) is designed to immerse guests in culinary experiences, from classes and market trips to extra-special meals. Dining spaces are filled with unique objects and arts and crafts pieces that draw on influences from all over the world, while color palettes throughout are used to enhance the dining experience. Lighter tones brighten the demo area, the main restaurant has rich details and accents, while the bar has a darker, more mysterious feel.

Scenic Eclipse, Scenic Cruises

Scenic Eclipse  promises to deliver an ultra-luxury cruise experience for up to 228 guests. Her indulgent suites are flooded with natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, which open onto a private veranda or terrace. All 114 suites are furnished with king-size beds, ambient lighting and lounge areas. The Owner’s Penthouse Suites are even more incredible, each with its own spacious curved terrace, private spa pool and sun loungers, plus a private lounge and dining area.

The shared spaces are pretty decadent too. There's the 550-square-foot (51sqm) Senses Spa, emblazoned with gold leaf, and multiple pool areas. The stylish Whisky Bar has a floor-to-ceiling translucent quartz display case with 110 varieties of the spirit, while a sculpture of a gown – consisting of 5,400 spoons – marks the entrance to French Champagne bar Lumière.

Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line’s imagineers have once again created a world of enchantment, this time aboard the Disney Wish . The ship welcomed her first guests in summer 2022 and has a distinctly Disney design concept inspired by timeless tales. The motif of 'enchantment' manifests throughout the ship, from the magical forest setting of the Walt Disney Theatre and storybook-inspired staterooms to the fairy-tale-castle Grand Hall, where a dazzling wishing star descends from the shimmering chandelier above.

The Wish Tower Suite, set high in the forward funnel of the ship (which displays the cruise line’s Micky Mouse logo), is a 1,966-square-foot (183sqm) penthouse in the sky and the most unique Disney Cruise Line accommodation yet. Another of the ship's magical features is Disney’s first Frozen -themed theatrical dining experience, which brings the world of Arendelle to life through immersive live entertainment and world-class cuisine infused with Nordic influences.

Regatta, Oceania Cruises

Regatta is the flagship vessel of Oceania Cruises' fleet and a shining example of the OceaniaNEXT rebuild of the brand’s four 684-guest Regatta Class ships. Her 342 lavish suites and staterooms showcase designer furnishings, while the reimagined public spaces feature Tuscan marble, a revamped color palette of soft sea and sky tones, works of art and a tasteful renewal of fabrics, furnishings and light fixtures.

Regatta has four restaurants including the iconic Grand Dining Room, which has been decked out with new bejeweled chandeliers. Other beautifully refreshed spaces include Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, eight lounges and bars and a casino. Her decks are made from the finest teak, custom stone and tile work, and her lounges, suites and staterooms have luxurious Neoclassical furnishings.

Royal Clipper, Star Clippers

Royal Clipper is one of Star Clippers’ three tall ships and officially the largest square rigger in service. The elegant vessel cuts through the water gracefully, just like the legendary clippers from a bygone era. The five-masted, fully rigged tall ship, which has 42 sails, is beautiful to look at. Her Clipper heritage is reflected in polished brass and gleaming brightwork, expansive teak decks, swimming pools, informal dining, a convivial tropical bar and a comfortable piano bar.

The balance of maritime nostalgia and modern cruising is spot-on. Passengers can recline in the bowsprit net suspended above the sea or climb the mast to the Crow's Nest for stunning panoramic views as they sail. The 18,944 square feet (1,760sqm) of open deck and three swimming pools create an expansive outdoor environment. Another notable feature is the Captain Nemo Lounge, the ship's spa and health club, with underwater glass portholes.

Seabourn Encore, Seabourn

Seabourn Encore is the newest striking ship in the cruise line's ultra-luxury fleet. Modeled on the trio of ships introduced with Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Encore represents another stage in the evolution of small ship cruising. There are 300 suites in total, including 16 penthouse suites and five penthouse spa suites, all with verandas facing the ocean.

Seabourn Square, designed to be an innovative concierge lounge, invites guests to access every shipboard service in a relaxed, living-room atmosphere. The Square's thoughtful layout includes a library, upscale shops, an outdoor terrace and a coffee bar, all arranged across a light-filled space with dark-wood accents, a subtle color palette and striking blue velvet armchairs.

Le Ponant, Ponant

Le Ponant  is the flagship vessel of French cruise company Ponant. The three-mast cruise yacht, which relaunched in summer 2022, has undergone a complete refit and refurbishment. Designed by French studio Jean-Philippe Nuel, her common areas have refined, clean lines with an elegant finish. The color palette – consisting of off-white, taupe and caviar gray – reflect the classic, sophisticated style, with no need for embellishments or bling.

The accommodation is equally streamlined and elevated, with the number of staterooms and suites halved to just 16, housing a maximum of 32 guests. These are spread over three decks, each benefiting from large windows, and include a particularly lovely and spacious Owner Suite. The company has chosen to place the emphasis on space and freedom aboard Le Ponant, giving guests the sense of being on their own private yacht.

MSC Virtuosa, MSC Cruises

MSC Virtuosa was named in homage to the skill and expertise of the architects and shipyard partners who designed and built it. The ship carries all the signature features of an MSC Cruises’ ship. At its heart are glamorous, gleaming mirrored surfaces in the atrium, centered around a sparkly Swarovski-studded staircase linking all three decks of the ship.

The beautifully designed indoor promenade has the longest LED dome at sea and images on the high ceiling can change from an underwater adventure to a space exploration scene. The ship has 21 bars and lounges all with their own style and unique decor, from the futuristic white and blue of the Starship club featuring Rob, the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea, to the earthy colors of traditional pub Masters of the Sea.

Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Apex is part of Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series. The ship showcases the talents of British designer Kelly Hoppen CBE, American designer Nate Berkus, Paris-based design firm Jouin Manku and British architect Tom Wright. Hoppen’s inspiration for the accommodation was to create an outward-facing design emphasizing the outdoor scenery. Each of the ship's two Iconic Suites, positioned high above the bridge, have more than 2,500 square feet (232sqm) of opulent indoor and outdoor space, complete with private terrace and hot tub.

The Grand Plaza is one of the ship's most interesting spaces, inspired by the piazzas of Italy. Its chandelier transforms the atmosphere from day to night, with the lighting changing from warm and inviting to bright and dramatic. Other beautifully imagined areas are the Rooftop Garden and the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered, floating platform set 13 floors above sea level.

Queen Mary 2, Cunard

Cunard’s flagship  Queen Mary 2 exudes classic style and elegance. Designed by a team of British naval architects, the traditional ocean liner has a long, sleek bow that makes her ideal for transatlantic crossings. Its black hull, red stripe, distinctive red-and-black funnel crown and bright white decks evoke the appearance of ocean liners of a bygone era.

The lavish accommodation includes beautiful duplex suites, each with a spiral staircase, walk-in closet, marble bath and private balcony. A daily afternoon tea is served by white-gloved waiters in the Queens Room restaurant, while Godiva at Sir Samuel’s has a decadent display of pralines and truffles. Elsewhere, the planetarium 3D cinema sends guests on an epic voyage across the solar system.

Seven Seas Splendor, Regent Seven Seas

An art collection worth around $5 million is displayed throughout the  Seven Seas Splendor . The impressive floating gallery includes more than 500 crystal chandeliers and more than an acre of Italian marble which fits in well with the ship's sophisticated style. Other standout aspects are the mythical dragon that greets diners at Pacific Rim restaurant and the alcoves that jut over the ocean at Sette Mari at La Veranda.

Each of the beautifully appointed suites has a private balcony, while the palatial Regent Suite – perched on the 14th deck – has a wraparound veranda over the ship’s bow. Its custom-made Treesse mini-pool spa is situated on the front balcony, while the king-sized Vividus bed was handcrafted by upscale Swedish brand, Hästens.

Viking Octantis, Viking Cruises

The new Polar Class  Viking Octantis  is imagined by the same interior designers, nautical architects and engineers who designed the cruise line’s longships and ocean ships. An integrated bow creates a longer waterline for the ship, featuring the company’s signature Scandinavian influence. Each stateroom has a Nordic-style balcony and a sunroom, while floor-to-ceiling, distortion-free glass allows guests to take in the views and keep the elements out. The top of the panoramic glass lowers to transform the stateroom into a sheltered lookout.

The stunning Explorers’ Lounge, pictured, has two decks at the bow of the ship with double-height windows to take in the scenery. Other cleverly laid-out areas include the Finse Terrace, an outdoor lounge area just above sea level with has recessed couches and lava rock fire pits, and the Aquavit Terrace and pools, set under a retractable glass dome. The design of the spa and fitness center is in keeping with Viking’s Nordic heritage, featuring a thermal suite with traditional Norwegian badestamp (wood-sided hot tub).

Emerald Azzurra, Emerald Cruises

Emerald Cruises’ first-ever luxury superyacht, Emerald Azzurra , launched in March 2022. She stretches to 361 feet (110m) in length and carries just 100 guests across 50 deluxe suites and staterooms. The yacht's sleek design enables her to venture to ports and harbors many other, bigger cruise ships are unable to access. Onboard, the infinity-edge pool offers incredible views of passing scenery.

There are six suite and stateroom categories on the Emerald Azzurra, each wonderfully luxurious (though some a little more so). The oversized Owner’s Suites are the most opulent, with separate bedroom and lounge areas. Best of all, guests can soak up the sun from the large private curved terrace with uninterrupted views. Designer wing chairs and footstools are a fixture in the Observation Lounge, and can be taken outside on clear days and for cinema evenings.

Now take a look at more exciting new cruise ships coming soon

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