Holland America Line believes travel has the power to change the world and with 150 years of experience, they’re certain to offer you a remarkable cruise experience. Combining award-winning service and American-style cruising, the line presents guests with the opportunity to experience the finer way of sailing the seven seas - without paying the price.
Its impressive fleet of eleven ships is categorised into four classes; Pinnacle Class, R Class, Signature Class and Vista Class. Each class includes ships that were constructed around the same time and have similarities in their design. Here, we take a look at the four Holland America Line ship classes in more detail:
The first Pinnacle Class ship to join the Holland America Line was Koningsdam in 2016. She was closely followed by Nieuw Statendam and later, Rotterdam. The three vessels are the largest ships in the Holland America fleet and, as a result, boast more amenities.
Each Pinnacle Class ship features five speciality dining options; Pinnacle Grill, the ultimate steakhouse at sea, Canaletto, which serves authentic Italian cuisine, Tamarind, a pan-Asian option, Rudi’s Sel De Mer, which offers a modern twist on classic French dishes and seafood and Nami Sushi, a sushi bar that sits within Tamarind. Alongside many spectacular dining options, you’ll find signature entertainment venues like B.B. King’s Blues Club, Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Lounge. State-of-the-art theatres may also pique your interest.
Elsewhere onboard, you’ll find a wide variety of duty-free shopping, a fitness centre, a casino, a movie theatre, pickleball, a kids club and much, much more.
When she launched in 1999, Volendam was the first ship in Holland America Line’s R Class. A year later, in 2000, Zaandam joined her. They are the smallest ships in the feet and, because of this, offer fewer features than their fleet mates.
But that doesn’t lessen the onboard experience. With two speciality dining venues, Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto, the World Stage, which features innovative cruise ship shows and a two-story LED screen, and multiple bars boasting a plethora of delicious cocktails, guests are spoilt for choice.
The R Class ships attract cruisers looking for a more intimate experience who are more interested in the destinations they visit than the onboard amenities. Volendam and Zaandam offer more far-flung destination-rich itineraries than other ships in the fleet. From Alaska to Mexico, the USA to Canada and even around the world cruises, both ships offer unprecedented access to some of the world’s most impressive regions.
Joining the Holland America Line fleet in 2008 and 2010 respectively, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam are the only ships in the Signature Class. Welcoming just over 2,100 passengers, they boast a more intimate onboard feel while retaining a similar look and feel to the ships in the Pinnacle Class.
The live music entertainment is a big part of the onboard experience. B.B. King’s Blues Club cooks up a rich southern heritage of classic soul and rock & roll, Billboard Onboard places guests at the forefront of the show as they sing and play along with trivia questions and Rolling Stone Lounge is the place to go to dance to your favourite songs played by a live band.
Alongside speciality dining options Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, Tamarind and Nami Sushi, the Signature Class ships offer a plethora of fantastic dining options like Lido Market, Dive In and The Dining Room.
Holland America Line’s Vista Class is the largest class with four ships; Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam and Noordam. The ships in this class are slightly smaller than those in the Signature Class, however, there are some similarities when it comes to what’s on offer.
For example, the main entertainment onboard is identical to the entertainment on Signature Class ships. Guests can find B.B. King’s Blues Club, Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Lounge as well as World Stage, the Casino and Explorer’s Lounge. Elsewhere onboard, a Fitness Center, Spa & Salon and Hydro Pool can be found for those wanting to get their blood pumping or relax and unwind.
Each of the four Vista Class vessels offers just two speciality restaurants, Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto, as well as complimentary dining options; Lido Market, Dive In, Morimoto By Sea and The Dining Room. Guests can also order 24-hour room service.
