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Cruise Line Guide

About Holland America Line: Premium classic ocean cruising

A 150-year Dutch maritime heritage line known for perfectly sized ships, destination immersion, live music, and unrivaled Alaska experience.

April 18, 1873 Founded 11 ships, 1,432-2,668 guests each Fleet Nearly 400 ports in 114 countries, all 7 continents Reach 1 to 133 days Cruise lengths 1,502 sailings bookable now
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About Holland America Line

“For more than 147 years, Holland America Line has been a recognized leader in cruising, taking its guests to exotic destinations around the world. If you are looking for some of the most spacious and comfortable ships at sea, award-winning service, five star dining, extensive activities and enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries, you've come to the right place. Holland America Line is committed to their mission: through excellence, they create once-in-a-lifetime experiences, every time. Today, Holland America Line's fleet of 15 elegant, mid-size ships offers more than 500 sailings a year visiting all seven continents.” — Holland America Line

Few names at sea carry the history of Holland America Line. Founded on April 18, 1873 as the Netherlands-American Steamship Company of Rotterdam, the line carried nearly two million hopeful immigrants across the Atlantic to new lives in America before offering its first vacation cruise in 1895. That heritage endures in charming ways: there has never been a day without a ship named Rotterdam in the fleet, an Orange Party on every cruise toasts the Dutch royal family, and twelve ships have been launched by Dutch royalty.

Today the fleet numbers eleven perfectly sized ships carrying 1,432 to 2,668 guests, visiting nearly 400 ports in 114 countries across all seven continents. Alaska is the signature: more than 75 years in the region, more Glacier Bay sailings than any other cruise line, and the only cruisetours that venture into the Yukon Territory. Grand Voyages stretch as long as 133 days, and no other brand offers more sailings of 16 nights or longer from U.S. homeports.

On board, dining leans fresh and global — a Fresh Fish Program sources 80 types of fish through 60 ports, from sea to plate within 48 hours — while venues from Pinnacle Grill to Tamarind add occasion, and live music fills the ship each evening. For seasoned travelers who value substance, service, and itinerary depth over spectacle, Holland America remains a benchmark.

New & notable: Holland America is marking America's 250th anniversary with an iconic July 4, 2026 sailing and American heritage collaborations, and has announced a third dedicated Northern Europe ship for 2027 as it deepens its expertise in the region.

Save on Holland America Line with Pavlus Travel

Pavlus Travel has been helping travelers save on the world's best cruise lines since 1994. Book Holland America Line through Pavlus and our exclusive discounts stack on top of the line's own current promotions — then our Lowest Price Guarantee keeps it that way. You never pay a service or planning fee, and you work one-on-one with a dedicated advisor who knows Holland America Line inside and out, from first quote to final port.

  • Exclusive Pavlus savings on every Holland America Line sailing
  • Lowest Price Guarantee — matched or beaten
  • Never any service or planning fees
  • A dedicated personal travel advisor, not a call center
  • 30+ years of negotiated cruise-line relationships
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The Holland America Line Experience

Alaska Like No One Else

More than 75 years in Alaska, more Glacier Bay sailings than any other cruise line, and exclusive overland Cruisetours into the Yukon Territory.

Perfectly Sized Ships

Eleven ships of 1,432 to 2,668 guests: large enough for variety, small enough to reach nearly 400 ports in 114 countries.

Global Fresh Fish Program

A network of 60 ports supplies 80 varieties of fresh fish, landed and served on board within 48 hours, port to plate.

150 Years of Dutch Heritage

Founded in Rotterdam in 1873, the line has never sailed without a ship named Rotterdam and celebrates its heritage with the famous Orange Party.

Live Music Every Evening

The line stakes its claim to the best live music at sea, with performances filling multiple venues on every ship each night.

Longer, Grander Voyages

Grand World and Legendary Voyages run up to 133 days, with more 16-night-plus sailings from U.S. homeports than any other brand.

What's Included with Holland America Line

Inclusions vary by itinerary and stateroom category — your Pavlus travel advisor will walk you through exactly what your fare covers before you book.

The Holland America Line Fleet (11 ships sailing bookable itineraries)

Eurodam

Eurodam

The first Signature Class ship, Eurodam epitomizes grace and excellence. Test your music trivia skills at Billboard Onboard or catch a performance at the stunning World Stage. During the day, head to top-level decks to play pickleball at sea amid an ever-changing ocean backdrop or rejuvenate with therapeutic spa treatments at the Spa & Salon.

See Eurodam sailings →
Koningsdam

Koningsdam

If complete bliss is the destination, Koningsdam cruise ship is the journey. Fluid lines, light-filled spaces, and a blend of 21st century elegance and nautical tradition dazzles 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, or revisit classic hits at Billboard Onboard. There’s much to see and do on Koningsdam, the first of the cruise ships in Holland America Line’s Pinnacle class.

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Nieuw Amsterdam

Nieuw Amsterdam

The second of the Signature-class ships, ms Nieuw Amsterdam celebrates historic New York City, once called Nieuw Amsterdam, with its inspired design and an art collection valued at more than $3 million. While on board enjoy cooking classes and hands-on workshops from America’s Test Kitchen. Hone your video-editing skills at a Digital Workshop powered by Windows®. Dine in your choice of specialty restaurants. Or rejuvenate in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon.

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Nieuw Statendam

Nieuw Statendam

Fluid lines and dramatic spaces make the Holland America Nieuw Statendam a modern beauty. The second in the line of Pinnacle-class cruise ships, its design draws inspiration from the elegant curves of musical instruments. When not relaxing in well-appointed suites or staterooms, guests will have a multitude of innovative dining and entertainment options—from Rudi’s Sel de Mer to Nami Sushi to the Rolling Stone Rock Room, B.B. King’s Blues Club, and the visually stunning two-level World Stage.

See Nieuw Statendam sailings →
Noordam

Noordam

Named for the Northern Compass Point, Noordam dazzles with museum-quality art and lavish staterooms. Guests of this Vista Class ship will have their pick of onboard activities. Sing along to your favorite hits at Billboard Onboard. Enjoy a Pilates class at the Fitness Center. Or savor the delights of one of the specialty restaurants. The Pinnacle Grill serves the juiciest steak at sea and Canaletto beckons with tantalizing Italian dishes.

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Oosterdam

Oosterdam

Oosterdam, a Vista Class cruise ship, brings high style to the high seas with thoughtful upgrades and stunning artwork. Guests will have plenty to do on board when not taking in expansive views or stretching out in spacious staterooms. Begin with an exquisite breakfast in the Dining Room. Unwind with a massage at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon or challenge the family to an air hockey game at High Score!

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Rotterdam

Rotterdam

Rotterdam hits all the right notes with stunning artwork, world-renowned dining, and the best music at sea. Get a sneak peek at what’s on board. Exquisite cuisine, award-winning service, superbly appointed staterooms and suites, and world-class entertainment. At the heart of it is Music Walk®, an exclusive collection of live music performances. Be first to experience Rotterdam’s Pinnacle-class luxury on her inaugural voyages. You will find a mastery of the details that keep guests returning again and again.

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Volendam

Volendam

Elegant and spacious, Volendam takes her décor cues from the garden. Her grand public spaces are graced with floral fabrics and tapestries, as well as huge vases of fresh floral arrangements. While on board, explore the wonders of nature in BBC Earth Experiences. Enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table programming. Relax with a spa treatment at the Greenhouse Salon & Spa. Or dine in one of the selection of fine restaurants.

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Westerdam

Westerdam

Westerdam has won multiple Best Cruise Ship awards and features superb bar, entertainment and dining venues. During the day, rejuvenate with a spa treatment at the heavenly Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. Head to the upper decks for a friendly game of Pickleball at Sea with top-deck views. Catch a performance at the World Stage or spend your evening on the dance floor at Rolling Stone Lounge.

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Zaandam

Zaandam

Designed to carry fewer guests while offering greater space, Zaandam is elegant and comfortable. Her décor is inspired by music and features musical instruments including signed guitars from Queen, Iggy Pop, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones and a Baroque-style pipe organ. While on-board, enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with Port to Table. Rejuvenate at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. Indulge at any of the fine dining venues.

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Zuiderdam

Zuiderdam

Classic nautical finishes, modern amenities, and a spectacular art collection make Zuiderdam a continued favorite and the new home for the annual Grand World Voyage. Numerous enrichment and entertainment activities keep guests going from the moment they wake on this cruise ship. When it comes to dining, everyone has options, from steak at the Pinnacle Grill to burgers and fries at Dive-In to exquisite Italian cuisine at Canaletto. Hear your favorite tunes all evening long at music clubs, such as the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard.

See Zuiderdam sailings →

Good to Know Before You Book

Gratuities & tipping
Daily Crew Appreciation Charges
  • Non-suite staterooms: US $18.00* per guest, per day
  • Suites: US $20.00* per guest, per day

Service Charges on Select Purchases

An 18% service charge is automatically applied to select onboard purchases, including:

  • Beverages
  • Specialty dining cover charges
  • À la carte dining items
  • Bar retail purchases
  • Spa & Salon service

Applicable local taxes will be added where required by law.

*Rates are subject to change without notice.

Cancellation policy

Refund schedule for guests with bookings made in US$, CA$, or AU$:

Bookings Opened November 5, 2025, or Later, for Voyages Summer 2026 or Later (Including Europe March 2026 or Later, Alaska and Canada / New England April 2026 or Later):
Cruise Length Days Prior to Cruise Departure Cancellation Charge
Cruises 13 Days or Less and Cruisetours* 90+ days 100% refund
89−83 days 100% refund, less required deposit amount
82−46 days 50% refund of gross fare
45 days or less No refund available
Cruises 14 Days and Longer** 120+ days 100% refund
119-113 days 100% refund, less required deposit amount
112-76 days 50% refund of gross fare
75 days or less No refund available
*Excludes Asia, Australia, South America
**Includes all Asia, Australia, South America
Bookings Opened November 4, 2025, or Earlier, plus Bookings Opened November 5, 2025, or After and Sailing Through Winter/Spring 2026 (Excluding Europe, Alaska, Canada/New England 2026):
Cruise Length Days Prior to Cruise Departure Cancellation Charge
Voyages 25 Nights or Longer, plus Grand World, Grand Voyages, Any Segment of a Grand World or Grand Voyage: 120+ days 100% refund
119-113 days 100% refund, less required deposit amount
112-76 days 50% refund of gross fare
75 days or less No refund available
All Other Voyages 5 Nights or Longer: 90+ days 100% refund
89-83 days 100% refund, less required deposit amount
82-46 days 50% refund of gross fare
45 days or less No refund available
Voyages up to 4 Nights: 75+ days 100% refund
74-68 days 100% refund, less required deposit amount
67-31 days 50% refund of gross fare
30 days or less No refund available

CANCELLATION POLICY EXCEPTION: If you have purchased a specially priced promotion that is 100% non-refundable from the point of payment, you are not entitled to any refund, payment, compensation or credit whatsoever of your gross fare if you cancel your booking. If you have purchased a specially priced promotion that requires a non-refundable deposit, that deposit amount shall not be refunded if you cancel your booking. 

Last updated: February 13, 2026. Click this link to view the latest policy provided by the cruise line.
Smoking on board
Smoking is not permitted in staterooms and most other indoor areas. For those who smoke, there are selected areas where smoking is permitted and this information will be communicated to you onboard . Electronic cigarettes can only be used in the designated smoking areas onboard.

Traveling with minors
Holland America Line's youth activities program, Club HAL, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties. Club HAL is offered on board all ships except for  Maasdam & Oosterdam*.

*Oosterdam features a new youth and family game room, High Score!, as well as additional kids’ programming.

Babysitting services: On sea days, limited babysitting may be available through Guest Services for children five years of age and under. The cost is $10 per hour for the first child and $7 per hour for each additional child (NOTE: Fees are subject to change without notice). This service is provided by staff on a volunteer basis and may not always be available. 
Babysitting service is not offered while the ship is in port, although Club HAL® does offer activities for children aged 3-12 between 8:00am and 4:00pm on port days. Babysitting will not be allowed while the parents are off the ship, and in-cabin babysitting is not available.
 
Programs Available Club HAL®:
    •    Kids Programs (ages 3-6)
Highlights for kids ages 3 to 6 include “Painting Picassos,” and “Sing-Along Storytime,” as well as theme parties, such as “Dino-Mite Night” and “Ships Ahoy Pirate Treasure Hunt Adventure.”
    •    Tweens Programs (ages 7-12)
From ice-cream eating contests to gaming tournaments and theme parties, tweens will have plenty to enjoy.
    •    Teens Programs (ages 13-17)
Teen cruisers enjoy mocktail parties, karaoke and trivia contests, jewelry making, video games, staff vs. teens volleyball tournaments, themed events and more.

All children participating in Club HAL must be completely toilet trained. No diapers or pull–ups are permitted in the Youth Center. Youth Staff cannot assist children in the restroom.
Pregnancy policy
Women cannot have begun their 24th week of pregnancy at any time before or during the cruise. If you are pregnant or sailing with a guest who is pregnant they must provide a physician’s letter stating the expected due date, medical fitness to travel and the pregnancy is not high risk. Please also include your name, booking number, ship and sailing date.

Policies are provided by Holland America Line and can change; your Pavlus advisor will confirm current terms for your specific sailing before you book.

Holland America Line Questions, Answered

What is Holland America Line?

Holland America Line is a premium cruise line founded in 1873 in the Netherlands — one of the oldest continuously operating cruise lines in the world. Now part of Carnival Corporation, they operate a fleet of 11 mid-size ships (ranging from approximately 1,400 to 2,650 guests) known for classic elegance, exceptional cuisine, and a thoughtful, destination-immersive approach to itinerary design. HAL is particularly celebrated for their Alaska program — they’ve sailed Alaska longer than almost any other line — and for their grand voyage and world cruise programming. The demographic skews toward well-traveled, mature guests who appreciate substance over spectacle.

How does Holland America compare to Celebrity and Princess?

Each line serves a distinct audience within the premium segment:

  • Holland America vs. Celebrity: HAL leans into heritage, tradition, and culinary depth; Celebrity is more contemporary, design-forward, and appeals to a younger demographic. Celebrity’s Edge Series ships are dramatically more modern architecturally. HAL wins on destination enrichment programming and Alaska expertise.
  • Holland America vs. Princess: Both are Carnival Corp brands, but they serve somewhat different travelers. Princess is broader in appeal and more family-oriented; HAL is more refined, more adult-focused, and carries stronger culinary and enrichment credentials. Princess has a larger fleet and more Caribbean capacity; HAL has more depth in Alaska and world voyages.
Holland America is consistently described as the best choice for experienced cruisers who want a quieter, more enrichment-driven voyage with outstanding cuisine — and as the definitive Alaska cruise option.
Is Holland America worth booking?

Holland America delivers strong value in the premium segment, particularly on their signature Alaska and longer-haul itineraries where destination expertise and ship size matter. The culinary program — Pinnacle Grill steakhouse, Rudi’s Sel de Mer French restaurant, Nami Sushi, Grand Dutch Café — is genuinely above mainstream cruise standards. The EXC enrichment programming on longer voyages brings aboard destination lecturers, naturalists, and cultural experts who elevate the overall experience. For travelers who find Royal Caribbean or Norwegian too frenetic, Holland America delivers a more measured, sophisticated experience.

What is Holland America Line's history?

Holland America Line was founded in 1873 in Rotterdam as the Nederlandsch-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij (Netherlands-America Steamship Company). The line carried hundreds of thousands of European immigrants to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries — a heritage that is genuinely felt in the line’s institutional identity. HAL operated its first pleasure cruises in the 1890s and has been continuously operating passenger ships for over 150 years. Carnival Corporation acquired Holland America in 1989, and the line has grown to one of the premier premium cruise brands globally.

Why is Holland America so well-regarded for Alaska?

HAL has sailed Alaska’s Inside Passage and Gulf of Alaska longer than almost any other line — since 1947 — and their operational depth in the region is unmatched. Key differentiators:

  • Partnership with the McKinley Chalet Resort near Denali — enabling seamless Cruisetour land+sea combinations
  • Glacier Bay National Park access — HAL has one of the strongest permit allocations for Glacier Bay sailing
  • EXC Alaska programming — US Forest Service rangers, marine biologists, and indigenous cultural experts board the ship
  • Multiple ships — including Nieuw Amsterdam and Zuiderdam — dedicated to Alaska deployments each summer

For a serious Alaska experience combining Inside Passage cruising with Denali and Yukon land touring, Holland America’s Cruisetour packages are hard to match.

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