Best Holland America Cruises

Holland America Line's newest cruise ship, 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, Holland America's newest 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 sports court or participate in enriching activities like cooking demonstrations and wine-blending classes. At night, cruisers have several entertainment options, including the Lincoln Center Stage for chamber music, the B.B. King's Blues Club 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. 

In 2019-20, Nieuw Statendam departs from Fort Lauderdale, Amsterdam and Rome. It sails to various destinations in the Caribbean and Europe.

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 five cabin categories: Interior staterooms (141 to 284 square feet), Ocean View and Verandah staterooms, and Signature and Neptune 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 new America's Test Kitchen to the BBC Earth Experiences. More active pursuits include two swimming pools and sports courts. In the evenings, passengers can sip cocktails at one of the bars or lounges or take in a show at the Lincoln Center Stage or B.B. King's Blues Club.

In 2019-20, Eurodam departs from Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, Seattle and Vancouver for sailings in the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii and Tahiti, Mexico and more. 

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 iPod tour.

Passengers can also pass the time by the pool or in the Greenhouse Spa, while more enriching programs include the new America's Test Kitchen, the BBC Earth Experiences and photography classes in the Digital Workshop, powered by Windows. 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 seafood at the popular Sel de Mer French restaurant, 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.

In 2019-20, Nieuw Amsterdam departs from Barcelona, Rome, Fort Lauderdale and Venice for sailings in the Caribbean and Europe.

Launched in 2016, the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam is one of Holland America's newest 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.

Guests can spend their evenings playing casino games or watching stage shows and musical acts through partnerships with Lincoln Center and Billboard 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 that range from 151 to 231 square feet, to Verandah rooms and three Suite categories.

In 2019-20, Koningsdam departs from a number of ports across the United States, South America and Canada, including Fort Lauderdale, Buenos Aires and Vancouver. 

Launched in 2002 and last refurbished in 2017, Zuiderdam features America's Test Kitchen, BBC Earth Experiences and the Digital Workshop, powered by Windows. If you're looking to relax on your voyage, head to the line's signature Greenhouse Spa & Salon or The Retreat, a secluded deck with sun beds, private cabanas and a separate bar. 

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 233 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. 

In 2019-20, Zuiderdam departs from Fort Lauderdale, Boston, Quebec City, Copenhagen and more for sailings in Canada, Europe, the Panama Canal and the Caribbean. 

Launched in 2006 and last updated in 2015, Noordam is commended by recent passengers for its high-quality cuisine. However, some warned of long wait times in the main dining rooms; after all, the ship carries up to 1,924 passengers and only 800 crew members.

Noordam offers numerous entertainment options, including America's Test Kitchen, BBC Earth Experiences, the Greenhouse Spa and two swimming pools. In the evenings, guests can dance at several nightclubs, sip cocktails at bars and lounges or take in live music at the piano bar and B.B. King’s Blues Club.

When it comes to lodging, travelers can choose between Interior, Ocean View and Verandah cabins, as well as three Suite categories. All staterooms are equipped with Sealy Premium Euro-Top mattresses, flat-screen TVs and Egyptian cotton towels.

In 2019-20, Noordam departs from a variety of ports – including Seattle, Vancouver, Anchorage and Sydney – to destinations in Alaska, Asia and Australia. 

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 sports courts and a fitness center, the majority of onboard activities are geared toward enrichment, such as America's Test Kitchen, BBC Earth Experiences and Digital Workshops powered by Windows. 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 151 and 267 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.  

In 2019-20, Zaandam sails from Boston, Buenos Aires, Fort Lauderdale, Montreal, Rio de Janiero, Santiago, Chile, and more for itineraries in Canada, New England, South America, Europe, the Caribbean, Antarctica and beyond.

Carrying up to 1,964 passengers and 810 crew members, Westerdam first debuted in 2004 and was recently overhauled to include renovated cabins and suites, as well as a new bar and entertainment and dining additions like America's Test Kitchen.

Other onboard facilities include the Music Walk live music venue, as well as BBC Earth Experiences, the Greenhouse Spa 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. The ship also offers the Master's Chef Table Pop Up, available on cruises of eight nights or more. 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.

In 2019-20, Westerdam departs from Anchorage and Fairbanks (both in Alaska), Hong Kong, Seattle, Shanghai, Singapore, Vancouver and more for sailings across Alaska, Asia, South America, Antarctica, Hawaii and Tahiti. 

Inaugurated in 2000, Amsterdam can carry up to 1,380 passengers and 647 crew members. With this passenger-to-crew ratio of nearly 2-to-1, recent cruisers said that customer service was a top priority.

Another high point for passengers: the accommodations. Options span from 182-square-foot Interior cabins to 1,296-square-foot Pinnacle Suites (including the verandas). About 80 percent of cabins offer ocean views, and all staterooms come equipped with flat-screen TVs and Holland America Line's Signature Mariner's Dream beds with Euro-Top mattresses.

The ship also offers enriching and relaxing onboard activities, from BBC Earth Experiences and photography classes in the Digital Workshop to massages at the Greenhouse Spa and reclining by the Lido pool. There are also several lounges (head to the Mainstage for performances and presentations), as well as a special area for kids and teens. However, on the whole, the ship is not the best for children.

When it comes to food, there are a number of options ranging from the casual Lido Market to the main dining room to the intimate Pinnacle Grill, which serves Pacific Northwest-inspired fare.

In 2019-20, Amsterdam departs from a variety of ports, including Fort Lauderdale, Boston, Montreal and San Diego. It sails to destinations in Canada and New England, the Caribbean and the Panama Canal.

Recently updated in 2018, Maasdam can carry up to 1,258 passengers and 569 crew members. Traveling with fewer guests means there are more spots in onboard learning programs like BBC Earth Experiences and the popular Digital Workshop, powered by Windows. Plus, you'll likely find fewer crowds at the pool deck and in the Greenhouse Spa. While the ship does offer youth clubs for kids, most activities are geared toward adults. In 2018, Holland America Line introduced the new EXC In-Depth Voyages aboard the Maasdam, which explore fascinating corners of the world over 12 to 32 days. Passengers can also participate in excursions on smaller Zodiac boats to get up close and personal with the destinations' flora and fauna. 

Dining options on Maasdam range from steaks and seafood at the Pinnacle Grill to pasta dishes at the Canaletto Restaurant to vegetarian and low-carb plates at the Rotterdam Dining Room. Interior cabins are appointed with sofas and flat-screen TVs, while travelers who upgrade to Lanai staterooms receive private balconies. For more luxury, splurge on one of three suite categories, which include whirlpool baths and access to a private lounge area (in Neptune suites). 

In 2019-20, Maasdam sails from a variety of ports – including San Diego and Sydney – to destinations in Alaska, Australia, Mexico and the Pacific Coast.