Holland America Line

Holland America Line is one of the oldest shipping companies in the world – founded in 1873 in Rotterdam as Nederlandsch-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij (NASM) to operate emigrant liner services between the Netherlands and North America. Today the company is headquartered in Seattle and is part of the Carnival Corporation. The onboard concept has a distinctly classic Dutch character: a relaxed service atmosphere, loyal older guests, classical music at Lincoln Center Stage, and an exclusive BBC Earth nature documentary program.

The current fleet includes the Pinnacle class (Rotterdam 2021, Nieuw Statendam 2018, Koningsdam 2016 – each approx. 99,500 GRT, 2,650 guests), the Signature class (Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam – each approx. 86,000 GRT), and the older Vista class (Oosterdam, Westerdam, Zuiderdam, Noordam). Holland America is the market leader for Alaska cruises – in part thanks to its own subsidiary Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, which operates lodges, railcars, and coaches on the ground.

The onboard language is English, and the onboard currency is the US dollar. Key itinerary regions include Alaska, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, world voyages, and Antarctic expeditions. The target demographic is noticeably older than that of Carnival or NCL – a quieter onboard experience, less pressure from entertainment staff, classic cocktails rather than cocktail shows.