Holland America Line began by shipping both cargo trade and passengers across the Atlantic Ocean between the company’s headquarters in Rotterdam, Holland to destinations in North and South America. Established in 1872, initial routes were fairy limited, with many itineraries arriving in either New York or Baltimore. Although the brand Holland America is well known today as a luxurious and highly rated international cruise line, the company continued carrying goods until as late as 1971. The Holland America Line is now a part of the Carnival family.
The HAL Fleet
The current fleet of cruise ships that make up the Holland America Line totals 15 vessels. They offer passengers a variety of onboard amenities and destinations to suit all budgets and tastes. Holland America Line stands out amongst other international cruise lines for their focus on intimacy and friendliness. HAL specializing in smaller cruise ships carrying between 800 to 2,000 passengers with each voyage. The Holland America Line boasts an impressive ratio of one crew member to every two travelers.
The majority of ships within the Holland America Line travel to ports within Europe. This includes ports in the heat of the Mediterranean sun and the chilly air of the Baltic and Scandinavia. They also travel to ports in Alaska, including both Glacier Bay and Denali National Parks.
Those destinations are, however, only a small selection of the range of cruises. Mexico is served exclusively by the MS Zaandam. It is one of only a few themed cruise liners in operation, ideal for lovers of great music. Decorated with genuine music memorabilia donated by famous musicians throughout the world, this ship definitely has to be seen to be believed, and is certainly not one to be missed.
The MS Veendam specializes in itineraries around Bermuda and is one of the more luxurious vessels in the fleet. With its extensive range of art galleries and spa services, and with many of the staterooms offering balconies commanding spectacular views over the ocean, this ship is perfect for travelers wanting the absolute best this cruise line has to offer.
Holland America Destinations
Destinations in Asia are primarily served by the MS Volendam, another of the cruise line’s themed ships. This liner, a garden-themed vessel, uses a vast array of fresh flowers and plants to really emphasize its grandeur. A beautiful and fresh ship, traveling on this liner is great for passengers wanting a peaceful and tranquil onboard experience.
For travelers wanting a totally unique and once in a lifetime trip, the MS Amsterdam and the MS Prinsendam offer ‘Grand Voyages’. These are around the world experiences lasting anywhere between 12 and 115 nights. The MS Prinsendam is the smallest of the current Holland America fleet. It offers all the luxury of the larger ships but with an extra special personal touch.
Other ships to look out for are the MS Nieuw Amsterdam, designed with New York architecture and culture in mind, and the MS Westerdam, decorated with items celebrating Dutch history, remaining true to the cruise line’s origins.
Carrying over 750,000 passengers every year, the Holland America Line maintains its rightful place amongst the world’s most prestigious cruise lines.
