Throughout your journey with Holland America Line you are in the luxurious surroundings of a ship which provides a beautiful setting for a stunning voyage. Enjoy luscious cuisine in the two-tier main dining room, have a drink at one of the many bars and lounges, take time for a treatment in the Spa and Salon or enjoy a relaxing swim in one of the pools onboard.
Their recent £150 million "Signature of Excellence" programme includes a library and internet centre powered by the New York Times, a Culinary Arts theatre - featuring cookery demonstrations and lectures, as well as special touches like pure Egyptian cotton sheets, fluffy bathrobes, salon quality hairdryers, fresh flowers and complimentary fruit in all spacious staterooms, many of which offer a private balcony.
With 135 years experience, Holland America Line is recognised as the undisputed leader in the cruise industry's premium segment. With the introduction of the new ms Nieuw Amsterdam in 2010, Holland America Line's fleet grows to 15 ships, offering over 500 cruises from more than 38 ports. Itineraries range from two to 108 days and visit all seven continents, including new Australia/New Zealand and Asia sailings, a World Cruise and popular sailings to several ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico and Europe.
Holland America Line's $425 million fleetwide Signature of Excellence enhancements feature new programmes and amenities including the Culinary Arts Centre presented by Food & Wine magazine - a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where annually more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes - Explorations Café powered by the New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new cabin amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush-top Mariner's Dream Beds.
Continuing Signature of Excellence
Holland America Line recently completed an unprecedented $425 million investment in unparalleled product and service enhancements to its fleet of five-star ships. Called Signature of Excellence, this initiative built on Holland America Line's renowned Tradition of Excellence by significantly raising the standard in premium cruising.
The comprehensive enhancements focused on five areas central to the Holland America Line guest experience: spacious, elegant ships and accommodation; sophisticated five-star dining; gracious, Award-winning service; extensive enrichment programs and activities; and compelling worldwide itineraries.
A Five Star Fleet
From the moment you step aboard one of their mid-sized ships you will recognise the Holland America Line difference. They sail with nearly one crew member for every two guests, providing the gracious, award-winning service that defines classic cruising. Their ships feature spacious wraparound teak decks, panoramic views, abundant spacious private verandahs and large staterooms.
All their ships have recently completed extensive enhancements to staterooms and public rooms. With elegant fine dining and enriching activities, come aboard a Holland America Line ship and discover timeless cruising, refined for a new generation.
Providing Passage to the New World - A Brief History
Holland America Line was founded in 1873 as the Netherlands-America Steamship Company (NASM), a shipping and passenger line. Because it was based in Rotterdam and provided service to the Americas, it became known as Holland America Line. The company's first ocean liner was the Rotterdam, which sailed its maiden voyage from the Netherlands to New York City in 1872. The one-way voyage took 15 days.
Following that first voyage, Holland America Line has seen a series of benchmark moments in its history. By its 25th anniversary, Holland America Line owned a fleet of six cargo and passenger ships, and also provided service between Holland and the Dutch East Indies via the newly constructed Suez Canal.
The line was a principal carrier of immigrants from Europe to the United States until well after the turn of the last century, carrying 850,000 to new lives in the New World.
In 1895, the company offered its first holiday cruise; its second leisure cruise, from New York to the Holy Land, was in 1910. In 1971, Holland America Line suspended its transatlantic passenger trade and turned to offering cruise holidays full time. In 1989, Holland America Line Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Corp., the largest cruise company in the world.
