Holland America Line

Holland America Line isn’t one of the mega cruise lines with dozens of ships. The fleet sits at a comfortable 11 vessels, launched over the past 25 years.

Unlike some of the bigger brands, Holland America doesn’t rush to release a new ship every year. Instead, the focus is on refined design, consistent quality and a classic cruising experience that appeals to loyal guests.

Positioned neatly between the huge family-friendly fleets of Royal Caribbean and Carnival, and the intimate luxury of Silversea or Regent Seven Seas, Holland America offers a little of both – spacious ships, elegant service and a relaxed, premium feel.

So, which ships are the newest in the Holland America fleet – and are any new builds on the way? Let’s find out.

The Newest Holland America Ships:

1. Rotterdam
2. Nieuw Statendam
3. Koningsdam

1. Rotterdam – 2021

Rotterdam is Holland America’s newest ship, having launched in 2021. She is the third and likely final Pinnacle-class cruise ship for the fleet, although there may be plans to expand the class in future.

First announced in 2017, the ship was built in the Fincantieri shipyard and was originally planned to be named Ryndam. Holland America has a history of reusing ship names from former ships in the fleet.

But in 2019, the announcement was made that the ship would, in fact, be named Rotterdam in honour of the ship with the same name that was sold that same year.

The ship also suffered from delays, and her originally scheduled debut sailing and season in Europe in 2021 was ultimately cancelled. Eventually, she set sail in October of that year, with a Transatlantic sailing that took the ship to the Caribbean for the winter, before she returned to Europe in April of the following year.

She now sails itineraries around Northern Europe during the summer months, primarily from Amsterdam. In the winter, she returns to Fort Lauderdale for Eastern Caribbean sailings.

The ship is an almost-identical twin of her sister ships Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam, which launched the Pinnacle Class. This means that she retains The Retreat – the exclusive area of the ship with an outdoor lounge that requires an extra charge for access.

Like her sister ships, she has a guest capacity of 2,668. This is significantly smaller than some of the new cruise ships to launch for other cruise lines in recent years, but it is another sign of how Holland America is not the type of cruise line to be building gigantic mega-ships.

2. Nieuw Statendam – 2018

Nieuw Statendam was the second of the Pinnacle-class ships to join the Holland America fleet, having first been announced in 2014. Two years later, at the christening ceremony for Koningsdam, the Nieuw Statendam name was confirmed.

As I say, Holland America likes to name ships in honour of ships that once sailed for the fleet, and Nieuw Statendam is no different. There have been 5 Statendam ships sailing for Holland America before the Nieuw Statendam, the most recent of which was sold as recently as 2015.

Similar to her sister ship Rotterdam, she spends half of the year in Europe and half of the year in the Caribbean. She shares her Caribbean home port of Fort Lauderdale with Rotterdam, but during the summer months, she focuses on Mediterranean cruises from both Barcelona and Civitavecchia, the port for Rome.

Again, the Nieuw Amsterdam follows an almost identical template to the other Pinnacle-class ships, and so guests can expect to find popular features such as the Music Walk live entertainment area, including multiple music venues playing R&B, chamber music, pop music and classic rock.

She also has a stunning theatre for even more varied live performances, with incredible 270-degree wraparound screens helping to bring every concert or live show to life.

3. Koningsdam – 2016

Koningsdam was the first of the Pinnacle-class ships to launch for Holland America. While she is now a little older, she definitely counts as one of the newest ships in the fleet, since she helped launch what is now the flagship class of ships for the cruise line.

She was originally planned as a sister ship to the Nieuw Amsterdam, part of the Signature Class of ships for the fleet. However, as the design seemed to be ageing, the Carnival Corporation instead made the announcement in 2012 that two new ships were being built, one of which would be the first of a new class for Holland America.

She was ultimately christened in May 2016 and began a season of sailing between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. However, unlike her sister ships, she no longer moves between Europe and the US, and she has instead based herself on the western coast of the US. 

Sailings are varied and include Alaska ports, Hawaii itineraries, and cruises to the Mexican Riviera.

As the first ship in the Pinnacle Class, Koningsdam launched a number of new features for the cruise line. Notably, the Pinnacle Class offers more varied dining options than other ships in the fleet, with five speciality restaurants alongside the usual Main Dining Room and buffet.

Of course, the Pinnacle-class ships are also bigger than others in the fleet, and more spacious. They also debuted single-passenger oceanview cabins for the cruise line.

There Are No More Holland America Ships on Order

No plans have been announced for more Holland America Line ships to be built. It may only be a matter of time, though. Holland America has a history of retiring or selling ships as they get old.

Indeed, two of the four Rotterdam-class ships have already gone, leaving the Volendam and Zaandam as the only two left, both of which are over 23 years old.

Read more: Holland America Ships By Size & Age

In 2020, the cruise line sold off ships that were originally built in 1997 and 2000, so the time is probably nearing for the last of the Rotterdam class of ships, which may spark orders for newer ships to replace them.

Even the Vista-class ships are starting to feel like their time might be coming. There are four of those, having been built between 2002 and 2006.

While they likely will remain with the cruise line for the next couple of years at least, it wouldn’t be surprising if they were phased out in favour of updated vessels, as the cruise line has done before.

To Conclude

Holland America doesn’t have quite the exciting lineup of new ships on the horizon, but it doesn’t need to. It offers quality, premium cruising experiences, and the three Pinnacle-class ships still feel very much like they are brand new anyway.

There isn’t a huge demand for growing capacity for the cruise line, especially when she is part of the larger Carnival Corporation with other fleets that are more suited to expansion. Yet it may not be too long until we hear of another Holland America ship in the pipeline.

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Most Holland America reviews describe the same thing: a calm, mid-sized, premium cruise line with excellent live music, attentive service and some of the strongest Alaska itineraries at sea. It suits travelers who want good food, proper destination time and a quieter atmosphere, and it is less suited to families looking for waterslides and non-stop activity.

This guide pulls together what passengers commonly praise and criticise in Holland America cruise reviews, plus the facts you need before booking: the current fleet, the Have It All package, dining, entertainment and how the line compares with Princess.

Holland America reviews at a glance: pros and cons

Holland America Line (HAL) has been sailing since 1873 and is part of Carnival Corporation. Read enough reviews and clear patterns emerge.

What passengers commonly praise

• Live music every evening across several small venues, rather than one big production show.
• Service, especially in the main dining room and from cabin stewards.
• Mid-sized ships that are easy to get around, with plenty of quiet corners, libraries and outdoor promenade decks.
• Itineraries with longer port stays, plus a big Alaska program and long voyages such as Grand Voyages.
• Value when fares are discounted or bundled with Have It All.

What passengers commonly criticise

• Older ships on the smaller end of the fleet can feel dated in places, despite refurbishments.
• Limited choice for children and teens compared with Royal Caribbean or Carnival.
• Quiet evenings for anyone wanting late-night clubs or splashy production shows.
• Extra charges for specialty dining, drinks and Wi-Fi if you book a basic fare.

Who Holland America suits (and who it doesn’t)

Holland America works best for couples and solo travelers over about 45, first-time cruisers who want a gentler introduction, multi-generational groups led by grandparents, and anyone whose main goal is the destination rather than the ship. It is also a sensible choice if you want a long voyage, as the line runs extended cruises that few mainstream brands still offer.

It is a weaker fit for families with young children who want waterparks, for groups who want a party atmosphere, and for travelers who care most about the newest, flashiest ship hardware. If you are weighing it against another premium brand, our Holland America vs Celebrity Cruises comparison sets out the differences in style and price.

Holland America ships: the current fleet

Holland America currently sails 11 ships, all mid-sized by today’s standards. In October 2026 the line announced that P&O Cruises’ Arcadia will transfer to the fleet in 2029, taking it to 12 ships. Guest numbers below are standard (double occupancy) capacity from Holland America’s fleet facts.

The three Pinnacle Class ships are the newest and get the most positive reviews for public spaces and dining choice. If you are booking Nieuw Statendam, check our guide to Nieuw Statendam cabins to avoid before you choose a stateroom. Zaandam and Volendam are the smallest and oldest, which suits travelers who like an intimate, traditional feel but means fewer venues.

HAL has also launched a multiyear upgrade program, Holland America Evolution, which brings Pinnacle-style venues and new cabin types to the Vista Class. Oosterdam is scheduled to debut its changes in fall 2027 and Zuiderdam in April 2028, and Arcadia will join the same program. Details are still emerging, so check the latest when booking. You can read more in our news story on Arcadia joining Holland America in 2029.

Dining: main dining room, Lido Market and specialty restaurants

Food is one of the areas most Holland America cruise reviews rate highly, particularly for consistency rather than wow factor.

Included dining

The main dining room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with waiter service, and you can choose set-time or flexible dining. The Lido Market is the casual buffet-style venue, laid out as separate stations with many items served by crew rather than self-service. Most ships also have a free poolside grill and pizza, plus afternoon tea and snacks.

Specialty dining

• Pinnacle Grill: HAL’s signature steakhouse, found across the fleet.
• Canaletto: Italian, usually in a section of the Lido.
• Tamarind: Pan-Asian, on selected ships.
• Sel de Mer: French seafood brasserie, on selected ships.
• Morimoto by Sea: Created with chef Masaharu Morimoto. A Morimoto by Sea sushi bar (a la carte, extra charge) is on Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam. Nieuw Amsterdam also has a full Morimoto by Sea restaurant, and the rest of the fleet offers at least one pop-up per cruise.

Venue line-ups differ by ship, so check the deck plan for your sailing rather than assuming every restaurant is on board.

The Have It All package explained

Have It All is HAL’s bundled fare add-on and the easiest way to cut extra charges. At the time of writing it includes:

• The Signature Beverage Package (drinks up to $12 each, up to 15 drinks a day, plus specialty coffee, sodas and mocktails).
• Specialty dining: one night on 4-9 night cruises, two nights on 10-20 nights, three nights on 21 nights or more.
• Shore excursion credit: up to $100, $200 or $300 per person depending on cruise length.
• Surf Wi-Fi for browsing and messaging.

Holland America lists the upgrade at around $60-65 per person per day depending on departure date, so check the current price when booking. As a rule of thumb, it pays off if you drink at least a few cocktails or glasses of wine a day and plan to use the excursion credit. If you barely drink, buying specialty dinners and Wi-Fi separately is often cheaper.

Entertainment and Music Walk

Live music is the line’s strongest entertainment card. On many ships the Music Walk groups several venues together so you can move between them in an evening. Depending on the ship you may find:

• Billboard Onboard: dueling pianos playing chart hits.
• B.B. King’s Blues Club: a live blues and soul band with a dance floor.
• Rolling Stone Rock Room (Pinnacle Class) or Rolling Stone Lounge (Vista Class): classic rock and pop.

The line-up has changed over the years. For example, the Lincoln Center classical venue closed, and Rolling Stone Lounge replaced B.B. King’s on the Vista Class ships. Expect a different mix on each ship. Daytime options include cooking demonstrations, talks and trivia. The line’s shows tend to be smaller-scale than Broadway-style productions on bigger ships, which is the source of most entertainment complaints.

Alaska and Glacier Bay: HAL’s biggest strength

If there is one area where Holland America reviews are near-unanimous, it is Alaska. The line has sailed there for decades, and Holland America says it has more permits to enter Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. Entry is tightly limited by the National Park Service, and on Glacier Bay days park rangers board the ship to give commentary.

HAL also runs Alaska cruisetours that combine a cruise with land travel into Denali and the Yukon, plus a glacier guarantee: if you don’t see at least one glacier, you receive a future cruise credit (exclusions apply, so read the terms). Not every Alaska sailing goes into Glacier Bay itself, so check the itinerary before you book. For port planning, see our Alaska cruise ports guide.

Caribbean and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

In the Caribbean, many HAL itineraries call at the private island in the Bahamas now named RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Holland America shares the island with Carnival Cruise Line. A new pier means ships can now dock rather than use tenders, and an enhancement program running through 2026 adds new dining, bars and cabanas. HAL guests use the quieter south side of the island, which is getting a refreshed beach club and lunch venue. Our Half Moon Cay guide covers what to do once ashore.

Holland America vs Princess Cruises

Holland America and Princess are sister brands under Carnival Corporation, and both target travelers who want a relaxed, premium-leaning experience. The main differences:

Pick Holland America if you value a calmer ship and live music; pick Princess if you want more onboard choice and a larger, newer ship. In Alaska, both are strong, so compare the specific itinerary and how many glacier days it includes.

Our verdict on Holland America Line

Taken together, Holland America reviews point to a dependable, well-run cruise line that does the classic things well: good dining, warm service, real destination time and excellent live music. Its weaknesses are the age of some ships, limited facilities for children and quieter evenings. If those suit you, and especially if Alaska is on your list, it is one of the best-value premium choices at sea. Check the latest deals and Have It All pricing on the official Holland America website before booking.

FAQs

Is Holland America a good cruise line?

Yes, for the right traveler. Reviews regularly praise its service, dining, live music and itineraries, especially in Alaska. It is less suited to families who want waterparks or anyone looking for a party atmosphere.

How many ships does Holland America have?

Holland America sails 11 ships at the time of writing. P&O Cruises’ Arcadia is due to join in 2029, taking the fleet to 12.

Which is better, Holland America or Princess?

Holland America has quieter, mid-sized ships and a focus on live music. Princess has a wider range of ship sizes, more onboard activities and MedallionClass technology. Both are strong in Alaska.

Is the Holland America Have It All package worth it?

Usually yes if you drink a few alcoholic drinks a day and will use the specialty dining and shore excursion credit. Light drinkers often save by paying for extras separately.

What age group cruises on Holland America?

Holland America attracts mostly couples and solo travelers in their 50s and older, though school-holiday and Alaska sailings bring more families and multi-generational groups.

I’m currently onboard Nieuw Statendam and, honestly, I’m smitten.

At this point, I’ve tried pretty much all of the major cruise lines. But for some reason, I’d omitted to try Holland America. What a mistake that was!

Holland America Line might not shout the loudest in the cruise world. And to be honest, I didn’t fully understand what made them unique. But once you’ve sailed with this underrated cruise line, you understand why loyal cruisers return again and again.

I was invited to spend a week onboard Nieuw Statendam as she sailed from Rotterdam to Reykjavic. As always, my opinions are my own and the cruise line has no control over my content.

This cruise has surpassed all my expectations, and then some. So, read on to discover why I fell for this elegant, quietly confident cruise line…

1. The proud Dutch heritage

Holland America Line has been sailing since 1873, when it was a shipping line between the Netherlands and America. Over the decades it evolved from carrying immigrants and cargo across the Atlantic to offering premium leisure cruises all over the world – while keeping its Dutch roots firmly at the heart of the brand.

One of my favourite spots onboard Nieuw Statendam is the Grand Dutch Café, where you can treat yourself to Dutch specailities like friet (chips with mayo and peanut sauce), Dutch poffertjes (pancakes), bitterballen (breaded meatballs) and stroopwafels (caramel biscuits).

The captain and many of the senior officers are Ducth and the announcements are made in English first, then Dutch. Everything else is English though so you really don’t need to be a Dutch speaker to enjoy a cruise with this line!

2. Friendly faces everywhere

Holland America Line’s crew are genuinely warm and attentive – the kind who remember your name and your favourite drink.

Even the passengers seem friendlier than on other cruise lines. While the nationality of the guests varies depending on the destinations, on this cruise there’s a mix of Americans and Dutch people, with a few Brits, Australians and other Europeans too.

I’ve found that most Dutch people speak perfect English and are happy to chat.

I heard that Holland America attracts an older clientele, but in my experience the other guests aren’t any older than cruise passengers tend to be. There’s a mix of all ages, with couples aged 50 to 70 making up the majority.

3. Easy departures from the UK and Netherlands

Holland America Line offers cruises all over the world with a fleet of eleven ships. So whether you want a long and exotic adventure, or just a a week away, there’s something for you.

Because HAL’s ships are mid-sized, they can often reach ports that mega-ships can’t. That means charming fjord towns in Norway, smaller Mediterranean islands, and even rare British Isles stops.

Many of the cruises depart from Amsterdam or Rotterdam. These are very easy to fly to from the UK, and both great places to spend a couple of days before or after your cruise.

Rotterdam is where HAL’s very first ships once departed back in the 19th century, carrying passengers to New York.

But, if you live in the UK, you can skip the airport queues entirely and hop on a cruise from Dover – Nieuw Statendam is offering roundtrips from there in 2025 and 2026.

4. Perfect for solo travellers

Holland America Line offers solo cabins on the three Pinnacle ships, so you’re not paying for space you don’t need.

They also host solo traveller meetups early in the cruise, making it easy to meet people if you’d like to socialise. I attended one of these on my cruise and met some wonderful people of all ages and from all walks of life. We even had dinner together afterwards.

5. Surprisingly good for families

Holland America Line might have a reputation for attracting an older crowd, but don’t let that fool you – they do family cruising really well.

The Club HAL kids’ programme and the teen space offer plenty to keep younger cruisers happy, with games, movies and social events.

In the evenings, the High Score! teen area open up to everyone, so the whole family can battle it out over air hockey or arcade games. This space is incredible, with lots of video games, pinball machines, air hocky, a giant table football station and so much more.

I love that younger kids are welcome too and my eight and ten year old would absolutely love being allowed to use this space, with or without their parents!

Just how good Holland America is for kids seems to be something of a secret – and honestly, I’m a little nervous to tell you as I don’t want everyone to know!

I cruised in the school holidays in August and saw barely any children onboard at all. If you’ve ever taken a cruise that’s marketed towards families in August – you’ll really appreciate the contrast here.

Unlike most cruise ships, Holland America Line’s newest Pinnacle-class ships (that’s Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam) all have dedicated family rooms that sleep five people with two bathrooms!

It’s so refreshing is that you won’t find hordes of kids on board in peak school holidays. Without the giant waterslides and cartoon mascots that draw big crowds elsewhere, the vibe stays calm – pools are peaceful, corridors are quiet, and there’s space to breathe.

For parents, that means a holiday that’s as relaxing for you as it is exciting for the kids. And if you’re a teacher wanting to escape other people’s children for a while – this cruise line is a great choice!

Keep your eye out for the occasional ‘Kids Cruise Free’ offers, but know that he kids prices are always pretty good.

I priced up a two-week cruise for my family in August 2027, and the kids’ prices came in at less than 20% of the adult fares, which is fantastic!

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6. Food that hits the spot

Dining is where Holland America really shines. The main dining room on Nieuw Statendam is one of the most beautiful restaurants I’ve ever seen. The sweeping staircase, curved balconies and warm golden lighting is just stunning.

I also love the Lido Market buffet which has so much choice. Everything is clearly labelled and tastes delicious. There are plenty of crew members on hand to top up your coffee or bring some orange juice to your table for you.

There are more casual options too, like the poolside cafe Dive-In, which serves gourmet burgers, hot dogs and loaded fries (vegan and gluten-free options included too), and the New York Deli & Pizza bar which is open from breakfast until bed time.

Speciality dining is exceptional – from steak and seafood at Pinnacle Grill to Asian fusion at Tamarind, French-inspired plates at Rudi’s Sel de Mer, and homely Italian at Canaletto.

And then there’s 24-hour room service, which is still free, because HAL refuses to let classic cruise perks vanish.

7. Live music every night

Music isn’t just background noise on Holland America – it’s a major part of the onboard experience.

Onboard Nieuw Statendam, The Music Walk on deck 2 offers four distinct venues:

• B.B. King’s Blues Club for soulful, high-energy sets
• Billboard Onboard for duelling pianos and crowd singalongs
• Rolling Stone Lounge for classic hits performed live
• Ocean Bar for soloists in a cosy atmosphere

Whether you’re sipping a nightcap or dancing in your seat, the atmosphere is infectious and the variety of performers is incredible – they’re all super talented.

Nieuw Statendam’s décor is inspired by the “architecture of music” – there’s musical-inspired artwork everywhere you turn. Taking the stairs has never been so much fun with the incredible pieces to admire on each floor!

8. The World Stage

On the Pinnacle-class ships, the World Stage wraps the audience in a 270-degree LED screen. It’s immersive, it’s high-tech, and it makes every performance feel amazing.

When you’re listening to a leacture, you’re also watching, as the huge screens give so much information. And for live performances such as dancers, acrobats and magicians, you feel as though you’re right there with them, as the stage is in the centre and at a relatively low level.

9. The “Have It All” package is actually good value

Cruise packages can be hit or miss, but HAL’s Have It All deal is genuinely worth a look.

For $60 per person, per day, you get:

• Signature Beverage Package – Covering a wide range of drinks
• Shore Excursion Credit – $100 on up to 9 days, $200 on 10-20 days and $300 on 21+ days
• Speciality Dining – 1 meal up to 9 days, 2 meals 10-20 days and 3 meals on 21+ days
• Surf Wi-Fi Package

Given that the drink package costs $51 per day anyway, if you’re thinking of getting that then the Have It All deal is totally worth it. Book it before you cruise though, as once onbaord it costs $70 per day rather than $60.

Look out for other deals that you can combine with this too, like free prepaid crew appreciation, free kids fares and low deposits.

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Final word

Holland America Line doesn’t try to be everything to everyone – and that’s exactly why it works. Elegant ships, genuine service and thoughtful extras make it feel special without being stuffy.

Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or a family looking for calm sea days, Holland America is definitely worth a spot on your cruise shortlist.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Want to cruise like a VIP without splurging on a suite? Holland America’s Club Orange promises priority perks, exclusive extras, and a more elevated experience – for a fee.

It’s totally optional, and plenty of guests cruise happily without it. But for those who opt in, Club Orange comes with some tempting benefits.

In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what Club Orange includes, what it doesn’t, and whether it’s really worth the upgrade.

Club Orange Explained

Club Orange is an additional perks package available on all Holland America cruise ships. Guests who choose to pay for Club Orange get priority for certain parts of the cruise experience, improved dining options and special event invitations.

Availability for Club Orange is restricted for each cruise – only a limited number of people will be able to pay for it to ensure that the package retains its value. So, if you’re considering it, make sure you book it as early as possible for your cruise to avoid disappointment.

Club Orange Perks

Here’s a full list of perks you get when you pay for Club Orange:

1. Priority Check-In

When you arrive at the cruise terminal to begin your vacation, there’ll be a special line you can use to check in as a priority, helping you to get onto the ship even faster. 

To be clear, you aren’t guaranteed to be assigned an early boarding time, so it doesn’t mean that you’re guaranteed to be one of the very first people on the ship. Instead, it means that you get to fast-track the queues within your allotted boarding time.

So it is good, because nobody likes to hang around in the cruise terminal for a long time, but don’t confuse priority check-in with priority boarding.

2. Priority Speciality Dining Reservations

This perk is a little confusing, because while Club Orange does give you priority access to make speciality dining reservations, it’s only when you’re onboard. And it’s possible to book speciality restaurants before you cruise. So it’s recommended that you book before you sail anyway, if you want to make sure you secure a table at your restaurants of choice.

3. Guest Services Priority Line

Onboard the ship, there’s a priority line for Club Orange members, so if you do have any problems or need assistance with any part of your cruise while onboard, you shouldn’t be waiting long. A minor perk since you may not need to make use of it, but a useful one if you are in need of Guest Services’ help.

4. Shore Excursions Priority Line

Club Orange members also get to use a priority line for the shore excursions desk, so you’ll be able to get fast access to excursions when onboard (ideal if there are last-minute cancellations for popular excursions you missed out on) or if you need to cancel any bookings yourself.

5. Priority Tender Access

While most ports that Holland America ships visit have a pier where the ship will dock, some aren’t able to accommodate ships in this way. In those instances, the ship will anchor off the coast and then use smaller tender boats to get guests ashore. 

Club Orange members get priority access to the tenders to shore, so you can explore the port sooner. However, the guests who book a shore excursion through Holland America will get the top priority, so if you’re just exploring the port on your own (or you’ve booked excursions with a third-party company), you’ll be waiting a little while still.

Also, you won’t get priority when returning to the ship. You’ll have to queue at the port along with everyone else.

6. Priority Disembarkation

On the final day of your cruise, Club Orange members are able to get priority disembarkation, allowing them to be among the first off the ship. While you may prefer to remain on the ship as long as possible for a leisurely breakfast, many prefer to beat the crowds, especially if they need to get a taxi to the airport or are driving out from a busy car park.

7. Expanded Room Service Breakfast Menu

Guests with Club Orange have access to an expanded breakfast room service menu, which is available 24/7. I’ll cover the menu in detail below.

8. Exclusive Dining Venue

Club Orange guests also get to enjoy a private dining venue on their ship. On the Pinnacle-class ships (Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam) this is a completely separate dining room, whereas on other ships in the fleet, it will be a reserved area of the main dining room.

9. Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade

One of the biggest perks of the Club Orange package is that guests will receive a complimentary stateroom upgrade. This doesn’t mean jumping from an Inside room to a Balcony room though; it means getting an upgrade within the category that you’ve booked – so if you’ve booked a Balcony, you’ll get an upgraded Balcony.

If there are no upgrades available, the terms state that an alternative perk will be offered.

10. Concierge Service

Club Orange guests have access to a Concierge service onboard. The Concierge can handle a wide range of requests for you, such as booking your shore excursions or handling your dining reservations, leaving you free to relax and enjoy more of your cruise.

11. Sparkling Wine Welcome

On embarkation day, guests with Club Orange will be greeted with a glass of sparkling wine, or a non-alcoholic alternative if they prefer. A small touch, but a nice way to feel special on your arrival.

12. Premium Bathrobes

Guests with Club Orange will enjoy more plush bathrobes in their staterooms, making their cruise more comfortable. They’re upgraded quality compared to the regular bathrobes offered, and while you don’t get to keep them by default, you do have the option of buying them and even having them monogrammed.

13. Club Orange Keycard & Tote Bag

Your room keycard will be a special Club Orange one, to let you show off your status as a Club Orange member, and you’ll also receive a special Club Orange tote bag in your cabin, although it will be one per cabin, not one per person.

14. Special Event Invitation

On every cruise, all Club Orange members are invited to a special event as chosen by the Captain on board. These events vary, but could include a tour of the backstage areas of the ship, a chat with the ship’s entertainers over coffee, or a private consultation at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon.

Club Orange Menus

Club Orange guests can enjoy expanded menus for breakfast and dinner, along with a wider choice of options for room service breakfast.

Things that you’ll find on the Club Orange room service breakfast menu, that aren’t available on the regular menu, include:

• Complimentary orange juice
• Complimentary mimosas
• A selection of fruits and yoghurts
• English muffins
• Pastries
• Expanded cereal selection
• Choice of eggs and omelettes, including egg substitutes
• Continental meat sides
• Steak and eggs
• Salmon Benedict

For breakfast and dinner in the Club Orange restaurant venue, the menu is only marginally expanded with one or two additional options and these vary every day, so you aren’t missing out on much if you decide not to go for Club Orange.

Club Orange for Suite Guests

Guests booking either a Neptune Suite or Pinnacle Suite already get all the perks of Club Orange, except for the complimentary stateroom upgrade which is not available to them anyway. So these suite guests don’t need to purchase Club Orange.

Read more: Holland Americal Line Suite Benefits

Choosing a Neptune or Pinnacle Suite gets you an even longer list of perks than Club Orange can offer, though the best perks are those that Club Orange gets. So Club Orange can be a nice way for non-suite guests to experience a touch of the suite experience.

You’ll also get some of the same perks when you join the Mariner Society, which is Holland America’s loyalty program, although only when you start to reach the upper tiers by cruising for 200 days with the cruise line, or 100 days in a suite.

Club Orange Costs

Club Orange costs $25 per person, per day for cruises up to 13 days, and $15 per person, per day for cruises of 13 days or more. It has to be purchased for the entire cabin, but only the first two guests in a cabin must pay, so per cabin it costs $50 per day or $30 per day, depending on cruise length.

That means that, for a cruise lasting 7 days, Club Orange will cost an additional $350. It also means that it’s cheaper to book Club Orange for a 14-night cruise ($30 x 14 = $420) than it is to book it for a 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13-day cruise, since they cost between $450 and $650.

While the first two guests are eligible to pay for Club Orange, all guests will get to make use of the benefits, so it becomes an even better value on a per-person basis if you’re cruising with four guests in one cabin.

Also, it’s worth noting that Club Orange can only be purchased before you sail; you can’t pay for it once you’ve got on the ship. Of course, by that time you’d have missed out on some of the perks anyway, such as priority check-in and likely the priority booking for speciality restaurants.

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Final Word

Club Orange is not cheap, although if you’re sailing with Holland America, you will likely have paid a premium cruise fare already anyway, and so compared to the total cost of your cruise, the Club Orange cost may not be too much extra to add on.

Whether or not it’s worth it depends entirely on how much you’ll make use of the additional perks. The expanded menus and private dining venues are nice to have, but if you’re going to order from the regular menu anyway, then the perk is redundant.

The priority access perks are useful, especially if you’re someone who likes to be first to get on or off the ship. But you could manage without them if you wanted to save a few hundred dollars.

The sparkling wine, premium bathrobes, tote bag and keycard are just nice small touches. On their own, they aren’t worth the cost, but as part of the whole package, they are pleasant extras to sweeten the deal.

And then the stateroom upgrade and event invitation are good perks, but once again, think about whether you need them.

I do think you get a lot included with Club Orange – more than some other cruise lines offer as part of these types of bonus packages. But I also think that the cost can get quite high, especially on those 9-13 day itineraries. So think hard about whether Club Orange offers good value to you, based on your own cruise preferences.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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The main Volendam cabins to avoid are the obstructed-view ocean-view rooms (categories H and HH) on the Lower Promenade Deck, where lifeboats hang outside the windows; the porthole cabins at the very front of Dolphin and Main decks; and rooms directly below the Lido Deck or above and below the big public rooms on Decks 4 and 5. For a quiet, steady cabin, book midship on Main or Dolphin Deck on a budget, or a Vista Suite midship on Verandah Deck if you want a balcony.

Below you’ll find a quick guide to every stateroom type on Holland America’s Volendam, the specific locations worth skipping, the best cabins to book, and where the accessible rooms are. Check everything against the live deck plan when you book, because cabin numbers and categories can change after a refit.

Volendam in 2026-27: still sailing for Holland America

Volendam is one of Holland America Line’s R-class ships. It was built by Fincantieri in Italy and entered service in late 1999. At about 61,000 gross tons and with roughly 1,432 guests at double occupancy, it is one of the smallest ships in the fleet. Its identical twin is Zaandam, and we have a separate Zaandam cabin guide, but the advice there won’t always match cabin for cabin.

In 2022 the ship spent several months chartered by the City of Rotterdam to house Ukrainian refugees, then went back into regular service. It had an $8 million refit in the Bahamas in October 2024, which added an art studio and refreshed public spaces. No sale or transfer has been announced. Holland America has the ship booked well into the future:

• 2026-27 winter: long Caribbean and South America voyages from Fort Lauderdale and New York, followed by the 129-day 2027 Grand World Voyage, round-trip from Fort Lauderdale from 5 January 2027.
• 2027 summer: Canada and New England sailings from Montreal and Boston, plus a transatlantic run to Rotterdam and back.
• 2028: Holland America has confirmed Volendam for another Canada and New England season alongside Zuiderdam.

Because the ship is so often used for long Grand Voyages, your choice of cabin matters more than usual. A small annoyance on a seven-night cruise can feel much bigger after several weeks.

Volendam cabin types at a glance

Volendam has around 716 staterooms across five accommodation decks: Dolphin (1), Main (2), Lower Promenade (3), Verandah (6) and Navigation (7). Decks 4 and 5 hold the main public rooms, and the Lido and Sports decks sit above the cabins.

There are no standard balcony cabins on Volendam in the way newer ships have them. If you want your own outdoor space, you are looking at a Vista Suite or higher. If you’re unsure whether a balcony is worth the jump in price on a ship like this, our guide to balcony vs inside cabins sets out the trade-offs.

Holland America Volendam cabins to avoid

1. Obstructed-view cabins on the Lower Promenade

Deck 3, the Lower Promenade, is the deck with the teak walkaround and the lifeboats. Ocean-view rooms in category H have a partly obstructed view, and category HH rooms look almost straight at a lifeboat. They are priced accordingly. If the view doesn’t matter much to you, they can still be good value. If you’re paying extra for a window, though, check the category letter before you book.

2. Promenade-facing windows if you value privacy

Every ocean-view window on Deck 3 looks out onto the public promenade. That’s great for an early-morning walk, but people strolling past can see in when your lights are on, so you’ll be closing the curtains more than you might expect. The Lower Promenade is also the muster deck, so expect activity outside during the safety drill and when the lifeboats are being tested or used as tenders.

3. Porthole cabins at the bow

The odd-shaped ocean-view cabins at the very front of Dolphin and Main decks (largely category G, with some category C rooms that have two portholes) have small, deep-set portholes rather than full picture windows. Being near the bow and low down, they also hear the most of the bow thrusters when docking, the anchor chain on tender days and waves slapping the hull in rough water.

4. Low aft cabins near machinery and tender platforms

The furthest-aft rooms on Dolphin and Main decks sit closest to the propulsion machinery and can feel more vibration, especially when the ship is manoeuvring. On tender days you may also hear the boats being loaded and unloaded. Light sleepers should move a few cabins forward.

5. Cabins under the Lido Deck

The Lido Market buffet, the pools and the spa are all on Deck 8, directly above the Navigation Deck (Deck 7) cabins and suites. Early-morning chair scraping, deck cleaning and buffet set-up can be heard in some rooms below, especially those under the pool and buffet areas. This matters most for the Neptune and Vista suites on Deck 7, so look at what sits directly overhead before choosing a specific room.

6. Rooms next to the big public spaces

The show lounge, the Dining Room and most bars, the casino and shops fill Decks 4 and 5. That means the cabins at the forward and aft ends of Deck 3 (below) and Deck 6 (above) sit next to the busiest parts of the ship. A post in Holland America’s own passenger forums asked whether rooms above the show lounge stay quiet after 10pm, and it’s a fair question. Shows and band rehearsals can carry, and so can late dining-room clean-ups. Midship rooms on these decks are usually a safer bet.

7. Cabins beside crew doors, stairwells and service areas

The deck plan won’t always label crew doors or pantries, but any cabin next to an unmarked door, a laundry room or the top of a busy staircase picks up more foot traffic and more early-morning trolley noise. If a room has a blank space beside it on the plan, ask your travel adviser or Holland America what’s there.

Motion: where Volendam feels the sea most

Volendam is a smaller ship, and it often crosses open ocean on Grand Voyages and transatlantic sailings, so motion deserves attention. The general rule is simple: the lower and more central the cabin, the less movement you’ll feel. Forward cabins on Verandah and Navigation decks feel the pitching most in a head sea, while high aft cabins can feel some roll and vibration. If you’re prone to seasickness, a midship cabin on Main or Lower Promenade Deck is the steadiest place to sleep.

Best cabins on Volendam to book

• Best budget pick: a midship ocean-view on Main Deck (Deck 2). It’s low and central, so motion is minimal, you’re well away from public-room noise, and you get a proper window rather than a porthole.
• Best value with a difference: a Lanai stateroom on Deck 3. There are only 21. You get a door straight onto the promenade and two reserved loungers outside, for less than a Vista Suite. They suit people who like being outdoors and don’t mind passers-by.
• Best balcony: a midship Vista Suite on Verandah Deck (Deck 6). It’s away from the forward motion, sits between the busy public decks below and the Lido above, and has a quieter corridor than Deck 7.
• Best for long voyages: a Neptune Suite. It has much more storage and space, plus Neptune Lounge access, which makes a big difference on a 30-night or 129-night trip. Choose one away from the area directly under the Lido pool and buffet if you can.
• Best interior: a midship inside cabin on Dolphin or Main Deck. Choose a category with a larger footprint, because inside cabins on this ship vary quite a bit in size.

If you’re still deciding which Holland America ship suits you, our Holland America ships ranked guide compares Volendam with the newer Vista and Pinnacle class ships.

Accessible staterooms on Volendam

Volendam has a little over 20 wheelchair-accessible staterooms spread across most cabin types. Published deck plans show them in these locations:

• Dolphin Deck (1): ocean-view 1804-1807, 1955 and 1964
• Main Deck (2): interior 2554, 2555 and 2700; ocean-view 2500 and 2702
• Lower Promenade (3): ocean-view 3391, 3396 and 3429; obstructed ocean-view 3430 and 3431
• Verandah Deck (6): Vista Suites 6225 and 6228; ocean-view 6104
• Navigation Deck (7): Neptune Suite 7034; Vista Suites 7087 and 7088

Some of these sit in the bow, aft or obstructed locations described above, so weigh access against noise and view. Confirm the current list and equipment, such as roll-in showers, with Holland America’s accessibility team before booking, because the line can reassign rooms after refits.

Practical tips that most cabin guides miss

• Bring a cruise-approved USB charger. Standard cabins on this older ship have very few power outlets, which can be frustrating on a long voyage with phones, tablets and CPAP machines.
• Be careful with guarantee fares on Volendam. A guarantee cabin is cheaper, but with lifeboat views, porthole bow rooms and Lido-adjacent suites all in the mix, choosing your own room is worth paying for on this ship.
• Check above and below, not just beside. On a deck plan, the decks directly above and below your cabin tell you more about noise than the cabins next door.
• Think about segment cruising. Grand Voyage segments often release cabins at different times, so a better location may open up closer to sailing.

FAQs

Which cabins have obstructed views on Volendam?

The obstructed-view ocean-view cabins are on the Lower Promenade (Deck 3). Category H has a partly blocked view and category HH a fully blocked view, both because of the lifeboats hanging outside.

Does Volendam have balcony cabins?

Yes, but only as suites. Vista Suites on Decks 6 and 7 are the standard balcony option, with Neptune Suites and the single Pinnacle Suite above them. There are no basic balcony cabins.

What is the quietest deck on Volendam?

Midship cabins on Main Deck (Deck 2) and the middle of Verandah Deck (Deck 6) tend to be the quietest, away from the bow thrusters, the aft machinery, the public rooms on Decks 4 and 5, and the Lido Deck.

Is Volendam being retired or sold?

No sale or retirement has been announced as of October 2026. Volendam is scheduled for the 2027 Grand World Voyage and Canada and New England seasons in 2027 and 2028.

What are Lanai cabins on Volendam?

Lanai cabins are 21 ocean-view staterooms midship on Deck 3, with a sliding glass door that opens straight onto the promenade deck and two reserved loungers outside.

The main Zaandam cabins to avoid are ocean-view rooms on Deck 3 (Lower Promenade), where the window looks onto a public walkway; the obstructed-view H and HH categories; cabins directly below the Lido Deck on Navigation Deck 7; and anything right next to elevators or crew doors. The best choices are usually midship Vista Suites on Verandah Deck 6, or ocean-view rooms on Deck 2 (Main) if you don’t need a balcony. On Zaandam there is no ordinary balcony category, so a verandah means booking a suite.

Zaandam is one of Holland America Line’s two R-class ships. She entered service in 2000, carries about 1,432 guests and has 716 staterooms. She is small by modern standards, and her schedule is very different from her sister Volendam’s. That is why cabin choice on Zaandam often comes down to two questions: how many weeks you’ll spend in the room, and how rough the water will be.

Where Zaandam Is Sailing in 2026-27 (and Why It Matters for Your Cabin)

Zaandam is still sailing for Holland America. The line has not announced a sale or transfer, and her last drydock was a two-week stay in Freeport, Bahamas, in early 2025. That refit updated public areas such as the library, the Greenhouse Spa thermal suite, the Neptune Lounge and a new art studio. The cabins themselves were not redesigned. The last big stateroom update came in 2018, when the line added USB outlets at the bed, LED reading lights and new TVs.

Her current schedule leans heavily toward long voyages:

• Autumn 2026: She ended her Alaska season with an 18-night Great Bear Rainforest and Alaska Explorer cruise from Vancouver. She then repositioned to San Diego for a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas voyage and a Sea of Cortez cruise.
• Early 2027: A 70-night roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale circles South America. It includes scenic cruising along the Antarctic Peninsula, Cape Horn, a call at Belém and three days in Buenos Aires. Shorter segments can also be booked.
• Summer 2027: She returns to Vancouver for 7-night Inside Passage cruises and 18-night Great Bear Rainforest and Alaska Explorer voyages.

Put simply, many Zaandam guests are aboard for three weeks or longer, often crossing the Drake Passage or the open Pacific. A small annoyance that you’d shrug off on a week in Alaska, like a trolley rumbling overhead at 5am or a window people can see into, gets wearing after 40 or 70 nights. On long voyages it is usually worth paying a little more for a quiet, midship cabin on a low deck.

Zaandam Cabin Types at a Glance

These are Holland America’s cabin categories for Zaandam. Sizes are approximate and vary from room to room.

There are about 197 suites, 383 ocean-view rooms and 136 interiors. Unlike Volendam, Zaandam has no lanai cabins opening onto the promenade.

Zaandam Cabins to Avoid

1. Lower Promenade (Deck 3) ocean-view rooms, if privacy matters

Zaandam’s outdoor walkway wraps around Deck 3. The ocean-view rooms on this deck look out onto that walkway rather than straight at the sea, so walkers, joggers and deck chairs pass just outside your glass. The windows are coated, but at night with your lights on, people outside can see in, so you’ll keep the curtains closed after dark. Guests also mention that the heavy promenade doors can bang in strong wind, and the Deck 3 rooms are often a little smaller than the Deck 2 ones. Some people like having the deck just outside their door. If you want to watch icebergs or glaciers from bed, though, book Deck 2 or a Vista Suite.

2. Obstructed-view categories H and HH

These rooms are also on Deck 3. Category H has a partial view, and HH has a fully obstructed view, mostly blocked by lifeboats and equipment. They are fine for guests on a budget who just want some daylight. Antarctic and Chilean fjord scenery is the reason most people book these voyages, though, and an HH cabin won’t show you any of it.

3. Cabins under the Lido Deck on Navigation Deck 7

Deck 8 holds the Lido Market buffet and its galley, the Lido pool with its sliding glass roof, the Sea View pool, the Dive-In and the spa. Directly below it, Deck 7 has most of the Neptune Suites, the Pinnacle Suite and many Vista Suites. Guests have reported scraping chairs, rolling trolleys and early-morning prep noise in some Deck 7 suites under the buffet and galley. Before you pay suite prices, check HAL’s deck plan for what is directly above your cabin. A suite with crew-free, quiet space overhead is usually the better choice.

4. Rooms under or beside public venues

Most of the entertainment is on Decks 4 and 5: the World Stage forward, the casino and bars midship, and the Dining Room aft. These sit between the passenger decks, so ceiling noise from them mostly reaches the top of Deck 3. Some Deck 3 cabins aft, below the galley areas, have a long reputation for late-night cleaning and cart noise. The Crow’s Nest is high up and forward on Deck 9, above the bridge, so it seldom affects cabins.

5. Next to elevators, stair landings and crew doors

On every cabin deck, rooms right next to elevator banks, laundry rooms and service doors pick up hallway chatter and door noise. On deck plans, look for cabins one or two doors away from these points instead.

6. Far forward and far aft, high up, for anyone prone to seasickness

Zaandam is a 61,000-ton ship, and she will move in the Drake Passage, around Cape Horn and in the Gulf of Alaska. Forward cabins feel the most pitching, and cabins high up and aft can feel more movement and some vibration. If motion bothers you, low and midship is the rule. The irregular, oddly shaped cabins in the bow of Decks 1 and 2 are best avoided for the same reason.

Best Cabins on Zaandam

1. Midship Vista Suites on Verandah Deck 6. This is the best all-round choice. Deck 7 suites are above you rather than a pool or buffet, and you get a private verandah for glacier days. Ask for one near the middle of the ship for the steadiest ride.
2. Ocean-view rooms on Main Deck 2, midship. They have a proper picture window, nobody walking past it, and less motion than higher decks. On a 70-night South America voyage this is the value pick, and you can watch scenery from the promenade one deck up.
3. Aft-facing Vista Suites. They have views over the wake and can be more sheltered from wind than side-facing balconies. Check the plan for possible noise from the decks above, and expect more motion at the stern.
4. Neptune Suites with quiet space overhead. Neptune Lounge access is worth a lot on a long Grand Voyage. Pick a suite away from the buffet and galley above.
5. Low, midship interiors on Decks 1-2. If budget comes first, these are the steadiest and quietest interiors on board.

If you’re torn between a Vista Suite and a cheaper window room, our guide to whether a balcony is worth it sets out the trade-offs.

Accessible Cabins and Connecting Rooms

Zaandam has about 22 wheelchair-accessible staterooms. They are spread across the Neptune Suite, Vista Suite, ocean-view, obstructed-view and interior categories, so you don’t have to book a suite to get an accessible room. Some accessible rooms are classed as “modified” rather than fully accessible, with changes such as a shower without a full roll-in layout. Ask HAL’s accessibility team for the exact features of a specific cabin before you book. There are also about 108 connecting staterooms, which helps families and groups. Just remember that on Deck 6 the balcony dividers usually don’t open unless the rooms connect.

Zaandam vs Volendam: What’s Different for Cabin Choice

The two R-class sisters have the same hull and a very similar layout, but they aren’t exactly alike. Volendam still has lanai cabins that open onto the promenade, and Zaandam does not. Their schedules differ too: in the 2026-27 season, Zaandam does a long Pacific voyage and a 70-night circuit of South America, while Volendam focuses on the Amazon. If you’re comparing the two, our Volendam cabins to avoid guide covers her specific layout. To see how both compare with the rest of the fleet, see our ranking of every Holland America ship from best to worst.

Prefer something newer and bigger with standard verandah cabins? The Vista-class Noordam cabins guide is a useful comparison. HAL’s fleet is also changing, as covered in our story on Holland America growing to 12 ships with Arcadia, so smaller ships like Zaandam remain valuable for long voyages to unusual ports.

Quick Booking Tips for Zaandam

• Check the decks above and below on the official Holland America Zaandam page before you pay a deposit. This matters most on Deck 7.
• Take a power splitter (non-surge) if you use a CPAP or charge several devices. Older cabins have few outlets.
• For Antarctica, consider which side of the ship you’ll be on, but don’t overpay for it. Captains often turn the ship so both sides get a look at key scenery, and the open decks are always available.
• Guarantee fares can be cheaper, but on Zaandam they may put you on Deck 3 or under a busy area. Choose your own cabin for long voyages.

FAQs

Does Holland America Zaandam have balcony cabins?

Only in its suites. Zaandam has no standard balcony category. Every verandah cabin is a Vista Suite, Neptune Suite or the Pinnacle Suite, and the Vista Suites are the closest thing to an ordinary balcony room.

What is the best deck on Zaandam?

For most guests, Verandah Deck 6 midship is best if you want a balcony, and Main Deck 2 midship is best for an ocean-view room. Both keep you away from the Lido noise above Deck 7 and the promenade walkway on Deck 3.

Are Lower Promenade cabins on Zaandam worth booking?

They can be, for walkers who like quick deck access, but the windows face the public promenade, so you’ll keep curtains closed at night. If privacy and views matter, choose Deck 2 instead.

Which Zaandam cabins are best for seasickness?

Low, midship cabins on Decks 1 and 2 move the least. Avoid far-forward cabins and high aft cabins, especially on Drake Passage, Cape Horn or Gulf of Alaska sailings.

Is Zaandam being retired or sold?

No sale or retirement has been announced. As of late 2026 she is sailing Alaska, Pacific and South America voyages for Holland America, with 2027 Alaska cruises already scheduled from Vancouver.