Explore the ultimate guide to Holland America Ships Ranked from best to worst in 2025. Discover the most luxurious, family-friendly, and unique ships to plan your ideal cruise getaway.
For travelers who like a classic cruise with a touch of luxury, the Holland America Line has a strong reputation. The cruise line started back in 1873 and still carries a traditional feel with modern features added in. You’ll see afternoon tea, formal nights, and live music onboard. Some ships are newer and larger with more restaurants and entertainment, while others stick to a smaller, quieter style. People often choose HAL cruises for the calm, well-planned vibe. If you’re looking at Holland America ships ranked from best to worst, it helps to know which ships stand out for food, service, cabins, and guest reviews.
When it comes to picking the right ship, reviews and ratings matter. That’s why we looked at the most recent scores and feedback from travelers to see how each ship performs. From the best Holland America ships ranked high in guest satisfaction to those with lower scores, the list gives you a better idea of what to expect. Some travelers want more dining options, while others care more about room size or shore excursion choices. No matter your preference, this Holland America cruise ship rating guide will help you compare ships and see what makes each one different.
Holland America Line Inc. has a strong name in cruising, known for its classic ships, great food, and smooth service. But with different ships in the fleet, it can be tricky to figure out which one fits you best. Some are bigger with more dining and entertainment, while others offer a quieter setup. If you’re planning your first trip or just curious about the fleet, it helps to see the Holland America ships ranked. This Holland America cruise line rating guide shows how each ship stacks up. From the best Holland America ships ranked to those rated lower, here’s what you need to know before you book.
Nieuw Statendam is one of the top picks when looking at Holland America's ships ranked from best to worst. Launched in 2018, this HAL cruise ship stands out for its fresh design, great food options, and fun entertainment. Guests enjoy live music at night, various restaurants, and activities like cooking classes and wine tasting. The cabins range from simple inside rooms to spacious suites with balconies. Nieuw Statendam often scores high in Holland America cruise ship rating charts and is seen as one of the best Holland America ships ranked across the fleet.
Rotterdam, one of the newest ships from Holland America Line Inc., launched in October 2021 and can hold over 2,600 guests. It’s packed with things to do, from catching a live show at the World Stage with its huge LED screen to listening to music at B.B. King's Blues Club or Rolling Stone Rock Room. There are eight places to eat, including Rudi’s Sel de Mer and Tamarind. Rooms range from cozy to luxurious. This ship often shows up on Holland America cruise ships ranked lists for good reason.
Eurodam, part of HAL Cruises, first launched in 2008 and got a refresh in 2015. It fits just over 2,100 guests and offers all kinds of cabins, from inside rooms to big suites with extras like Bose speakers and USB outlets by the bed. Guests like the wide food choices, especially Tamarind, which serves dishes from Asia. There’s live music at B.B. King's Blues Club, two pools, and even pickleball. With trips to places like Alaska and the Caribbean, it’s often featured in Holland America cruise ship rating lists.
Koningsdam, launched in 2016, brings a fresh feel to Holland America Cruises as the first Pinnacle Class ship. It fits over 2,600 guests and packs in a lot, from live music and stage shows to cooking classes and pool time. Food lovers can pick from 11 spots to eat, like New York Pizza & Deli or the Steakhouse. Club Orange adds perks like priority access and an upgraded menu. With so much to enjoy, it often earns a high spot in Holland America ships ranked best to worst lists.
Zaandam feels quieter and more personal compared to bigger ships, which is great for folks who like space and fewer crowds. Built-in 2000 and last updated in 2017, it holds just over 1,400 guests and offers things like live concerts, dance performances, and enrichment talks. There’s also pickleball, a fitness center, and a few solid dining choices like Canaletto for Italian food. With fewer passengers and a classic vibe, Zaandam often lands a middle spot in Holland America cruise ship rating lists but still has a loyal following.
Zuiderdam stands out for its friendly service, smaller crowds, and unique entertainment like BBC Earth concerts and cooking shows. The ship carries just under 2,000 guests with a helpful crew that keeps things running smoothly. Cabins come with soft beds, sitting areas, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can eat at spots like Pinnacle Grill or choose from other classic dining rooms. It sails across Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond. Many travelers who enjoy traditional cruising put Zuiderdam on Holland America cruise ships ranked lists positively.
Volendam may not be the newest ship in the fleet, but it’s well-liked for its friendly crew, clean spaces, and classic design. With room for over 1,400 guests and 600 crew members, the service always feels personal. The ship offers live shows, a piano bar, a spa, and even pickleball courts. Families will find Kids Club programs, while food lovers can book a table at the Pinnacle Grill. Volendam sails to places like the Caribbean and South America and often ranks well in Holland America cruise ship rating reviews.
Nieuw Amsterdam stands out for its impressive art collection, featuring pieces from Warhol and Lichtenstein, which guests can enjoy through a self-guided tour. The ship has something for everyone—from pool time and spa visits to live concerts and movie nights. Dining includes everything from pizza by the pool to sushi and Asian meals at Tamarind. Staterooms are cozy, with great beds and smart TVs. Club Orange perks add extra value for some cruisers. This ship often ranks high on the best Holland America ships list.
Oosterdam launched in 2003 and is one of four ships in the Vista class, named after compass points in Dutch. It's not a flashy ship, but many travelers enjoy its quiet style and mix of classic and modern features. Evenings are lively with Music Walk performances, while days stay calm with fewer scheduled activities. Some spaces feel a bit older, though most are clean and pleasant. Oosterdam often gets strong reviews in the Holland America ships ranked best to worst lists for its service and relaxed vibe.
Westerdam has been sailing since 2004 and still holds up well thanks to regular updates. Music Walk in the evenings adds life to the ship, though some spots still show their age in style. Many guests enjoy the mix of a classic ship feel with modern touches. Service is often praised, and while a few had issues with how food was served, most agree the meals are great. Daytime activities are limited, but cruisers who enjoy port visits or relaxing by the pool, give positive reviews in Holland America ships ranked list.
Noordam may be ranked last on some lists, but most guests still speak highly of their time on board. The ship’s smaller size gives it a cozy feel, and the crew often go out of their way to remember names and favorite drinks. Travelers say public areas feel open without being too big. While some say the daytime schedule can be quiet and the nighttime shows could be better, many still praise how clean and cared-for the ship is. It still holds a solid spot in Holland America cruise ship rating results.
When it comes to choosing the best Holland America ship for you, it depends on what kind of trip you want. The newer ships are bigger and have more places to spread out, making it easy to find quiet spots or enjoy extra amenities. But many people still like the smaller, older ships. They often feel more personal, and the crew has a way of remembering names and making each guest feel welcome. Each ship has its feel, so it comes down to what matters most to you.
It’s good to keep in mind that the score differences between Holland America ships are pretty small, so no matter which one you choose, you’ll likely have a great trip. Holland America cruise ships ranked can still help because each ship has its vibe. Bigger, newer ships have more modern features and entertainment, but they usually come with a higher price tag. Older ships might feel more relaxed and personal, with the same great service and food. Your cabin choice also shapes your trip, so check out the cabin options and Holland America suite perks before you book.
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