Holland America isn’t one of the biggest cruise lines in the world, but it’s still pretty impressive that they have such a strong global presence.
Seriously, these guys sail to every single continent and are a top pick if you're looking to cruise to Alaska, Hawaii, Oceania, South America, or Europe. Of course, they need a solid fleet to pull that off, but you might be surprised to hear they only have 11 ships. That’s way less than a line like Royal Caribbean, which has 28 ships.
Holland America offers a very intimate and chill cruise experience. Even their biggest ships are still about 65% smaller than something like Icon of the Seas. You won’t find any wild entertainment onboard - no waterslides, roller coasters or giant metal arms swinging you over the ocean. These ships are made for travelers who want to relax, enjoy amazing food, explore incredible destinations, and maybe share a romantic escape with the love of their life.
Holland America offers 4 classes of ships:
- Pinnacle Class (2016)
- Signature Class (2008)
- Vista Class (2002)
- R Class (1999)
Remember, we can help you choose the right ship and itinerary for your next adventure. Just click that Request a Quote button and let’s chat! It’s totally free to contact us, so let’s start planning your next vacation and get you on board one of the most unique and unforgettable cruise lines in the world.
With that said, let's check out the available ship classes!
Pinnacle Class
- Ships: Koningsdam (2016), Nieuw Statendam (2018), Rotterdam (2021)
- Price: 12-Day Eastern Caribbean St. Lucia Cruise for $1,550 per guest onboard Rotterdam.
Pinnacle Class is the newest and most advanced in the Holland America fleet. These beauties are around 99,500 tons and can carry up to 2,650 guests. Pinnacle Class is your go-to if you want all the bells and whistles without losing that classy Holland America vibe. It’s sophisticated fun with a modern edge.
The Pinnacle Class ships are the definition of “newer is better.” They’ve got more dining venues, more entertainment options, more bars, and more stage shows than the rest of the fleet. These are Holland America’s most expensive ships, but they’re also considered the best.
What Makes It Unique
- Get ready to see the stunning World Stage theater with 270-degree LED screens.
- Five different specialty restaurants
- Lots of venues for those that enjoy good music, like the B.B. King's Blues Club.
- More family-friendly features like Club HAL and family staterooms.
Pros
- Modern, high-tech ships with a sleek design.
- Fantastic food and entertainment variety.
- Great for multigenerational cruising.
Cons
- Larger crowds than other classes.
- More expensive.
Signature Class
- Ships: Eurodam (2008), Nieuw Amsterdam (2010)
- Price: 14-Day Eastern & Western Caribbean San Juan & Mexico Cruise for $1350 per guest onboard Eurodam.
Signature Class ships are about 20% smaller than the Pinnacle Class and don’t offer quite as many amenities. You’ll also find fewer dining options… usually one less bar, café, and signature restaurant compared to the bigger ships.
That said, the overall vibe is pretty similar. These ships still feel intimate and elegant, and the best part? You can save a nice chunk of change by choosing a Signature Class ship over a Pinnacle Class one.
What Makes It Unique
- More specialty dining options compared to older vessels
- Expanded spa and wellness areas.
Pros
- Excellent for couples and food lovers.
- Great combo of service offered & price.
Cons
- Not quite as shiny as the latest ships.
Vista Class
- Ships: Zuiderdam (2002), Oosterdam (2003), Westerdam (2004), Noordam (2006).
- Price: 14-Day Denali & Yukon Cruise for $2,300 per guest onboard Noordam.
Vista Class ships carry around 1,900 passengers and come in at about 82,000 tons. They strike a sweet balance between traditional cruising and modern comforts. They’re just a bit smaller than Signature Class ships but carry about 10% fewer passengers. Onboard, you'll find two signature restaurants and fun venues like the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard.
These ships offer a more intimate cruising experience and can reach unique destinations like Alaska and even Antarctica.
What Makes It Unique
- Very focused in Alaska
- Includes Signature cooking shows and mixology classes.
Pros
- Great entertainment options, especially music-themed venues.
- Spacious cabins and plenty of verandah staterooms.
- Good choice for first-time Holland America cruisers.
Cons
- Can feel a little busy during peak seasons.
- Not as high-tech or flashy as newer ships.
R Class
- Ships: Volendam (1999), Zaandam (2000)
- Price: 11-Day Denali & Yukon Cruise for $1000 per guest onboard Zaandam.
There we have it, folks - the smallest ships in the current fleet, coming in at around 61,000 tons and holding about 1,432 passengers. If you're not into big crowds and prefer a quieter, more intimate vibe, the R-Class is calling your name. These ships are more about the destinations you visit than what’s onboard.
Volendam focuses on Canada, New England, South America, and World Voyages, while Zaandam is all about Alaska, Oceania, Asia, and Antarctica. Their smaller size also means they can stop at some pretty unique and off-the-beaten-path ports.
What Makes It Unique
- Smaller size means access to more off-the-beaten-path ports.
- Classic nautical charm with lots of teak wood and traditional design.
Pros
- Cozy and intimate atmosphere.
- Great for longer or more exotic itineraries.
- Good Prices.
Cons
- Fewer dining options and amenities.
- Older ships with less glitz and glam.
Conclusion
We hope you had fun reading this guide! In practice, the differences between ship classes aren’t huge. Think of it this way: the newer classes offer a few more dining spots and bars, but the service and food are excellent across the entire fleet.
Our recommendation? Start by picking the destination you’re most excited about, then check which ships sail there. And of course, we at Famvia can help you with that! Just send us a message and let’s plan that Holland America vacation together!
