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Holland America Line Prepares for the Future

Maggie Blehert

Due to current pressures facing travel companies around the world, many businesses are making changes now to better prepare for the future. Holland America Line announced several changes, including the sale of four of its ships. Cruise Specialists analyzed the changes and we have more information to help you plan for your future cruises.

The four ships that were sold are:

  • Amsterdam
  • Maasdam
  • Rotterdam
  • Veendam

    cruise ship in port
    Amsterdam, in Cairns, Australia

 

In a statement, Holland America Line recognized that it is difficult to see any ship leave a fleet, especially those that have a long and storied history with their company. Those familiar with Holland America Line’s annual World Cruise will recognize Amsterdam as the most recent ship for that voyage. Indeed, thousands of Cruise Specialists clients have boarded the cherished Amsterdam over the years for this voyage and felt a special connection (our company founder, Janet Lanterman, is the godmother). Travelers also have fond memories of the other three ships – all beautiful, mid-sized ships that called on countless destinations around the world.

Impact on World Cruises
With the departure of Amsterdam, Holland America Line postponed its 2021 World Cruise until 2022 aboard Zaandam. Cruise Specialists will provide a Voyage Host for the 2022 cruise, making this our 32nd year of providing hosted voyage benefits for Holland America Line’s World Cruise. You can see details on that cruise, with the latest information we have, here.

Zaandam cruise ship
Zaandam, photo courtesy Holland America Line

Zaandam is now tied as the cruise line’s most intimate ship, carrying 1,432 guests at double occupancy. Zaandam entered service in the year 2000 and was extensively refurbished in 2018.

A Freshened-Up Future

With the departure of the four ships, we also see the future of a younger, more modernized Holland America Line fleet. It emerges with 10 cruise ships, the newest being Nieuw Statendam, which debuted in late 2018 — 11 if you count the new Rotterdam, which is scheduled to debut in 2021.

restaurant on board cruise ship
Canaletto, on board Nieuw Statendam, courtesy Susan Rios

Here are some additional fun facts about the “new” Holland America Line fleet:

  • Most passengers: the new Rotterdam — 2,668
  • Fewest passengers (tie): Volendam and Zaandam — 1,432
  • Largest suite, including verandah: 1,357 sq. ft., on board Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam
  • Number of ships refurbished since 2017: 9 (the remaining two are Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam)

Above guest counts all factor in double occupancy.

Holland America Line Onboard Staff

With the above-mentioned changes, what we continue to appreciate most is the Holland America Line staff. Their people truly do make a difference and our clients love the warm, hospitable service.

Cruise Specialists is uniquely positioned to plan your vacation with Holland America Line.

Several of our Cruise Specialists team members have worked on board Holland America Line or for its land-based team, and they have sailed or inspected its ships on a regular basis. Team members Bridgett Quinn Webber, Teresa Skeim, LynnDee King, Barbara Haenni, Gillian Clark, Marie Emanuel, Lisa Vongphachanh, Maggie Blehert, Teresa Tennant, Susan Rios and Annie Scrivanich have all inspected or sailed on the newest class of ships — the Pinnacle Class — which includes Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam. (Again, the new Rotterdam will debut in 2021.)

cruise ship lounge and cafe
Crows Nest & Explorations Café, Nieuw Statendam, courtesy Susan Rios

 

stage on cruise ship
World Stage, Koningsdam, courtesy Maggie Blehert

If you have any questions about cruising with Holland America Line, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Cruise Specialists, and we will be happy to assist you.
See upcoming Holland America Line cruises here.

More from my site

  • World and Grand Voyages on Zaandam and ZuiderdamWorld and Grand Voyages on Zaandam and Zuiderdam
  • Holland America’s Zaandam and Zuiderdam: What Are the Differences?Holland America’s Zaandam and Zuiderdam: What Are the Differences?
  • An Extra Special World Cruise Bon VoyageAn Extra Special World Cruise Bon Voyage
  • Holland America Line Announces 128-Day 2021 World CruiseHolland America Line Announces 128-Day 2021 World Cruise

Cruise FAQs, Cruise News, Cruise Specialists Benefits, General Interest, Holland America Line Cruise Reviews, Holland America World Cruise Reviews, Hosted Cruises, World Cruise Reviews

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Maggie Blehert

Her ideal travel day: venturing to a new place, learning something interesting and sharing a smile.
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Steve and Wendy Bodenheimer
Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their round the world journeys.
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Ralph Grizzle

The Avid Cruiser. Well-traveled and insightful. Helping you make informed cruise decisions.
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