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 recently announced several changes, including that four of its ships will leave the fleet this year. Cruise Specialists analyzed the changes and we have more information to help you plan for your future cruises.
The four ships are:
- Amsterdam
- Maasdam
- Rotterdam
- Veendam
Amsterdam, in Cairns, Australia
According to Holland America Line, the ships are being sold in pairs, with Maasdam and Veendam transferring to a different company in August, and Amsterdam and Rotterdam departing in fall 2020.
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 and has begun plans for the 2022 World Cruise to follow a route nearly identical to what was planned for 2021; this time aboard Zaandam. Cruise Specialists intends to once again 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. We have also secured offers with other cruise lines for those who wish to see the world in 2021. Please contact Cruise Specialists for those details.
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.
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, 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.)
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.
