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Holland America Line - General Information
Holland America Line is probably the most historic and traditional cruise line on the seas today. A Cruise Line well ensconced in the Premium class, it boasts many awards and accolades and has been consistently chosen as one of the Highest Rated Cruise Lines by Conde Naste Traveler Readers Choice Awards.
The first Holland America Line ship, ms Rotterdam, set sail between Holland and New York in 1873 and today the line boasts a fleet of 15 ships sailing all around the globe. Commonly known as the ‘dam’ ships (as attested by the many T Shirts and Sweat Shirts sold onboard), all the ship names have the suffix ‘dam’ from the smaller S Class vessels like ms Ryndam; to the latest Vista and Signature class ships, like ms Oosterdam and ms Nieuw Amsterdam and of course there is the intimate ms Prinsendam, the ‘Elegant Explorer’, carrying only 793 passengers. .
The Vista & Signature Class ships are larger and offer more extensive onboard amenities including more dining options, mid-ship outside glass elevators offering panoramic sea views, larger spa facilities, an expanded Kid’s program and more spacious staterooms with over 65% being verandah staterooms.
The Cruise Line has numerous traditions that are apparent throughout the fleet, and the ships, although they all carry an individual decorating theme, have a pleasant consistency that allows their many long time and repeat clients to feel comfortable and at home aboard any one of their vessels, old or new.
Holland America Line offers one of the most varied fleet schedules — its ships sail to over 300 ports of call on all seven continents, with itineraries that are more diverse than most cruise lines. They also offer a yearly world cruise, called the "Grand World Voyage"
In 2006 Holland America Line launched its “Signature of Excellence” program and has since spent over $225 million to enhance the fleet including guest accommodations, public areas, dining, service and enrichment programs. Some of the new features include a Culinary Arts Center for cooking classes and demonstrations; an expanded Speakers Program, Greenhouse Spas with exclusive treatments, 24 hour concierge service for Suite guests and more extensive youth programs.
Stateroom enhancements include completely renovated bathrooms, new Lanai and Spa Staterooms, flat screen TVs, Mariner Dream Beds and high quality cotton bed linens.
In its effort to embrace families, all of the ships now have expanded children's facilities including dedicated teen lounges, "parent-free zones" with computers, conversation areas and gaming stations for ages 13 – 17. The children’s "Club HAL" programs are divided into three age groups: 3 - 5, 5 - 8 and 9 - 12.
Noted for focusing on passenger comfort, the Holland America Line ships are classic in design and style and even with an infusion of younger adults and families onboard, the Cruise Line remains refined, without being stuffy or stodgy. The cruise experience delivered by Holland America Line appeals to discerning cruisers who prefer mid-sized ships, personalized service, five-star dining and a sophisticated ambiance throughout the public areas and individual staterooms.
- Mariner Society Rewards Program
What is the Signature of Excellence?
Holland America Line's Tradition of Excellence® requires an ongoing commitment to product and service enhancements.
What does this mean? A HUGE investment in their ships and staff. Over $225 million in the past 5 years.
Enhancements to the overall Holland America Experience focus on five areas:
- spacious, elegant ships and accommodations
- sophisticated five-star dining
- impeccable service levels
- enrichment programs and activities
- a selection of unique worldwide itineraries
