Holland America Line Best & Worst Ships

Holland America’s Best: The Shimmering Stars of the Fleet

Let’s kick things off with the Holland America gems that make you go, “Why can’t all cruises be this fabulous?” Leading the pack is the Nieuw Statendam. This Pinnacle-class beauty has been wowing guests since it debuted in 2018. With a capacity of 2,666 passengers, it finds that sweet spot between intimacy and variety—a balance for those not into floating cities. The ship’s decor is a blend of sleek modernity and classic elegance, with a dazzling live music scene that’ll have you dancing like it’s your first cruise.

The sister ship Koningsdam is another jewel in Holland America’s crown. This ship also boasts the modern Pinnacle-class design and amenities that set the Nieuw Statendam apart. These ships are leaders in CDC inspection scores, often showing up in our cleanliness rankings. With top-notch sanitation and a robust maintenance schedule, they set the standard pretty high.

When Old School Becomes Old Hat: The Ships to Avoid

On the other end of the spectrum, we have the Volendam and the Zaandam. Built in the late ’90s, these vessels might have been the talk of the dock back in their heyday, but now they just scream “senior citizen.” With capacities around 1,432 passengers, they’re smaller but not necessarily cozier. Their CDC inspection scores have been mediocre at best, and if you ask anyone who’s been on them recently, they’ll probably tell you about the peeling wallpaper and those sketchy carpets.

It’s not just about aesthetics; these ships often pop up on our Outbreak Tracker. Nothing kills a cruise vibe faster than a norovirus outbreak, am I right? If you’re planning to set sail with Holland America, maybe give these grandpas a pass.

New vs. Old: A Tale of Two Fleets

Comparing the newest and oldest ships in Holland America’s fleet is like comparing a smartphone to a rotary phone. The Rotterdam, launched in 2021, is the fleet’s youngest and is essentially a floating ode to modern cruising. It comes equipped with all the fancy bells and whistles, like improved energy efficiency and updated cabins that make you forget you’re in the middle of the ocean.

On the flip side, we have the Volendam and Zaandam again, which seem to be stuck in the ’90s time capsule. Sure, they offer a certain nostalgic charm, but unless you’re yearning for a yesteryear experience, you might want to stick with the fresh faces of the fleet.

Refurbishments: A Face-lift or a Band-Aid?

Holland America isn’t just sitting on its laurels; they know ships need a little TLC. Many of their older vessels, like the Rotterdam and Amsterdam, have undergone refurbishments. These revamps aim to bring these ships into the 21st century with refreshed interiors, tech upgrades, and improved dining options.

But let’s be real: a facelift can only do so much. The older ships may have received some modern touches, but they still can’t compete with the younger ships built from the hull up with today’s technology and design trends.

CDC Scores: The Crystal-Clear Truth

Nothing screams “trustworthy source” like a CDC inspection score, and Holland America’s fleet is a mixed bag here. Their newer ships tend to score very well, often landing them in our coveted cleanliness rankings. But ships like the Volendam and Zaandam sometimes struggle to keep up, with scores that hover closer to the minimum passing grade than you’d like.

We constantly update our ship database with the latest CDC scores, so you can make an informed decision before booking. After all, nobody wants to be the star of an outbreak documentary during their vacation.