In addition to its cruise business, Holland America Line also owns a number of resorts in the Bahamas, including Half Moon Cay on the island of Petite San Salvador. The company also owns a hotel, bus companies: the Gray Line in Alaska and in Seattle, and a railroad. Today, the company is a benchmark in the cruise business, offering expeditions aboard its 5-star liners, considered veritable floating hotels. The company's ships can be recognized by their white lines and dark blue hulls.
Positioning and key figures
Holland America Line is one of the world's oldest cruise lines. It boasts 140 years of experience. Its fleet comprises 15 ships divided into 5 classes. Holland America Line's liners have a number of features in common, including teak decks, spacious private balconies, and windows designed to take in the breathtaking sea views. The Holland America Line fleet also benefited from the Signature of Excellence project between 2002 and 2008. This project financed several improvements to cabins and common areas. Each year, the company's 15 ships register over 500 departures from ports around the world, carrying a total of 700,000 passengers.
Holland America Line offers top-of-the-range cruising with impeccable service quality. Staff are highly professional in their field. When it comes to gastronomy, 6 world-class chefs head the ships' restaurants. Alaskan salmon is cooked at each ship's Pinnacle Grill, while Asian specialties are offered at Tamarind. Canaletto offers Italian specialties, while Grand Dutch Café serves Dutch cuisine. The cruise's upscale character is also reflected in the comfort of the cabins, which are equipped with a king-size bed, TV with DVD player, hydromassage shower, safe and bathtub. Depending on the category, cabins can be upgraded to include an additional bathtub or lounge area.
The ultimate in infrastructure on Holland America Line ships is the HAL Club, for children aged 3 to 17. Young guests have access to a variety of play areas and activities. Activities include treasure hunts, creative workshops and pajama parties for the little ones. For teenagers, there are video game competitions, sports activities, dance and cooking classes. A day-care service is also available. Evening entertainment, a discotheque, a casino and several concerts ensure pleasant moments of relaxation and entertainment. Golf and tennis lessons are available on the Oosterdam, Prinsendam, Westerdam and Zuiderdam boats.
Main ships
Among Holland America Line's 15 ships, the MS Amsterdam and MS Eurodam are the benchmarks. The MS Volendam received awards of excellence in 2005, as did the MS Zaandam. The MS Eurodam is a Signature Class ship. It can carry up to 2,104 passengers, pampered by a crew of 929. The ship has 11 decks. Its distinctive spaces include a large lounge with panoramic views and a pan-Asian restaurant. Its auditorium has recently been refurbished. Passengers can also enjoy a collection of Dutch art, including masterpieces.
MS Amsterdam is the company's newest ship. It also belongs to the Signature class. This liner is capable of carrying 1,300 passengers and is one of the most highly rated in the cruise business. The MS Volendam is a little more atypical. It was built around a garden theme. Fresh, natural flowers are scattered throughout the ship. Floral motifs are also featured in the upholstery and on the fabrics. The MS Volendam can carry 1,432 passengers. A collection of pre-Columbian and Renaissance art - with elements imported directly from Italy - also delights art lovers traveling on the MS Volendam.
Main destinations served by the company
Holland America Line has a number of favorite destinations. These include the Far North, where you can discover the great glaciers and places characteristic of the gold rush era. The company also specializes in Alaska, for a cruise focused on cultural discovery. In the Far North, travelers can also discover the Canadian coast and New England and their history.
Holland America Line also offers itineraries in exotic locations, including Bermuda, Tahiti and Hawaii. These itineraries are especially aimed at fans of far-flung destinations. The company also organizes several trips to Australia and New Zealand. Ships call at the cosmopolitan city of Sydney, or discover Maori culture in Timaru and Geelong. The Milford Sound fjords are also on the itinerary. South America, the Caribbean and Panama are