A guide to the four classes of Holland America ships.

Among the major cruise lines, Holland America offers one of the easiest fleets to navigate.

This historic cruise line from Seattle operates 11 ships that can be categorized into four distinct groups.

Each of these categories, referred to as "classes" in the cruise industry, consists of ships built during the same period and sharing a similar design. Knowing one ship in a class means you’ll understand the others.

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An overview of Holland America ships

In 2020, Holland America significantly reduced its fleet by retiring four ships. Nevertheless, it remains one of the seven major lines that dominate the cruising preferences of North Americans, with 11 ships providing nearly 23,000 berths.

Generally, Holland America operates large vessels, but they are not as expansive as those from the other six major lines catering to North American travelers. In fact, within certain cruising circles, Holland America's ships are often categorized as "midsize" (as opposed to large vessels).

Holland America's largest ships weigh around 100,000 tons, which makes them approximately 60% smaller than the largest vessels operated by Royal Caribbean and about 40% smaller than those from Norwegian Cruise Line.

Some of Holland America's ships weigh only 61,000 tons, comparable to certain vessels from more expensive upscale lines like Oceania Cruises or Azamara.

This translates to a more personal cruise experience on a typical Holland America ship compared to those from competitors like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises. You'll encounter fewer passengers and less crowded venues.

On the downside, Holland America's ships typically offer fewer venues and amenities than those of its larger competitors. If you're seeking a massive, vibrant megaship filled with every imaginable entertainment option, Holland America may not be the right choice.

Unlike certain lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, Holland America maintains a consistent design approach across its ship classes.

Instead, Holland America opts for gradual design enhancements with new ship classes. For example, you'll notice many similarities between Holland America's Pinnacle Class and Signature Class, and both classes will feel closely related to the earlier Vista Class.

Generally, Holland America's largest and most feature-rich ships are also its newest. If you want a cruise experience filled with the maximum number of onboard activities and facilities, you should consider the vessels in its latest Pinnacle Class.

For those aiming for the most intimate cruising experience, the R Class, Holland America's oldest ships, would be the ideal choice.

Pinnacle Class

Class ships include: Rotterdam (2021); Nieuw Statendam (2018); Koningsdam (2016)

Dimensions: Ranging from 99,500 to 99,863 tons

If you believe that newer ships are superior, then the Pinnacle Class from Holland America is perfect for you.

All three ships in Holland America's Pinnacle Class have been introduced since 2016, making them the youngest vessels in the entire Holland America fleet.

These ships are also the largest in the Holland America fleet, offering a wider array of amenities as a result.

Importantly, each of the three Pinnacle Class ships features not only a main dining room and a casual buffet, but also five distinct specialty dining options. Choices range from a pan-Asian restaurant and an Italian venue to a steakhouse, surpassing what's available on other Holland America ships.

Pinnacle Class ships feature all of Holland America's signature entertainment venues, a distinction not shared by the line's older ships.

On Pinnacle Class vessels, you can enjoy an entertainment hub that includes a Billboard Onboard music venue (where a live pianist plays popular hits), a Rolling Stone Lounge (featuring a live classic rock band), and a B.B. King's Blues Club (offering Memphis-style rhythm and blues).

This setup typically means there are at least three venues open each night for dancing on Pinnacle Class ships—a feature absent on other Holland America ships. If you enjoy dancing, these ships are ideal for you, especially with the spacious wooden dance floor at B.B. King's Blues Club, along with smaller wooden dance floors at the Rolling Stone Lounge and Ocean Bar.

Dancing enthusiasts on cruise ships appreciate that these dance floors are made of wood rather than tile, which is common on some other cruise lines.

The Pinnacle Class ships also boast impressive, state-of-the-art main theaters equipped with push-out stages and two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screens. These theaters host a variety of music, dance, and comedy performances.

The top decks of Pinnacle Class ships feature main pool areas that can be covered by a retractable glass magrodome in case of bad weather. This makes them an excellent option for cruises in destinations where weather can be unpredictable. Additionally, these pool areas include a large screen for movie screenings, a unique offering of the Pinnacle Class.

Each Pinnacle Class ship also features a secondary SeaView Pool and lounge area located at the rear of the vessel.

Moreover, every Pinnacle Class ship is equipped with a spa, a casino, and an additional fee outdoor lounge area known as The Retreat — a feature that was first introduced with this class. These ships also include Holland America's first ocean-view cabins designed for solo travelers and families.

Each Pinnacle Class ship is designed to accommodate 2,650 passengers at double occupancy.

Signature Class

Class ships include: Nieuw Amsterdam (2010); Eurodam (2008)

Dimensions: 86,700 and 86,273 tons, respectively

Weighing in at approximately 87,000 tons, the Signature Class vessels are about 15% smaller than the Pinnacle Class ships, offering a more intimate atmosphere.

They also feature slightly fewer amenities.

Similar to the Pinnacle Class ships, both Signature Class vessels — Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam — feature live music entertainment at a Billboard Onboard venue and a Rolling Stone Lounge. However, unlike the Pinnacle Class, these ships do not have a B.B. King's Blues Club. Instead, live music is offered at an additional venue called Third Avenue West.

Onboard, you will find three to four specialty restaurants that charge extra. Each vessel includes Holland America's signature dining options like the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse, Canaletto for Italian cuisine, and Tamarind for pan-Asian dishes. Unlike the Pinnacle Class, the Signature Class ships do not feature Rudi's Sel De Mer, a brasserie created by renowned chef Rudi Sodamin, nor do they have a Grand Dutch Cafe.

However, Nieuw Amsterdam now hosts a new restaurant by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, called Morimoto by Sea, while Eurodam features a pop-up version of this restaurant. Both options are available for dinner only.

Despite having different dining venues and music spaces, the Signature Class ships maintain a similar look and feel to their Pinnacle Class counterparts.

Like their Pinnacle Class siblings, Signature Class ships have main pool areas that can be sheltered by retractable glass magrodomes during poor weather, along with secondary pool areas located at the back of the ships.

These ships are built to accommodate approximately 2,100 passengers at double occupancy.

Vista Class

Ships in the series: Noordam (2006); Westerdam (2004); Oosterdam (2003); Zuiderdam (2002)

Dimensions: Ranging from 82,305 to 82,348 tons

This class consists of four vessels, making it the largest group of Holland America ships. Consequently, it’s the class you’re most likely to experience on a cruise.

In terms of size, these vessels are slightly smaller than the Signature Class, being about 5% less in size. However, they are designed to carry approximately 9% fewer passengers at double occupancy, resulting in a less crowded atmosphere compared to the Signature Class.

Their reduced size means there are a few fewer amenities available, though.

For instance, each of the four Vista Class ships features only two specialty dining options: Holland America's renowned Pinnacle Grill steakhouse and the Italian restaurant Canaletto. Unlike the Signature Class, there is no pan-Asian dining option available.

Three of the four ships — Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, and Westerdam — also host a Morimoto by Sea pop-up restaurant.

The main entertainment options on the Vista Class vessels are akin to those found on Signature Class ships, featuring a live music area with a Rolling Stone Lounge and a Billboard Onboard venue.

All of these ships also include a Third Avenue West music venue.

Similar to the Pinnacle and Signature Class ships, the Vista Class vessels boast main pool areas that can be sheltered by retractable glass magrodomes during bad weather, along with secondary pool areas at the rear.

R Class

Ships in the series: Zaandam (2000); Volendam (1999)

Dimensions: 61,396 and 61,214 tons, respectively

The R Class vessels are approximately 25% to 38% smaller than the other ships in the Holland America fleet, providing a cozier atmosphere.

Due to their reduced size, they offer fewer features and amenities compared to other Holland America classes, especially the newer Pinnacle and Signature classes.

Overall, R Class ships are favored by cruisers seeking a more intimate cruising experience, particularly appealing to those who prioritize the destinations over onboard attractions.

In this regard, Holland America frequently assigns the R Class ships to its more remote, destination-focused itineraries, including extensive around-the-world cruises.

For example, in the fall of 2025, Zaandam is set to embark on a remarkable 56-day South Pacific cruise from Vancouver, B.C., visiting over 20 island ports, from Hawaii to Fiji.

In early 2026, Volendam will undertake a 132-day globe-circling journey that will touch all seven continents — a rarity for world cruises. This itinerary will feature significant stops in South America and Northern Europe, which can be challenging to arrange on an around-the-world cruise.

Despite their smaller size, the R Class ships provide the same number of pool areas (two) as their larger counterparts, including one pool area sheltered by a retractable glass magrodome.

Each vessel features two specialty dining options: Holland America's renowned Pinnacle Grill steakhouse and the Italian restaurant Canaletto. Additionally, both offer a Morimoto by Sea pop-up dining experience.

On the R Class ships, entertainment options include a main World Stage theater for performances, a piano bar, and a string ensemble that plays onboard.

In summary

The Holland America fleet is quite straightforward. There are only four types of ships within the fleet, and generally, they share many similarities.

Holland America is committed to delivering a consistent experience across its ships, refraining from making drastic changes with each new class of vessels introduced.

The primary distinction among the four classes of ships lies in their size. If you prefer larger ships with more amenities, the new Pinnacle Class will likely appeal to you. Conversely, if you favor a more intimate cruising experience, the R Class vessels may be your best choice.