Holland America Line's fleet isn't known for massive mega-ships with endless onboard amenities. Instead, the line focuses on modest builds that can transport guests to a wide variety of destinations around the world while prioritizing fine dining, cultural programming, and personalized service.
The cruise line was founded over 150 years ago in 1873 in Rotterdam as a shipping and passenger line. In 1989, it was purchased by Carnival Corporation, effectively making it a United States-owned cruise line.
Carnival Corporation has an impressive array of cruise brands under its umbrella, and Holland America has maintained a distinct identity by catering to travelers who appreciate a more traditional cruising experience, rather than large vessels packed bow to stern with adrenaline-pumping activities.
Holland America's 11 ships are part of four classes: Pinnacle, Signature, Vista, and Rotterdam. Their largest vessel measures just under 100,000 gross tons. Here's a breakdown of HAL's fleet by size — biggest to smallest!
MS Rotterdam (2021)
- Size: 99,836 GT
- Length: 984 feet
- Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,668
MS Nieuw Statendam (2018)
- Size: 99,836 GT
- Length: 975 feet
- Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,666
MS Koningsdam
- Size: 99,500 GT
- Length: 975 feet
- Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,650
MS Nieuw Amsterdam
- Size: 86,700 GT
- Length: 936 feet
- Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,106
MS Eurodam
- Size: 86,273 GT
- Length: 936 feet
- Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,104
MS Noordam
- Size: 86,318 GT
- Length: 936 feet
- Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 1,972
MS Westerdam
- Size: 82,348 GT
- Length: 936 feet
- Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 1,964
MS Zuiderdam
- Size: 82,318 GT
- Length: 936 feet
- Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 1,964
MS Oosterdam
- Size: 82,305 GT
- Length: 936 feet
- Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 1,964
MS Zaandam
- Size: 61,396 GT
- Length: 780 feet
- Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 1,432
MS Volendam
- Size: 61,214 GT
- Length: 780 feet
- Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 1,964
Holland America Line's biggest ship is MS Rotterdam
Technically, Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam have the same gross tonnage, measuring 99,836 GT. However, Rotterdam is longer, coming in at 984 feet in length compared to Nieuw Statendam's 975.
Rotterdam is also Holland America Line's newest ship at sea. She made her debut in 2021. That said, she isn't the first HAL ship to bear the name "Rotterdam." The original Rotterdam was launched in the early 1870s.
Initially, Rotterdam (2021) was supposed to be named Rydam. However, the sixth Rotterdam was sold during the ship's construction. As such, Holland America decided to honor its legacy by bestowing the historic name on its newest Pinnacle Class vessel.
Conversely, Holland America Line's smallest ship is Volendam. However, before mid-2019, the smallest vessel in HAL's fleet was Prinsendam, but she was sold to Phoenix Reisen and now sails as MS Amera. Prinsendam measured less than 40,000 GT.
As of June 2025, Holland America hasn't placed any orders for new vessels.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
