Honest, First-Hand Holland America Line Cruise Reviews
If you are looking for honest, first-hand Holland America reviews, you have come to the right place. Known for classic mid-sized ships, legendary live music, and excellent culinary programs, Holland America offers a more refined, traditional cruising experience away from the neon lights of the mega-ships.
In my detailed trip reports, I share exactly what it is like to sail on HAL. I cover everything from the incredible live bands in the Music Walk to dining in the Pinnacle Grill and exploring destinations around the globe. Read my daily reviews and watch my stateroom tours below to help plan your perfect Holland America vacation!
Free Holland America Planning Tools
I've built a few free tools to help take the guesswork out of planning your next HAL voyage:
Pinnacle Class Β· 99,900 Gross Tons
Rotterdam
Launched 2021Pinnacle Class Β· Various
As the newest flagship of the fleet, my Rotterdam reviews showcase exactly how Holland America perfected the Pinnacle-class layout. My trip reports cover the incredible dining onboard, from the fresh seafood at Rudi's Sel de Mer to the amazing casual bites at the Grand Dutch Cafe. If you love live music, you will appreciate my breakdown of the Music Walk, where B.B. King's Blues Club and the Rolling Stone Rock Room keep the ship alive late into the night.
β¦ My Cruise Reviews for Rotterdam
β¨ Ship Highlights
π¬ Stateroom Tour Videos
Stateroom 1028: Family Oceanview Deck 1
Watch on YouTube
Stateroom 8114: Verandah Deck 8
Watch on YouTube
Stateroom 8188: Aft Facing Verandah Deck 8
Watch on YouTubeKoningsdam
Launched 2016Pinnacle Class Β· Various
The Koningsdam launched the modern Pinnacle Class era for Holland America, and I can't wait to share my first-hand experience! In my upcoming Koningsdam reviews, I will be covering everything this beautiful ship has to offer. I will be diving into the incredible Music Walk, testing out the 270-degree World Stage theater, and grabbing plenty of Dutch snacks at the Grand Dutch Cafe. From exploring the gorgeous Lido Pool with its retractable glass roof to indulging in the incredible Pan-Asian cuisine at Tamarind, there is so much to see. Stay tuned for my daily trip reports, stateroom tours, and dining guides from my upcoming voyage!
β¦ My Cruise Reviews for Koningsdam
β¨ Ship Highlights
Signature Class Β· 86,000 Gross Tons
Eurodam
Launched 2008Signature Class Β· Various
In my Eurodam reviews, I dive into why this first Signature-class ship remains a fan favorite. It offers a perfect middle-groundβsmall enough to never feel crowded, but large enough to host excellent dining venues like Tamarind and Canaletto. Read on to explore my stateroom tours and see how she holds up on classic itineraries!
β¦ My Cruise Reviews for Eurodam
β¨ Ship Highlights
π¬ Stateroom Tour Videos
Stateroom 6171 - Interior Deck 6
Watch on YouTubeNieuw Amsterdam
Launched 2010Signature Class Β· Various
My Nieuw Amsterdam reviews highlight the elegant New York City theme that runs throughout this gorgeous Signature-class ship. Whether you are grabbing a cocktail in the glamorous Manhattan Dining Room or relaxing by the Sea View pool, my daily reports cover all the tips and tricks you need to get the most out of this beautifully maintained vessel.
β¦ My Cruise Reviews for Nieuw Amsterdam
β¨ Ship Highlights
π¬ Stateroom Tour Videos
Stateroom 8111: Verandah Deck 8
Watch on YouTubeVista Class Β· 82,000 Gross Tons
Noordam
Launched 2006Vista Class Β· Various
In my Noordam reviews, we look at this classic Vista-class ship that shines on longer, destination-heavy itineraries. Because she carries fewer than 2,000 passengers, the service feels highly personalized. My reports cover the traditional wrap-around promenade deck, classic dining, and cozy lounges.
β¦ My Cruise Reviews for Noordam
β¨ Ship Highlights
Westerdam
Launched 2004Vista Class Β· Various
My Westerdam reviews detail the fantastic balance this ship strikes between classic cruising and modern upgrades. Since her major refit, she features the excellent Music Walk, making evenings vibrant and fun. Check out my daily logs to see what dining and entertainment you absolutely cannot miss.
β¦ My Cruise Reviews for Westerdam
β¨ Ship Highlights
Zuiderdam
Launched 2002Vista Class Β· Various
The ship that launched the Vista class! In my Zuiderdam reviews, I cover the classic charm and comfortable pacing of this ship. Often tasked with sailing HAL's legendary Grand World Voyages, she is incredibly comfortable for long-term cruising. See my stateroom tours and dining reviews below!
β¦ My Cruise Reviews for Zuiderdam
2013
β¨ Ship Highlights
π¬ Stateroom Tour Videos
Stateroom 5105 - Verandah Deck 5
Watch on YouTubeFormer Fleet Β· Retired Ships
Veendam
Launched 1996S-Class (Retired) Β· Retired
While the Veendam officially left the Holland America fleet in 2020, I have kept my legacy reviews available for those interested in cruise history! She was an incredibly charming, small S-Class ship that offered a truly intimate, classic ocean liner feel. Read back through my trip reports to revisit this beloved classic.
β¦ My Cruise Reviews for Veendam
β¨ Ship Highlights
Our Review Methodology - How We Score Cruises, Ships, and Cruise Lines
A great vacation is more than just a ship; itβs a seamless experience from the terminal to the final debarkation. To provide the most accurate ratings, I evaluate every voyage on seven key dimensions. These scores determine the rating for a specific cruise, which then feeds into a rolling average to calculate the overall 1β5 star rating for the ship and the cruise line
| Category | What We Evaluate | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Embarkation | Speed of check-in, terminal efficiency, and the muster process. | First impressions set the tone for the entire vacation. |
| Stateroom | Layout, storage, technology (USB/outlets), furnishings, and noise levels. | This is your "home" at sea; it must be functional and comfortable. |
| Dining & Food | Taste, quality, and service in the MDR, buffet, and specialty restaurants. | We rate every food outlet individually to find the best value for your money. |
| Service | Attentiveness of cabin stewards, bartenders, waitstaff, and senior officers. | Great service can elevate a budget cruise to a premium experience. |
| Entertainment | Engagement level, production quality (Broadway vs. amateur), and variety. | You should never be bored, but you should not feel overwhelmed either. |
| Vibe & Guests | The passenger mix, age, activity level, and the general atmosphere onboard. | The crowd you sail with can make or break the daily "vibe" of the ship. |
| Debarkation | Organization and speed from the ship to the curb on the final morning. | A chaotic "hot mess" at the end can ruin a great week. |
The "Rolling Average" Guarantee: One bad cruise won't tank a line's rating, but consistent issues will. My ratings are ever-changing and based on real-world experiences to ensure you have the most current data for your 2026 planning.
