Holland America Line satisfies a very specific niche in the cruise world, and honestly, it’s one of the reasons I like them so much. HAL is upscale without pretending it’s a luxury line, calm without being boring, and more focused on ports, food, service, and actual cruising than on zip lines, bumper cars, or whatever floating amusement park feature is currently waiting to be announced in a press release.
It’s also one of my favorite cruise lines and one I’ve sailed more than most, so I know the HAL vibe pretty well. The Indonesian and Filipino crew culture, the music venues, the Pinnacle Grill addiction, the promenade decks, the quieter pace, and yes, the feeling of being on a cruise where you’re not running from activity to activity, or running from an overwhelming mass of people.
But this ranking is not based on my personal favorites or my own cruise history. To keep things as objective as possible, we pulled member review scores from Cruise Critic and Cruiseline.com for all 11 ships currently sailing under the Holland America flag. We used reviews from June 2025 through June 2026, then weighted the scores by review volume to create a current ranking of the fleet.
That review window matters. This isn’t an all-time score where a ship gets credit forever because people hated it seven years ago, but love it today. Ships age, crews change, drydocks happen, and cutbacks have a way of sneaking into the experience like an uninvited guest at afternoon tea.
One thing worth noting upfront: HAL’s fleet has a much narrower spread than some other cruise lines. The difference between the highest and lowest combined score is only about 0.31 points. You’re not going to find a truly terrible HAL ship here. The brand standards and crew culture are too consistent for that. What you will find are differences in ship condition, class, recent refurbishment history, and how happy longtime HAL Mariners are with each ship right now.
A recurring theme across recent reviews is hard to ignore: longtime Mariners mentioning MDR food quality, reduced staffing, and cutbacks to things that used to define the HAL experience. That’s not me picking on HAL. Again, I genuinely like this line. But liking something doesn’t mean pretending every plate of food descended from the heavens while a string quartet played in the background.
The Holland America Fleet in 2026
HAL currently operates 11 ships across three broad groups. The Pinnacle-class ships, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam, are the newest and most feature-rich. The Signature-class ships, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam, hit that very comfortable middle ground that a lot of HAL fans love. Then you have the Vista and Rotterdam-class ships, the older workhorses that still handle many of the port-heavy itineraries. Some are showing their age, because time remains undefeated, but older does not automatically mean worse. Plus, Holland America recently announced a major fleet revitalization program, starting with Oosterdam, which is going to totally change the older ships in the fleet.
All Holland America Line Ships Ranked: Quick Reference
| # | Ship | Class | CC Score | CL Score | Combined | Primary Homeport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rotterdam | Pinnacle | 3.8 / 5.0 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.18 | Fort Lauderdale / Rotterdam |
| 2 | Nieuw Statendam | Pinnacle | 3.7 / 5.0 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.11 | Fort Lauderdale / Rotterdam |
| 3 | Eurodam | Signature | 4.0 / 5.0 | 4.1 / 5.0 | 4.05 | Seattle / Fort Lauderdale |
| 4 | Zaandam | Rotterdam | 4.0 / 5.0 | 4.0 / 5.0 | 4.00 | Vancouver / San Diego |
| 5 | Oosterdam | Vista | 3.9 / 5.0 | 4.1 / 5.0 | 3.99 | Fort Lauderdale / Barcelona |
| 6 | Nieuw Amsterdam | Signature | 3.8 / 5.0 | 4.2 / 5.0 | 3.98 | San Diego / Vancouver |
| 7 (tied) | Koningsdam | Pinnacle | 3.7 / 5.0 | 4.3 / 5.0 | 3.94 | San Diego / Vancouver |
| 7 (tied) | Noordam | Vista | 3.9 / 5.0 | 4.0 / 5.0 | 3.94 | Singapore / Asia-Pacific |
| 7 (tied) | Zuiderdam | Vista | 3.9 / 5.0 | 4.0 / 5.0 | 3.94 | Fort Lauderdale / Miami |
| 10 | Westerdam | Vista | 3.9 / 5.0 | 3.9 / 5.0 | 3.90 | Singapore / Asia-Pacific |
| 11 | Volendam | Rotterdam | 3.8 / 5.0 | 4.0 / 5.0 | 3.87 | Boston / Montreal / Rotterdam |
Combined scores are weighted by number of reviews on each platform. CC = Cruise Critic member score; CL = Cruiseline.com score. Review window: June 2025 through June 2026.
The Rankings, Ship by Ship
A few patterns jump out before we get into the ship-by-ship breakdown. First, the fleet is tightly grouped. There is only about a 0.31-point spread from top to bottom, so this is not a ranking where one ship is amazing and another should come with a warning label.
Second, the newer Pinnacle-class ships do very well with the broader Cruiseline.com audience, but Cruise Critic’s more experienced, and oftentimes overly critical, HAL regulars are tougher on them. If you’ve spent years loving the smaller, quieter HAL ships, the newer ships can feel a little more modern, a little more crowded, and a little less like the Holland America many long time Mariners fell in love with.
Third, Eurodam and Zaandam, both older ships, tie for the highest Cruise Critic member scores in the fleet. Once again, smaller and older ships with loyal followings are quietly sitting in the corner saying, “See? We told you bigger wasn’t always better.”
#1: Rotterdam 4.18
CC: 3.8 (194 reviews) | CL: 4.4 (339 reviews) | Class: Pinnacle | Homeport: Fort Lauderdale / Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the newest ship in the HAL fleet, and it takes the top spot here. That’s not exactly shocking. Newer ship, fresher spaces, more modern design, and fewer years of passengers lovingly abusing every carpet, chair, and buffet station will usually help.
The split in the reviews is pretty easy to understand. New-to-HAL cruisers and people coming from other lines tend to love Rotterdam. Longtime HAL folks are more critical, because longtime HAL folks have memories, expectations, and Mariner pins that have seen things. They praise the crew, especially cabin stewards, but some feel the ship is a little less cozy and a little more corporate than the older fleet.
Food quality in the main dining room gets more mixed feedback, which is a recurring HAL theme right now. Still, if you want the newest, freshest version of Holland America and you don’t mind the larger Pinnacle-class footprint, Rotterdam is the easy top pick.
What did I rank Rotterdam? A respectable 4.5.
#2: Nieuw Statendam 4.11
CC: 3.7 (356 reviews) | CL: 4.4 (499 reviews) | Class: Pinnacle | Homeport: Fort Lauderdale / Rotterdam
Nieuw Statendam is another Pinnacle-class ship, which means it’s modern, good-looking, and packed with the newer HAL music and dining venues. It also means it gets some side-eye from HAL traditionalists who prefer their ships a little smaller, a little quieter, and maybe a little less “designed by committee after three focus groups.”
The Cruise Critic score is one of the lowest in the HAL fleet, but context matters. A lot of those reviewers are experienced HAL cruisers comparing it to the older ships, and that comparison isn’t always kind. Complaints include noisy cabins, main dining room crowding without Club Orange, and a feeling that some of the classic HAL personality got traded for something sleeker but less memorable.
On the other hand, people who like Nieuw Statendam really like it. Neptune Suites, Club Orange dining, the music venues, and the overall operation get praise. This is a good ship. It just may not be the ship that makes a longtime HAL fan clutch their Mariner medallion and whisper, “Now this is Holland America.”
#3: Eurodam 4.05
CC: 4.0 (1,264 reviews) | CL: 4.1 (1,169 reviews) | Class: Signature | Homeport: Seattle / Fort Lauderdale
Eurodam is one of the most interesting ships in this ranking, and not just because I have a soft spot for HAL’s Signature-class ships. It has one of the strongest Cruise Critic scores in the fleet and a huge review base, which means this isn’t one of those “three people are too nit picky” situations.
Eurodam does well because experienced HAL cruisers love what it offers: the perfect size, strong service, and a ship that feels like Holland America without trying too hard. That said, the reviews aren’t all love letters. Some recent passengers mention age, maintenance issues, sewage smells in some areas, and air conditioning problems. So yes, she’s liked. She’s also due for some spa time.
The important part is this: even with those condition complaints, Eurodam still scores extremely well with the experienced HAL crowd. That says a lot about what loyal HAL cruisers actually value. Spoiler alert: it’s not always the newest carpet.
How did I rank Eurodam? A fair and balanced 3.5.
#4: Zaandam 4.00
CC: 4.0 (588 reviews) | CL: 4.0 (490 reviews) | Class: Rotterdam | Homeport: Vancouver / San Diego
Zaandam is the kind of ship that reminds you why some people still love smaller vessels. It’s older, yes. It doesn’t have every modern bell and whistle, no one is confusing it with a floating resort city, and that’s exactly the point.
Both review platforms agree on Zaandam at 4.0, which is rare and useful. Reviewers see a classic HAL ship with an unhurried feel, spacious interiors, and a proper wraparound teak promenade deck. That last one matters. Some of us still like ships where you can walk outside without feeling like you’re trespassing through a revenue-generating cabana zone.
The limitations are real. There are fewer balconies, the main dining room can be slow, and the ship shows its age in places. But the people who get Zaandam really get it, especially on Alaska and longer itineraries.
If you want classic HAL and don’t need every modern amenity, Zaandam may be one of the most quietly appealing ships in the fleet.
#5: Oosterdam 3.99
CC: 3.9 (1,155 reviews) | CL: 4.1 (914 reviews) | Class: Vista | Homeport: Fort Lauderdale / Barcelona
Oosterdam is the Vista-class ship that draws some of HAL’s most adventurous itineraries, Antarctica, South America, transatlantic, Mediterranean, and its combined score of 3.99 reflects a ship that generally delivers on those big voyages. The CC score of 3.9 is the middle of the HAL CC range, and the Cruiseline.com score of 4.1 reflects broader satisfaction from the mix of experienced HAL regulars and first-timers who sail its varied routes.
Recent reviews flag the ship’s age prominently. Multiple June 2025 through June 2026 reviewers mention Neptune Suite bathrooms that “desperately need upgrading,” stained veranda cushions, and a ship that “looks tired.” Against that, the crew on Oosterdam draws consistent praise and the food in the MDR and Pinnacle Grill is well-reviewed. The Cruiseline.com 2026 rankings placed Oosterdam at the top of HAL’s fleet specifically, which reflects the platform’s audience appreciating the itinerary diversity.
It’s important to note, that Oosterdam is the ship to undergo the previously mentioned fleet revitalization program and will sail her first cruise with her new look in Fall 2027.
#6: Nieuw Amsterdam 3.98
CC: 3.8 (1,028 reviews) | CL: 4.2 (837 reviews) | Class: Signature | Homeport: San Diego / Vancouver
Nieuw Amsterdam is the sister ship to Eurodam and sails a different kind of itinerary, mostly Mexican Riviera from San Diego and Alaska from Vancouver, with South Pacific sailings as well. The Mexican Riviera routes draw a different demographic than Alaska or Caribbean, and recent CC reviews from those sailings are notably mixed.
The most helpful recent reviews come from experienced cruisers returning to HAL after years away, who consistently describe a line “not what it used to be.” Embarkation delays, staffing thinness in the MDR, and food quality that falls below their memory of HAL’s standard are the most common complaints. Against that, the crew itself is praised almost universally, reviewers who find HAL declining at the product level rarely fault the individual crew members. Good pick for Mexican Riviera and Alaska itineraries from West Coast homeports.
How did I rank Nieuw Amsterdam? Pretty close to everyone else at 4.0.
#7 (Tied): Koningsdam, Noordam, Zuiderdam 3.94
Koningsdam: CC 3.7 (979) | CL 4.3 (640) – Pacific/Alaska – just refurbished
Noordam: CC 3.9 (880) | CL 4.0 (575) – Asia/South Pacific/Alaska
Zuiderdam: CC 3.9 (1,089) | CL 4.0 (812) – Caribbean/New England
Koningsdam is the first Pinnacle-class ship (launched 2016) and just completed a major refurbishment in early 2026. The fresh-out-of-drydock reviews in April and May 2026 are noticeably better than the mid-2025 reviews that preceded it, suggesting the refurb addressed real issues. Its 3.7 CC score is the lowest in the fleet along with Nieuw Statendam, both reflect experienced HAL regulars finding the Pinnacle-class layout less satisfying than the older ships. One Alaska reviewer in May 2026 said the Koningsdam “lacked class” and felt the decor was “unremarkable,” while another called it their best HAL experience. The refurb split is real.
How did I rank Koningsdam? Being on the first cruise after her 2026 drydock, she got a 4.0 from me.
Noordam is a Vista-class ship primarily sailing Asia, South Pacific, and Alaska. Its 3.9 CC score is consistent with the other Vista-class ships. The most notable recent reviews come from its extended South Pacific voyages, where reviewers describe a beautiful itinerary occasionally let down by the ship’s age. One 51-day Auckland reviewer described the crowd as the “country club set” and was unimpressed; other longer-voyage reviewers were enthusiastic. Noordam has a reputation among HAL regulars as one of the quieter, more low-key ships in the fleet.
How did I rank Noordam? Just a 3.0.
Zuiderdam has had a rough stretch in recent CC reviews. Multiple June 2025 through June 2026 reviews describe serious maintenance failures: a cabin leak that “rained” on one passenger, a crew quarters fire that triggered alarm bells mid-voyage, sewage smell issues, and a toilet that failed repeatedly. Against those, Zuiderdam has enthusiastic reviewers who love the Eastern Caribbean itineraries and had great experiences on the same ship in the same period. The 3.9 CC score captures this accurately, it’s a mixed bag, skewing toward adequate. Zuiderdam went into a two-week drydock in December 2025 to address some of these issues; whether that helped is still being assessed in the review pool.
How did I rank Zuiderdam? A meager 3.5.
#10: Westerdam 3.90
CC: 3.9 (1,185 reviews) | CL: 3.9 (929 reviews) | Class: Vista | Homeport: Singapore / Asia-Pacific
Westerdam is the only ship in the HAL fleet where both platforms give the exact same score: 3.9 / 3.9. That rare agreement tells you this is a ship without a significant audience gap, both experienced cruisers and general reviewers see the same experience. The combined 3.90 lands it at #10 in the fleet.
Westerdam primarily sails Asia itineraries from Singapore and Japan, with occasional transpacific crossings and Alaska sailings. The ship has been in continuous service since 2004 and has not been through a significant public-space refurbishment recently. Recent CC reviews from the Asia sailings are the most critical in the HAL fleet, multiple reviewers call it “tired,” describe the Lido as having “horrible” ambiance, and note that 4-star Mariners are noticing a decline in standards relative to past sailings. Longtime fans acknowledge these issues but still give it solid marks for crew, service culture, and the HAL experience overall. The Asia itineraries remain a draw regardless of the ship condition.
How did I rank Westerdam? Another 3.0.
#11: Volendam 3.87
CC: 3.8 (624 reviews) | CL: 4.0 (308 reviews) | Class: Rotterdam | Homeport: Boston / Montreal / Rotterdam
Volendam sits at the bottom of the HAL fleet ranking, though the gap between it and the ships above is very small. It’s a Rotterdam-class ship from 1999, sailing Canada and New England itineraries from Boston and Montreal, plus Mediterranean routes from European ports. The 3.8 CC / 4.0 CL split is modest, and the smaller review pool (308 on Cruiseline.com) means the scores are slightly less reliable than the ships above it.
Recent reviews are genuine in their mixed feelings. HAL loyalists who’ve sailed better HAL ships describe the Volendam as distinctly “not up to standards,” with buffet food described as “tired looking and tasting” and staffing too thin to manage service effectively. First-timers and people new to HAL tend to have a much better time, one 2025 reviewer called it “low-keyed dignity” and loved it. The Canada and New England itinerary is consistently praised regardless of the ship. If you’re booking Volendam for the fall foliage and ports, you’ll likely enjoy it. If you’re comparing it to a recent experience on Rotterdam or Eurodam, you’ll notice the gap.
The HAL Fleet: Some Interesting Tidbits
Here’s a few patterns worth understanding if you’re choosing between HAL ships.
Newer isn’t better on CC, but it matters for condition. The Pinnacle-class ships (Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Koningsdam) consistently score lower on Cruise Critic than the older Eurodam and Zaandam. Experienced HAL regulars prefer the feel of the older ships. But the older ships are also showing wear, Eurodam in particular has documented maintenance issues. Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam are simply in better physical condition, which matters on a 14+ day cruise. The wear issue will be addressed across the fleet over the next several years with older ships undergoing bow to stern revitalization.
The Westerdam/Zaandam comparison is interesting. These two ships are essentially the same age and class. Zaandam scores a full 0.10 higher combined. The difference is largely itinerary, Zaandam’s Alaska and Hawaii routes attract reviewers who have a great time regardless, while Westerdam’s Asia deployments attract a more critical international audience comparing it to newer ships from other lines.
HAL’s core strength is consistent crew culture. Across almost every ship, every review, positive or negative, the crew and cabin stewards are praised. The product issues (food, maintenance, cutbacks) are consistently attributed to corporate decisions, not the people on board. That distinction matters if you’re deciding whether to try HAL for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Holland America ship?
Based on combined 2026 review scores from Cruise Critic and Cruiseline.com, the Rotterdam tops the rankings at 4.18 followed by Nieuw Statendam at 4.11. However, if you weight Cruise Critic scores specifically – which reflect more experienced cruisers – the Eurodam and Zaandam both score 4.0 on that platform, higher than any other HAL ship, including the newer Pinnacle-class vessels.
What is the newest Holland America ship?
As of June 2026, the Rotterdam is the newest ship in the Holland America fleet, having debuted in 2021. It’s a Pinnacle-class ship sailing Caribbean and transatlantic itineraries from Fort Lauderdale. It ranks first in the fleet on combined review scores.
Are the newer Holland America Pinnacle-class ships better than the older ships?
Not necessarily according to Cruise Critic member scores. The three Pinnacle-class ships (Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Koningsdam) have the lowest CC scores in the fleet – 3.7 to 3.8 – while the older Eurodam and Zaandam score 4.0 on CC. Experienced HAL regulars tend to prefer the feel and intimacy of the older ships, while newer cruisers and Cruiseline.com’s broader audience rate the newer ships higher due to better condition and more modern amenities.
What Holland America ship is best for Alaska?
Several HAL ships sail Alaska, with Noordam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Zaandam, Eurodam, and Koningsdam all doing Alaska itineraries. Based on review scores and recent cruiser feedback, Zaandam and Eurodam are particularly well-regarded for Alaska sailings. Zaandam’s small size (1,432 passengers) and classic layout are specifically praised in Alaska reviews. Koningsdam’s fresh 2026 refurb also makes it a reasonable choice if you prefer the newer ship experience.
Which Holland America ship is most likely to have condition issues?
Based on recent June 2025 through June 2026 Cruise Critic reviews, Zuiderdam and Eurodam have the most documented maintenance complaints – plumbing failures, sewage odors, and aged cabin conditions appear in multiple recent reviews for both ships. Zuiderdam went through a drydock in December 2025 to address some issues. Eurodam is reportedly scheduled for a refurb in 2026. Westerdam’s Lido buffet setup has also been singled out for criticism in Asia sailings.
What is the smallest Holland America ship?
Zaandam is Holland America’s smallest active ship with 1,432 passengers, followed by Volendam at approximately 1,440. Both are Rotterdam-class ships from 1999-2000. Zaandam’s small size is frequently cited as a positive in its reviews, giving it a more personal, less-crowded atmosphere compared to the larger Pinnacle-class ships that carry 2,650+ guests.