Holland America Line Ships By Age - HAL Ships Newest to Oldest
Holland America Line (HAL) boasts a diverse fleet that caters to a wide range of cruisers, from those seeking intimate and classic experiences to those who want the latest in luxury and innovation. This guide takes a closer look at HAL's ships, ordered from newest to oldest, and explores essential details like gross tonnage, guest capacity, and refurbishment history. Understanding these factors can help you find the perfect ship for your next adventure.
Information of Note: Gross Tonnage and Guest Capacity
Gross Tonnage (GRT): Gross tonnage measures the interior volume of a ship, including all usable passenger spaces like staterooms, dining areas, and entertainment venues. While it doesn’t represent weight, it does give a sense of how spacious and feature-packed a ship might be. Larger GRT often means more amenities, making the ship feel less crowded despite high passenger capacity.
Guest Capacity: Guest capacity is calculated based on double occupancy, meaning two people per stateroom - even though most staterooms can fit up to 4 passengers. This provides a realistic estimate of how many passengers the ship is designed to comfortably host. Larger ships with higher capacities often come with expansive facilities to ensure guests have plenty of space to relax and enjoy their vacation.
Holland America Line Ships: Newest to Oldest
Rotterdam
Class: Pinnacle
Built: 2021
Last Refurbished: N/A
Guest Capacity: 2,650
Gross Tonnage: 99,863
Nieuw Statendam
Class: Pinnacle
Built: 2018
Last Refurbished: 2023
Guest Capacity: 2,650
Gross Tonnage: 99,863
Koningsdam
Class: Pinnacle
Built: 2016
Last Refurbished: 2023
Guest Capacity: 2,650
Gross Tonnage: 99,863
Nieuw Amsterdam
Class: Signature
Built: 2010
Last Refurbished: 2023
Guest Capacity: 2,106
Gross Tonnage: 86,700
Eurodam
Class: Signature
Built: 2008
Last Refurbished: 2023
Guest Capacity: 2,104
Gross Tonnage: 86,273
Noordam
Class: Vista
Built: 2006
Last Refurbished: 2024
Guest Capacity: 1,924
Gross Tonnage: 82,318
Westerdam
Class: Vista
Built: 2004
Last Refurbished: 2023
Guest Capacity: 1,916
Gross Tonnage: 82,305
Oosterdam
Class: Vista
Built: 2003
Last Refurbished: late 2025
Guest Capacity: 1,916
Gross Tonnage: 82,305
Zuiderdam
Class: Vista
Built: 2002
Last Refurbished: late 2025
Guest Capacity: 1,916
Gross Tonnage: 82,305
Zaandam
Class: R
Built: 2000
Last Refurbished: 2025
Guest Capacity: 1,432
Gross Tonnage: 61,396
Volendam
Class: R
Built: 1999
Last Refurbished: 2024
Guest Capacity: 1,432
Gross Tonnage: 61,214
Key Trends in Holland America Line’s Fleet
Holland America Line has maintained a strong focus on mid-sized ships that balance modern amenities with a classic cruising atmosphere. The Pinnacle Class—featuring Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam—represents HAL’s push toward contemporary design while preserving the brand’s refined style. These ships include newer entertainment venues, expanded dining options, and improved suite categories, all within a manageable guest capacity of around 2,650 passengers.
Across the fleet, HAL emphasizes guest comfort over sheer scale. Even the oldest ships in the R Class have been regularly refurbished, with updates scheduled as recently as 2025. These refreshes ensure that guests continue to enjoy modern staterooms, updated public spaces, and technology enhancements like improved Wi-Fi and digital services.
Unlike some cruise lines that continually expand with mega-ships, Holland America has retained its commitment to spacious layouts, personalized service, and a more relaxed onboard experience. This consistency appeals to travelers who prefer a quieter, more culturally enriched voyage with fewer crowds and a focus on destination immersion.
Conclusion
Holland America Line offers a well-balanced fleet that ranges from modern Pinnacle Class ships to classic R Class vessels, each with its own character and charm. This guide is designed to help you quickly compare key details like build year, guest capacity, and refurbishment status so you can choose a ship that fits your travel style. Whether you prefer the latest onboard features or a smaller, more traditional cruising experience, this at-a-glance list makes it easy to find the right fit for your next voyage.
Aerial ship photos courtesy of Holland America Line.
