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Are you looking for the most action-packed Holland America cruise ships at sea? If so, you may want to board one of Holland America’s largest cruise ships.

The largest Holland America cruise ships, as you might expect, Holland America is the ship with the most onboard restaurants, bars and showrooms, as well as the largest selection of cabins and suites. They also have the largest spa and casino among ships in the Holland America fleet.

With 1,325 rooms and double occupancy space for 2,650 passengers, Holland America’s largest ships are larger than many resorts on land, though not as large as the truly massive cruise ships operated by major lines such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian. Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line.

Among the seven major cruise lines that account for the majority of cruises taken by North Americans, Holland America is known for focusing on relatively small ships.

Holland America operates a total of 11 cruise ships. In addition to the three ships that hold 2,650 people in double occupancy, the line has eight smaller ships – some considerably smaller. Holland America’s two smallest ships are designed to carry just 1,432 passengers each.

Holland America’s smaller ships, in particular, have less deck-top pool and lounge space and less interior space than the largest Holland America cruise ships.

The smallest Holland America cruise ships are best for vacationers who like a more intimate, less crowded resort experience.

Related: 4 Classes of Holland America Ships, Explained

To make sure you land on the right Holland America cruise ship for you, it pays to research which Holland America ships are the largest and which are the smallest before booking.

Here, every Holland America ship currently in operation is ranked from largest to smallest.

1. Rotterdam

First trip: 2021
Size: 99,863 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,650

1 (bound). New Statesman

First trip: 2018
Size: 99,863 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,650

1 (bound). Coningsdam

First trip: 2016
Size: 99,863 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,650

4. Nieuw Amsterdam

First trip: 2010
Size: 86,700 gross tons
Passenger capacity: is 2,106

5. Eurodem

First trip: 2008
Size: 86,273 gross tons
Passenger capacity: is 2,104

6. Noordam

First trip: 2006
Size: 82,318 gross tons
Passenger capacity: is 1,924

7. Westerdam

First trip: 2004
Size: 82,305 gross tons
Passenger capacity: is 1,916

7 (bound). Osterdam

First trip: 2003
Size: 82,305 gross tons
Passenger capacity: is 1,916

7 (bound). Zuiderdam

First trip: 2002
Size: 82,305 gross tons
Passenger capacity: is 1,916

10. Zaandam

First trip: 2000
Size: 61,396 gross tons
Passenger capacity: is 1,432

11. Volendum

First trip: 1999
Size: 61,214 gross tons
Passenger capacity: is 1,432

Which is Holland America’s largest cruise ship?

Holland America’s largest cruise ship is the 2,650-passenger Rotterdam and its two larger siblings, the 2,650-passenger Nieuw Statendom and the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam.

All three ships are exactly the same size: 99,863 gross tons. (Note that gross tonnage is a measure of size that takes into account the interior space of the ship and not its weight).

In addition to being the largest ships in Holland America’s fleet, the three ships, collectively known as the Pinnacle Class, are the newest ships in Holland America’s fleet. They have the most places and facilities.

Related: 5 Best Places You Can Visit on a Holland America Cruise

Notably, in addition to the main restaurant and casual buffet, the three Pinnacle Class ships have five different specialty dining venues – a pan-Asian eatery and everything from an Italian restaurant to a steakhouse. That’s more than you’ll find on other Holland America ships.

Pinnacle Class ships also feature all of Holland America’s signature entertainment venues—something that can’t be said for the line’s older ships.

Specifically, on Pinnacle Class ships, you’ll find BB King’s Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and the Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock). .

Related: Holland America makes entertainment changes on some ships

Pinnacle Class ships also feature stunning, state-of-the-art main theaters with push-out stages surrounded by two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screens. Theaters are home to all kinds of additional music, dance and comedy performances.

Which is Holland America’s smallest cruise ship?

The smallest Holland America cruise ship is the 1,432 passenger Volendum. Measuring just 61,214 gross tons, she is 39% smaller than Rotterdam and the other two Pinnacle class ships mentioned above.

Because of its smaller size, the Volendum has fewer amenities and facilities than other Holland America ships—especially the newer Pinnacle Class ships and another recent group of ships known as the Signature Class.

In general, Volendam appeals to cruisers looking for a more intimate cruise experience. It also attracts cruisers who care more about the places they visit on the cruise than the onboard attractions.

Unveiled in 1999, Volendum is not only the youngest Holland America ship but also the oldest Holland America ship.

Are the big Holland America ships coming?

Not for now. Holland America does not currently have a single vessel on order. The brand is owned by Carnival Corporation, which has not ordered new ships for Holland America in several years. Focuses on paying off debt. The company took on huge amounts of debt during the COVID-19 pandemic to stay in business.

What is the difference between large and small Holland America ships?

The largest Holland America cruise ships have room for more onboard sights and attractions than the line’s older ships. As a result, they are a good choice for vacationers who prefer a large resort experience with many options for restaurants, bars, and entertainment.

Holland America’s smaller ships lacked some of the features found on larger ships. In general, they have a more intimate feel, and they hold fewer people. While Holland America’s largest Pinnacle Class ships can carry 2,650 passengers at double occupancy, as noted above, the line’s two oldest ships (known as the R Class ships) are designed to carry only 1,432 passengers at double occupancy.

As a result, the smallest Holland America ships are a good choice for vacationers who prefer more intimacy on a cruise ship and don’t mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. On a day-to-day basis, they are often less expensive.

Related: Don’t miss out on these Holland America loyalty benefits

Note that all Holland America ships undergo renovations and upgrades on a regular schedule every few years, so even the oldest Holland America cruise ships have new carpeting, updated furniture, modern decor in the cabins, and other updates. In many cases, they have renovated entire eateries and bars over the years with concepts that first debuted on newer ships.

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