…

Notably, in addition to a main restaurant and a casual buffet, the three Pinnacle Class ships have five different specialty dining venues – everything from a Pan-Asian eatery and 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.

Which is Holland America’s oldest cruise ship?

The oldest Holland America cruise ship is the 1,432 passenger Volendum. Unveiled in 1999, she is not only the oldest Holland America ship but also the youngest Holland America ship. Measuring just 61,214 gross tons, she is 39% smaller than Rotterdam and the other two Pinnacle class ships mentioned above.

Due to its small size, the Volandum has fewer amenities and facilities than other Holland America ships, particularly the new Pinnacle Class ships and other recent 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.

What is the newest class of Holland America cruise ship?

The Pinnacle Class is Holland America’s newest class of ships. It is made up of three ships: Rotterdam, Nieuwe Stadtdam and Koningsdam.

Each of the three ships measures 99,863 gross tons and carries 2,650 passengers at double occupancy. These ships came out as series between 2016 and 2021.

As mentioned above, the Pinnacle Class ships have the most destinations of any Holland America ship, including all of the line’s signature entertainment venues.

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 one of the line’s signature entertainment areas with rolling. Stone Rock Room (for live bands playing classic rock).

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

The top deck of the Pinnacle Class ships has main pool areas that can be covered by a retractable glass megadome during inclement weather. This makes these ships a good choice when booking a cruise to a destination where the weather is strong.

What is the difference between new and old Holland America ships?

Newer Holland America cruise ships are generally larger than older Holland America ships – sometimes much larger. As a result, they have room for more onboard sights and attractions than the line’s older ships.

Holland America’s older ships are up to 39% smaller than the largest Holland America ships and lack some of the features found on larger ships. They have a more intimate feel, and they hold fewer people. While the Pinnacle Class ships can hold 2,650 passengers at double occupancy, the line’s two oldest ships (known as the R Class) are designed to carry only 1,432 passengers at double occupancy.

As a result, the oldest Holland America ships are a good choice for someone who wants to try Holland America but wants to travel with a smaller crowd. The oldest ships in Holland America’s fleet thus appeal to a subset of Holland America fans 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.

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.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories: