Holland America Line
Encyclopedia
The Holland America Line is a cruise ship
ping company. It was founded in 1873 as the Netherlands-America Steamship Company , a shipping and passenger line. Headquartered in Rotterdam
and providing service to the Americas, it became known as Holland America Line. HAL is now headquartered in Seattle, Washington, U.S.
The first ships sailed between Rotterdam and New York
in 1872, with New York remaining the American terminal. Other services were started to South America
and Baltimore
. Cargo service to New York was added in 1899. During the first 25 years the company carried 400,000 people from the old world to the new world. Other North American ports were added during the early 20th century.
Though transportation and shipping were the primary sources of revenue, in 1895 HAL offered its first vacation cruise
. Its second vacation cruise, from New York to the Holy Land
was first offered in 1910. In 1971, HAL suspended transatlantic passenger trade and in 1973 sold its cargo
shipping division.
In 1989, HAL became a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Corp., the largest cruise line
. The company operates 15 ships to 7 continents and will carry over 750,000 cruise passengers in 2012. In addition to its cruise line, Holland America operates the Westmark Hotel chain in Alaska
and the Yukon
.
Holland America Line produced some noted ships, from the 36,000 gross ton of 1937 (besides the RMS Queen Mary
, the only 1930s-built liner to make a profit) and the of 1959, one of the first North Atlantic ships equipped for two-class transatlantic crossing and one-class luxury cruising. By the late 1960s, the golden era of transatlantic passenger ships was ended by air travel. HAL ended transatlantic service during the early 1970s, leaving the North Atlantic passenger trade for Cunard
's .
In 1971, Holland America transitioned from passenger sea transportation to pleasure cruising and is known now for its wide variety of destinations. Receiving approval to visit Antarctica in the 1980s, HAL ships cruise to all seven continents. and make annual "Grand Voyages" lasting more than 60 days, exploring more exotic destinations in South America and Africa.
In summer 2011, the did two transatlantic cruises, the first traditional transatlantic runs made by the line in more than 40 years.
Holland America also owns:
On April 3, 2008 Micky Arison
, the chairman of Carnival Corporation, stated that due to the low value of the US dollar, inflation and high shipbuilding costs, they would not be ordering new ships for their US based divisions (Holland America, Carnival Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises
) until the economic situation improves. Nevertheless, Carnival Breeze
was ordered in 2010, and two Princess liners in 2011, one of which will be the new Royal Princess.
The four S Class ships above began life as virtually identical vessels except for décor. They were the first new HAL cruise ships to incorporate features like the atrium, the two-deck main dining room and show lounge, and the Lido pool with retractable roof. These vessels are currently undergoing a series of major refits. See above for details.
All S Class ships received the first phase of Signature of Excellence upgrades (detailed above) between 2004 and 2006.
Unlike the vessels of the S Class, Holland America Line's R Class ships did not all start out identical. Rotterdam, the first of the four, was similar to the S Class, but slightly longer and wider, with a third set of passenger stairs/elevators and some new facilities. The twins Volendam and Zaandam followed, similar to Rotterdam, but with a different (single) funnel and larger because the aft pool was moved up one deck to the Lido level, creating more space for passenger accommodations below. The final R Class ship, Amsterdam, like a hybrid of Rotterdam and Volendam/Zaandam, incorporates Rotterdam's twin funnels as well as the Lido deck aft pool. Together, Rotterdam and Amsterdam are considered HAL's flagships.
All R Class ships received the first phase of Signature of Excellence upgrades (detailed above) between 2005 and 2009.
HAL's four Vista Class ships are named for the points of the compass in Dutch. Noord for north, Zuid for south, Oost for east and West for West. These ships were designed mainly for shorter (less than two weeks) cruises in the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe. These ships are notable because of the exceptionally great number of oceanview and verandah staterooms - more than 85% and 67% respectively. The first three Vista Class vessels were built as identical triplets. Noordam incorporated a few design changes, including a more vertical aft profile, which make her larger, with a slightly greater passenger capacity. The success of Noordam's revised design caused HAL to modify the other three Vista Class ships with aft expansions to mimic Noordam.
In 2006, the Vista class cruise ships were awarded the 2006 Green Planet Award for outstanding environmental standards by Kuoni Switzerland.
Zuiderdam, Oosterdam and Westerdam received the first phase of Signature of Excellence upgrades (detailed above) between 2005 and 2006, while Noordam was built to SOE1 standards.
The Signature Class ships are essentially an enhanced Vista Class design. The main difference is the addition of a deck between the Lido and Observation decks. This allows for more cabins (mostly spa accommodations) and some additional facilities including the specialty restaurant Tamarind and the Silk Den lounge.
Both Signature Class ships were built to Signature of Excellence (first phase) standards (detailed above).
The smallest and oldest HAL ship, Prinsendam is in a class by herself. The only Holland America Line ship not built for the line, Prinsendam enjoyed a career with Royal Viking Line, Cunard and Seabourn Cruise Line before joining the HAL fleet after an extensive refit in 2002. Prinsendam does not have a two-deck main dining room or main lounge, an indoor/outdoor pool, or dedicated children's facilities like other HAL vessels.
Prinsendam received the first phase of Signature of Excellence upgrades (detailed above) in 2005.
Cruise ship
A cruise ship or cruise liner is a passenger ship used for pleasure voyages, where the voyage itself and the ship's amenities are part of the experience, as well as the different destinations along the way...
ping company. It was founded in 1873 as the Netherlands-America Steamship Company , a shipping and passenger line. Headquartered in Rotterdam
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and one of the largest ports in the world. Starting as a dam on the Rotte river, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre...
and providing service to the Americas, it became known as Holland America Line. HAL is now headquartered in Seattle, Washington, U.S.
The first ships sailed between Rotterdam and New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
in 1872, with New York remaining the American terminal. Other services were started to South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
and Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
. Cargo service to New York was added in 1899. During the first 25 years the company carried 400,000 people from the old world to the new world. Other North American ports were added during the early 20th century.
Though transportation and shipping were the primary sources of revenue, in 1895 HAL offered its first vacation cruise
Cruising (maritime)
Cruising by boat is a lifestyle that involves living for extended time on a boat while traveling from place to place for pleasure. Cruising generally refers to trips of a few days or more, and can extend to round-the-world voyages.- History :...
. Its second vacation cruise, from New York to the Holy Land
Holy Land
The Holy Land is a term which in Judaism refers to the Kingdom of Israel as defined in the Tanakh. For Jews, the Land's identifiction of being Holy is defined in Judaism by its differentiation from other lands by virtue of the practice of Judaism often possible only in the Land of Israel...
was first offered in 1910. In 1971, HAL suspended transatlantic passenger trade and in 1973 sold its cargo
Cargo ship
A cargo ship or freighter is any sort of ship or vessel that carries cargo, goods, and materials from one port to another. Thousands of cargo carriers ply the world's seas and oceans each year; they handle the bulk of international trade...
shipping division.
In 1989, HAL became a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Corp., the largest cruise line
Cruise line
A cruise line is a company that operates cruise ships. Cruise lines have a dual character; they are partly in the transportation business, and partly in the leisure entertainment business, a duality that carries down into the ships themselves, which have both a crew headed by the ship's captain,...
. The company operates 15 ships to 7 continents and will carry over 750,000 cruise passengers in 2012. In addition to its cruise line, Holland America operates the Westmark Hotel chain in Alaska
Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
and the Yukon
Yukon
Yukon is the westernmost and smallest of Canada's three federal territories. It was named after the Yukon River. The word Yukon means "Great River" in Gwich’in....
.
History
RMS Queen Mary
RMS Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner that sailed primarily in the North Atlantic Ocean from 1936 to 1967 for the Cunard Line...
, the only 1930s-built liner to make a profit) and the of 1959, one of the first North Atlantic ships equipped for two-class transatlantic crossing and one-class luxury cruising. By the late 1960s, the golden era of transatlantic passenger ships was ended by air travel. HAL ended transatlantic service during the early 1970s, leaving the North Atlantic passenger trade for Cunard
Cunard Line
Cunard Line is a British-American owned shipping company based at Carnival House in Southampton, England and operated by Carnival UK. It has been a leading operator of passenger ships on the North Atlantic for over a century...
's .
In 1971, Holland America transitioned from passenger sea transportation to pleasure cruising and is known now for its wide variety of destinations. Receiving approval to visit Antarctica in the 1980s, HAL ships cruise to all seven continents. and make annual "Grand Voyages" lasting more than 60 days, exploring more exotic destinations in South America and Africa.
In summer 2011, the did two transatlantic cruises, the first traditional transatlantic runs made by the line in more than 40 years.
Signature of Excellence Program
In 2003, Holland America announced its "Signature of Excellence" program. The ongoing program focuses on upgrading existing ships. The first phase included adding the Pinnacle Grill specialty restaurant, the Neptune Lounge (for suite guests), the Culinary Arts Center with demonstration kitchen, expanded children’s and teens’ facilities, enhanced stateroom amenities, and improved dining and enrichment offerings. The second phase of improvements (announced in 2008) adds a new bar lounge area called Mix, the Showroom at Sea show lounge/nightclub, the Retreat resort pool area with pizzeria and LED screen and the complimentary Canaletto Italian restaurant among other enhancements. See details below.Current
, the line operates 15 ships, from the smaller and older S Class vessels; the mid range R Class; the Vista class; the newest and largest Signature class and the small 793-passenger Prinsendam (originally the Royal Viking Sun, then Seabourn Sun until HAL's purchase in 2002). All HAL ships have a dark blue hull with white superstructure, with the company's logo featured prominently on the functional smoke stacks.Holland America also owns:
- the Westmark hotel chain operating in AlaskaAlaskaAlaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
and the YukonYukonYukon is the westernmost and smallest of Canada's three federal territories. It was named after the Yukon River. The word Yukon means "Great River" in Gwich’in.... - Worldwide Shore Services, providing warehouse and logistical support
- Half Moon Cay, a private CaribbeanCaribbeanThe Caribbean is a crescent-shaped group of islands more than 2,000 miles long separating the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, to the west and south, from the Atlantic Ocean, to the east and north...
island, known officially as Little San Salvador IslandLittle San Salvador IslandLittle San Salvador Island, Bahamas , is one of about 700 islands that make up the archipelago of the Bahamas. It is located roughly halfway between Eleuthera and Cat Island...
) with most Caribbean cruises spending a day there.
On April 3, 2008 Micky Arison
Micky Arison
Micky Arison is an Israeli-American businessman of Romanian Jewish ancestry, and Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise operator, and owner of the NBA's Miami Heat....
, the chairman of Carnival Corporation, stated that due to the low value of the US dollar, inflation and high shipbuilding costs, they would not be ordering new ships for their US based divisions (Holland America, Carnival Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is a British-American owned cruise line, based in Santa Clarita, California in the United States. Previously a subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises PLC, the company is now one of ten cruise ship brands operated by Carnival Corporation & PLC and accounts for approximately 19% share...
) until the economic situation improves. Nevertheless, Carnival Breeze
Carnival Breeze
Carnival Breeze is a Dream-class cruise ship, currently being delivered and will be one of the latest of the Carnival Cruise Lines ships to enter the fleet; expecting to enter service in June 2012. Her sister ship, Carnival Dream entered service on September 21, 2009 and Carnival Magic on May 1, 2011...
was ordered in 2010, and two Princess liners in 2011, one of which will be the new Royal Princess.
Statendam Class (S Class)
| Vessel Name | | In HAL Service | | Gross Tonnage | | Maximum Speed | | Passenger Complement | | Enclosed Passenger Decks | | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 55,819 | 22 knots | 1,260 | 9 | April 2010 refit added spa staterooms, Mix lounge and Showroom at Sea | |
| 1993 | 55,575 | 22 knots | 1,258 | 9 | April 2011 refit added Lanai and spa staterooms, Mix lounge and Showroom at Sea | |
| 1994 | 55,819 | 22 knots | 1,260 | 9 | February 2010 refit added spa staterooms, Mix lounge and Showroom at Sea | |
| 1996 | 57,092 | 22 knots | 1,350 | 9 | April 2009 refit added Lanai, spa and verandah staterooms, Mix lounge, Showroom at Sea, the Retreat aft pool area with shallow pool and movie screen (moved up to Lido deck level), and duck tail for stability. April 2011 refit updated Retreat area, removing wading pool in favor of several smaller hot/cool tubs. |
The four S Class ships above began life as virtually identical vessels except for décor. They were the first new HAL cruise ships to incorporate features like the atrium, the two-deck main dining room and show lounge, and the Lido pool with retractable roof. These vessels are currently undergoing a series of major refits. See above for details.
All S Class ships received the first phase of Signature of Excellence upgrades (detailed above) between 2004 and 2006.
Rotterdam Class (R Class)
| Vessel Name | | In HAL Service | | Gross Tonnage | | Maximum Speed | | Passenger Complement | | Enclosed Passenger Decks | | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 61,849 | 25 knots | 1,404 | 9 | December 2009 refit added Lanai, spa and verandah staterooms, Mix lounge, Showroom at Sea, the Retreat aft pool area (moved up to Lido deck level) with shallow pool and movie screen | |
| 1999 | 61,214 | 23 knots | 1,432 | 9 | ||
| 2000 | 61,396 | 23 knots | 1,432 | 9 | ||
| 2000 | 62,735 | 22.5 knots | 1,380 | 9 |
Unlike the vessels of the S Class, Holland America Line's R Class ships did not all start out identical. Rotterdam, the first of the four, was similar to the S Class, but slightly longer and wider, with a third set of passenger stairs/elevators and some new facilities. The twins Volendam and Zaandam followed, similar to Rotterdam, but with a different (single) funnel and larger because the aft pool was moved up one deck to the Lido level, creating more space for passenger accommodations below. The final R Class ship, Amsterdam, like a hybrid of Rotterdam and Volendam/Zaandam, incorporates Rotterdam's twin funnels as well as the Lido deck aft pool. Together, Rotterdam and Amsterdam are considered HAL's flagships.
All R Class ships received the first phase of Signature of Excellence upgrades (detailed above) between 2005 and 2009.
Vista Class
| Vessel Name | | In HAL Service | | Gross Tonnage | | Maximum Speed | | Passenger Complement | | Enclosed Passenger Decks | | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 82,305 | 24 knots | 1,916 | 10 | ||
| 2003 | 82,305 | 24 knots | 1,916 | 10 | ||
| 2004 | 82,305 | 24 knots | 1,916 | 10 | ||
| 2006 | 82,318 | 24 knots | 1,924 | 10 |
HAL's four Vista Class ships are named for the points of the compass in Dutch. Noord for north, Zuid for south, Oost for east and West for West. These ships were designed mainly for shorter (less than two weeks) cruises in the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe. These ships are notable because of the exceptionally great number of oceanview and verandah staterooms - more than 85% and 67% respectively. The first three Vista Class vessels were built as identical triplets. Noordam incorporated a few design changes, including a more vertical aft profile, which make her larger, with a slightly greater passenger capacity. The success of Noordam's revised design caused HAL to modify the other three Vista Class ships with aft expansions to mimic Noordam.
In 2006, the Vista class cruise ships were awarded the 2006 Green Planet Award for outstanding environmental standards by Kuoni Switzerland.
Zuiderdam, Oosterdam and Westerdam received the first phase of Signature of Excellence upgrades (detailed above) between 2005 and 2006, while Noordam was built to SOE1 standards.
Signature Class
| Vessel Name | | In HAL Service | | Gross Tonnage | | Maximum Speed | | Passenger Complement | | Enclosed Passenger Decks | | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 86,273 | 23.9 knots | 2,104 | 11 | ||
| 2010 | 86,700 | 23.9 knots | 2,106 | 11 |
The Signature Class ships are essentially an enhanced Vista Class design. The main difference is the addition of a deck between the Lido and Observation decks. This allows for more cabins (mostly spa accommodations) and some additional facilities including the specialty restaurant Tamarind and the Silk Den lounge.
Both Signature Class ships were built to Signature of Excellence (first phase) standards (detailed above).
The "Elegant Explorer"
| Vessel Name | | In HAL Service | | Gross Tonnage | | Maximum Speed | | Passenger Complement | | Enclosed Passenger Decks | | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 (built 1988) |
37,983 | 22 knots | 835 | 8 |
The smallest and oldest HAL ship, Prinsendam is in a class by herself. The only Holland America Line ship not built for the line, Prinsendam enjoyed a career with Royal Viking Line, Cunard and Seabourn Cruise Line before joining the HAL fleet after an extensive refit in 2002. Prinsendam does not have a two-deck main dining room or main lounge, an indoor/outdoor pool, or dedicated children's facilities like other HAL vessels.
Prinsendam received the first phase of Signature of Excellence upgrades (detailed above) in 2005.
Chartered Ships
- NoordamMS Thomson CelebrationMS Thomson Celebration is a cruise ship owned by Holland America Line, under long-term charter to the United Kingdom-based Thomson Cruises. She was built in 1984 by the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in St...
, 1984—On long term charter to Thomson Cruises in 2005.
- Nieuw AmsterdamMS Thomson SpiritMS Thomson Spirit is a cruise ship owned by the Holland America Line and operated under charter by the United Kingdom-based Thomson Cruises. She was built in 1983 at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in France for Holland America Line as MS Nieuw Amsterdam...
, 1984—Sold to American Classic VoyagesAmerican Classic VoyagesAmerican Classic Voyages was an American-based cruise ship holding company cruise line, headquartered in Chicago, that operated between 1993 and 2001. The company attempted to take advantage of federal loans and other incentives to build and grow a US-flagged passenger ship industry. The company...
in 2000. HAL repurchased the vessel and charted her to Louis Cruises who then subchartered the ship to Thomson Cruises after a lengthy refitting.
Former Fleet
- SS Rotterdam, 1958—Sold to Premier Cruise Lines in 1997, retired in 2000 and now a hotel and museum.
- MS Westerdam, 1986—Transferred to Costa Cruises in 2002 and re-named Costa Europa, April 2010 charted to Thomson Cruises for 10 years and known as Thomson Dream.
- MS PrinsendamMS Prinsendam (1973)MS Prinsendam, a Holland-America liner built at Shipyard de Merwede in the Netherlands in 1973, was 427 feet long and typically carried about 350 passengers and 200 crew members. The liner was sailing through the Gulf of Alaska, approximately 120 miles south of Yakutat, Alaska, at midnight on...
, 1973–80 - Sank off of the coast of Alaska. - SS Veendam (3), 1972–74, 1975–76, 1978–84—Last in service for Commodore Cruise Line as Enchanted Isle
- SS Volendam (2), 1972–76, 1978–84—Sister to SS Veendam (3); Last known as Universe Explorer of World Explorer Lines
- SS Statendam (4) 1956–1982—Last in service for Regent Star as Regency. Inactive after Regent Star went bankrupt.
- SS Maasdam (4) (1952–1968)—Fate unknown
- SS Ryndam (2) (1951–1973)—Sank 2003 on way to breakers
- SS Waterman (1951-1963) - Launched January 16,1945 Decommissioned 1970.
- SS Zuiderkruis (1951-1963) - Launched May 05,1944 Decommissioned 1969.
- SS Groote Beer (1951-1963) - Launched June 17,1944 Decommissioned 1971.
- SS Westerdam (1945–1965)—Combination first class passenger/cargo vessel; scrapped Spain 1965
- SS Nieuw Amsterdam, 1937—Scrapped 1974.
- SS Rotterdam, 1908—Scrapped 1940.
- SS PotsdamSS Potsdam (1900)SS Potsdam was an ocean liner built in 1900 by the Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany for the Holland America Line for transatlantic service from Rotterdam to New York...
, 1900—Scrapped 1947- It was the largest ship HAL owned at the time it was in service. - SS Rotterdam, 1886—Fate Unknown.
- SS Rotterdam, 1872—Wrecked September 26, 1883.
External links
- The Last Ocean Liners - Holland America Line - trade routes and ships of the Holland America Line during the 1950s and 60s.