Holland America cruise ships ranked by size from largest to smallest — the complete list

You are looking for the most packed activity Netherlands America cruise ship? If so, you’ll want to board one of Holland America’s largest cruise ships.

Holland America’s largest cruise ships, as you might expect, are the Holland America ships that have the most restaurants, bars, and galleries on board, as well as the largest selection of cabins and suites. They also have the largest spa and casino of any ship in the Holland America fleet.

With 1,325 staterooms and space for 2,650 passengers in double occupancy, Holland America’s largest ships are larger than many land-based resorts, though they’re not as large as some of the truly giant cruise ships built by major lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line And Carnival Cruise Line.

Among Seven major cruise lines account for the majority of cruises. Popular with North Americans, Holland America is known for its focus on relatively small ships.

Holland America operates a total of 11 cruise ships. In addition to the three ships that can accommodate 2,650 people in double occupancy, the company has eight smaller ships—some of which are significantly smaller. Holland America’s two smallest ships are designed to carry just 1,432 passengers each.

Notably, Holland America’s smaller ships have fewer deck pools and lounge spaces as well as fewer interior venues than Holland America’s largest cruise ships.

Holland America’s smallest cruise ships are the best choice for travelers who prefer a more private and less crowded vacation experience.

Related: Holland America’s 4 Ship Classes Explained

To make sure you choose the right Holland America cruise ship for you, it’s a good idea to find out which Holland America ships are the largest and which are the smallest before you book.

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

1. Rotterdam

Maiden voyage: 2021
Size: 99,863 tons total
Passenger capacity: 2,650

1 (draw). New Statendam

Maiden voyage: 2018
Size: 99,863 tons total
Passenger capacity: 2,650

1 (draw). Koningsdam

Maiden voyage: 2016
Size: 99,863 tons total
Passenger capacity: 2,650

4. New Amsterdam

Maiden voyage: 2010
Size: 86,700 tons total
Passenger capacity: 2,106

5. Euro Smash

Maiden voyage: 2008
Size: 86,273 tons total
Passenger capacity: 2,104

6. Noordam

Maiden voyage: 2006
Size: 82,318 tons total
Passenger capacity: 1,924

7. Westerdam Ship

Maiden voyage: 2004
Size: 82,305 tons total
Passenger capacity: 1,916

7 (draw). Oosterdam

Maiden voyage: 2003
Size: 82,305 tons total
Passenger capacity: 1,916

7 (draw). Zuiderdam

Maiden voyage: 2002
Size: 82,305 tons total
Passenger capacity: 1,916

10. Zaandam Airport

Maiden voyage: 2000
Size: 61,396 tons total
Passenger capacity: 1,432

11. Volendam

Maiden voyage: 1999
Size: 61,214 tons total
Passenger capacity: 1,432

What is Holland America’s largest cruise ship?

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

All three ships are the same size: 99,863 gross tons. (Note that gross tons is a measurement of size that takes into account the space inside the ship, not the weight of the ship.)

In addition to being the largest ships in the Holland America fleet, these three ships, collectively known as the Pinnacle Class, are the newest ships in the Holland America fleet. They have the most space and amenities.

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

Notably, in addition to a main restaurant and regular buffet, the three Pinnacle Class ships feature five separate specialty dining venues—everything from an all-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 the line’s older ships lack.

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

Related: Holland America makes changes to entertainment on some ships

Pinnacle Class ships also feature spectacular, state-of-the-art main theaters with pull-out stages surrounded by a two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screen. The theaters are home to a variety of additional musical, dance, and comedy performances.

What is Holland America’s smallest cruise ship?

Holland America’s smallest cruise ship is the 1,432-passenger Volendam. At just 61,214 gross tons, it is 39% smaller than the Rotterdam and the other two Pinnacle Class ships mentioned above.

Due to its smaller size, Volendam has fewer features and amenities than most of Holland America’s other ships—particularly the new Pinnacle Class ships and another recent group of ships called the Signature Class.

Overall, Volendam appeals to travelers looking for a more private cruising experience. It also appeals to travelers who are more interested in the destinations they visit on board than the sights on board.

Launched in 1999, Volendam is not only Holland America’s smallest ship, but also Holland America’s oldest.

Is there a larger Holland America ship coming?

Not right now. Holland America doesn’t have any ships on order. The brand is owned by Carnival Corporation, which hasn’t ordered any new ships from Holland America in years because focus on paying off debtThe company has taken on huge debt during the COVID-19 pandemic to stay in business.

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

Holland America’s largest cruise ships have more space for onboard attractions and sites than the line’s older ships, making them a good choice for travelers who prefer a larger resort experience with a wide selection of restaurants, bars, and entertainment.

Holland America’s smaller ships lack some of the features found on its larger ships. Overall, they feel more intimate and carry fewer people. While Holland America’s largest Pinnacle Class ships can carry 2,650 passengers in double occupancy, as noted above, the line’s two oldest ships (known as R Class ships) are designed to carry just 1,432 passengers in double occupancy.

As such, the smallest Holland America ships are a good choice for travelers who prefer more privacy on a cruise ship and don’t mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They’re also often cheaper to sail on a daily basis.

Related: Don’t miss out on Holland America’s loyalty perks

Note that all Holland America ships undergo regular scheduled renovations and upgrades every few years, so even the oldest Holland America cruise ships have newer carpets, updated furniture, modern cabin decor, and other updates. In many cases, they have also completely renovated their restaurants and bars over the years, with concepts that first debuted on newer ships.

Planning a trip? Start with these stories: