Holland America Line – A Focus On Luxury

The Amsterdam, Koningsdam, Oosterdam, Rotterdam, and Volendam showcase the luxury offered by Holland America Line.

Amsterdam – A Regal Experience

This elegant, mid-sized ship features a three-story atrium graced by a stunning astrolabe. While on board, guests will enjoy America’s Test Kitchen cooking shows and hands-on workshops, or thrill to the vessel’s exclusive BBC Earth Experiences presentations and activities. Another option: decompress and rejuvenate at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon.

Along with newer amenities, Amsterdam has a certain regal aura about her. The ship maintains the tradition of serving mugs of warm Dutch pea soup on deck to bundled-up, glacier-gazing travelers. And the décor in many of the public spaces is certainly not understated – an ornate clock in the three-level atrium is as much a towering piece of art as it is a way to get the current time around the world. It’s one of the first features you’ll glimpse on the ship. As you pass by it during your trip, it’s a reminder of the regal atmosphere to be found throughout this memorable vessel.

Koningsdam – Luxury Personified

The first of Holland America Line’s Pinnacle-class ships, Koningsdam combines 21st- century elegance and nautical tradition. Inspired by music, her design features fluid lines, light-filled spaces and innovative, new dining and entertainment venues—from the dazzling, two-story World Stage to the Music Walk, with Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard.

However, one of the first perceptions guests will note upon boarding this vessel is the sense of opulence. The ship feels luxurious, with thick carpets, leather chairs and expensive artwork adorning the walls. Koningsdam is targeting an “upper premium” clientele: discerning, wealthy and willing to pay for quality offerings such as a first-growth bottle of wine. Adding to the features of other Holland America Line vessels, the Koningsdam also features a French-style brasserie; a double-deck, glass-roofed Lido Deck, where evening movies are screened; and huge theater with a giant surround screen. These are but a few of the features to be discovered on the Koningsdam ultra-luxury experience.

Oosterdam – A Focus on Service

Holland America Line’s first Vista-class cruise ship, Oosterdam recently emerged from dry dock with exciting updates—including completely refreshed suites and new lounge, dining and entertainment venues, such as Music Walk with Lincoln Center Stage, and B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Guests can also hone culinary skills with America’s Test Kitchen and thrill to BBC Earth Experiences.

However, the high point on this ship is service – consistent and prompt. Whether the request is for turndown service, dietary restrictions in the dining room or coordination of shipboard activities, staff will always address you as if you are a member of the family.

Rotterdam – The Lineage Continues

With her multi-million dollar art and antique collection, wide teak decks and classic lines, Rotterdam evokes nautical tradition while delivering state-of-the-art amenities. While on board, enjoy a cooking show or hands-on workshop from America’s Test Kitchen. Or, explore the world’s wonders with BBC Earth Experiences presentations and activities.

Regardless of your choice of activities, be aware that the Rotterdam is 6th in the line of distinguished classic predecessors (all with the same name) and in part a throwback to earlier cruising days. However, this vessel is still replete with modern amenities (e.g. the Explorations Cafe — a library, Internet cafe and coffee bar combined into one shipboard destination) and so succeeds in bridging that fine line between the classical and the contemporary.

Volendam – Old World Elegance

Elegant and spacious, Volendam takes her décor cues from the garden. Her grand public spaces are graced with floral fabrics and tapestries, as well as huge vases of fresh floral arrangements. While on board, you can explore the wonders of nature in BBC Earth Experiences, or enjoy a cooking show or hands-on workshop with America’s Test Kitchen. Another option: relax with a spa treatment at Volendam’s world class Greenhouse Salon & Spa.

At heart, Volendam is a classical, old-world cruise ship. The ship’s service is exceptional, a trademark of Holland America Line. Yet, the vessel features ongoing enhancements that include cooking and tech classes, as well as some of the best lecturers at sea. Retaining the best of the old while incorporating the new, the Volendam is a favorite among seasoned HAL travelers.

Cruises-N-More offers select benefits for our clients and has more than 20 years of dedicated service in the travel industry. To work with Cruises-N-More, a Travel Leaders Group President’s Club and Inner Circle top agency, please contact a Cruises-N-More cruise specialist at 800-733-2048 (toll-free USA/Canada), +1-407-771-4454, 0-808-189-1292 (toll-free U.K.), or 800-076-002 (toll-free Australia).

Photos courtesy of Holland America Line