Holland America’s Best and Worst Ships Ranked by Real Passenger Reviews

If you’ve ever wondered which Holland America ship is truly the best, you’re not alone. With their reputation for premium cruising experiences, it’s no surprise that each ship has its own loyal fan base. But if you’re new to Holland America or just can’t decide which ship to book, this guide is here to help.

By diving into thousands of real customer reviews, I’ve ranked all 11 ships in the fleet from best to worst. Whether you’re seeking the newest and sleekest ship or a more intimate and traditional experience, you’ll find all the insights you need right here. So, let’s set sail and find out which ship tops the charts – and which one lands in last place.

How I Researched and Ranked Holland America Ships

To create this ranking, I turned to the voices of those who matter most – the passengers themselves. I compiled the average scores for each ship in the Holland America fleet using reviews from three of the largest cruise review platforms – Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com, and TripAdvisor. These rankings are based on thousands of opinions, ensuring a well-rounded and accurate perspective.

It’s worth noting that even the “worst” ship on this list holds an impressive score, a testament to Holland America’s consistent quality. With only a 0.3-point difference separating the top-rated ship from the lowest, the fleet’s standards are undeniably high. So, let’s dive into the rankings and see how each ship stacks up!

1. MS Nieuw Statendam

Taking the crown as the top-rated ship, MS Nieuw Statendam combines elegance with a modern touch. As a Pinnacle-class ship, it offers spacious public areas and staterooms, creating a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere.

Guests rave about the stunning artwork throughout the ship, excellent service, and high-quality dining options. However, some find the daytime and evening entertainment a bit underwhelming, which could be a consideration for more activity-focused cruisers.

2. MS Eurodam

MS Eurodam, despite being a slightly older ship, has retained its charm and ranks as the second-best in the fleet. Known for its mid-sized design, it offers an uncrowded experience while maintaining exceptional service and a variety of dining options.

Guests particularly praise the crew’s dedication to making their journey special and the well-reviewed entertainment options. However, some areas, like the Lido Marketplace and the spa reception, can feel a bit busy during peak times.

3. MS Rotterdam

As the newest ship in the fleet, MS Rotterdam brings a fresh and stylish take on Holland America’s cruising experience. Passengers are particularly drawn to its modern design and stunning artwork, which enhances the ship’s overall ambience.

While the ship’s spaciousness and sleek features receive high praise, some reviews mention initial teething issues, such as slower service and minor communication hiccups. These are likely to improve as the ship continues to refine its operations.

4. MS Nieuw Amsterdam

MS Nieuw Amsterdam, the sister ship of MS Eurodam, blends classic design with modern amenities. Recently refurbished, it offers a clean, welcoming atmosphere that consistently impresses passengers.

The crew receives high praise for their attentive service, ensuring guests feel valued throughout their trip. While late-night entertainment is limited and some areas can feel a bit crowded, it remains a top choice for those seeking a relaxed, upscale cruise experience.

5. MS Oosterdam

MS Oosterdam, part of the Vista-class, is known for its comfortable atmosphere and a blend of traditional and modern cruising. The ship features Holland America’s Music Walk, offering live music performances that guests love during the evenings.

While the daytime activities are more relaxed and may not appeal to those seeking constant excitement, the ship’s classic charm and attentive service win over many passengers. Some areas still feel a bit dated despite renovations, but overall, it delivers a satisfying cruise experience.

6. MS Koningsdam

MS Koningsdam debuted in 2016 as a modern and stylish addition to Holland America’s fleet. Its innovative design and sleek interiors impressed passengers, offering a contemporary cruising experience.

However, some guests feel that the larger size comes at the cost of the intimate atmosphere and personalized service found on smaller ships. The entertainment receives mixed reviews, with some noting it lacks the wow factor compared to competitors.

7. MS Westerdam

MS Westerdam, the third ship in the Vista-class, has a cozy yet contemporary charm that appeals to many passengers. With updates like the Music Walk, it brings a lively evening entertainment scene to life, blending classic and modern cruising elements.

Guests often praise the attentive service, though there are mixed reviews about food service efficiency. Daytime activities are somewhat limited, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more relaxed pace.

8. MS Zuiderdam

MS Zuiderdam, the first ship in the Vista-class, offers a classic cruising experience with a touch of modern updates. Guests appreciate the enrichment programs, such as lectures and library resources, which cater to a more mature audience.

However, the ship’s decor and pool areas show signs of age, which some passengers find less appealing. While the Music Walk provides enjoyable evening entertainment, daytime activities are limited, making this ship ideal for those seeking relaxation and quiet exploration.

9. MS Zaandam

MS Zaandam is a smaller, more intimate ship that appeals to cruisers who value a traditional experience. While it lacks the variety of balconies and modern amenities found on newer ships, it compensates with easy navigation and a personable atmosphere.

Guests often highlight the attentive service and relaxed vibe, though entertainment options are limited, with some evening performances receiving mixed reviews. If simplicity and charm are what you’re after, MS Zaandam might be the perfect fit.

10. MS Volendam

As the oldest ship in the Holland America fleet, MS Volendam offers a classic cruising experience focusing on relaxation and exploration. Guests appreciate its simple layout and intimate ambience, though the ship lacks the flashy features and variety of cabins found on newer ships.

Despite its age, the ship maintains high standards of service, and passengers who value tradition over modern frills often leave glowing reviews. However, signs of wear and limited entertainment options might not appeal to everyone.

11. MS Noordam

MS Noordam, the last Vista-class ship to launch, is ranked as the “worst” in this list, though it still earns respectable reviews. Passengers appreciate the ship’s balance between spacious public areas and an intimate cruising experience, with crew members going out of their way to provide personalized service.

However, limited daytime activities and underwhelming evening entertainment are frequent critiques, as is the ship’s slightly dated feel. Despite these drawbacks, the ship remains clean and well-maintained and offers a relaxed cruising atmosphere.

Choosing the best Holland America ship for you

Selecting the perfect Holland America ship ultimately depends on what you value most in a cruise. If you’re drawn to sleek, modern design and spacious amenities, the Pinnacle-class ships like MS Nieuw Statendam and MS Rotterdam are excellent choices. For those who prefer a cosier, more traditional cruise experience with fewer passengers, ships like MS Zaandam and MS Volendam offer intimate settings and exceptional service.

It’s worth considering factors like entertainment, dining, and the overall atmosphere to ensure your chosen ship matches your expectations. Whether you want a lively experience with Music Walk performances or a laid-back retreat to relax and explore, Holland America’s diverse fleet has something for everyone.

The bottom line? No matter which ship you choose, you’ll enjoy Holland America’s signature blend of attentive service, comfortable accommodations, and high-quality dining. With this guide, you’re one step closer to finding the ideal ship for your next adventure.

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