Holland America has built a reputation as one of the more refined cruise lines at sea.
Its ships aren’t the flashiest or the biggest, but they’re known for exceptional food, comfortable accommodations, and an atmosphere that attracts loyal fans who come back again and again.
But what if you’ve never sailed with Holland America before? With 11 ships in the fleet, it can feel overwhelming to figure out which one to choose.
That’s where real guest reviews come in handy—they paint a picture of what life onboard is really like.
How This Ranking Was Put Together
I’ll be upfront here: I haven’t personally sailed on every Holland America ship (though I’ve had some amazing experiences on a few of them).
So instead of relying only on personal opinion, I gathered data from three of the biggest cruise review sites—Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com, and TripAdvisor.
From these, I averaged the customer ratings across all 11 ships and ranked them from highest to lowest.
What’s important to keep in mind is that this isn’t a list of “great ships vs. bad ships.” In fact, the lowest-rated ship still scores a respectable 3.75 out of 5, which is far from terrible.
The top-ranked ship comes in at 3.97 out of 5. That means the gap between the “best” and the “worst” is just 0.22 points—a very narrow margin.
Essentially, every ship in the fleet is solid, but some just edge out the others based on guest experiences.
A Quick Note Before the Rankings
When I say “worst,” don’t think of it as a poor-quality cruise. Instead, it’s more about small differences that stood out in reviews—things like entertainment variety, décor that feels slightly dated, or public spaces that can get a little crowded.
The truth is, you’ll probably have a wonderful time no matter which ship you pick.
Still, since no two ships are identical, knowing what real passengers liked (or didn’t) can help you book the ship that fits your style best.
The Top-Rated Ship: MS Nieuw Statendam
Taking the crown as the highest-rated ship in the Holland America fleet is the MS Nieuw Statendam, part of the Pinnacle Class.
What passengers love most is how she balances modern elegance with that cozy Holland America feel.
She’s larger than the older ships, but still designed in a way that doesn’t overwhelm you. Guests consistently rave about the artwork and design onboard.
From striking sculptures to carefully curated paintings, the ship feels like a floating gallery. In fact, the art is mentioned so often in reviews that it clearly leaves a lasting impression.
The food and service also earn glowing praise, and most guests find the cabins spacious and comfortable.
That said, the biggest criticism is about the entertainment. Some passengers felt the daytime and evening options were a little bland compared to other cruise lines.
But overall, Nieuw Statendam is seen as a beautiful, welcoming ship that delivers a premium cruise experience without losing Holland America’s traditional charm.
2 – MS Eurodam: A Classic Favorite
Coming in just behind Nieuw Statendam is the MS Eurodam, launched in 2008 but carefully refurbished to keep her looking fresh.
She may not have the sleek, modern feel of the newer Pinnacle-class ships, but Eurodam embodies everything loyal Holland America fans love about the brand.
Passengers often describe Eurodam as the perfect balance of size and atmosphere.
At just over 2,100 guests, she’s large enough to offer plenty of dining venues and entertainment, but small enough to feel intimate compared to the mega-ships of other lines.
Guests highlight the exceptional crew service, often sharing stories of staff who go out of their way to learn names, remember drink preferences, and make the cruise feel personal.
The food consistently earns high marks, with many saying the specialty dining options rival fine restaurants on land.
Entertainment also stands out here, particularly the Music Walk venues that bring live performances to life each evening.
If there’s a downside, it’s that a few areas like the Lido Marketplace buffet and the spa reception can feel crowded during peak times.
Still, most reviews agree that Eurodam delivers a quintessential Holland America experience with a touch of warmth and elegance.
3 – MS Rotterdam: The New Flagship
The newest ship in the fleet, MS Rotterdam, launched in 2021, and she immediately drew attention with her bold design and expanded spaces.
She shares a lot of DNA with Nieuw Statendam—after all, she’s her sister ship—but guests describe Rotterdam as a stylish and modern flagship that blends tradition with contemporary touches.
One feature that stands out in reviews is again the artwork. Holland America invests heavily in making its ships feel like moving art galleries, and Rotterdam has some of the most striking collections at sea.
Guests often mention how walking around the ship feels like stepping into a museum, with surprises around every corner.
However, being the newest ship has also meant some growing pains. Early reviews mention occasional slow service, food that didn’t quite meet expectations, and communication issues from the ship or the cruise line.
Some guests also felt that with a larger passenger count, the intimate Holland America touch was harder to find.
That said, many reviewers believe these are teething problems that improve over time, and most still praise Rotterdam as a beautiful ship that offers a premium yet approachable cruise experience.
4 – MS Zuiderdam: Traditional Charm with a Mature Vibe
Next up is MS Zuiderdam, a Vista-class ship that debuted in 2002. While she doesn’t have the same flashy features as the newer Pinnacle-class ships, Zuiderdam has earned a loyal following, especially among more mature cruisers who value tradition and relaxation.
Guests describe Zuiderdam as a calm and comfortable ship, with décor that has been updated over the years but still shows its age in places, particularly in the pool areas.
What stands out in reviews is the quality of enrichment programs—think fascinating lectures about ports, well-stocked libraries, and cultural activities that make sea days feel rewarding rather than rushed.
Evening entertainment is solid thanks to the Music Walk, but daytime options are more low-key, which suits some guests but may feel limited if you’re looking for nonstop activity.
The crew service remains a highlight, with most reviewers describing the staff as attentive and welcoming.
A few passengers noted occasional hiccups with food or specific service issues, but these are the exception rather than the rule.
Overall, Zuiderdam offers a more classic cruising experience, designed for those who appreciate quiet refinement over bells and whistles.
5 – MS Koningsdam: A Modern Yet Divisive Choice
Launched in 2016, MS Koningsdam was a milestone for Holland America. She was the first Pinnacle-class ship and represented a big step forward in terms of design and amenities.
When she debuted, many guests were blown away by her sleek décor, spacious public areas, and more modern touches compared to the older fleet.
Reviews highlight her gorgeous interior design, which feels more contemporary and polished than some of Holland America’s traditional ships.
Dining options also expanded here, giving cruisers more variety than ever before.
However, some guests feel that as the ships have grown larger, a bit of the classic Holland America charm has been diluted.
A recurring comment is that the crew, while still excellent, can feel stretched thin with more passengers onboard, making service less personal.
Entertainment also divides opinion. For longtime HAL fans, Koningsdam feels modern and exciting.
But for those used to Broadway-caliber shows on other lines, the offerings here sometimes come across as less impressive.
Still, her position in the rankings shows that many cruisers find Koningsdam to be a comfortable, stylish, and enjoyable ship that blends tradition with modern cruising.
6 – MS Zaandam: Smaller Ship, Intimate Atmosphere
Moving to the older end of the fleet, the MS Zaandam launched in 2000 and is part of the Rotterdam (R) Class.
She’s one of the smallest ships sailing for Holland America, carrying fewer than 1,500 passengers, which makes her particularly appealing to those who value a more intimate cruising atmosphere.
Zaandam doesn’t have the flashy facilities or balcony-heavy stateroom choices of newer ships. Instead, what she offers is simplicity and charm.
Guests love how easy she is to navigate, with a straightforward layout that avoids the sprawling complexity of mega-ships.
Reviews consistently mention the warm and personal service, which feels more relaxed and attentive due to the smaller size of the ship.
On the downside, Zaandam does feel her age in certain areas, from décor to limited entertainment options.
Evening shows are often described as average at best, and the range of activities is narrower than on newer vessels. Still, for many, that’s part of the appeal.
Zaandam draws passengers who want to slow down, enjoy great service, and immerse themselves in a more traditional cruise style without the distractions of a huge floating resort.
7 – MS Volendam: The Oldest but Still Beloved
At the number seven spot is the MS Volendam, the oldest ship still sailing for Holland America, having first launched in 1999.
Like her sister ship Zaandam, she belongs to the Rotterdam Class and offers a smaller, simpler cruising experience compared to the Pinnacle and Vista-class ships.
Volendam’s design reflects her age, and reviewers do note the signs of wear and tear, even though she’s had refurbishments.
Still, her classic feel and cozy atmosphere win over a lot of guests. Many reviews describe her as “traditional cruising at its best,” where service and relaxation take priority over flashy entertainment or endless dining choices.
Because of her age and size, Volendam doesn’t have as many balcony cabins or facilities, but she makes up for it with high crew standards and a very personal atmosphere.
Guests who book her usually know what to expect, so complaints are minimal. The main criticism is simply that she feels a little dated compared to the rest of the fleet.
But for those who enjoy a quieter ship and don’t mind a few quirks, Volendam still delivers a thoroughly enjoyable cruise.
8 – MS Oosterdam: A Comfortable Classic
Launched in 2003, MS Oosterdam is one of the four Vista-class ships, and she continues to hold a solid reputation with Holland America fans.
Guests describe her as a comfortable and welcoming ship, blending Holland America’s traditional style with enough modern updates to keep her feeling current.
The Music Walk venues are a highlight, with lively performances in the evening giving Oosterdam a fun, vibrant atmosphere at night.
However, during the day, things are far more low-key. Guests who love packed activity schedules sometimes find her lacking, while those who prefer a slower pace enjoy the serenity.
Decor-wise, Oosterdam has been refurbished, but some spaces still feel a little dated compared to the newer Pinnacle-class ships.
Reviews mention that despite this, she maintains a warm and elegant atmosphere, and most passengers feel right at home.
She may not be cutting-edge, but Oosterdam offers a balance of tradition and comfort that many cruisers love.
9 – MS Nieuw Amsterdam: Great Service, Older Crowd
The MS Nieuw Amsterdam, launched in 2010, is the sister ship of MS Eurodam and very similar in size and layout.
She underwent a major refurbishment in 2017, which refreshed her interiors and made her public spaces feel cleaner and more contemporary.
One of Nieuw Amsterdam’s biggest strengths, according to reviews, is the excellent crew service.
Guests regularly comment on how attentive and friendly the staff are, often going out of their way to make the cruise special.
The downsides are mostly tied to her target demographic. Nieuw Amsterdam tends to attract an older crowd, so nightlife is limited.
Evening entertainment winds down earlier than on other cruise lines, which some reviewers note as a drawback.
Public spaces like the buffet and pool can also get busy, but overall, she earns strong marks for being clean, comfortable, and well-run.
10 – MS Westerdam: Cozy but Limited
MS Westerdam, launched in 2004, is another Vista-class ship that has benefited from updates over the years, including the addition of the popular Music Walk venues.
Reviews highlight her as a cozy and comfortable ship that still carries a touch of the classic Holland America vibe.
Guests frequently praise the crew service, describing it as warm and welcoming.
The food generally receives positive reviews, though some guests note occasional issues with food service speed.
Entertainment and daytime activities are described as limited, which might not appeal to those who crave a lively cruise.
Westerdam’s kids’ facilities are often called out as dated, meaning families might find her less exciting than other ships.
Still, for cruisers who love a relaxed pace, a poolside lounger, and traditional service, Westerdam remains a solid choice.
11 – MS Noordam: Ranked Last, But Still Enjoyable
At the bottom of the list is the MS Noordam, launched in 2006 and the last of the Vista-class ships.
While she ranks “worst” by reviews, it’s important to stress that her average score is still well above average, meaning she’s far from a bad ship.
Guests enjoy Noordam’s spacious layout and the balance she strikes between having enough amenities without feeling overwhelmed.
Service from the crew is consistently praised, with many reviews noting how staff remember names and personal preferences.
The criticisms focus on the lack of excitement both during the day and at night.
Entertainment options feel limited compared to competitors, and some reviewers say Noordam feels a bit older than her Vista-class sisters. Still, most agree she’s clean, well-kept, and comfortable.
Final Thoughts on the Rankings
When you look across these rankings, one thing is clear: Holland America’s fleet doesn’t really have a “bad” ship.
Even Noordam, ranked last, still delivers great service, good food, and a relaxed cruise experience.
The newer Pinnacle-class ships like Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam shine for their style and space, while the older R-class ships like Volendam and Zaandam offer a cozy, traditional atmosphere that many cruisers adore.
It ultimately comes down to what kind of experience you want: a modern ship with more dining variety and amenities, or a smaller, older ship where the atmosphere is intimate and the service feels extra personal.
