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This company’s connection with North America began in 1873
with regular service between New York and Rotterdam delivering thousands
of passengers to the Ellis Island immigration facilities. Now based in
Seattle, HAL began offering holiday cruises in the 1960s and has
established itineraries around the world. The company is especially strong
in Alaska, where it began operating with the acquisition of Westours in
1971 and now has a totally integrated operation for its customers, owning
a network of support services such as tour coaches, rail cars and hotels.
HAL is also prominent in the Caribbean, where Fort Lauderdale is the
line's base port, and in Europe - both in the Med and Northern Europe. The
line offers worldwide itineraries, including a classic, round-the-world
cruise on the Rotterdam.
A premium cruise line, HAL currently has 10 ships with
six new ships planned over the next four years. The line's highly
successful "S" class ships (started in 1993 with the launch of the
Statendam, followed by the sister ships Maasdam, Ryndam and Veendam) offer
good amenities, including an excellent full-wrap teak promenade deck and a
refined, relaxing atmosphere that makes these and other ships of the fleet
popular with mature couples. The facilities are extensive, with excellent
public areas such as a spa, exercise room, library and numerous lounges,
however children's facilities are non-existent on the "S" class ships
except on the Maasdam. At 55,000 tons, this class of ship carries 1,250
passengers and provides a high space ratio of 44. The new 63,000-ton
sisters ships Volendam and Zaandam carry 1,440 passengers, while the new
flagship Rotterdam (launched in 1997) and its newer sister ship Amsterdam
are only slightly smaller at 61,000 tons.
Holland America’s Dutch officers and service staff of Indonesians and
Filipinos have built a solid reputation of well-run, immaculate ships with
a high level of friendly service. HAL ships cut a fine profile with their
distinctive sheer and blue hull, and the ships' interiors contain
extensive artwork to complement each ship’s thematic decor.
Holland
Amesterdam
Holland Massdam
Holland Noordam
Holland Oosterdam
Holland Prinsendam
Holland Rotterdam
Holland Ryndam
Holland Statendam
Holland Veendam
Holland Volendam
Holland Zaandam
Holland Zuiderdam
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