Travel by Sea on a Perfectly Sized Ship

There’s a certain pleasure in finding a ship that feels just right. One that offers welcoming spaces to unwind, memorable meals inspired by the places you visit, and the chance to discover somewhere new almost every day. It’s a balance Holland America has spent generations refining — and one that recently earned recognition from the travel advisors who know cruising best.

In the 2026 Recommend Readers’ Choice Awards, Holland America was named Silver Winner for Best Cruise Line — Overall Mid-Size Ship. The honor celebrates what makes our perfectly sized ships special: room to relax, experiences worth lingering over, and itineraries that bring you closer to the places you came to see.

• Holland America was named Silver Winner for Best Cruise Line— Overall Mid-Size Ship in the 2026 Recommend Readers’ Choice Awards
• Perfectly sized ships give you access to smaller ports and historic harbors that larger ships simply pass by
• Regionally inspired dining, enriching traditions, and welcoming spaces make the journey as rewarding as the destination

Our perfectly sized ships give you access to smaller ports and historic harbors that larger ships simply pass by, with more room at the rail to take it all in. Holland America’s fleet pairs spaciousness and variety with the ability to reach ports and waterways beyond the largest ships.

Holland America’s mid-sized ships open the door to destinations larger ships can’t easily reach. On Zaandam, drop anchor in Bora Bora, where a smaller ship can slip close to shore, and the lagoon glows in shades of turquoise. Aboard Zuiderdam, cruise the St. Lawrence River to Montreal, where bridge clearances can limit larger vessels, passing historic waterfronts and brilliant autumn colors along the way. For travelers who love a full itinerary, a midsized ship also makes an appealing home base for Alaska’s Inside Passage, where you’ll glide past forested coastlines and towering glaciers. From island harbors to historic waterfronts, these ships bring you closer to the places that make each journey memorable.

Explore a 7-Day Alaska Inside Passage or a 7-Day Canada & New England: Montreal, Maritimes & Maine.

Some experiences call for a voyage spanning weeks, not days. Our perfectly sized ships, like Nieuw Amsterdam, are well-appointed for journeys that reach South America and beyond, with a variety of dining, entertainment, and inviting spaces to relax. On a longer sailing, that variety gives you new ways to spend each sea day as the miles unfold.

Consider a 22-Day South America & Antarctica voyage, or make the journey itself the destination on a 35-Day Grand World Voyage.

Some of the most memorable moments at sea happen between ports. A leisurely Royal Dutch Tea brings a touch of tradition to the afternoon. The Orange Party fills the ship with Dutch spirit and a lively sense of occasion. Menus draw inspiration from the regions you explore, while a game of pickleball offers a little friendly competition with an ocean view. When it’s time to recharge, quiet corners and serene spaces invite you to watch the world go by.

Together, these experiences give each day its own rhythm, whether you’re setting out to explore a new port or savoring a day at sea.

Holland America’s fleet offers different ways to experience the world, from the expansive spaces of our Pinnacle Class ships to the more intimate atmosphere of our mid-size fleet.

Pinnacle Class: Koningsdam · Nieuw Statendam · Rotterdam
Signature Class: Eurodam · Nieuw Amsterdam
Vista Class: Noordam · Oosterdam · Westerdam · Zuiderdam
R Class: Volendam · Zaandam

Whether you’re drawn to a week of discovery or a voyage spanning continents, the right ship helps make the journey yours. We’re grateful to the travel advisors who recognized Holland America in the 2026 Recommend Readers’ Choice Awards — and to the guests and crew members who bring each voyage to life.

Ready to find your ideal itinerary? Explore Holland America’s cruises and discover the ship that suits the way you want to see the world.

Access Exclusive Deals & More