Four Ships to Leave the Holland America Line Fleet in 2020
Holland America Line announced that Amsterdam, Maasdam, Rotterdam and Veendam will be leaving the fleet and transferring to undisclosed buyers. The ships have been sold in pairs, with the S-Class Maasdam and Veendam transferring to one company in August 2020, while the R-Class Amsterdam and Rotterdam will move to another company in fall 2020.
Holland America Line will cancel cruises for the four ships’ deployments, with some select itineraries being assumed by other ships in the fleet. The 2021 Grand World Voyage aboard Amsterdam will be postponed until 2022 and will now sail aboard Zaandam. The Grand Africa Voyage departing Oct. 10, 2021, aboard Rotterdam will also sail aboard Zaandam on the same dates.
“It’s always difficult to see any ship leave the fleet, especially those that have a long and storied history with our company,” said Stein Kruse, chief executive officer of Holland America Group and Carnival UK. “However, Holland America Line has a bright future ahead that includes recent Pinnacle-Class additions, with a third sister ship next year that will continue to maintain our overall capacity in the marketplace.”
“I recognize and appreciate the deep affection our guests have toward our company and the ships in our fleet,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “While streamlined, our diverse fleet continues to offer exceptional options for cruisers looking for a mid-sized ship experience to destinations all around the world. I look forward to carrying on those beloved shipboard offerings while cultivating new ideas to bring to our guests.”
Maasdam joined the fleet in 1993 as the second of four S-Class ships. Carrying 1,258 guests, it is the fourth Holland America Line ship to bear the Maasdam name. Most recently, the 55,575-ton ship sailed longer South Pacific and Alaska voyages. Veendam, the final S-Class ship, was delivered in 1996. The fourth Holland America Line ship to bear the name Veendam, the 57,092-ton vessel carries 1,350 guests.
The first ship in the R Class, 61,849-ton Rotterdam was introduced in 1997. Carrying 1,404 guests, it is the sixth Holland America Line ship to be named Rotterdam. Amsterdam joined the fleet in 2000 as the final of four R-Class ships. Carrying 1,380 guests, it is the third Holland America Line ship to be named Amsterdam. Most recently, the 62,735-ton ship operated the line’s Grand World Voyage.
Guests with bookings on future sailings of these ships will be notified that these cruises will be cancelled or changed. Along with their travel advisors, guests will receive information if the cruise will operate with a different ship or information and special offers on how to book another Holland America Line cruise when operations resume. Guests who prefer a refund will be accommodated.
Cancelled cruises will include scheduled Canada/New England and Grand Voyages on Amsterdam; Mexico, South Pacific, Australia and Asia itineraries on Maasdam; Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal, South America and Hawaii sailings on Rotterdam; and Caribbean and Europe itineraries on Veendam.
Amsterdam joined the fleet in 2000 as the final of four R-Class ships. Carrying 1,380 guests, it is the third Holland America Line ship to be named Amsterdam. Most recently, the 62,735-ton ship operated the line’s Grand World Voyage, additional Grand Voyages and Canada/New England itineraries.
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Maasdam joined the fleet in 1993 as the second of four S-Class ships. Carrying 1,258 guests, it is the fourth Holland America Line ship to bear the Maasdam name. Most recently, the 55,575-ton ship operated the line’s EXC In-Depth Voyages.
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The first ship in the R Class, Rotterdam was introduced in 1997. Carrying 1,404 guests, it is the sixth Holland America Line ship to be named Rotterdam. The 61,849-ton ship has been sailing Panama Canal, Caribbean, Norway, Baltic and British Isles itineraries.
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Veendam, the final S-Class ship, was delivered in 1996. The fourth Holland America Line ship to bear the name Veendam, the vessel carries 1,350 guests. The 57,092-ton ship operated the line’s Caribbean and longer European itineraries, including British Isles, Baltic, Norway and Mediterranean.
I too am a fan of small ships, hate the big ones..Prinsendam was great…went on it only three times wish it was more..
I did the May 8th 2022 cruise on the Amesterdam and enjoyed the cruise part extremely as it wasn’t a fully booked cruise I had a suite and there was some very nice people on board I enjoyed drinking with looking forward to my next cruise on Rotterdam in October
But the land part was very disappointing as it was the first week it had opened and not everything was open the staff did there best but obviously had not had enough training
My fourth cruise with Holland America so know that this is not the normal and COVID affected
I to am disappointed in the sale of the small ships. I have been on all Holland America ships recently on two sailings of the New Rotterdam. The new ships lack the closeness of the smaller venues. I loved the Princendam, loved the 23 day cruises to Alaska on the Massdam. I see they only have 3 23 day cruises to Alaska one in 2022 & 2 in2023. We have chosen to try Celebrity for our next 2 cruises both in 2022. Although more expensive we will try Oceana and river cruises.
I do not know if this blog is still active but today I boarded the Nieuw Amsterdam and I can already tell I do not like as much as the smaller ships. My last cruise was aboard one of the final Maadam cruises. So much more personal than this one. I will probably stick to the ones the size of the Oosterdam from now on.
I’m sorry to see the Maasdam go. It was “ my” ship. So much so I am almost up to level 2 all on the same ship. The big ships look like a block of flats placed on a boat. Give me small boats every time. I will miss you Maasdam go safe
I find it disappointing that HAL removed all the old mostly very negative comments. Interesting though that the new comments are also equally if not even more negative. With some very unhappy Mariners and reviews of the new “mid sized” pinnacle class ships. A ship that can hold 3000 plus passengers in not a mid sized ship.
It was stated by HAL that when HAL came under the Carnival umbrella and introduced the “S” & “R” class ships they were built of a size to not compete with the “large ships of Carnival”.
At that time the “large ships of Carnival” were around 70000gwt and carried about 2500 passengers. If those ships were considered large how can a ship that is around 99000gwt and can carry over 3000 passengers be considered mid sized?
I have said this to HAL directly, however they do not care and are not listening to their customers. It is safe to say from all these similar postings we are far from alone in these thoughts.
We and your core mariners like the smaller ships, great ports with unusual itineraries and no huge crowds. Oh and don’t forget proper promenade decks with the lounge chairs!
I’ll close with a quote from Fred Olsen the current owners of Borealis and Bolette, the former Rotterdam & Amsterdam. “Whoever said bigger is better? Not us”
“Whilst the cruise industry has gone for bigger ships brimming with more and more people, we’ve always believed smaller is better.
Because smaller ships bring big benefits.
They mean we can treat passengers as guests.
They can dock at smaller ports, much closer to the parts of our planet we’re most passionate about showing.
They mean we can avoid overcrowding, both abroad and ashore, so our guests can disembark easily and enjoy the freedom to see, explore and experience.
They mean we can offer warmer, more personal levels of service.
It would be easy to scale up, cram in and cut corners, but we never will.
Because to us, the size we are is the size we should be.”
HAL time to take note if you wish to avoid going out of business.
Just found your blog. I don’t do social media, so miss out on some things. Like so many others, the smaller ships are what kept me sailing with HAL. I started with HAL in 1992, and am close to being 5*, having only sailed with them. In January 2018 I booked a cruise on the Konningsdam because it was going to Guadeloupe and I needed yarn. Got my yarn, but really disliked almost everything about the ship. Only 2 positives were the Grand Dutch Cafe and the dedicated shore excursion space. Promenade was a joke with almost no space to get a view, and movies watched from a deck chair with the pool violently sloshing behind was a ridiculous experience. (I could add a lot more, but won’t). Loved the Amsterdam, but also liked the others that were sold. Only ones left I would voluntarily go on are Zaandam and Volendam.
Was last on the Volendam in September of 2019 with my granddaughter (19). My 31 year-old travel companion of 22 years, a small pink teddy bear named Bearly, went missing from the Lido deck around midnight when we stopped to fill our ice water bottles. He’d worn an i.d. pouch around his waist since a cruise in 1999 so I was confident he’d be returned. Today marks 21 months he’s been gone, and we still want him to come home.
I’ve said for years that bigger isn’t better, it’s just bigger. If HAL can’t understand that and acquire/build some smaller ships I’m seriously considering moving to Crystal. It sounds like they offer much of what HAL had back in the 90’s. So sorry to see HAL ships looking like Carnival clones instead of the elegant, tasteful ships of the past.
The Amsterdam was the ship we sailed on to Alaska. First cruise was a 7 day cruise and the second cruise was 14 days. We really enjoyed the smaller ship which carried fewer people. We were sorry to see her go. We are scheduled for a September 2021 cruise on the Oosterdam, hoping it will not be cancelled.
We are saddened to hear about the sale of these four ships. Cruising has become our favorite pastime and we have sailed on each of these vessels. I hope Holland America will continue to offer cruises on mid-size ships as we prefer to sail on ships carrying fewer than 2000 passengers.
Sad to see that most of the R-class ships as well as the Maasdam have been sold. This leaves only the Zaandam as the last remaining of the HAL ships we have sailed on. At least we will have fond memories of cruising with HAL and reaching 4-star status.
Fond memories as our only first cruises (3) were on these ships, 2 on Rotterdam and one on Amsterdam. The lasting impression was a relaxing atmosphere and very professional crew with a comforting focus on safety. I found this post while looking to book a cruise and am sad to see the emphasis on larger ships. We avoid them like many others posting here and seem to be trending towards Oceana, Princess now. Hope HAL can provide more information about their value proposition so we can choose wisely. The Vpvalues seem good, but if it isnt a relaxing experience due to megaship in port. crowds, etc. we may avoid. Note we are retired in our 50s with many travel years planned
I just read of the sale of the MS Veendam, and I am so sorry that Holland America has let this wonderful ship go. There is an intimacy and special quality to the smaller cruise ships that can’t be found on the larger ones. I have such happy memories of the Veendam and its crew: the best cruise I’ve taken, and the benchmark by which I measure all others.
We booked a cruise on Nov. 27 2020 on the Rotterdam for Sept. 26 2021. I can not believe that HAL is taking bookings for a cruise on a ship that it no longer owns.
This is so depressing.. The only reason I sail on Hal, is because they have the smaller 1,400 hundred passenger ships.. In fact, I cancelled my Alaskan cruise this year, even before HAL cancelled it, because they transferred me off the Volendam, into the Zuiderdam… I hate those bigger ships.. I took a 7 day Mexican cruise in 2009, on the Veendam… One of the best cruises I ever had..
We are slated to the cruise 12 day Holy Land and Ancient Kingdom May 2021 with final payment end of Feb.
We are concerned if the cruise will be cancelled or not being able to have have private tours prior to our final payment. This cruise only goes once a year!
We are not getting any information from HA on their cancellation policy other than the insurance policy we bought!
Question, prior to the end of Feb, will we be informed about private tours and other refunds.
HAL never told us our Rotterdam cruise was cancelled. No communication on the refund procedure, no communication whatsoever. Atrocious service, got our money back from our bank. Never book with them again, hope to see them bankrupt soon.
I’m waiting for the next Mexican cruise. Please keep me informed
Hate to see the smaller ships go. We loved the Rotterdam. Trying to wait patiently for the virus to be over so we can safely sail again.
The Rotterdam venturing into Antarctic waters during the 2000 World Cruise was a marvelous adventure. She was the first large ship to do so, since an unloaded U.S. Navy carrier probed that path in the middle 1950’s. We had ice pilots, scientists, and politicians aboard, dramatic weather changes, warm cabins but passageways in the high 50 degrees F, and the result was magnificent. My penguins dinner tee shirt is a treasured memory of another wonderful Holland America cruise on what have become smaller vessels.
The new ships are not as elegant, are much more crowded, and the staterooms are smaller. They negate the reasons I want to cruise: relaxation, comfort, and a sense of peace and well-being. I have been on eight Holland America cruises since 1980 but have no desire to sail on the new ones. It seems that they are squeezing more profit by squeezing us in like cattle, just like the airlines. No thanks.
I am thoroughly disappointed that you sold the Maasdam — a ship with fond memories for myself and my husband. We love the smaller, intimate atmosphere of the smaller ships and do not care for the behemoths.
We LOVE the Lanai decks, and always booked a cabin on that deck — enjoyed taking long walks around the ship, just right outside our ‘back’ door. We have saved the daily activities sheets from the cruises — enjoyed the talks, the classical music concerts each night, our late afternoon cocktails watching the sunsets, etc.
The Maasdam is a ‘civilized’ ship in every way … Keep Western Civilization alive, Holland America !
Best Regards, Loretta Nelson
JUST SO SAD THAT THE DUTCH FAMOUS SHIPS ARE SOLD . MY PARENTS TOUGHT ME THE WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE TO TRAVEL WITH HOLLAND AMERICA . I AM VERY SAD AND HOPE YOU WILL BRING IN SAME SIZE SHIPS WITH THE FANTASTIC FEELING OFF BEING SPECIAL ALSO THE GREAT FOOD AND THE OUTSTANDING CARE OFF THE SHIP, THERE IS ONLY ONE HOLLAND AMERICALINE AND I FEEL LIKE A FUNERAL TOOK PLACE. SINCERELY JOHANNA POL.
Unlike others, I prefer the larger ships but except for repositioning cruises I don’t think there will be the longer cruises for a while. Those going to more obscure itineraries may be more unlikely as well. It’s hard for HAL to see there is enough patronage to schedule a particular cruise when there aren’t enough ships in the fleet to be sending one on a cruise that can be booked.
We have sailed on all these ships and enjoyed every one. Sorry to see that the smaller ships are going, they suited us much better than the larger ones.
Very sorry to hear that the smaller HAL ships are leaving.
We really enjoyed our maiden cruise at the Prinsendam 2017, and appreciated the initimate character / atmosphere.
Do stay safe & healthy!
Pity. They were the perfect size and I’ve had many a good time on the Rotterdam and once on the Maasdam. The newer ships unfortunately are too big to my liking.
I’ll wait with bated breath to cruise again! When it happens I will be on a Holland America ship!
Thank you for past delightful cruises.
We’ve sailed on Holland America ships for over 20 years. Our very first cruise was on the Statendam in Alaska. We enjoyed the smaller ships very much having sailed with Holland about 30 times earning Bronze and Silver Medallions and 4-Star status. Unfortunately we have seen a large change in Holland America’s direction. The ships capacity is too big, the amenities are too few, and they have basically gotten rid of their great libraries and the BIG seller the PROMENADE with lounges. This was their signature item. Our cruise on their Pinnacle class ship was a HUGE disappointment as we could find NO QUIET PLACE on the ship to lounge in the shade.
My two favorite ships are the Rotterdam and the Amsterdam. I am so sad to see them go. I hate the big ships that are like floating cities. I like the smaller ships that are more intimate. I guess I won’t be cruising for a while!!!!
We were booked on our first HAL cruise on Veendam in Feb 21 after many other cruises with competitor lines. Disappointed that I discovered this for myself and had to call my cruise agent to get confirmation. Nothing from HAL or Cruise 118. We understand that covid has caused all in the industry problems but the lack of courtesy information is annoying.
I wish everyone at HAL good health and hope cruising resumes in time to save the industry. I feel for the kind and hard-working crews whose families relied heavily on their incomes.
I have enjoyed the small ships and looked forward to a few more long-distance cruises. The loss of 4 of the 6 small ships is huge. I will not cruise on large ships. Please consider adding back to the fleet a couple of ships the size of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Veendam, and configure solo cabins into the guest accommodations. Many potential cruisers are put off by the solo supplement.
Very sorry to see HAL selling these ships. All cruise lines are suffering, but does this indicate that HAL is really suffering? One of my favourite cruises was on The Rotterdam, as we had one of the Lenai rooms, with a sliding glass door that allowed us access to the wooden promenade deck. I loved that feature. We are currently scheduled to do a cruise on the Veendam in January, so I guess that is not going to happen. I hope that HAL is not going to follow the other cruise lines with mega ships!
So sorry you are losing these ships. Thoroughly enjoyed my first ever cruise on maasdam, in feb. my biggest sadness is for your wonderful crew, who I have worried about since covid. I hope they are all safe and well. Most were Filipino. Will they be given jobs on other ships. People complaining should understand the world will never be the same, covid is here for a long time
So sorry about the loss of these ships. We fell in love with cruising on the Amsterdam and Maasdam. The other HAL ships are good, but not the same. They will be missed by many loyal HAL cruisers. I realize that HAL / Carnival Corp. is doing what needs to be done. Look forward to the return of cruising.
Is the September 27 cruise out of Seattle still on . I get very little information about it and they took my final payment Fri my credit card that was on file?
Need to know if you will be sailing out of Tampa, Florida in the future. I need to decide whether to take a refund or credit for my cruise that was cancelled.
aahh, i wish i had gotten on Rotterdam, for size and the Lanai room style! i had cruise with Prisendam during her last months with HAL. so enjoyed knowing i made the vovage through Norway. bests to all these 4 ships
Are the cruises in December to Antartica still going? Seeing that covid is everywhere I cannot see how we would be able to get off the ship anywhere.
sorry to see these storied vessels go elsewhere. I immigrated on Amtersdam II when 9 years old, had my 25th anniversary with both sets of parents and our kids all in one on the Rotterdam , did a 31 day Mediterranean again on the Rotterdam and was about to go on a Canada to New England in the fall for our 50th anniversary. We love HAL for its wonderful service and hospitality. I even learned some Indonesian words. I am curious on options to come.
Well, we had our Icelandic cruise on the Veendam canceled this year because of COVID-19. We had rescheduled this cruise for next year and that one was cancelled as the Veendam is being sold. I’m beginning to think that this cruise will never happen.
My partner and I have had six cruises cancelled since Covid, and had planned a trip in 2021, just to hear that the ship had been sold. We love HAL but frustration is,setting in. We are not giving up!
John – I got a similar request on the HAL Facebook page to send my info to socialmedia@hollandamerica.com. I did as requested. Once they got around to responding I was advised that: (1) they’re very busy, lots of requests; (2) saw my FCC request; (3) couldn’t give any info as to when it would be processed; (4) my request was a bother and interfered with their process; and (5) don’t request info again as we won’t respond. Good luck.
haben uns schon so gefreut auf ein Wiedesehen auf der Rotterdam im Januar in San Diego. Haben die letzten Jahre alle unsere Kreuzfahrten mit Hal Schiffen gemacht weil uns Hal wirklich überzeugt hat. Dies wäre insgesamt unsere 41. Kreuzfahrt gewesen.
Like Richard I also had 3 cruises cancelled
I would like to like to speak with HAL
BUT NO CALL BACK???
I am beyond 5 star and feel I should be able to speak with management
Looking forward to their call
I am a extremely loyal customer
If I am afraid to cruise yet, you know you have problems. I will be back as soon ad we get a vaccine! Holland America is my favorite cruise line.
We were saddened to learn of our 2nd cruise cancellation. Glad a company is willing to purchase ships during this international mess, sad we have to reschedule. BUT, we will reschedule and we will perservere! HAL is the best and we won’t be trading companies. Can’t wait til we can sail again with HAL.
Know March/April cruise cancellations were often short notice (CLIA voluntary then CDC mandatory). How much advance notice can I expect if late January Asia cruise cancelled?
Sorry to see these four ships leave the fleet, but glad to read the Rotterdam and Amsterdam have already been renamed by the new owner. Wishing them good luck.
Two items we hope for:
1. Will HAL put another ship(s) on the North Atlantic/New England routes? We had booked for Montreal-Boston for 2020, planned rollover to 2021. Now looking for something for that region.
2. We are lifelong fans of HAL, proud of the tradition. How soon will there again be a Rotterdam in the fleet?
Looking forward to my next HAL trip.
I will miss these ships. Wish you the best in the future.
What happens to the crew on those HAL ships that were sold? We loved the Rotterdam & Amsterdam, & Love the excellent crew members even more! We‘ve cruised with 15 members of our family & we’ll never forget the care that the crew, headed by Bambang Chepux Jr. took, taking care of our Granddaughter, Katalena, when she became ill! His prompt reaction made all the difference!—- Best Wishes to all—stay safe, stay healthy—hopefully we’ll meet again!
I am sorry for your having to sell some of your wonderful ships. All of us are looking forward to the day when the Coronavirus is behind us. I have really enjoyed my trips with Holland America/
We have now had our third cancellation – 2 because of COVID and now a replacement cruise due to the sale of the ships. We’re especially disappointed because the cancelled Canadian cruises included stops in Newfoundland. We will probably have to book on Royal Caribbean, Seabourn or Silverseas if we want to cruise to Newfoundland. It would be great if HA could modify the itineraries for the remaining cruises between Boston and Quebec on the Zaandam to include stops in Newfoundland.
I hate to see the smaller ships leave. I prefer traveling on them. Love my past experiences.
We love Holland America and are sad that these ships will be leaving the fleet. We look forward to see what Holland America has for us in the future.
We have never cruise on any other line?
I am not only saddened that my family of six will not be sailing this October to the Sea of Cortez on the Maasdam due to Covid19, but that my favorite ships are being sold.
We worked hard to get to 4* Mariner status and now there will be no smaller ships to cruise on.
As we have become older seniors the Maasdam and Veendam had features that were special to us……the ability to have a lanai that allowed us quick access to either side of the ship and easy access to the deck.
I am very saddened by this decision for Holland to join the ranks of the megaships. The reason I loved the line was due to the smaller ships.
This has been a very difficult year for everyone.
I hope that I may once again sail with you.
We returned from our Asia cruise with you last October having experienced the many changes wrought by the typhoon. I had a challenging time taking tours in Japan,Korea, and China in a rented wheelchair. Upon arrival home I went immediately to the hospital where they determined I had a large pelvic tumor cutting off all blood supply to my right leg. They were successful in placing a stent to restore blood flow to my leg but sadly the mass was malignant. I then went through 28 days of radiation but more bad news when they found it had spread to my lymph nodes. I am now on infusion therapy in hopes to slow down the cancer. I tell you this so you will understand how much I was looking forward the the Maasdam cruise in October to the sea of Cortez along with family members.
Between cancer and covid life has been quite difficult so I am exceedingly sad that not only is the cruise cancelled but the ship is sold.
So many sad things this year in addition to stage 4 cancer. I only hope I can sail with you on e more time! Elaine Clabeaux
I hope you will be able to replace theses with some ships of similar size. I have no desire to be on a ship with 2-3 thousand passengers. I am sure I am not alone in this thought. If only large ships are available I guess I will have to try another cruise line.
My wife and I have sailed on 3 of the 4 ships that are leaving the fleet and mostly on the Amsterdam. I truly hope Holland America will take care of those wonderful employees that have spent many years on the retired ships especially the Amsterdam on the world cruises. We will wait and see before booking again and see how you treat these hard working employees.
These were our 4 favorite ships and we loved the Panama Canal Cruise and that the last
one my husband could take.Every thing was expecinal on the trips. Thanks for lovely
trips and fun times. Good luck in the future. Helen A.Lee
I love HAL and have cruised with them for approximately 30 years and always recommend them when asked. I just want to say the ever-increasing size of cruise ships (not just HAL) is the one thing that has discouraged me from cruising. As I’ve gotten older, walking from cabin to venue, to lunch, to another venue has become virtually impossible for me. I am so thankful I was able to Cruise on some of the grand older ships (early Maasdam, the Norway, Sitmar line, RoyalPrincess, QE2, etc.). I am still so sorry that I was never able to sail on the Prinsendam.
Over the years I have had the good fortune to sail on all 4 of these ships.My favorite cruiseline is Holland America.
I have sailed on four Holland American shops, including the Rotterdam. Each cruise was impeccable with great food and excellent service. I never left a cruise without making friends with many of the crew. Next cruise was postponed due to the Coronavirus until November 2021. I am hopeful the virus is no problem and he cruise will proceed as planned.
Has there been any decisions about what will happen concerning the people who had booked cruises on these ships? A press release or something would cut down on the number of calls to HAL.
We have been waiting 3 months for a refund of 5000 for airline tickets from an Italian cruise cancelled in May. We rebooked the cruise money itself on an Australia to Singapore in January which has also been cancelled after the sale of the ships. They theN Offered 250 shipboard credit If we sent a further 750 on cruise. We sent this 3 weeks ago. I’m very nervous thst we have sent good money after bad. Now they are offering a 100 percent credit if we rebook. I would feel more confident if we had received our 5000 back from the original cruise airline tickets. Is this yet another stall tactic to keep our money whilst they divest themselves of the rest of the ships. I would love to hear from Holland America. We have made repeated calls to no avail
Our first Holland America cruise was on the Amsterdam in 2003. As with all the fleet it was an elegant skip and provided the beginning of our experiences with HAL. We were fortunate to complete our most recent cruise to Australia and New Zealand on March 13 this year, the day ports were closing to cruise ship in NZ. Our thoughts are with your outstanding crew as you navigate this unprecedented pause in business. We have sailed on several other competitors ships and none can compare to the quality of the service and experience we have enjoyed with Holland America.
We have sailed on all these fine vessels and retain fond memories of them all, the most recent on the Maasdam from Singapore to Australia. We preferred the smaller ships, finding them more intimate and less frenzied than the larger ones. Holland America is still my favourite cruise line, just hope the changes coming don’t ruin the experience for us. Will the art works on these ships be removed and reused on other HAL ships?
Has three cruises on the Maasdam in 2018/19.
Lovely ship, perfect size,great crew. Very sad to see her go.
Was booked on the Rotterdam fir Norway this April but covid19 got in the way. Never now.
Please please HAL keep the smaller ships.
We will miss the ships with with ccean view windows in the aft. Also the smaller number of passengers. We just recieved cancellation notice for our cruise booked on the Rotterdam.
it is a sad day to see these ships leave the company. They were beautiful ships small and comfy. I am sure that HAL cruisers will miss them dearly. I for one will. Bigger is not better, but I understand business is business. We will miss these ships as the Ryndam and the Statendam. We are faithful to HAL and will remain faithful. Hopefully this is going in the right direction.
Getting rid of all the ship’s of the size we like!
Last forever!
It’s a pity to see them leave! ?
Great memories last forceer!
I feel SO VERY lucky to have been able to have a second MAASDAM trip during my 88 years! The first trip was in 1954, sailing from New Jersey to Rotterdam. The second was in 2018.
Sad news. We have sailed many times and especially great trips on the Rotterdam. We love HAL.
Said news but understandable
We are so disappointed to hear that Holland America has decided to get rid of these wonderful ships. We particularly like the smaller vessels, and have sailed many times on the Veendam and the Maasdam.
Very sad to see these ships leave the HAL Fleet.
We are 4 star Mariners and have 2 linked trips booked in August and September 2021 , 7 day Inside Passage to get us to Anchorage and then Shore Excursion through Denali and Dawson City and on to Vancouver. For us, we have enjoyed the capacity limitations of the R Class ships. Less crowding, easier on-off ship and less number of people to be with. Our Cruise on the Nieuw Statendam to Scotland, Iceland and Norway, from Amsterdam last summer, was not enjoyable. Ship was nice, but too large and too many people.
Will new ships be 6000 person capacity? If so, our cruises may be the “Tramp Steamer” through the South Pacific.
1959 : My first job on the Nieuw Amsterdam.
Sailing from Rotterdam to New York.
HAL still going strong |||||
Willem Broers Netherlands.
This is so sad to hear but understandable in these uncertain and unpredictable times. I’m hoping that my husband and I will still be able to cruise in Europe around the British Isles as we had planned to do aboard the Veendam in 2021. That would have been our first European cruise with HAL
SSSSOOOOOO sad, we loved these ships.
Sad, so very sad! Rotterdam was my favorite Vessel.
I was also booked on the Veendam in October from Rome to Tampa which was cancelled then I booked the Veendam for 21 day cruise in November now that was cancelled.
What’s next!!!
PLEASE continue the 2000 passenger ships. Let others go huge, your loyal passengers are loyal because of the size, elegance and staff on your ships. Bigger is not better. I have been on other lines in the past, nothing in my price point compares to HAL. Thank you and I look forward to my next cruise in 2021.
Love Holand’s itinerary, best of all cruise companies. Have only been on 2 of them, 1 to Alaska 2 weeks, and the Caribbean 2 week. Love the Dutch Cafe and the food especially the salads at lunch. Will cruise again with them.
We have long enjoyed cruises on Holland America. We have loved cruising on the smaller ships. Now that pleasure is gone. Our favorite ships were the Princendam, Maasdam, and Amsterdam. All are gone and the prospect of smaller, more comfortable cruising has disappeared. Not happy.
Fine!
Love your ships, will watch with interest your sailings,. Hope things soon return to normal. X
An abrupt end to an era of comfort cruising on HAL. The larger ships lack the ambiance of these.
AGAIN? This will be the second time the British Isles/Baltic cruise on the Veendam has been cancelled. I want to cry!
We’ve made several cruises on 3 of the 4 ships, loved them all and are really very sorry they will be sold. Our favourite actually is the Rotterdam, we missed the Norway cruise this year on her because of Corona, then booked the same cruise for 2021 and really regret the same thing will happen again. We cant understand why HAL is selling these beautiful, smaller ships.
Hope all HAL ships can go on voyage soon!!
Live is not always easy.
Mine was a joy all the years I have been cruising.
My favorite without question is ms Amsterdam.
Sad to hear she is leaving.
Wish you the best with all the new ships.
Kind regards, Marianne
We are 5 star cruisers and very sad to see these smaller ships leaving the fleet. Being in our mid-70’s these smaller ships are ideal with people who have mobility issues and find it difficult to walk the long distances on the mega ships. Would choose these ships over the bigger ships every time.
It’s us older cruisers who do the longer itineraries and World cruises.
What are you giving up next?
Once my husband and I had cruised aboard the Amsterdam , we only went where she sailed. We felt at home aboard her. The crew had much to do with that as did Capt. Johnathan.
My very first cruise was on the Veendam. It was wonderful – – loved the art on board. I had several more wonderful cruises on Holland America. Because of age, those days are just wonderful memories.
What a sad news. I’ve been on the Rotterdam 9 times and planned for number 10 in 2021. Almost every time she came into her homeport , Rotterdam , I had to go to the pier and just take a look at her. When she left she alway blew her horn when passing the Rotterdam V . It feels like I have to say goodbye to an old friend.
And the HAL not having a Rotterdam in the fleet is strange. How about correcting the historical error “ Nieuw” Statendam and renaming her ROTTERDAM ?
I’m glad that the Zaandam and the Volendam remain in the fleet.
So very sad to see the Rotterdam go ! We had booked the Baltic cruise in May 2020 for the second time .
What lies ahead of the cruise ship industry?
When will cruise ship resume with their trips?
What will happen to the crews that were sent back home?
Very sorry to see the R & S class ships go, as all 10 or so of our cruises have been on those ships with no wish to sail on larger vessels. Please consider obtaining/retaining a smaller than Vista class vessel!
How sad. I’m also surprised that you’re dispensing with the Amsterdam, while retaining the Volendam and the Zaandam. Don’t misunderstand me, the V and Z are both lovely ships and I have more than 100 days on each, but the Amsterdam is younger and in better condition than either … and she’s much more elegant. At least is my opinion.
So saddened by this devastating news. As a 5 star Mariner, I am very disappointed in this move. Several years ago, we were told during a Mariner’s reception that Holland America was not going to go the way of the mega-ship. We’ve sailed on the New Amsterdam and find it just too big. We love the size of the Rotterdam and Maasdam and have many sailing days on both of these ships. I hate to have to change my cruise line loyalties at this stage of my life. The Vista class ships are ok, but we even find them a tad too big sometimes.
I think HAL need to get more imaginative with there naming of ships.
Some years ago we had a wonderful land/sea trip with Holland America from Fairbanks AK to Vancouver. A memorable trip from beginning to end with excellent guides, accomodations, service, food and pampering! The Veendam was quite elegant & comfortable leaving us with beautiful memories of a perfect cruise and trip. It’s a bit sad to think of her leaving the fleet. Many thanks Holland America. We hope to sail again with you.
Will be sad to see them go, my wife & I have loved sailing on the smaller ships, but will look forward to what ships come down under now once the virus has been brought under control. Stay safe everyone and happy cruising in 2021.
Please don’t join the mega ship generation. The reason my husband and I choose HAL is the small ship society, not the alternative.
Fewer ships means fewer choices and fewer itineraries. How long before increase in ship size and decrease in amenities makes HA indistinguishable from Carnival.
These ships were the best in the fleet. Sorry to see them go. I love the smaller ships better then the larger signature and pinnacle class ships.
A sad day for HAL, the crew and the Mariners. I am thankful that we were able to enjoy 2 wonderful cruises aboard Maasdam last August from Yokohama to Sydney and from Sydney to Auckland in January. I was wondering what happens to all the magnificient art and antiques aboard these ships? Are they stored for display on future HAL ships, I certainly hope so, would hate to see them disappear.
Thank you.
I enjoyed several contracts as Piano Bar Entertainer on the MAASDAM (Crew No. 43449) and was with H.A.L for seven years from 2003. I loved being on the MAASDAM as with the other ships I performed on including the Vista Class & R class ships. I will always treasure my memories with Holland America. Ian McFarlane.
3 Star Mariner
Have not sailed on any of the 4 departing ships. I have sailed Konigsdam and Nieuw Statendam – not impressed with either. No longer is there a true Promenade Deck with deck chairs and a wide, walkable deck. Another peeve I have is the cocktail policy – you should be able to run a tab and then tip when closing – 15% on every drink is highway robbery!
I am truly sad to see the Maasdam go, She was our first cruise on her maiden voyage to Alaska. We have a cruise scheduled March 28 for 12 days on her. I received notice today that she has been sold and our cruise has been canceled. We were looking forward to being once again on our first cruise ship.??
Will be glad when we can get back to cruising. Am getting old , don’t have much time left to cruise.
That’s very sad as sailing on the smaller ships is a lovely experience. I hope to sail again when the world calms down.
SUCH A PITY.
I WILL MISS THEM.
Sailing next spring to Mexico will save.
Kind of takes away the reason for sailing on Holland America. With only big ships left, we will not be that interested in sailing with your company anymore. We really enjoyed the smaller ships. Now you are the same as everyone else.
So sad to see these smaller ships go – they could get into ports that others couldnt. So hope HAL dont just go to the bigger cruise ships as the reason I cruise with HAL is the size of their ships – Hate the the thought of the huge ones of the other cruise lines with too many people on board
What a sadness as I sailed most if not all those ships. And my least favorite cruise was on the Koningsdam, too large and no outside good walking and sitting deck. Carnival is destroying HAL !
you just don’t get it……the reason so many of your customers are loyal…small ships, class not noise, destinations with longer hours, the exc program on Maasdam…guess the glitz of the floating circus is a lot more financially rewarding…(guess I don’t get it)…
Very sad to see the Amsterdam leave the fleet. I had several cruises on this ship as a lecturer for the Road Scholar groups during the World Academy / Grand World Voyage. I shall miss many people on the staff who became friends. May the Amsterdam and her excellent staff be successfully re-launched and sail again. Thank you for the memories.
We have been on HAL for over 700 days. Many of those cruises were on smaller ships. However after being on the Koningsdam we really enjoyed the larger ship. I think it will be a nice change with newer bigger ships.
Will miss them IMMENSELY.
I will be so sorry to see the Amsterdam and Rotterdam go. We cruised 2 Grand World cruise on the Amsterdam and fell in “love” with her grandness. Our last cruise was on the Rotterdam and the crew spoiled me when I unfortunately broke my shoulder in Amsterdam. I was in a number “10” pain but they were terrific!!! Love the crews! Hope they all sail with me again!!!!!
Very sad to see these ships depart the fleet particularly Maasdam.
Sailed on them all. Three times on Amsterdam. Last cruise was Christmas/New Year 2019/20 through the Panama Canal aboard Rotterdam. My two favourite HAL ships are Noordam (three cruises) and of course Amsterdam. They will be missed.
I was lucky enough to cruise to Alaska on the Amsterdam a few years ago ( more like 10). Beautiful vessel.
This makes me very, very sad. I’ve enjoyed wonderful cruises on the Maasdam, Rotterdam and Veendam. All are beautiful ships with character, charm and grace. I vastly prefer the smaller ships to the larger ships, which simply do not offer the same experience or ambiance.
we have 3 cruises booked on Veendam but received cancellation notice for just one. How do I know if the others have been reassigned to other ships?
Have cruised with HA many time, many different places. Baltic’s, Australia and New Zealand. New England, Bermuda, Canada, Alaska. Mediterranean. Really disappointed on our last cruise that all the nice things we enjoyed had been changed. Allegro, piano bar, etc. dualing pianos not a good substitute, alternating with the loud music. We have already Planned different cruising and probably won’t return. But the crew was great always!
Sorry to see them go, have been aboard the Amsterdam and Rotterdam on wonderful cruises, as they are small enough to allow good friendships to develop. Huge ships of other lines, are like taking the bus rather than an SUV or a station wagon. You don’t get to establish any relationships, just sit around and look at one another, instead of engaging someone in conversation.
Keep the smaller ships!
Very sad to see Veendam leave the fleet. She and
Maasdam were able to get into smaller ports,
much the same as Prinsendam. What’s replacing
these small, guest friendly vessels?
I’m so sad, while I understand that times are changing fast and Halland American has to change for the benefit of the whole company, I truly will miss the smaller ships.
Diane and Nick Borynack (long time sailors)
Veendam – Panama Canal repositioning – 1999
Rotterdam – Baltic – 2000
Amsterdam – trans-Atlantic – 2002
Maasdam – New England foliage – 2011
All beautiful ships
Unfortunate. At least for me Rotterdam and Massdam are your two best ships
Soo sorry to see the Maasdam go we were aboard in 1994 our first cruise to Alaska. The ship was more then elegant it was amazing. Been on many other holland America ships but the Maasdam will always be remembered as the best
I used to work on the old ryndam
DISAPPOINTED! Not only has HAL been our cruise line of choice, but the majority of our sailing has been on the Amsterdam (Grand World Voyage 2007), Rotterdam, Maasdam (and the Prinsedam). We love the smaller ships!
So disappointing
Will miss the Rotterdam. Have wonderful memories of sailing on it and not being subjected to rowdy passengers. Loved the entertainment and classy atmosphere. The food was delicious. We also to the Panama Canal Holland America. I am not interested in sailing with any other line.
So…so…….sad.
The Amsterdam has for the last several winter seasons been my home away from home. I will truly miss her. It’s like losing a family member. :(
Will the Maasdam itinerary thru Papau New Guinea ?? be picked up by another of your ships in whole or part? It was a unique itinerary.
Jay
We spent a lovely 6 weeks crossing from Sydney to San Diego aboard the Maasdam. While I am sad to see her go, I am excited by the prospect of newer updated ships maintaining the luxury standard we’ve come to expect from Holland America… 4 Star Member…
I have been on the Veendam twice. Once to the Caribbean and once to Alaska. I was a great and classy ship with great service and food. I will miss her. I also sailed on the Maasdam once from Montreal up the St. Laurance Seaway back down to New England into NYC and then to Norfolk for 14 day cruise. It was probably one of the best cruises we have ever been on.
You will lose a lot of customers by moving away from these medium size ships to bigger ones! Cattle boats are NOT conducive to a good and relaxing cruise!
I have been on the Veendam twice. Once to the Caribbean and once to Alaska. I was a great and classy ship with great service and food. I will miss her.
So sad – love the small ships. The writing has been on the wall for the 2020 Pacific crossing for quite a while. Probably gone now.
I hope you will be able to find another ship to sail the Veendam June 19 – July 26, 2001 wonderful itinerary.
We have a cruise to Alaska in August 2021 on one of these ships Can I get a status update please
Thank you
It is so sad these ships are leaving the HAL fleet. Great memories I have on each one of them. A Mediterranean Cruise-on the Amsterdam which was amazing. 5 Cruises on the MA. Best time working the Inaugural’s for the VE and the RO. That atrium on the RO the art work it’s just a classy and beautiful ship. I will miss them all and they will have a special memory in my heart. Kudos to their Captains and all the crew that has worked on them and have always been the most respectable crew. I Love HAL and I wish the best to all.
❤️❤️❤️
I am sad to see the “old” ships depart the HAL fleet. However, I understand the economics of the business and the difficult time 2020 has presented the cruise industry. I have many memories from sailing aboard the Amsterdam and Maasdam. However, I was not privileged to sail on the Rotterdam or the Veendam. I look forward to a renewal of cruising in a safe and healthy environment. HAL is still my favorite cruise line.
It makes me so sad to see the smaller ships leaving HAL. These are the size ships that we have always sailed on. First you took away of favorite ship the Prinsendam now this. We love HAL and have sailed over 30 times. I hope we will be able to sail with you again.
guess I’ll find a line with nicer smaller ships like these Holland is loosing it’s class completely the new ships are way too big no character and your entertainment is in the basement …..
Have worked on all these ships.
Will miss working them
Sailed to AK on AMDM last summer
So sad. So many lovely memories of the World Cruise on the Amsyand many others on the Rotterdam. I hope you are going to keep a few smaller ships.