{"id":84945,"date":"2026-10-12T09:54:18","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T16:54:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/?p=84945"},"modified":"2026-10-12T09:54:18","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T16:54:18","slug":"readers-choice-awards-ships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/whats-new\/awards\/readers-choice-awards-ships\/","title":{"rendered":"Holland America Honored in Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveler&#8217;s 2026 Readers&#8217; Choice Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1248px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p>For the third consecutive year, <em>Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveler<\/em> readers have recognized Holland America among the best cruise lines at sea, earning honors in both the Mid-Size and Large-Size Ship categories, exemplifying our perfectly sized ships. Readers rate their experiences on factors including service, design, food, and amenities, making the recognition a reflection of the details \u2014 big and small \u2014 that shape a journey. At Holland America, those details are woven throughout the voyage. There\u2019s the attentive service made possible by a 1:2 crew-to-guest ratio, the Daelmans Stroopwafel turndown service on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/onboard-experiences\/activities\/orange-party?xid=EXTHBG20261012TNXYPQWSGO\">Dutch Day<\/a>, and the simple pleasure of finding a quiet spot on deck to watch the world unfold.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\">A Perfectly Sized Ship at Sea<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><p>It&#8217;s fitting that the honors span two size categories. Holland America&#8217;s ships offer the variety of a larger ship while keeping a more intimate sense of place, and a day aboard has room for both. Start the morning with a latte and views of Glacier Bay on an Alaska sailing. Linger over a multi-course Farewell Dinner complete with classical string music as the sun slips below the horizon. Then the evening is yours to enjoy: a Broadway-style show on the World Stage, a set of live blues, or cocktails under the stars.<\/p>\n<p>In between, there&#8217;s plenty to do on board: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/onboard-experiences\/activities\/pickleball-on-cruises?xid=EXTHBG20261012BK95MYSI7H\">pickleball<\/a> with 360-degree views, a dip in the adults-only <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/onboard-experiences\/activities\/pools?xid=EXTHBG20261012CWX9Q8DDKL\">Sea View pool<\/a>, or a retreat to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/onboard-experiences\/activities\/greenhouse-spa-salon?xid=EXTHBG20261012NSWRJV9VQS\">spa<\/a>. You don&#8217;t need to fill every hour. Make them your own.<\/p>\n<p>Ship size also shapes where a ship can go. Holland America&#8217;s fleet pairs spaciousness and variety with the ability to reach ports and waterways beyond the largest ships. That might mean exploring an iconic destination with a full range of dining and entertainment close at hand or sailing into a smaller port for a more intimate connection to the place itself.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background internalBanner nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-top:30px;--awb-padding-right:30px;--awb-padding-bottom:30px;--awb-padding-left:30px;--awb-background-color:#dce3eb;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1248px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\" data-scroll-devices=\"small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"--awb-text-color:var(--awb-color6);--awb-margin-top:0px;--awb-margin-right:0px;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;--awb-margin-left:0px;\"><p>Ready to experience our perfectly sized ships? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/find-a-cruise?xid=EXTHBG20261012J366WZ1QTS\">Find a cruise now<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1248px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-2 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\">Four Classes, One Fleet<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/cruise-ships?xid=EXTHBG20261012MKSFDDKV8I\">Holland America\u2019s fleet<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p><b>Pinnacle Class: <\/b>Koningsdam \u00b7 Nieuw Statendam \u00b7 Rotterdam<br \/>\n<b>Signature Class: <\/b>Eurodam \u00b7 Nieuw Amsterdam<br \/>\n<b>Vista Class: <\/b>Noordam \u00b7 Oosterdam \u00b7 Westerdam \u00b7 Zuiderdam<br \/>\n<b>R Class: <\/b>Volendam \u00b7 Zaandam<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-3 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\">Find Your Ship<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><p>There&#8217;s more to explore onboard. The expansive Pinnacle Class ships are built for travelers who want more places to gather, dine, and be entertained. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/onboard-experiences\/dining\/grand-dutch-cafe?xid=EXTHBG2026101275MOPOJU4F\">The Grand Dutch Caf\u00e9<\/a> is a favorite spot to settle in. Aboard <em>Nieuw Amsterdam<\/em>, you&#8217;ll find the fleet&#8217;s only stand-alone Morimoto by Sea Specialty Dining restaurant. On select sailings, <em>Nieuw Statendam<\/em> offers the chance to watch a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/plan-a-cruise\/specialty-cruises\/solar-eclipse-cruises?xid=EXTHBG20261012P5U6EHTQA0\">solar eclipse<\/a> from the deck of a strategically positioned ship.<\/p>\n<p>For going farther in, smaller ships can take you places larger ones can&#8217;t. <em>Volendam<\/em>&#8216;s more compact size allows her to reach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/cruise-destinations\/canada-new-england-cruises\/cruises-from-montreal-quebec?xid=EXTHBG20261012Y8LGRX6GGM\">Montr\u00e9al<\/a> by passing beneath a series of bridges along the St. Lawrence River, a reminder that sometimes the right ship is the one that takes you deeper into a destination.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-4 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\">Whichever Way You Travel<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><p>There isn&#8217;t one way to cruise, and there isn&#8217;t one definition of the right ship. For some, it means more restaurants, more entertainment, and more places to gather. For others, it means a vessel that can slip <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/travel-inspiration\/where-to-travel\/bridges-sail-under\/?xid=EXTHBG20261012CBAM5UA1MU\">beneath bridges<\/a> and into scenic waterways bigger ships can&#8217;t reach. Wherever you want to go, there&#8217;s a Holland America ship to make the journey feel just right.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:0px;\"><h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Access Exclusive Deals &amp; More<\/h3>\n<\/div><div style=\"text-align:center;\"><a class=\"fusion-button button-flat fusion-button-default-size button-default fusion-button-default button-1 fusion-button-default-span fusion-button-default-type\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/sign-up?xid=EXTHBG202610123WH3KA2TBQ\"><span class=\"fusion-button-text\">Sign Up for Special Offers<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1993,"featured_media":84946,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[44,40],"tags":[4671,4229,4710,4491],"class_list":["post-84945","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-awards","category-whats-new","tag-conde-nast-travelers-readers","tag-cruise-ships","tag-perfectly-sized-ship","tag-readers-choice-awards"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84945","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1993"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84945"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84945\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84951,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84945\/revisions\/84951"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84946"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84945"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84945"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=84945"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}