{"id":85043,"date":"2026-11-02T09:20:27","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T17:20:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/?p=85043"},"modified":"2026-11-02T09:20:27","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T17:20:27","slug":"silver-award-winner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/whats-new\/awards\/silver-award-winner\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel by Sea on a Perfectly Sized Ship"},"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>There\u2019s 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\u2019s a balance Holland America has spent generations refining \u2014 and one that recently earned recognition from the travel advisors who know cruising best.<\/p>\n<p>In the 2026 Recommend Readers\u2019 Choice Awards, Holland America was named Silver Winner for Best Cruise Line \u2014 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.<\/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;\">Key Takeaways:<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><ul>\n<li>Holland America was named Silver Winner for Best Cruise Line\u2014 Overall Mid-Size Ship in the 2026 <em>Recommend<\/em> Readers\u2019 Choice Awards<\/li>\n<li>Perfectly sized ships give you access to smaller ports and historic harbors that larger ships simply pass by<\/li>\n<li>Regionally inspired dining, enriching traditions, and welcoming spaces make the journey as rewarding as the destination<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><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;\">What is a Perfectly Sized Ship?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\"><p>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&#8217;s fleet pairs spaciousness and variety with the ability to reach ports and waterways beyond the largest ships.<\/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;\">Mid-Size Ships: More to Discover Along the Way<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><p>Holland America\u2019s mid-sized ships open the door to destinations larger ships can\u2019t easily reach. On <em>Zaandam<\/em>, drop anchor in Bora Bora, where a smaller ship can slip close to shore, and the lagoon glows in shades of turquoise. Aboard <em>Zuiderdam<\/em>, 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\u2019s Inside Passage, where you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n<p>Explore a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/find-a-cruise\/a7g07f\/k750?xid=EXTHBG202611026FPZZ560VD\">7-Day Alaska Inside Passage<\/a> or a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/find-a-cruise\/n7n07g\/v737?xid=EXTHBG20261102U5TBN8Z098\">7-Day Canada &amp; New England: Montreal, Maritimes &amp; Maine<\/a>.<\/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;\">Longer Voyages: Time to Settle Into the Journey<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><p>Some experiences call for a voyage spanning weeks, not days. Our perfectly sized ships, like <em>Nieuw Amsterdam<\/em>, 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.<\/p>\n<p>Consider a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/find-a-cruise\/s8n22d\/i810?xid=EXTHBG20261102V2I6VJSSBJ\">22-Day South America &amp; Antarctica<\/a> voyage, or make the journey itself the destination on a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/find-a-cruise\/w7w35a\/v710a?xid=EXTHBG202611028QWEJSANLC\">35-Day Grand World Voyage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-5 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\">The Little Details That Make a Voyage<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><p>Some of the most memorable moments at sea happen between ports. A leisurely <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/activities\/indulge-in-our-new-royal-dutch-tea-during-days-at-sea\/\">Royal Dutch Tea<\/a> brings a touch of tradition to the afternoon. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/onboard-experiences\/activities\/orange-party?xid=EXTHBG20261102ZDKU96MZDV\">Orange Party<\/a> fills the ship with Dutch spirit and a lively sense of occasion. Menus draw inspiration from the regions you explore, while a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/onboard-experiences\/activities\/pickleball-on-cruises?xid=EXTHBG20261102KS265ZH0HL\">game of pickleball<\/a> offers a little friendly competition with an ocean view. When it\u2019s time to recharge, quiet corners and serene spaces invite you to watch the world go by.<\/p>\n<p>Together, these experiences give each day its own rhythm, whether you\u2019re setting out to explore a new port or savoring a day at sea.<\/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-7 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 a vacation on our award-winning ships? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/find-a-cruise?xid=EXTHBG20261102MQ1WDBJY3R\">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-6 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\">Find the Ship That Fits the Journey<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/cruise-ships?xid=EXTHBG202611026B3ML7CTNR\">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<p>Whether you\u2019re drawn to a week of discovery or a voyage spanning continents, the right ship helps make the journey yours. We\u2019re grateful to the travel advisors who recognized Holland America in the 2026 <em>Recommend<\/em> Readers\u2019 Choice Awards \u2014 and to the guests and crew members who bring each voyage to life.<\/p>\n<p>Ready to find your ideal itinerary? Explore <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/find-a-cruise?xid=EXTHBG2026110284A5TXQMA4\">Holland America\u2019s cruises<\/a> and discover the ship that suits the way you want to see the world.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\" 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=EXTHBG20261102GB14BYXU42\"><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":85044,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[44,40],"tags":[4493,4552,4710,4491],"class_list":["post-85043","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-awards","category-whats-new","tag-award-winning-cruises","tag-long-voyages","tag-perfectly-sized-ship","tag-readers-choice-awards"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85043","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=85043"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85043\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":85050,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85043\/revisions\/85050"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/85044"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=85043"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=85043"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=85043"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}