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Compelling Worldwide Itineraries

In 2008, Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to more than 320 ports. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, including Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia and Grand World Voyages; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.

Guests will have more destination choices in every corner of the world that will bring them not just to new and exciting locations but into the culture and heart of each place to create a truly memorable and unique experience.

Continuing Signature of Excellence

Holland America Line recently completed an unprecedented $425 million investment in unparalleled product and service enhancements to its fleet of five-star ships. Called Signature of Excellence, this initiative built on Holland America Line's renowned Tradition of Excellence® by significantly raising the standard in premium cruising. The comprehensive enhancements focused on five areas central to the Holland America Line guest experience: spacious, elegant ships and accommodations; sophisticated five-star dining; gracious, Award-winning service; extensive enrichment programs and activities; and compelling worldwide itineraries.

Five Star Fleet

From the moment you step aboard one of our mid-sized ships you will recognize the Holland America Line difference. We sail with nearly one crew member for every two guests, providing the gracious, award-winning service that defines classic cruising. Our ships feature spacious wraparound teak decks, panoramic views, abundant spacious private verandahs and large staterooms. All our ships have recently completed extensive Signature of Excellence enhancements to staterooms and public rooms. With elegant fine dining and enriching activities, welcome aboard a Holland America Line ship and discover timeless cruising, refined for a new generation.

Providing Passage to the New World

Holland America Line was founded in 1873 as the Netherlands-America Steamship Company (NASM), a shipping and passenger line. Because it was headquartered in Rotterdam and provided service to the Americas, it became known as Holland America Line. The company's first ocean liner was the Rotterdam, which sailed its maiden voyage from the Netherlands to New York City on Oct. 15, 1872. The one-way voyage took 15 days. Following that first voyage, Holland America Line has seen a series of benchmark moments in its history.

By its 25th anniversary, Holland America Line owned a fleet of six cargo and passenger ships, and also provided service between Holland and the Dutch East Indies via the newly constructed Suez Canal.
The line was a principal carrier of immigrants from Europe to the United States until well after the turn of the century, carrying 850,000 to new lives in the New World.
In 1895, the company offered its first vacation cruise; its second leisure cruise, from New York to the Holy Land, was in 1910.
In 1971, Holland America Line suspended its transatlantic passenger trade and turned to offering cruise vacations full time.
In 1989, Holland America Line Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Corp., the largest cruise company in the world.