Cruise ships Holland-America Line (HAL)
Holland-America Line (HAL) is one of the oldest cruise lines in the world and was founded in 1873 as Nederlandsch-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij N.V. (NASM) in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The shipping company operated passenger and freight shipping lines between Europe and North America. Its most important line was the service between Rotterdam and New York with stops in Southampton or Plymouth. In the early 1900s, Holland-America Line began offering its first luxury cruises. In the 1920s and 1930s, many celebrities, such as author Agatha Christie and composer Cole Porter, were spotted aboard Holland-America Line ships.
During World War II, Holland-America Line discontinued its passenger services and placed its ships in Allied service. 14 of the 25 ships were destroyed during the war.
The 1950s and 1960s were the golden age of Holland-America Line, when the company put several large and luxurious ships into service, including the "SS Rotterdam" and the "SS Statendam". In the 1970s, HAL began to focus on cruises in Alaska and the Caribbean.
In 1989, Holland-America Line was acquired by Carnival Corporation, but remained as an independent brand. The line continued to expand its fleet in the 1990s, introducing new ships such as the "Maasdam" and the "Veendam." The company continued to focus on cruises in Alaska and the Caribbean, as well as transatlantic cruises between Europe and North America.
Over the years, Holland-America Line has expanded and modernized its fleet. Today's ships are all modern, luxurious and equipped with all the amenities expected of a premium cruise line. HAL continues to offer cruises in Alaska and the Caribbean, as well as other parts of the world, including Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa.
Holland-America Line has made a name for itself for its high-quality culinary offerings, created by award-winning chefs. Onboard, there is a wide selection of restaurants, bars and lounges, as well as entertainment programs and activities for all ages. Overall, Holland-America Line is one of the most well-known and respected cruise lines in the world, offering luxury cruises for discerning guests for over 150 years.
Current Holland-America Line (HAL) fleet:
Noordam, Westerdam, Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Voolendam, Zaandam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Koningsdam, Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam
