Holland America Line Reveals Largest Feet Update in the Line’s 153-Year History

Holland America Line is investing some $500 million dollars in bow-to-stern refurbishments of six ships. Referred to as Holland America Evolution, the refurb project will see new staterooms added to the ships – including an all-new balcony category for solo travelers, as well as the rollout of Pinnacle Class signature venues, and more.

“We and Carnival Corporation have consistently said that we are taking a disciplined approach to our fleet growth, prioritizing modernization and performance across our existing ships,” said Holland America Line president Beth Bodensteiner at a press conference at this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami.

“We’ve also had great success in letting our guests help us improve by listening to and acting on their feedback. That research and that success has led us to where we are today, which is to launch the largest fleet update in our 153-year history.”

The multiyear renovation, which will be undertaken by longtime shipbuilding partner Fincantieri, will take place ship by ship and will span the four Vista Clas ships – Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam, and Noordam – and the two Signature Class ships – Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam.

The first ship to undergo renovations will be the Oosterdam, which will debut fully revitalized in fall 2027.

The line is not ready to reveal the timeline of the first refurbishment as it will require the cancellation of several cruises and booked passengers have not yet been informed, Bodensteiner.

“I will say that clearly it’s longer than a standard dry dock,” she added.

New and Expanded Staterooms and Suites

In total 76 new staterooms and suites will be added to Oosterdam including one Pinnacle suite, two Bridgeview suites (a new category), 24 Vista suites, and 30 Solo Verandah staterooms.

According to Bodensteiner, the new staterooms will occupy a mix of previously underused public spaces, relocated public spaces, and current staterooms.

“Our ships are known to be spacious and not too dense for passengers. We were very mindful of that, which is why, honestly, we could have done more staterooms and made the conscious choice not to, to preserve that feeling,” Bodensteiner said.

The reimagined Pinnacle suite will offer 1,550 square feet of space with a private balcony, separate living room, powder room, bedroom, ensuite bath, and walk-in closet.

The two new 900-square-foot Bridgeview Suites will offer sweeping 180-degree views through panoramic windows and a wraparound balcony. Located at the front of the ship, above the bridge, they also will feature separate living and sleeping areas.

The 24 Vista suites, familiar to any clients who have sailed on Pinnacle Class ships, will feature oversized panoramic windows and a private balcony.

Solo Verandahs

The 30 purpose-built Solo Verandahs will offer an impressive 200 square feet of space with a private balcony and dedicated workspace in the room.

Unlike solo staterooms on other cruise lines, these rooms will not be priced for solo travelers – meaning the cost of the room will not simply be half the cost of a double occupancy standard Verandah room.

“It will be dynamic pricing,” Bodensteiner explained. “Based on demand, we will turn that pricing up and down… I don’t think you’ll be able to take a double occupancy and just cut it in half… But with that said, I think that they will end up being a better value for our solo travelers than what they have today.”

Addition of Grand Dutch Café

Among the changes to the public spaces onboard Oosterdam will be the addition of Grand Dutch Café, a Pinnacle Class signature.

“Overwhelmingly, since the Pinnacle class ships were introduced in 2016, guests have been asking us about when we are going to bring Grand Dutch to the other ships,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest experience and product development, at the Seatrade press conference.

Previously available only on Pinnacle Class ships, the venue is inspired by European café culture and is rooted in the line’s Dutch heritage. It will be located on Deck 3 near the atrium.

Sustainable Focus & More to Come

On Oosterdam and throughout the renovations, sustainability will play an important role with a focus on improving efficiency and reducing overall environmental impact. Emphasis will be placed on waste reduction and circular design, prioritizing upcycling and material reuse while bringing greater lightness and an elevated, timeless look and feel.

Behind the scenes, Holland America is making targeted technical investments to improve energy efficiency. This work includes smarter power management and enhanced system performance aimed at reducing energy demand and lowering operational carbon intensity over time.

Additional details about Oosterdam’s renovations, including new venues and technical projects, along with new voyages available following the upgrade, will be shared in the coming months.

“What I’ve shared today is the foundation of what will be an impressive and aggressive evolution for our fleet. This is just a fraction of what is to come,” Bodensteiner said.