This company's connection with North America began in 1873 with regular service between New York and Rotterdam delivering thousands of passengers to the Ellis Island immigration facilities. Now based in Seattle, HAL began offering holiday cruises in the 1960s and has established itineraries around the world. The company is especially strong in Alaska, where it began operating with the acquisition of Westours in 1971 and now has a totally integrated operation for its customers, owning a network of support services such as tour coaches, rail cars and hotels. HAL is also prominent in the Caribbean, where Fort Lauderdale is the line's base port, and in Europe - both in the Med and Northern Europe. The line offers worldwide itineraries, including a classic, round-the-world cruise on the Rotterdam.

A premium cruise line, HAL currently has 10 ships with six new ships planned over the next four years. The line's highly successful "S" class ships (started in 1993 with the launch of the Statendam, followed by the sisterships Maasdam, Ryndam and Veendam) offer good amenities, including an excellent full-wrap teak promenade deck and a refined, relaxing atmosphere that makes these and other ships of the fleet popular with mature couples. The facilities are extensive, with excellent public areas such as a spa, exercise room, library and numerous lounges, however children's facilities are non-existent on the "S" class ships except on the Maasdam. At 55,000 tons, this class of ship carries 1,250 passengers and provides a high space ratio of 44. The new 63,000-ton sisterships Volendam and Zaandam carry 1,440 passengers, while the new flagship Rotterdam (launched in 1997) and its newer sistership Amsterdam are only slightly smaller at 61,000 tons.

Holland America's Dutch officers and service staff of Indonesians and Filipinos have built a solid reputation of well-run, immaculate ships with a high level of friendly service. HAL ships cut a fine profile with their distinctive sheer and blue hull, and the ships' interiors contain extensive artwork to complement each ship's thematic decor.