Holland America Line

The Last Ocean Liners

The Dutch ships were noted for reliability and spotlessness, with a weekly three-ship operation across the North Atlantic. In peak season, one of the fleet departed New York every Friday for Southampton and Le Havre (7 days), continuing to Rotterdam (8 days). Concurrently, there was a westbound sailing every Tuesday from Rotterdam, and Wednesday from Le Havre and Southampton.

Rotterdam was the largest Dutch ocean liner to date, a superbly decorated flagship, rich in art, design and imported woods. She was also the first transatlantic liner without a traditional funnel and one of the first passenger ships to have engines mounted two-thirds aft instead of midship. Twin uptakes were used for the exhausts. As another unusual design feature, the two classes were divided horizontally rather than vertically.

The beloved Nieuw Amsterdam was built before World War II and proclaimed "the ship of tomorrow". She was an art deco gem following the trend of the day in interior decoration and exterior design. The handsome Statendam followed in the 1950s in recognition of a growing demand for economical travel, with over 90% of the ship devoted to Tourist class.

Passengers enjoyed continental cuisine and devoted service by unobtrusive stewards in beautiful surroundings, highlighted by fine paneling, paintings, sculptures, mosaics and tapestries.

Holland America Line Interchange Sailing Schedules