Holland America unveils US$500m 6-ship refit and refurbishment programme

Holland America Line has announced a multiyear investment programme valued at more than US$500 million to refurbish six ships, marking the largest fleet update in the company’s 153-year history.

The initiative, branded as Holland America Evolution, will see extensive bow-to-stern renovations carried out across the line’s four Vista Class vessels, Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam, and Noordam, as well as the Signature Class ships Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam.

The programme is intended to introduce new accommodation categories, expand dining and bar options, and reconfigure guest spaces across much of the fleet.

“Our guests have been very clear about what they love about our ships and what they want to see more of, and Holland America Evolution is our answer to that,” said Beth Bodensteiner, President, Holland America Line. “This investment allows us to introduce experiences and venues that are new to the fleet, add Pinnacle Class favourites like Grand Dutch Café, and create new stateroom categories designed for the way people travel today, all while preserving the perfectly sized ship experience that defines Holland America.”

The first vessel scheduled to undergo refurbishment is Oosterdam, which is expected to re-enter service in autumn 2027 following its upgrade. The work will include the addition of 76 new staterooms, alongside a reconfiguration of existing accommodation to introduce a broader range of options.

Among the new categories are purpose-built Solo Verandahs, designed specifically for single travellers, and two Bridgeview Suites featuring 180-degree forward-facing views. The ship will also receive an expanded Pinnacle Suite offering, as well as the introduction of Vista Suites, which have previously been limited to newer ships in the fleet.

In parallel, selected onboard venues currently associated with the line’s Pinnacle Class ships will be introduced across the upgraded vessels. These include the Grand Dutch Café, a venue inspired by European café culture and positioned as an all-day social space within the ship’s central areas.

“This is a great moment for Holland America and our guests, and we’re just getting started,” said Bodensteiner. “Over the coming months, we’ll be unveiling several more exciting additions to Oosterdam as well as the other five ships that are part of this evolution.”

The refurbishment programme will also incorporate technical upgrades aimed at improving operational efficiency. These include enhancements to power management systems and broader efforts to reduce energy demand, alongside changes to onboard materials and interiors intended to support waste reduction and reuse.

Holland America is working with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri on the programme, continuing a longstanding relationship that has seen the yard construct all 11 ships currently in the fleet.

Further details regarding itineraries following the refurbishment of Oosterdam, as well as timelines for the remaining five ships, are expected to be released in the coming months.