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Holland America Line is a American owned cruise line based in Seattle. It has been owned by Carnival Corporation since 1989.
From 1873 to 1989, it was a Dutch shipping line, a passenger line, a cargo line and a cruise line operating primarily between the Netherlands and North America. As part of this rich legacy, it was instrumental in the transport of many hundreds of thousands of immigrants from the Netherlands to North America. During the first 25 years the company carried 400,000 people from Europe to the Americas. Other North American ports were added during the early 20th century. At the start of the Second World War, HAL had 25 ships; nine remained at war's end.
It ceased operating as a Dutch line in 1989, when it was purchased by Carnival for 1.2 billion guilders (530 million euros). The proceeds were put into an investment company (HAL Investments), the majority of which is owned by the van der Vorm family.
Current operations
The company operates 15 ships to seven continents and was expected to carry over 750,000 cruise passengers in 2012.
MS Prinsendam and MS Amsterdam make annual "Grand Voyages" lasting more than 60 days, exploring more exotic destinations in South America and Africa; the MS Amsterdam also make annual World Voyages, sailing around the world, usually ranging from January to March/April/May.
The line currently operates five different classes of ship: the smaller and older S class vessels; the mid range R class; the Vista class; the newest and largest Signature class and the small 793-passenger Prinsendam (originally the Royal Viking Sun, then Seabourn Sun until HAL's purchase in 2002).
In 2003, Holland America announced its "Signature of Excellence" program. The ongoing program has focused on upgrading existing ships. The first phase included adding the Pinnacle Grill specialty restaurant, the Neptune Lounge (for suite guests), the Culinary Arts Center with demonstration kitchen, expanded children’s and teens’ facilities, enhanced stateroom amenities, and improved dining and enrichment offerings. The second phase of improvements (announced in 2008) added a new bar lounge area called Mix, the Showroom at Sea show lounge/nightclub, the Retreat resort pool area with pizzeria and LED screen and the Canaletto Italian specialty restaurant among other enhancements.
Source: Wikipedia
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