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Holland America was founded in 1873 as the Netherlands-America Steamship Company (NASM), a shipping and passenger line. Because it was headquartered in Rotterdam and provided service to the Americas, it became known as Holland America Line.

The company is considered by many as the leader in the cruise industry's premium segment and consists of a fleet of 13 ships. Recently they have completed a program of product and service enhancements to its fleet of five-star ships. Called “Signature of Excellence”, this initiative will build on Holland America Line's renowned “Tradition of Excellence” by significantly raising the standard in premium cruising.

Continuing a Tradition of Excellence through Signature of Excellence, Holland America Line have invested $225 million in enhancements that focus on five areas central to the Holland America Line guest experience: spacious, elegant ships and accommodations; sophisticated five-star dining; gracious, unobtrusive service; extensive enrichment programs and activities; and compelling worldwide itineraries. Enhancements through the Signature of Excellence have now been executed on all ships.

Among the enhancements are the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food and Wine magazine - a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts will provide cooking demonstrations and classes. The Cabins have benefited as well, with the introduction of flat-panel TVs and plush-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

Holland America has also introduced The Explorations Café (powered by The New York Times) on many of their ships. Explorations Café offers a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea.

With the 81,769-ton, 1918-passenger ms Noordam, cruising from her home port of New York and the fourth ship to bear the name in the line's history, entering the fleet in 2006, Holland America are able to offer nearly 500 cruises from more than 25 home ports with itineraries ranging from two to 108 days and visit all seven continents. The fleet will be further expanded by an 86,000-ton, 2,044-passenger ship (yet to be named) in the summer of 2008.

Holland America has won many accolades and awards including the Best Overall Cruise Value award (World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society, Ocean and Cruise News) for an impressive consecutive 14 years.