 Based in Seattle and owned for more than a decade by Carnival Corporation, Holland America Line ships still have a feel that remains nicely linked to their Dutch heritage. The ships more than most provide a traditional cruise experience (not surprising considering that Holland America is one of the oldest names in cruising), with string trios at teatime, vases of fresh flowers everywhere, and friendly Dutch officers and solicitous Indonesian and Filipino crew members. The most contemporary of Holland America's ships are its four newest Vista-class vessels -- Noordam, Zuiderdam, Oosterdam and Westerdam. Similar in many ways but smaller are the two sister ships, Volendam and Zaandam. The Rotterdam and its sister ship, Amsterdam, are the most posh and ornate ships of the line. The Statendam Class ships are mid-sized vessels with a spacious feel. The Prisendam, acquired in 2002, started life as the Royal Viking Sun and then sailed as the Seabourn Sun. Holland America calls the ship its "Elegant Explorer."
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