It may be one of the world’s most modern and innovative cruise lines but Holland America hasn’t forgotten the proud cruising traditions that have helped it build such an enviably loyal cruise passenger following.

Links with the company’s roots as a European line traversing the Atlantic between Holland and America are maintained, not merely in the naming of the ships, all ending in ‘dam’ but also in nice touches like afternoon tea, ballroom dancing and the gentle bell chiming to announce dinner. There’s still something rather elegant about a Holland America Line cruise.

And though the company has a heritage that dates back to the 1890s Holland America doesn’t rest on its laurels, its Signature of Excellence manifesto ensuring improvements, additions and refinements that keep its ever growing fleet at the forefront of today’s cruise holiday industry. One nifty new development is the introduction of downloadable guided ship tours that enable you to wander the decks with explanatory information via your MP3 player.

Holland America has various classes of ship from the intimate and cosy Prinsdendam with its polished wood and brass, old world feel to the light and brilliant Vista class ships boasting fantastic glass-walled public spaces and marvellous ocean views.

There’s also the ultra-posh Rotterdam and Amsterdam with their opulent dining halls, amazing artwork and extravagant atriums.

Consult with your cruise advisor to get a better idea of which class of ship best suits you as you start to plan your cruise holiday of a lifetime.

Whichever you choose you’ll find immaculately maintained pool and spa areas, as well as a range of fitness activities in well-equipped gyms and sports courts.

There’s also a growing programme of enrichment sessions with everything from wine-tasting and the culinary crafts, to art tours of the ship and visits from specialist guest speakers.

Fine dining on board Holland America ships includes the opportunity to choose your own time and your preferred venue, be it in the sumptuous main dining halls in the convivial company of your fellow passengers at set times or just when you feel like eating, through the cruise line’s ‘As You Wish’ dining option.

The cruise line was one of the first to offer alternative specialist restaurants by reservation andits intimate and exclusive Pinnacle Grill is a highlight of most passengers’ holidays, especially if there’s a special occasion to celebrate.

Evening entertainment on Holland America cruises isn’t quite as raucous as on some other lines but that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of variety, far from it.

You can enjoy the latest movie releases in plush cinemas, Vegas style musical extravaganzas in large and stylish theatres, as well as live music and cabaret in many of the other beautifully themed bars. There are swish nightclubs and casinos as well as lovely lounges in which to unwind over your favourite tipple.

Younger guests will make new friends as they’re entertained with a wide range of games, competitions, parties – or just hang out with people of their own age at the Camp HAL kids’ clubs, catering for everyone from tots to teens.

Holland America has one of the most varied itinerary lists of any world-leading cruise line, offering holidays to all the most popular destinations including Europe, the Caribbean, South America, Asia and the Far East, with Alaska being one of its stand-out specialities, as well as using its range of vessels to venture to some of the more diverse places like Libya, the sub-Arctic Islands, Northern Norway and the Black Sea.

Holland America will always appeal to those passengers who appreciate the finest traditions of a cruise holiday but it has recently grown in popularity with those looking for a high-quality, modern, family-friendly experience.