Holland America

The Vibe: Sophisticated and Enriching

Holland America Line cultivates a refined and classic cruise experience. The atmosphere is often described as elegant but not stuffy, appealing to travelers who value comfort, enriching activities, and a focus on the destination. You'll find a more relaxed pace and a less frenetic energy compared to some of the mega-ships from other lines. The onboard experience is geared towards cultural enrichment, fine dining, and live music, making it a great choice for those who want to unwind and explore.

Holland America Line is known for its diverse and destination-focused itineraries. They sail to a wide range of locations, including:

Alaska: A leader in Alaska cruises and "Cruisetours" which combine a cruise with a land-based tour.
Europe: Destinations like the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, British Isles, and the Baltic.
Caribbean: Sailing to the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean.
Australia & New Zealand: Offering cruises in the South Pacific.
South America & Antarctica: Known for their longer, expedition-style voyages.
Asia: Itineraries to Southeast Asia and the Orient.
Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal, and more.

They depart from numerous ports around the globe, including but not limited to:

North America: Fort Lauderdale, FL; Seattle, WA; Vancouver, BC; San Diego, CA; New York, NY; Boston, MA; and more.
Europe: Amsterdam, Netherlands; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Dover (London), UK; and Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Australia: Sydney, Australia.
Asia: Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan; Singapore; Hong Kong.

The Fleet: Mid-Sized and Graceful

Holland America Line operates a fleet of 11 ships, which are considered to be mid-sized in the industry. This allows them to offer a more intimate experience while still providing a wide array of amenities. The fleet is divided into several classes:

Pinnacle Class: The newest and largest ships, including the Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Koningsdam. They carry around 2,650 guests and offer the most modern amenities and entertainment venues.
Signature Class: Ships like the Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam, with a capacity of around 2,100 guests.
Vista Class: The Noordam, Westerdam, Oosterdam, and Zuiderdam are a bit smaller, accommodating about 1,900 guests.
"R" Class: The smallest ships, Volendam and Zaandam, with a capacity of around 1,430 guests. These ships are ideal for longer itineraries and can access smaller ports that larger vessels cannot.

The Cabins:

Holland America Line provides a variety of cabin types to suit different budgets and preferences. All cabins come standard with a queen-size "Mariner's Dream" bed that can be split into two twins, a private bathroom, a TV, a safe, and a minifridge. Key cabin categories include:

Interior Staterooms: The most affordable option with no window.
Ocean-view Staterooms: Feature a window for natural light and a view of the ocean.
Verandah Staterooms: The most popular choice, with a private balcony and sitting area.
Suites: Offering more space, upgraded amenities, and exclusive perks. Neptune Suites and Pinnacle Suites provide access to the private Neptune Lounge, which includes a concierge, continental breakfast, and refreshments throughout the day.

Holland America also offers specialty cabins such as Spa Cabins with spa-themed amenities, and Solo Cabins on select ships for single travelers.

What Is Included

Holland America Line's cruise fares can be considered mid-range, offering a balance of value and quality. The base fare typically includes:

Your stateroom accommodation
Most meals in the Main Dining Room, Lido Market (buffet), and select casual eateries
Use of pools and hot tubs
Many onboard activities and entertainment, such as live music and shows

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For a more all-inclusive experience, Holland America offers the "Have It All" premium package for an additional daily fee. This package bundles together:

Shore Excursion Credit: A per-person credit to be used on shore excursions.
Signature Beverage Package: Includes a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (with a per-drink price limit).
Specialty Dining: One or more nights of dining at a specialty restaurant like the Pinnacle Grill or Canaletto.
Wi-Fi Surf Package: Access to the internet for basic web browsing, social media, and email.

What Is NOT Included

If you do not purchase the "Have It All" package, the following are NOT included:

Shore Excursions
All alcoholic and some non-alcoholic drinks
Specialty Dining
Wi-Fi

Onboard Activities & Entertainment

Holland America Line focuses on enrichment and refined entertainment. You won't find water slides or go-kart tracks, but you will find a host of activities designed to engage and entertain:

Music and Entertainment: A highlight of the Holland America experience is the live music. Venues like the Music Walk feature performances at the B.B. King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard (for rock and pop hits), and Lincoln Center Stage (for classical music). The World Stage is a main theater with visually stunning productions.
Enrichment: The Explorations Central program offers lectures and presentations about the destinations you're visiting. You can also participate in art classes, cooking demonstrations, and daily trivia.
Recreation and Wellness: Guests can enjoy the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, a fitness center, and various pools and hot tubs. Pickleball is a popular activity on many ships.
For Kids: While the line is known for its older demographic, Club HAL provides supervised activities for children and teens.

Pros

Destination-Focused Itineraries: They offer a wide variety of itineraries, including many longer voyages and unique destinations.
Refined and Relaxed Vibe: The atmosphere is sophisticated and comfortable, without the high-energy crowds of some other lines.
Excellent Live Music: The Music Walk is a major draw for guests who appreciate high-quality live entertainment.
High-Quality Dining: The main dining room and specialty restaurants are well-regarded for their culinary offerings.
Focus on Enrichment: Onboard lectures and classes provide a deeper connection to the places you visit.
Solo Traveler-Friendly: Select ships have cabins designed for solo travelers, eliminating the single supplement fee.

Cons

Older Demographic: The average age of guests tends to be older than on family-focused lines, which may be a con for younger travelers seeking a party atmosphere.
Limited "Thrill" Activities: You won't find zip lines, rock climbing walls, or other high-adrenaline attractions.
Less Casual Dining Options: While the main dining is excellent, there are fewer casual, complimentary dining venues compared to some other cruise lines.
Some Older Ships: While the newer Pinnacle-class ships are very modern, some of the older vessels may feel a bit dated to some travelers.