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Holland America Line review
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Relax on a classic cruise with excellent overall value.
Holland America Line targets cruisers 50 and older, with its elevated entertainment — think live music and dance performances, but not flashy Broadway-esque spectacles — and a relaxed on-deck vibe. Its midsized ships are spacious and don’t feel overcrowded. You’ll get a traditional cruising experience without the hefty price tag of luxury lines.
If you’re looking for a serene retreat at a decent price, Holland America Line could be just what you need.
14 ships
Number of ships
Price
No
Price matches
Details
| Target demographic | Seniors, Singles, Disabled |
|---|---|
| Number of ships | 14 ships |
| Contact options | Phone, Email |
| Payment options | Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover Card |
|---|---|
| Deposit required | Deposit at checkout |
| Deposit required | No price matching |
| Food | Food included |
|---|---|
| Drink | Alcohol included |
| Room service | Room service included |
Expert review
Review by
Amy Stoltenberg
amy.stoltenberg@finder.comAmy Stoltenberg writes about lifestyle and money for Finder, researching the best options for shopping, banking, insurance and authentic travel experiences. After studying writing and fashion at Savannah College of Art and Design, she worked as a technical designer before opting for a career with unlimited travel time. She lives in Los Angeles. When her laptop's closed, you can find her wandering the streets looking for hole-in-the-wall eateries and daydreaming about her next great adventure.
Expert review
Loyal Holland America Line cruisers herald the sophisticated experience aboard ships that aren’t trying to be theme parks at sea. But if you’re looking for a truly luxury experience, consider Crystal or or Viking Ocean Cruises. Or, simply browse cruise lines to find one that better suits your style.
Where do Holland America Line cruises depart from?
Holland America Line offers frequent departures from key US port cities like Seattle, San Diego and Fort Lauderdale. Here’s where you can start your journey:
- Holland America Line currently sails from:Baltimore, Barbados, Barcelona, Bermuda, Charleston, Copenhagen, Dover, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, Honolulu, Jacksonville, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Mobile, New Orleans, New York City, Norfolk, Port Canaveral, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan, Tampa, Tampa/St.Petersburg, Vancouver, Venice
Holland America Line destinations
Holland America Line sails to every continent around the world — including Antarctica. Its itineraries range from three to 100 or more nights, though most last between 10 to 14. Here’s where you can go:
- Here’s where it sails to:Alaska, Bahamas, Baja Mexico, Canada and New England, Eastern Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal, Southern Caribbean, Transatlantic, Western Caribbean
Why you should (or shouldn’t) cruise with Holland America Line
Holland America Line cruises have a classic feel, with afternoon tea included and a range of entertainment options nightly. Visit the Lincoln Center Stage for classical music, B.B. King’s Blues Club for rhythm and blues, Billboard on Billboard for piano tunes, or the World Stage for a variety of live music — though exact options vary by ship. Partnerships with BBC and Lincoln Center elevate onboard activities for kids and adults alike.
Still, Holland America Line isn’t for everyone. While it tends to be more expensive than Royal Caribbean or Carnival, it’s not technically a luxury liner so gratuities, Wi-Fi, shore excursions and alcoholic drinks aren’t included in your fare.
Here’s what to consider before booking a trip with Holland America Line
Pros
- 24/7 complimentary room service
- Flexible dining options, from buffet style to five-course traditional
- Midsize ships feel more intimate than mega ships
- Programs for kids and teens
- Cabins are wheelchair-friendly and ships are accessible
- Digital workshops in partnership with Microsoft
- Wellness activities sponsored by O Magazine
- Cooking demonstrations in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen
Cons
- Fewer onboard activities compared to Carnival, NCL or Royal Caribbean.
- Wi-Fi costs extra and gets pricey.
- Gratuity not included.
- Alcoholic drinks and specialty teas and coffees not included.
- If you buy alcohol at a port, Holland America Line will hold it until after the cruise, so you can’t drink it on board.
- Pool areas are pretty basic, no water slides.
Holland America Line was awarded Best Overall Cruise Value for 21 consecutive years by the World Ocean & Cruise Line Society. It’s also been named number one for Alaska cruises in the AFAR Traveler’s Choice Awards.
How much are gratuities on Holland America Line?
Holland America Line charges $14.50 a person daily for passengers staying in a regular stateroom, and $16 a person daily for passengers staying in a suite. They’re automatically charged to your account, though you can adjust the amount at the end of your trip if you’d rather pay more or less. Gratuities go straight to the staff members.
A 15% gratuity charge is automatically added to bar charges.
Frequently asked questions
Latest Holland America Line cruise deals
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7 night Alaska cruises from $659 per night on Holland America
Up to $1,300 to spend onboard! Free upgrades!
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