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Holland America Line review
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.
Amy Stoltenberg is a staff writer covering all things travel, shopping and lifestyle. After earning a BA at Savannah College of Art and Design, she worked as technical designer in corporate fashion before opting for a career with unlimited travel time. When her laptop's closed, you can find her wandering around Los Angeles looking for hole-in-the-wall eateries and plotting her way to all 50 states (she's currently at 28).
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
Holland America Line is owned by Carnival Corporation & plc.
The following drinks are free on Holland America Line cruises:
Nonspecialty tea and coffee
Nonbottled water
Milk
Lemonade
Hot chocolate
Juice at breakfast
You pay extra for specialty coffee and tea, as well as alcoholic drinks.
The dress code on Holland America Line ships is casual by day, and resort casual by night. Each cruise has at least one gala evening.
For resort casual nights, men are asked to wear slacks and collared shirts. Women are encouraged to wear casual dresses or informal skirts and blouses.
Gala nights have a cocktail dress code. Women should wear cocktail dresses, gowns or suits, while men are asked to wear jackets and ties, dark suits or tuxedos.
Yes — the Holland America Line Rewards Visa rewards frequent cruisers with points, freebies and upgrades. It’s worth looking into if you plan to sail with Holland America Line more than once.
Traveling during COVID-19
The CDC continues to advise caution when traveling within or outside the US, However, it no longer requires self-quarantine or a COVID-19 test for fully vaccinated domestic travelers as of April 2021. International travelers need to get tested three days prior to flying out of the US and within three days after returning, even if you are fully vaccinated. It recommends that you delay travel if you’re not fully vaccinated to protect yourself and your family from getting or spreading the virus.
If you’re planning a trip outside the US, bear in mind that many countries have placed restrictions on US tourists. Check the US embassy website for updates before booking international travel.
At Finder, we value and respect our editorial independence. We keep our reviews completely factual so you can use them to make better decisions. While we may receive revenue and referral fees from advertising and affiliate links, advertisers do not approve our reviews.
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