Holland America Line

Cruise Circle says...

Holland America Line epitomises "premium" cruising, boasting stylish mid-sized ships adorned with priceless art and fresh flowers. These ships offer a refined experience, featuring a range of enriching activities such as a library and internet centre powered by the New York Times, culinary demonstrations at the Culinary Arts theatre, and an immersive destination programme. Guests luxuriate in spacious staterooms with Egyptian cotton sheets, plush bathrobes, top-notch hairdryers, and complimentary fruit, while many rooms also include a private balcony. Moreover, the line introduced groundbreaking partnerships alongside the launch of Koningsdam in 2016, Nieuw Statendam in 2018, and Rotterdam in 2022, enhancing both onboard and worldwide travel experiences for discerning guests.

See our selection of handpicked Holland America cruise and stay holidays here.

Innovative collaborations have elevated Holland America Line's offerings significantly. Partnering with AFAR, the line provides comprehensive Online Destination Guides for over 400 destinations, delivering personalised recommendations for authentic attractions, restaurants, and shopping. BBC Earth's immersive programming further enriches the cruising experience, bringing guests closer to the natural world through captivating concerts, films, kids' activities, and themed special cruises. This fusion of classic elegance with modern enhancements sets Holland America Line apart, alongside its signature features: spacious staterooms with private balconies, attentive service with nearly one crew member per two guests, diverse dining options, a world-class Culinary Arts Centre, indulgent Greenhouse Spa and Salon, enriching activities both at sea and ashore, and extended stays in many ports.

Who goes on Holland America Line cruise ships?

Holland America Line cruisers typically average 50 years old or above and are evenly divided between retirees and those still employed. The demographic skews older on longer cruises, attracting more retired passengers. HAL passengers value travel experiences, and many boast a wealth of cruise expertise. They have a penchant for gourmet cuisine and are aficionados of music – two areas in which HAL takes pride. The majority hail from the United States and Canada, although around 20 percent of travellers come from international destinations, with the United Kingdom and Australia leading the pack. Throughout summer and holiday periods, the average age on board decreases as families, particularly multi-generational groups involving grandparents and grandchildren, embark on voyages. This trend is especially noticeable on the line's Alaska and Canada/New England routes.

Do I have to dress up on a Holland America Line cruise?

During the day, there isn't a strict dress code, but for most evenings aboard a Holland America Line cruise, smart-casual attire is expected. Therefore, swimwear, flip-flops, shorts, and tank tops are not allowed in any of the restaurants. The cruise does hold formal evenings (the number depends on the duration of the voyage) known as Gala Nights, where formal attire is required. Typically, men wear suits and ties (or jackets without ties, particularly in the Caribbean), while women often choose cocktail dresses, gowns, or dressy trousers paired with elegant blouses.

Is everything included on Holland America Line cruises?

It is a full-board cruise experience with a choice of dining venues and a wide range of entertainment venues. You can upgrade to the "Have it All" fare, which incorporates various amenities like drinks, shore excursions, speciality dining, and Wi-Fi, making the cruise experience more inclusive. However, some services or experiences can incur additional charges, like speciality dining options, spa treatments, shopping, and exclusive shore excursions.

What are Holland America Line's most popular activities?

Passengers on Holland America Line's ships appreciate the company's commitment to traditional cruise activities, such as afternoon tea and ballroom dancing. However, they also gravitate towards the newer options available. Specifically, the live music performances, such as BB King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Lincoln Center Stage, attract a significant audience most evenings. Additionally, the culinary demonstrations by the line are usually packed, and culinary classes (including some specifically designed for children), wine tastings and blendings (available on select ships), and complimentary computer classes are in high demand. Equally favoured by many Holland America Line passengers is unwinding in the top-deck Crow's Nest. It's common to see people there engrossed in a book, solving a jigsaw puzzle, or playing cards or board games.