In this article, you’ll get a straightforward look at Holland America Cruises. We’ll cover what makes them different, why you might choose them, and the pros and cons. We’ll also talk about their ships, new additions, and what you can expect onboard.
🛳️ Review:
I had an amazing time on my Holland America Mediterranean Cruise. I stuffed my face full of food and loved it! I travelled solo, and the single cabin was perfect – not too small even with a desk. I can’t wait to book my next cruise” – Sarah, London
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What Makes Holland America Line Different and Unique?
Holland America Line is known for its long history and classic cruising vibe. They mix old-school luxury with modern comforts. They also offer cool activities like Holland America Quilting Cruises, which you won’t find everywhere.
They are also great if you’re looking to explore various places, including Holland America Mediterranean Cruises. And ideal for solo travellers and seniors.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lots of destinations, like Holland America Mediterranean Cruises | Some ships might feel a bit old |
| Perfect for solo travellers and seniors | Nightlife can be quiet |
| Unique activities like quilting cruises | Onboard costs can add up |
All Ships in Their Fleet
Let’s take a look at the ships in the Holland America Line fleet.
| Ship Name | Capacity | Length | Year Built | Highlights | Internet Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koningsdam | 2,650 | 975 ft | 2016 | Music Walk, World Stage | $25/day |
| Nieuw Statendam | 2,666 | 975 ft | 2018 | Rolling Stone Rock Room, Blend | $25/day |
| Rotterdam | 2,668 | 975 ft | 2021 | Pinnacle Suite, Greenhouse Spa | $25/day |
| Eurodam | 2,104 | 936 ft | 2008 | B.B. King’s Blues Club, Tamarind Restaurant | $20/day |
| Nieuw Amsterdam | 2,106 | 936 ft | 2010 | Explorations Central, Rijksmuseum at Sea | $20/day |
| Noordam | 1,972 | 936 ft | 2006 | Digital Workshop, Billboard Onboard | $20/day |
| Oosterdam | 1,964 | 936 ft | 2003 | America’s Test Kitchen, Lincoln Center Stage | $20/day |
| Westerdam | 1,964 | 936 ft | 2004 | BBC Earth Experiences, Canaletto Restaurant | $20/day |
| Zuiderdam | 1,964 | 936 ft | 2002 | Art Tours, Lincoln Center Stage | $20/day |
| Volendam | 1,432 | 781 ft | 1999 | Culinary Arts Centre, Explorations Cafe | $15/day |
| Zaandam | 1,432 | 781 ft | 2000 | Music Walk, Greenhouse Spa | $15/day |
| Maasdam | 1,258 | 719 ft | 1993 | EXC In-Depth Voyages, Explorations Central | $15/day |
| Veendam | 1,350 | 719 ft | 1996 | Cooking Demonstrations, Mix Bar | $15/day |
New Ships Due
Currently, there are no specific announcements from Holland America Line about new ships due for delivery in the immediate future. However, they periodically update and refurbish their existing ships to ensure they offer the best experience possible. If there are any new ships announced, you can expect them to follow the same high standards of luxury and comfort that the current fleet maintains. We’ll keep you posted.
Adults Only or Family Cruise
Holland America Line is mostly geared towards adults, solo travellers, and seniors with their classy vibe and grown-up activities. But they’ve got plenty of fun stuff for families too, so there’s something for everyone.
Singles and Solo Travellers
Medical Facilities
Each ship has a medical centre staffed with qualified doctors and nurses ready to handle any health issues that may arise during your cruise.
Dress Code
Holland America Line has a relaxed dress code during the day, with casual attire being the norm. In the evenings, you’ll find a mix of smart casual and formal nights, where you can dress up if you like. Formal nights usually call for a suit or dress, but you can always check the specific guidelines for your cruise.
Gratuities and Tipping
Gratuities are automatically added to your account on Holland America Line. The current rate is about $15.50 per day for most staterooms, with slightly higher rates for suites. This covers the tips for your cabin steward and dining room staff. If you feel you’ve received exceptional service, you can always tip extra. You can also stop the auto added.
Facilities & Activities
- Spa: Treat yourself to a relaxing day at the Greenhouse Spa, where you can enjoy massages, facials, and other pampering treatments.
- Gym: Stay active at the fully equipped fitness centre, which includes various exercise machines, free weights, and fitness classes.
- Games: Participate in a variety of games and activities, from trivia and bingo to bridge and board games.
- Library: Spend some quiet time in the ship’s library, where you can find a good book to read or enjoy a puzzle.
- Adventure and Sports: Engage in more active pursuits like basketball, shuffleboard, or even a zip line on some ships.
🛳️ Pro Tip: Secret Deck
On Holland America ships, I always hunt for the “secret” viewing deck at the front. It’s not advertised much, but it has some of the best views on the ship. Perfect for a quiet moment or catching a sunrise without the crowds.
Entertainment
Here’s what you can expect:
- Casinos: Try your luck at the onboard casino, which features slot machines, poker, blackjack, and more.
- Theatres: Enjoy Broadway-style shows, live music, and other performances in the ship’s theatre.
- Bars and Lounges: Unwind in various bars and lounges, including the Crow’s Nest, Ocean Bar, and the Rolling Stone Rock Room.
- Dancing: Dance the night away at the nightclub or join a themed dance event.
Restaurants and Drinks
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Main Dining Room: Included in your cruise fare, offering a range of delicious meals.
- Specialty Restaurants: For an extra fee, enjoy dining at places like Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, and Tamarind.
- Casual Dining: Options include the Lido Market buffet, Dive-In burgers, and New York Pizza.
- Drinks Packages: Holland America Line offers drinks packages that can save you money if you plan on enjoying a lot of beverages during your cruise. Prices vary based on the package you choose.
🛳️ Review:
We went on a family trip with Holland America to Alaska, and it was fantastic. The kids loved the family pool and all the stuff to do. We got to see plenty of icebergs. It was a bit cold though, but worth it” – Donald, Manchester
Accommodation Choices
Holland America Line offers a range of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets. Here’s what you can expect:
- Interior Cabins: Comfortable and budget-friendly, but without a window.
- Oceanview Cabins: These cabins come with a window, so you can enjoy the view.
- Balcony Cabins: Perfect for those who want private outdoor space.
- Suites: More spacious and luxurious, often with additional perks and services.
- Single Cabins: Ideal for solo travellers, offering a more affordable option without paying for a double occupancy cabin.
🛳️ Pro Tip: Nightly Gigs
If you love live music like me, don’t miss the nightly gigs at B.B. King’s Blues Club. The cool part is that sometimes the musicians have impromptu jam sessions late at night after the main shows.
Swimming Pools
Holland America Line have quite a few swimming pools on their ships. Here’s what you can find:
- Lido Pool: Located mid-ship, this pool is often covered by a retractable roof, making it perfect for all weather conditions.
- Sea View Pool: Located aft, this pool offers stunning views of the ocean and is a great spot for soaking up the sun.
- Family Pool Areas: Some ships have designated family pool areas with splash zones and water activities for kids.
Let us wade through the 1000’s of cruises for you!
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No-Fly UK Ports
Holland America Line have cruises departing from several no-fly UK ports, making it super easy for those who prefer not to fly. Here are the departure ports:
- Southampton
- Dover
- Harwich
- Tilbury
- Liverpool
- Newcastle
🛳️ Pro Tip: Specialty Dining
I always book my specialty dining table as soon as I get on the ship. Popular restaurants like Pinnacle Grill and Tamarind fill up quickly, and booking early guarantees you get the times you want. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about during your cruise.
Cruise Destinations
Here’s a quick overview of where you can go:
- Alaska: Explore stunning glaciers and wildlife.
- Caribbean: Enjoy beautiful beaches and vibrant cultures.
- Mediterranean: Visit historic cities and coastal towns.
- Northern Europe: Discover fjords and historic landmarks.
- Asia: Experience diverse cultures and exotic landscapes.
- Australia and New Zealand: Explore unique natural wonders.
- South America: Visit lively cities and breathtaking natural sites.
Let us wade through the 1000’s of cruises for you!
Jo, our cruise travel agent will personally search for the right cruise for you.