Does Holland America Cruise Line Have Coke or Pepsi A Full Breakdown

Holland America Cruise Line serves Coca-Cola products fleet-wide, making it a clear choice for Coke fans—Pepsi is not offered onboard. This includes popular options like Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Fanta, all included in their beverage packages or available à la carte.

Key Takeaways

• Holland America serves Coca-Cola: Most ships feature Coke products as the primary soda brand.
• Free soda at select venues: Enjoy complimentary Coca-Cola drinks in dining rooms and buffets.
• Specialty packages available: Upgrade for premium soda, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options via drink packages.
• Pepsi not standard: Pepsi products are rare; request alternatives only at limited locations.
• Bring your own soda: Guests may pack non-alcoholic beverages, including Pepsi, in carry-on luggage.
• Check ship-specific menus: Verify soda availability on your ship before booking to avoid surprises.

Does Holland America Cruise Line Have Coke or Pepsi? A Full Breakdown

When you’re preparing for a cruise vacation, especially with a brand like Holland America Line, one of the many questions that might arise isn’t just about dining, entertainment, or shore excursions—it could be as simple as: Does Holland America have Coke or Pepsi? For soda lovers, this question is more than trivial. It can affect your beverage choices, daily routines, and even your overall enjoyment onboard. Whether you’re a die-hard Coca-Cola enthusiast who can’t stand the taste of Pepsi, or you prefer the sweeter, bolder notes of Pepsi-Cola, knowing which brand is available on your cruise can make a difference.

Holland America Line, a premium cruise brand known for its refined ambiance, world-class service, and mid-sized ships, caters to a diverse global clientele. With guests from North America, Europe, Australia, and beyond, beverage preferences vary widely. While some cruisers might not care which soft drink they’re sipping, others—especially those with strong brand loyalty—want to know if their favorite cola will be available. This guide dives deep into the beverage offerings of Holland America Line, focusing specifically on whether they serve Coca-Cola or Pepsi, how drinks are priced and accessed, and what alternatives exist. We’ll also explore how Holland America’s beverage program compares to other major cruise lines and provide practical tips for ensuring your preferred soda is within reach throughout your voyage.

Holland America Line’s Official Beverage Partnership

Who Supplies the Soft Drinks?

As of 2024, Holland America Line officially partners with The Coca-Cola Company to supply all non-alcoholic carbonated beverages across its fleet. This means that Coca-Cola is the primary—and in most cases, the only—cola brand available onboard. Whether you’re grabbing a soda at the Lido Market buffet, ordering a drink at the Ocean Bar, or enjoying a complimentary soft drink during lunch, the cola you’re drinking is almost always Coca-Cola Classic or one of its variations (such as Diet Coke, Coke Zero Sugar, or Cherry Coke).

This partnership is not unique to Holland America. Many major cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line, also have exclusive deals with Coca-Cola. These agreements are often long-term and include not just colas but also other non-alcoholic beverages like Sprite, Fanta, Dasani water, and Minute Maid juices. The exclusivity ensures consistent branding, supply chain efficiency, and often includes marketing and promotional support from Coca-Cola.

Why Does This Partnership Matter?

For guests, the Coca-Cola partnership means a standardized, high-quality soda experience. Coca-Cola products are globally recognized, and their presence on Holland America ships ensures that fans of the brand won’t be disappointed. The partnership also allows for a broader range of Coke-branded beverages compared to Pepsi, including:

• Coca-Cola Classic
• Diet Coke
• Coke Zero Sugar
• Cherry Coke
• Sprite
• Fanta (orange and other flavors, depending on region)
• Minute Maid Lemonade and other juices
• Dasani bottled water

It’s important to note that while PepsiCo products like Pepsi, Mountain Dew, or Mug Root Beer are not part of the standard beverage program, Holland America does occasionally offer root beer on certain ships or in specialty venues. However, this is typically A&W Root Beer (a Coca-Cola-owned brand), not Mug Root Beer (a PepsiCo product), reinforcing the exclusivity of the Coca-Cola partnership.

Where and How to Access Soda on Holland America Ships

Complimentary vs. Paid Beverage Options

One of the most important things to understand about soda on Holland America is the distinction between complimentary and paid beverages. Unlike some budget cruise lines that offer free soda all day, Holland America follows a more traditional model, especially on its premium ships.

Complimentary Soda:

• Available during lunch and dinner in the main dining room and at select buffet locations (e.g., Lido Market).
• Typically served in glass bottles or cans, not fountain drinks.
• Includes Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, and Sprite. Cherry Coke and Coke Zero Sugar may be available upon request.
• Not available during breakfast in most areas (except for coffee, tea, juice, and water).

Paid Soda:

• Available 24/7 at bars, lounges, and the Lido Market self-service stations.
• Fountain drinks are available at select locations (e.g., pool bars, Ocean Bar), but most soda is still served in cans or bottles.
• Priced individually—typically $2.95 to $3.50 per can or bottle, depending on the ship and location.
• Can be charged to your onboard account.

Best Locations for Soda Access

To maximize your soda enjoyment without overspending, here are the best spots to find Coke products:

• Lido Market: This is the main buffet area and offers complimentary soda during lunch and dinner. During other hours, you can purchase cans from nearby bars.
• Ocean Bar: Located on most ships, this lounge has a full bar with Coca-Cola products. Ideal for evening drinks or casual sipping.
• Pool Bars (e.g., Sea View Bar, Pool Grill Bar): These offer both complimentary and paid soda. During lunch service, soda is free; otherwise, it’s à la carte.
• Room Service: You can order Coca-Cola products via room service for a delivery fee (usually $3–$5 per item).
• Specialty Restaurants: Some venues like Pinnacle Grill or Sel de Mer may offer complimentary soda with meals, but this varies.

Pro Tip: If you’re a heavy soda drinker, consider the Holland America Beverage Package (discussed below), which can save you money if you plan to consume more than 4–5 sodas per day.

Holland America’s Beverage Packages: Are They Worth It for Soda Lovers?

Overview of Available Packages

Holland America offers several beverage packages that include soft drinks, making it easier and more affordable to enjoy your favorite Coca-Cola products throughout the cruise. These packages are ideal for guests who prefer not to pay per drink or who want unlimited access to non-alcoholic beverages.

The primary options include:

• Classic Soda Package: Unlimited Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, and other soft drinks. Priced at $12.95 per person, per day (as of 2024).
• Classic Plus Package: Includes everything in the Classic Soda Package, plus bottled water, specialty coffee, and select juices. Priced at $18.95 per person, per day.
• Premium Package: Adds premium cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits. Soft drinks are included at no extra cost. Priced at $69.95–$79.95 per person, per day.

Cost-Benefit Analysis for Soda Drinkers

To determine if a package is worth it, consider your soda consumption habits:

• If you drink 3–4 sodas per day, the Classic Soda Package pays for itself (4 sodas × $3.25 avg. price = $13).
• If you also enjoy bottled water or specialty coffee, the Classic Plus may offer better value.
• If you plan to drink alcohol, the Premium Package often includes soda for “free,” making it a smart choice even if you only drink 1–2 sodas daily.

Example: A family of four on a 7-day cruise who each drink 3 sodas per day would spend $273 without a package (4 people × 3 sodas × 7 days × $3.25). With the Classic Soda Package, the total cost is $362.60—but they gain unlimited access, including during breakfast, poolside, and late-night cravings. For many, the convenience and peace of mind justify the extra $90.

Tips for Maximizing Your Package

• Pre-book online: Packages are often discounted by 10–20% if purchased before your cruise.
• Share packages: Only adults need to purchase the Classic Soda Package; kids under 18 can drink free soda under the same terms.
• Use it everywhere: Your package works at all bars, lounges, room service, and even specialty restaurants (for soft drinks).
• Check for promotions: Holland America occasionally offers “buy one, get one free” or “free soda package” deals during booking.

Alternatives to Coke and Pepsi: What Else Is Available?

Non-Coca-Cola Soft Drinks

While Coca-Cola dominates the menu, Holland America does offer a few non-Coke soft drinks, mostly due to regional preferences or specialty menus. These include:

• A&W Root Beer: Available on select ships, especially those with a retro or American-themed bar (e.g., B.B. King’s Blues Club). This is not a PepsiCo product—it’s owned by Keurig Dr Pepper, which has a separate partnership with Coca-Cola for distribution.
• Dr Pepper: Occasionally available in cans, particularly on ships sailing in North American waters. Again, this is a Keurig Dr Pepper brand, not PepsiCo.
• Regional Sodas: On itineraries in Europe or the Caribbean, you might find local favorites like Fanta Limon (Mexico), Kola Real (Central America), or Schweppes Bitter Lemon (Europe).

However, don’t expect Pepsi, Mountain Dew, or Sierra Mist. These are not part of the standard beverage program, and there are no plans to add them as of 2024.

Non-Soda Alternatives

If you’re not a cola drinker or want to explore other options, Holland America offers a wide range of non-carbonated beverages:

• Bottled Water: Dasani (Coca-Cola) is the standard, but premium brands like San Pellegrino and Evian are available for purchase.
• Juices: Minute Maid (Coca-Cola) offers orange, apple, cranberry, and pineapple juices. Fresh-squeezed options are available at breakfast.
• Specialty Coffee: Holland America partners with Illy for espresso-based drinks. Available at the Coffee Bar for a fee or included in higher-tier beverage packages.
• Herbal and Specialty Teas: Offered at the Tea Time events and in the dining room. Brands include Twinings and Bigelow.
• Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Cocktails: Increasingly popular, these are available at bars and often included in beverage packages.

Insider Tip: If you’re traveling with someone who prefers Pepsi, consider bringing a small supply of your own soda (up to 12 cans, per Holland America’s carry-on policy), or ask the cruise director if a special request can be made (though this is rarely fulfilled due to supply chain logistics).

How Holland America Compares to Other Cruise Lines

Beverage Partnerships Across Major Cruise Brands

To put Holland America’s Coca-Cola partnership into perspective, here’s how other major cruise lines handle soft drinks:

Cruise Line	Primary Cola Brand	Complimentary Soda	Beverage Package Options	Notes
Holland America Line	Coca-Cola	Lunch & Dinner Only	Classic Soda, Classic Plus, Premium	Exclusive Coke partnership; no Pepsi
Princess Cruises	Coca-Cola	Lunch & Dinner Only	Premier Beverage, Plus Beverage	Similar model to HAL
Carnival Cruise Line	Coca-Cola	Unlimited (all day, all locations)	Bottomless Bubbles (soda-only), Cheers! (all-inclusive)	More generous free soda policy
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)	Coca-Cola	Lunch & Dinner Only	Unlimited Soda, Premium Plus, Ultimate	Free soda at bars during happy hour
Royal Caribbean	Coca-Cola	Lunch & Dinner Only	Deluxe Beverage, Refreshment, Classic	Fountain drinks more common
Disney Cruise Line	Coca-Cola	Unlimited (all day)	Premium Beverage, Refreshment	Free soda at all restaurants and bars

As the table shows, Holland America is in line with most premium and luxury cruise lines in offering Coca-Cola exclusively. However, unlike Carnival or Disney, it does not provide unlimited complimentary soda throughout the day. This reflects its premium positioning—fewer “free” perks, but higher-quality service and ambiance.

What This Means for Cruisers

If you’re a soda enthusiast who values convenience and unlimited access, you might prefer Carnival or Disney. But if you’re okay with paying for drinks or using a package, and you appreciate a more refined, less chaotic onboard experience, Holland America’s model is perfectly reasonable—especially since your cola will be the beloved Coca-Cola, not an alternative.

Final Thoughts and Practical Recommendations

To answer the original question: Yes, Holland America Cruise Line serves Coca-Cola—and only Coca-Cola. There are no Pepsi products available as part of the standard beverage program. This is due to an exclusive partnership with The Coca-Cola Company, which supplies all carbonated soft drinks across the fleet. Whether you’re enjoying a Coke at dinner, grabbing a Sprite by the pool, or sipping Diet Coke in your cabin, you’re drinking a Coke-branded product.

For soda lovers, this is excellent news if you’re a Coke fan. If you’re a Pepsi loyalist, you’ll need to adjust your expectations. However, Holland America’s beverage packages make it easy and affordable to enjoy your favorite drinks without worrying about per-can charges. The Classic Soda Package is a smart investment for anyone who drinks more than three sodas per day, and the Classic Plus adds value with bottled water and specialty coffee.

Final Tips for a Soda-Friendly Cruise:

• Pre-book a beverage package online for the best rates.
• Take advantage of complimentary soda during lunch and dinner.
• Bring a reusable cup to reduce waste and make refills easier (if using a fountain).
• Check your itinerary—some ports may have local soda options you can try ashore.
• Contact Guest Services if you have a medical or dietary need for a specific drink—they may accommodate special requests.

In the end, while Holland America doesn’t offer Pepsi, its Coca-Cola offerings are extensive, high-quality, and widely accessible. With a little planning, you can enjoy your favorite soft drink—whether it’s a crisp Coke Zero Sugar or a classic Cherry Coke—throughout your entire cruise vacation. So pack your bags, grab your favorite glass, and toast to a refreshing journey at sea—with the right cola by your side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Holland America Cruise Line serve Coke or Pepsi onboard?

Holland America Cruise Line primarily serves Coca-Cola products across its fleet, including classic Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and other popular variants. Pepsi is not a standard offering on most ships.

Is the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine available on Holland America?

Yes, many Holland America ships feature Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, offering over 100 drink options with customizable flavors and mixes. These are included in drink packages or available for individual purchase.

Can I buy Pepsi products on Holland America cruises?

Pepsi products are generally not stocked onboard Holland America ships, as the line has a beverage partnership with Coca-Cola. Passengers seeking Pepsi may need to bring their own (within alcohol/beverage policy limits).

Does Holland America’s drink package cover Coke products?

Yes, Holland America’s Soda Package and premium beverage packages include unlimited Coca-Cola products, including Freestyle machine options. Basic packages may exclude specialty or bottled beverages.

Are there any exceptions for Pepsi on Holland America ships?

While rare, select ships may occasionally offer Pepsi in limited quantities due to regional port supplies. For guaranteed availability, contacting guest services pre-cruise is recommended.

What other beverages does Holland America offer besides Coke?

Beyond Coca-Cola products, Holland America provides a wide selection of drinks, including juices, bottled water, specialty coffees, teas, and alcoholic beverages like wine, beer, and cocktails.