How Does Holland America Compare to Other Cruise Lines for Your Next Vacation

Holland America Line excels in refined, destination-focused cruising with a more mature, relaxed ambiance compared to the high-energy, family-packed mega-ships of Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Offering smaller ships, exceptional service, and immersive cultural experiences, it’s ideal for travelers seeking elegance and enrichment over flashy thrills—bridging the gap between luxury lines like Regent and mainstream competitors with a distinctive blend of tradition and value.

Key Takeaways

• Holland America excels in premium mid-sized ships with refined, classic cruising experiences.
• Choose for destination focus: Itineraries emphasize cultural immersion over onboard thrills.
• Less family-centric: Fewer kids’ activities than Carnival or Royal Caribbean.
• Higher value for money: Inclusive dining and enrichment programs stand out mid-tier.
• Superior service: Staff-to-guest ratio beats larger lines like Norwegian or MSC.
• Not for adrenaline seekers: Lacks water slides, zip lines, or Broadway-style shows.

Why Choosing the Right Cruise Line Matters

Imagine standing on the deck of a ship, the sun warming your skin, the ocean breeze gently tousling your hair. You’re about to embark on a vacation where every day brings a new horizon, a new adventure, and a new memory. But before you set sail, there’s one big decision to make: which cruise line should you choose? With so many options out there—from the family-friendly mega-ships of Carnival to the ultra-luxury of Regent Seven Seas—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You’re not just booking a trip; you’re investing in an experience that should match your personality, travel style, and expectations.

Enter Holland America Line (HAL), a name that’s been synonymous with ocean travel since 1873. If you’re someone who values tradition, refined service, and a more relaxed pace, HAL might just be on your radar. But how does Holland America compare to other cruise lines when it comes to dining, entertainment, destinations, value, and overall guest experience? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, this honest, no-nonsense comparison will help you decide if Holland America is the right fit for your next vacation—or if another line might better suit your needs.

Ship Size, Style, and Atmosphere: The Vibe You’re Looking For

Holland America: Mid-Sized Ships with a Classic Feel

Holland America operates a fleet of mid-sized ships, typically ranging from 1,400 to 2,600 passengers. This size strikes a sweet spot: large enough to offer a wide variety of amenities, but small enough to avoid the overwhelming crowds you might find on mega-ships like those from Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line. Think of it as the Goldilocks of cruise ships—not too big, not too small, just right.

The atmosphere on HAL ships is often described as elegant but not stuffy. You won’t find loud pool parties or Broadway-style shows every night. Instead, you’ll encounter live music in intimate lounges, afternoon tea with white-gloved service, and a more refined ambiance. It’s perfect for travelers who want to unwind, not be overstimulated. For example, on the ms Nieuw Amsterdam, the B.B. King’s Blues Club offers nightly soulful performances, while the Crow’s Nest provides panoramic views and a quiet place to read or sip a cocktail.

How Other Cruise Lines Compare in Size and Vibe

• Carnival Cruise Line: Known for its “fun ship” vibe, Carnival’s ships are often massive (up to 6,000+ passengers) with water slides, skydiving simulators, and non-stop entertainment. Ideal for families and thrill-seekers, but less so for those craving peace.
• Royal Caribbean: Similar in scale to Carnival, Royal Caribbean focuses on innovation—think robotic bars, surf simulators, and multi-story slides. Their ships are like floating cities, great for active travelers but potentially overwhelming for those wanting a slower pace.
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): NCL promotes “Freestyle Cruising,” meaning no set dining times and a more casual, flexible atmosphere. Their ships are large and modern, with a focus on dining variety and entertainment. Great for younger couples or solo travelers who want freedom.
• Princess Cruises: Princess is a direct competitor to Holland America in terms of size and target audience. Both cater to older, more experienced cruisers. However, Princess tends to have more modern ships and a slightly younger crowd, with a focus on destination immersion and themed cruises (like Alaska or the Mediterranean).
• Regent Seven Seas & Oceania Cruises: These are luxury lines with smaller ships (600–1,200 guests). They offer all-inclusive pricing, butler service, and high-end dining. If you’re comparing HAL to these, you’re trading exclusivity and all-inclusivity for a more affordable, still-elegant experience.

Pro Tip: If you’re sensitive to motion or prefer quieter spaces, Holland America’s mid-sized ships often handle ocean swells better than mega-ships. The lower passenger density also means shorter lines at elevators, dining rooms, and shore excursions.

Dining Experience: From Buffets to Gourmet Delights

Holland America’s Dining Philosophy: Classic Elegance with a Modern Twist

Dining on a Holland America cruise is one of its strongest selling points. The line emphasizes quality over quantity, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and classic culinary techniques. The main dining room offers a rotating menu with options for every taste—think grilled salmon with dill sauce, filet mignon, or vegetarian risotto. Dinner is served in a traditional two-seating format (early and late), which many guests appreciate for its structure and service.

One standout feature is the “Dine with the Chef” experience, available on select ships. Guests can enjoy a multi-course tasting menu prepared by the executive chef, often paired with wine. It’s a rare, intimate experience not commonly found on other mid-tier lines.

For casual fare, the Lido Market (replacing the old buffet) offers a more organized, restaurant-style setup with live cooking stations. You’ll find everything from made-to-order omelets at breakfast to stir-fries and wood-fired pizzas for lunch. The quality is noticeably better than the typical cruise buffet, and there’s less food waste and crowding.

Specialty Dining: Worth the Extra Cost?

HAL offers several specialty restaurants, including:

• Pinnacle Grill: A fine-dining steakhouse with USDA Prime beef and a curated wine list. Dinner here is $49 per person—reasonable compared to land-based steakhouses.
• Tamarind: A Pan-Asian restaurant with dishes like miso-glazed black cod and Thai green curry. $39 per person.
• Canaletto: An Italian trattoria serving pasta, risotto, and tiramisu. $29 per person.

These are excellent values for the quality and experience. For comparison, on Royal Caribbean, a similar steakhouse dinner can run $55–$65, and the food quality isn’t always as consistent. NCL’s specialty dining is more varied (with 20+ options on some ships), but the pricing can add up quickly if you’re not careful.

How Other Lines Handle Dining

• Carnival: Buffet-heavy with limited specialty options. The food is decent but not gourmet. Great for picky eaters or families, but not ideal for foodies.
• Royal Caribbean: Offers a mix of complimentary and specialty dining. Their “Chef’s Table” experience is impressive, but the main dining room can feel rushed due to high passenger volume.
• Princess: Similar to HAL in main dining quality, but with more themed nights (e.g., “Taste of the Islands”). Their specialty restaurants, like Sabatini’s, are well-regarded.
• Oceania: All-inclusive with no extra fees for specialty dining. Their Jacques Pepin-designed menus are among the best at sea.

Insider Tip: On Holland America, book specialty dining early—spots fill up fast, especially on longer voyages. And don’t skip the afternoon tea in the Queen’s Lounge. It’s a delightful tradition with finger sandwiches, scones, and live piano music.

Entertainment and Onboard Activities: What’s There to Do?

Holland America: Refined, Not Rowdy

If you’re looking for a cruise with non-stop party energy, Holland America might not be your top pick. But if you enjoy live music, cultural enrichment, and thoughtful programming, you’ll feel right at home.

Each night, HAL ships feature performances in the World Stage theater. These are more intimate than Broadway shows—think jazz quartets, classical ensembles, or tribute acts (e.g., “The Beatles Experience”). The production value is high, with LED screens and surround sound, but the scale is more “charming” than “spectacular.”

For enrichment, HAL shines. Their “Explorations Central” program includes guest speakers, cooking demos, art classes, and destination-focused talks. On Alaska cruises, for example, naturalists give talks about glaciers and wildlife. On Mediterranean voyages, historians discuss ancient ruins and local cuisine.

Other onboard activities include:

• Bridge and trivia games
• Digital workshops (e.g., photo editing)
• Wine and beer tastings
• Fitness classes (yoga, Pilates, Zumba)
• Casino with table games and slots

How Other Lines Stack Up in Entertainment

• Carnival: High-energy entertainment with DJs, comedy clubs, and dance parties. Their “Playlist Productions” shows are upbeat and fun, but not deep or cultural.
• Royal Caribbean: Home to some of the best entertainment at sea. Think ice skating shows, aerial acrobatics, and full-scale Broadway productions (e.g., “Grease,” “Cats”). Their AquaTheater is a marvel of engineering.
• Norwegian: Offers a mix of live music, comedy, and themed parties. Their “Cirque Dreams” show is a standout. More casual than HAL or Royal Caribbean.
• Princess: Similar to HAL in enrichment but with more modern shows. Their “Movies Under the Stars” is a fan favorite.
• Virgin Voyages: Aimed at adults (18+), Virgin offers edgy, immersive experiences—think “drag brunches,” “silent discos,” and “rave yoga.” Not for everyone, but perfect for younger, adventurous cruisers.

Pro Tip: If you love trivia, HAL’s daily games are well-organized and competitive. Bring a team—it’s a fun way to meet fellow travelers. And don’t miss the “Behind the Scenes” tour, where you can see the galley, engine room, and bridge (available on select sailings).

Destinations and Itineraries: Where Can You Go?

Holland America’s Bread and Butter: The Pacific Northwest and Beyond

Holland America has deep roots in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. In fact, they’ve been sailing to Alaska since 1947—longer than any other cruise line. Their Alaska cruises are legendary, with itineraries that include Glacier Bay, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. What sets HAL apart is their “Glacier Guarantee”: if your ship doesn’t see glaciers due to weather, you get a future cruise credit. That’s confidence in their routing.

But HAL doesn’t stop there. They also offer:

• Transatlantic and world cruises (up to 120+ days)
• Mediterranean and Baltic Sea voyages
• Caribbean and Mexico cruises
• South America and Antarctica expeditions
• Asia and Australia itineraries

One unique offering is their “Grand Voyages”—extended trips that visit multiple continents. These attract experienced cruisers who want to see the world in comfort.

How Other Lines Compare in Itinerary Options

• Princess Cruises: Also strong in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Their “North to Alaska” program includes onshore experiences like dog sledding and salmon bakes.
• Celebrity Cruises: Known for modern, destination-focused itineraries. Their “Celebrity Revolution” ships offer overnight stays in ports like Santorini and Barcelona.
• Royal Caribbean: Offers more Caribbean and short-haul cruises (3–7 days). Great for quick getaways but less ideal for immersive destination experiences.
• Oceania: Focuses on longer, more in-depth itineraries. Their “Voyage Collection” includes 180-day world cruises with extended port stays.
• Silversea: Ultra-luxury line with all-inclusive, expedition-style cruises to remote destinations like the Galapagos and Antarctica.

Insider Tip: For Alaska, choose a cruise that includes Glacier Bay National Park. It’s a UNESCO site and a highlight of any Alaskan voyage. HAL’s ships are among the few allowed to enter, thanks to their environmental practices.

Value for Money: What You Pay and What You Get

Holland America’s Pricing Model: Not the Cheapest, But Often the Best Value

Holland America is positioned in the “premium” category—above budget lines like Carnival and MSC, but below luxury lines like Regent or Seabourn. A 7-day Alaska cruise typically starts around $1,200–$1,800 per person (double occupancy), while a 14-day Mediterranean voyage might be $2,500–$3,500.

What do you get for that price?

• Complimentary dining in the main dining room and Lido Market
• Daily enrichment programs
• Live entertainment and music
• Access to fitness centers, pools, and hot tubs
• Gratuities included in many promotions (check your fare)

However, beverages (alcohol, soda, specialty coffee), spa services, shore excursions, and specialty dining are extra. This is standard across most premium lines, but it’s important to budget for.

How Other Lines Stack Up in Value

• Carnival: Cheaper base fares (often under $1,000 for 7 days), but add-ons (drinks, excursions, specialty dining) can double the cost. Best for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind crowds.
• Royal Caribbean: Similar pricing to HAL, but with more onboard spending opportunities (e.g., escape rooms, arcade games). Their “Deluxe Beverage Package” is popular but pricey ($89/day).
• Princess: Competitive pricing with HAL. Often includes a free drink package or onboard credit with promotions.
• Oceania & Regent: All-inclusive pricing (drinks, tips, excursions, specialty dining included). Base fares are higher (e.g., $3,000+ for 7 days), but the total cost is often comparable to HAL once extras are added.
• MSC Cruises: Very low base fares, but ships are massive and service can be inconsistent. Not ideal for those seeking personalized attention.

Pro Tip: Look for HAL’s “Have It All” promotion, which bundles a drink package, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursion credit into one price. It’s often a better deal than paying à la carte.

Final Verdict: Is Holland America Right for You?

So, how does Holland America compare to other cruise lines? The answer depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation. If you value tradition, refined service, destination immersion, and a relaxed atmosphere, HAL is an excellent choice. It’s not the flashiest or the cheapest, but it delivers a consistently high-quality experience with fewer surprises.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Factor	Holland America	Royal Caribbean	Carnival	Princess	Regent Seven Seas
Best For	Experienced cruisers, culture lovers, couples	Families, thrill-seekers, entertainment fans	Budget travelers, families, first-timers	Alaska fans, destination-focused travelers	Luxury seekers, all-inclusive fans
Ship Size	Mid-sized (1,400–2,600)	Large (3,000–6,000+)	Large (3,000–6,000+)	Mid-to-large (2,000–3,600)	Small (700–1,200)
Dining Quality	High (classic + specialty)	Good (broad variety)	Decent (buffet-focused)	High (similar to HAL)	Excellent (all-inclusive)
Entertainment	Refined, cultural	High-energy, Broadway-style	Fun, casual	Balanced, modern	Intimate, sophisticated
Best Itineraries	Alaska, transatlantic, world cruises	Caribbean, short-haul	Caribbean, Bahamas	Alaska, Mediterranean	World cruises, remote destinations
Value	Good (premium pricing)	Fair (high add-ons)	Good (low base, high extras)	Good (similar to HAL)	High (all-inclusive)

In the end, Holland America stands out for travelers who want a thoughtful, well-crafted cruise experience without the chaos of mega-ships or the price tag of luxury lines. It’s not perfect—service can be slower during peak times, and the onboard tech (like Wi-Fi) isn’t as fast as on newer ships—but it’s a reliable, elegant choice for those who value substance over spectacle.

So, is Holland America the right cruise line for your next vacation? If you’re someone who enjoys a good book, a glass of wine at sunset, and waking up to a new port each morning, the answer is likely yes. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to sail—smoothly, stylishly, and with a touch of timeless charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Holland America compare to other cruise lines in terms of onboard experience?

Holland America offers a refined, classic cruising atmosphere with elegant decor, exceptional service, and fewer crowds than mass-market lines like Carnival or Royal Caribbean. It strikes a balance between luxury (e.g., Cunard) and affordability, making it ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe.

Is Holland America better for families or adults compared to other cruise lines?

Holland America leans more toward adult travelers, with fewer kids’ programs and family-focused activities than lines like Disney or Norwegian. However, it still offers family-friendly staterooms and occasional youth programming, appealing to multigenerational groups.

How does Holland America compare to other cruise lines for dining options?

Holland America excels in culinary quality, featuring partnerships with Michelin-starred chefs and specialty restaurants like Pinnacle Grill. While it has fewer casual dining options than Royal Caribbean, its focus on premium ingredients and wine pairings rivals higher-end lines like Princess.

What makes Holland America unique compared to other cruise lines for destination immersion?

Holland America stands out for its longer itineraries and overnight port stays, offering deeper cultural experiences—a feature less common on mainstream lines like Carnival. Its “Taste of Alaska” or “Grand Africa Voyages” highlight local flavors and offbeat excursions.

How does Holland America compare to other cruise lines for value and pricing?

Holland America falls in the mid-to-premium price range, often cheaper than luxury lines like Seabourn but pricier than budget-friendly options like MSC. Its inclusions (e.g., gratuities, specialty dining) add value for travelers prioritizing service and ambiance.

Are Holland America ships outdated compared to other modern cruise lines?

While Holland America’s fleet is older, recent renovations (e.g., ms Nieuw Statendam) modernized amenities like staterooms and public spaces. Compared to flashy mega-ships (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class), it prioritizes timeless elegance over high-energy attractions.