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

Choosing the right cruise line for your next vacation can feel like navigating a vast ocean of options. With dozens of cruise lines offering everything from budget-friendly getaways to ultra-luxury experiences, the decision often comes down to personal preferences, travel style, and what you value most in a vacation. One name that consistently stands out for its blend of tradition, comfort, and destination-rich itineraries is Holland America Line. Established in 1873, Holland America has built a reputation as a premium mid-sized cruise line, combining Dutch heritage with modern amenities and a focus on immersive travel experiences.

But how does Holland America compare to other major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, and even luxury players like Regent Seven Seas and Viking Ocean Cruises? Is it the right choice for families, couples, solo travelers, or retirees? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the key differences across six critical dimensions: itinerary and destinations, ship size and design, onboard experience and entertainment, dining and culinary offerings, value and pricing, and service and guest demographics. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this comparison will help you determine if Holland America is the ideal match for your next vacation.

1. Itineraries and Destinations: Where Holland America Shines

Focus on Destination Immersion

One of Holland America’s most distinctive advantages is its emphasis on destination-rich itineraries. Unlike cruise lines that prioritize onboard entertainment and activities, Holland America designs its voyages to maximize time in port. For example, a 14-day Alaska cruise with Holland America typically includes three to four full days in port, often with late departures or overnight stays, allowing guests to explore destinations like Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka in depth. This contrasts sharply with Royal Caribbean or Carnival, where ships often leave by 4 or 5 p.m., cutting exploration short.

Visual guide about how does holland america compared to other cruise lines

Image source: lifewellcruised.com

Holland America also offers extended voyages—some lasting 30 to 70 days—through its Grand Voyages program. These are ideal for retirees or travelers seeking a slow-paced, immersive journey across multiple continents. A 50-day Grand South America Voyage, for instance, includes stops in 17 countries, including lesser-visited ports like Puerto Madryn (Argentina) and Punta Arenas (Chile), where larger ships cannot dock.

Specialty Itineraries and Themed Cruises

Beyond traditional routes, Holland America excels in themed and specialty cruises. The line partners with National Geographic to offer Expedition Cruises to Alaska, Antarctica, and the Galápagos, featuring expert naturalists, Zodiac landings, and educational programming. These cruises are more educational and nature-focused compared to the party-centric Alaska trips offered by Carnival or the adrenaline-fueled excursions of Royal Caribbean.

Other themed options include music cruises (e.g., Rolling Stone Rock & Roll Cruise), culinary cruises with celebrity chefs, and wellness-focused journeys. While Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has introduced “Free at Sea” entertainment partnerships, Holland America’s thematic cruises are more curated and intellectually engaging, appealing to travelers seeking substance over spectacle.

Unique Port Access

Due to their mid-size ships (typically 800–2,100 passengers), Holland America vessels can access smaller, less crowded ports that megaships cannot reach. For example, the ms Oosterdam can dock in the narrow fjords of Norway or the historic harbors of the Greek Islands, while Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas (5,479 guests) must anchor offshore. This gives Holland America a significant edge for travelers who prioritize authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

2. Ship Size, Design, and Onboard Atmosphere

Mid-Size Ships: The Goldilocks Zone

Holland America operates a fleet of 11 mid-sized ships, ranging from the 1,916-passenger ms Nieuw Amsterdam to the 2,104-passenger ms Nieuw Statendam. This size strikes a perfect balance between intimacy and amenities. You won’t get the overwhelming scale of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships (with 20+ dining options and a 10-story slide), but you also won’t face the limited space and fewer activities of ultra-luxury lines like Seabourn (600 passengers).

The mid-size design fosters a more relaxed, less crowded atmosphere. On a 14-day Mediterranean cruise, you’re likely to see the same faces in the Crow’s Nest lounge or the Explorations Café, creating a sense of community. In contrast, megaships like Carnival’s Mardi Gras (5,200 guests) can feel impersonal, with long lines for shows and dining.

Interior Design and Aesthetic

Holland America ships are known for their elegant, understated decor, blending Dutch heritage with contemporary comfort. Think dark wood paneling, brass accents, oil paintings, and a nautical color palette of navy, cream, and gold. The ambiance is refined but not stuffy—more “upscale library” than “glitzy Las Vegas.”

This contrasts with:

Royal Caribbean: Flashy, high-energy design with neon lights, glass elevators, and interactive art installations.
Carnival: Bright, playful themes (e.g., Carnival Horizon’s “Dr. Seuss” decor) aimed at families.
Celebrity Cruises: Modern, minimalist interiors with a focus on wellness and technology (e.g., the Eden space).
Viking Ocean Cruises: Scandinavian simplicity with neutral tones and Nordic art.

For travelers who appreciate classic elegance, Holland America’s design is a standout.

Onboard Space and Flow

With fewer passengers, Holland America ships offer more personal space per guest. The average space ratio (total gross tons per passenger) is around 55–60, compared to 35–40 on Carnival or 45–50 on Royal Caribbean. This means less crowding at pools, dining venues, and lounges. The Lido Deck (main pool area) is rarely packed, and the Explorations Café—a library and coffee bar—is a quiet retreat for reading or working.

Pro Tip: If you’re sensitive to noise or crowds, book a cabin on the Navigation Deck (Deck 7), where the main public areas are located, minimizing foot traffic to higher decks.

3. Dining and Culinary Experience: Gourmet Without the Hype

Main Dining Room and Flexible Dining

Holland America’s Main Dining Room offers a traditional, multi-course dinner experience with a rotating menu. Unlike Royal Caribbean’s “My Time Dining” (where you choose seating time daily), Holland America provides both fixed seating (assigned at booking) and flexible dining. This appeals to couples and groups who enjoy consistent tablemates, as well as solo travelers who prefer spontaneity.

The food quality is consistently high, with a focus on regional cuisine. On a Norway cruise, you might enjoy reindeer carpaccio or smoked salmon with cloudberries—ingredients sourced locally. In contrast, Carnival’s dining is more standardized, with a heavier emphasis on comfort food (think burgers, pizza, and fried chicken).

Specialty Restaurants and Culinary Partnerships

Holland America features several specialty restaurants, including:

Pinnacle Grill: A steakhouse with dry-aged beef and an extensive wine list (reservations required, $49 cover charge).
Tamarind: Pan-Asian cuisine with dishes like miso black cod (on select ships).
Canaletto: Italian trattoria with house-made pasta (complimentary on select sailings).

The line also partners with Master Chef Rudi Sodamin and Jacques Pépin (honorary culinary consultant) to develop menus. This results in more sophisticated offerings than Carnival’s Guy’s Burger Joint or Royal Caribbean’s Johnny Rockets.

Complimentary Dining and Room Service

All main dining venues (including Lido Market, the buffet) are complimentary. The Lido Market offers made-to-order stations (omelets, stir-fries, pasta) and themed dinners (e.g., “Taste of Alaska” with king crab legs). Room service is 24/7 and includes a full menu—unlike Carnival, where late-night options are limited.

Data Point: Holland America’s guest satisfaction score for dining is 4.6/5 (2023 Cruise Critic Awards), compared to 4.1 for Carnival and 4.4 for Royal Caribbean.

4. Entertainment, Activities, and Onboard Experience

Entertainment: Refined Over Rowdy

Holland America’s entertainment leans toward live music, theater, and cultural programming. The World Stage theater hosts Broadway-style shows, classical concerts, and guest speakers (e.g., historians, scientists). The B.B. King’s Blues Club is a nightly highlight, featuring a live 10-piece band.

This contrasts with:

Royal Caribbean: High-tech productions (e.g., Grease with flying actors), ice skating, and aqua shows.
Carnival: Comedy clubs, game shows, and karaoke.
Norwegian Cruise Line: “Broadway at Sea” shows and Cirque du Soleil-style acts.

For travelers who prefer a quiet piano bar over a dance club with a DJ, Holland America is ideal.

Activities and Enrichment

The line’s Explorations Central program offers:

Lectures by destination experts (e.g., a historian on the Silk Road).
Workshops (cooking, photography, language).
Interactive maps and port talks.

There’s also a Holland America Line Academy with classes on topics like “The Art of Dutch Masters” or “Alaska’s Wildlife.” These programs attract intellectually curious travelers—less common on Carnival or NCL, where activities focus on trivia, bingo, and poolside games.

Wellness and Recreation

The Greenhouse Spa & Salon offers premium treatments (e.g., hot stone massage, hydrotherapy), while the fitness center includes Peloton bikes and TRX training. However, Holland America lacks the high-energy options of Royal Caribbean (e.g., zip lines, rock climbing walls) or Carnival (e.g., water slides, SkyRide). The focus is on relaxation and low-impact activities—perfect for older adults or those seeking a peaceful escape.

5. Pricing, Value, and Inclusions

Base Pricing and Promotions

Holland America’s pricing is mid-tier to premium, slightly higher than Carnival or NCL but lower than luxury lines. A 7-day Alaska cruise starts at $999 per person (interior cabin), compared to $799 for Carnival and $1,199 for Celebrity. However, Holland America often includes value-added promotions:

“Have It All” Package: Includes drinks, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, and specialty dining (adds ~$80–$120/day).
Early Booking Discounts: Save up to 25% when booking 12+ months in advance.
Military/First Responder Discounts: 5–10% off.

What’s Included vs. Extra Costs

Here’s how Holland America compares on inclusions:

Feature	Holland America	Carnival	Royal Caribbean	Celebrity
Main Dining Room	Included	Included	Included	Included
Buffet (Lido Market)	Included	Included	Included	Included
Specialty Dining	$25–$49 cover	$15–$40 cover	$20–$50 cover	Included (in “Always Included”)
Wi-Fi	Extra ($15–$30/day)	Extra ($15–$25/day)	Extra ($15–$30/day)	Included (in “Always Included”)
Alcohol	Extra (premium packages from $60/day)	Extra (Cheers! package $60/day)	Extra (Deluxe package $70/day)	Included (in “Always Included”)
Shore Excursions	Extra ($50–$300)	Extra ($40–$250)	Extra ($50–$300)	Extra ($60–$350)
Gratuities	$16.50–$19.50/day	$14.50–$16.50/day	$15–$18/day	$15.50–$18.50/day

While Celebrity’s “Always Included” package offers more upfront value, Holland America’s “Have It All” is a strong contender for travelers who want flexibility. Tip: Book the package early—it’s often cheaper than buying add-ons separately.

Hidden Costs and Value

Holland America has fewer “nickel-and-dime” charges than Carnival or NCL. For example:

Room service is free (no delivery fee).
Self-service laundry is available (unlike Royal Caribbean, which charges $5 per load).
Complimentary coffee/tea in the Explorations Café.

However, specialty dining and premium drinks can add up. Budget $100–$200 per person for extras on a 7-day cruise.

6. Service, Guest Demographics, and Overall Experience

Service Quality and Staff-to-Guest Ratio

Holland America’s staff-to-guest ratio is 1:2, slightly better than Carnival (1:2.5) and Royal Caribbean (1:2.3). The crew is trained in European-style hospitality, with a focus on discretion and personalization. For example, waitstaff often memorize your coffee order or wine preference by day two.

The line’s “Crew Appreciation” program allows guests to tip specific crew members, fostering strong connections. In contrast, Carnival uses a pooled gratuity system, which some guests find impersonal.

Guest Demographics

Holland America attracts a mature, well-educated crowd:

Average age: 55–65 (vs. 35–45 on Carnival).
60% are repeat guests.
Popular with retirees, couples, and solo travelers.

The atmosphere is quiet and respectful—no loud pool parties or kids’ clubs. Families with young children may prefer Royal Caribbean (Adventure Ocean) or Carnival (Camp Ocean), while honeymooners might lean toward Seabourn or Regent.

Overall Experience: Who Should Choose Holland America?

Holland America is ideal for travelers who:

Prioritize destination immersion over onboard thrills.
Appreciate elegant, traditional ambiance.
Enjoy gourmet dining and cultural enrichment.
Seek a relaxed, adult-oriented environment.
Want a mid-size ship with fewer crowds.

It’s less suited for:

Families with teens or young kids (limited kid-friendly activities).
Adrenaline seekers (no water slides or zip lines).
Budget travelers (higher base prices than Carnival).

Final Verdict: Is Holland America Right for You?

Holland America Line occupies a unique sweet spot in the cruise industry—a premium, mid-sized line that blends tradition, comfort, and destination depth. It’s not the cheapest, nor the flashiest, but it delivers exceptional value for travelers who want to explore the world without sacrificing comfort. Compared to Carnival’s party vibe, Royal Caribbean’s megaship energy, and NCL’s “freestyle” chaos, Holland America offers a more curated, intentional experience.

Whether you’re sipping Dutch gin in the Crow’s Nest, savoring king crab in Alaska, or attending a lecture on Viking history in Norway, Holland America ensures that the journey is as enriching as the destination. For retirees, couples, solo adventurers, and culture lovers, it’s a top-tier choice. For families or thrill-seekers, consider Carnival or Royal Caribbean instead.

Ultimately, the best cruise line depends on what you value most. If you’re seeking a vacation that feels like a journey rather than a party, Holland America is hard to beat. Book early, consider the “Have It All” package, and prepare for a voyage where every detail is designed to delight. Your next unforgettable adventure awaits—on a ship that feels like home.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Holland America stands out with its refined, elegant ambiance, spacious staterooms, and focus on enrichment programs like cooking demonstrations and live music. Compared to mass-market lines, it offers a quieter, more sophisticated vibe, though fewer flashy attractions like water slides or go-karts.

Is Holland America a better value than other premium cruise lines?

Yes, Holland America often provides strong value among premium cruise lines, with inclusive amenities like specialty dining and shore excursions in higher-tier fares. While not as budget-friendly as Carnival or Royal Caribbean, it undercuts luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas on price while still delivering quality service.

How does Holland America compare to other cruise lines for families with kids?

Holland America’s family offerings are more limited compared to kid-centric lines like Disney or Norwegian, with fewer youth clubs and teen activities. However, it excels in multi-generational travel with spacious family staterooms and relaxed, welcoming policies for children.

What makes Holland America’s itineraries different from other cruise lines?

Holland America specializes in longer, destination-focused voyages (e.g., Alaska, Europe, and world cruises) with overnight port stays, unlike shorter, mainstream itineraries. This appeals to travelers seeking immersive cultural experiences over quick port stops.

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

Holland America emphasizes classic fine dining with partnerships like Culinary Council chefs, offering a more traditional approach than trendy, casual eateries on lines like Virgin Voyages. While fewer in number, its specialty restaurants (e.g., Pinnacle Grill) rival upscale competitors.

Is Holland America more formal than other cruise lines?

Yes, Holland America retains a slightly dressier atmosphere, with occasional “elegant nights” and a preference for polished resort-casual attire. This contrasts with ultra-casual lines like Carnival or Norwegian but aligns with other premium brands like Princess and Celebrity.

Key Takeaways

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