Holland America Line’s current fleet includes 11 ships, which are mostly midsize. They visit all seven continents, with stops in the Caribbean, Tahiti, the Mediterranean, Antarctica and more. Its Alaska presence is especially strong, and Holland America claims it has visited Glacier Bay National Park more than any other cruise operator.
Holland America’s parent company is
Carnival Cruise Line
, which acquired Holland America in 1989. But while Carnival touts offerings like the “first roller coaster at sea” on its flagship brand, Holland America is for folks with — let’s call it — more refined tastes.
Here’s your guide to Holland America, including amenities, costs and how you might save money on your next sailing.
Is a Holland America cruise right for you?
Many ships feature a library. (Photo by Sally French)
Here are some types of people best suited for Holland America:
Travelers ready for relaxation rather than partying
Though open to travelers of any age (infants must be at least six months old to embark on most cruises), Holland America caters to the mature set.
Unlike
Disney Cruises
or Royal Caribbean ships, which are laden with waterslides, flashy designs and high-energy shows, Holland America is more subdued. Its most lively entertainment includes a casino, trivia nights and live music. Children or adult travelers seeking maximum stimulation might be less enthused.
But relaxed cruisers seeking peace might find it here.
Cruisers who prefer a ship that’s not too big yet not too small
The salon. (Photo by Sally French)
Every Holland America ship has a gym, portrait studio, sports courts, a spa, salon and multiple pools. On a short three-night cruise, you could eat three meals a day at a different restaurant and never hit them all. The largest ship has 10 restaurants, not including snack spots like the café and gelato shop.
Still, Holland America ships are relatively small. While Royal Caribbean’s behemoth
Icon of the Seas
ship has more than two dozen restaurants and a capacity for 5,610 guests, Holland America’s largest ship, Rotterdam, accommodates 2,668 guests.
Holland America destinations
Holland America covers almost 100 countries or territories and more than 470 ports, including stops in the Amazon and Antarctica.
For its 2025-26 cruise season, Holland America will operate in 11 countries in Asia alone. The primary focus is Japan, where it will dock in 24 ports around the country.
Mexico and Panama Canal cruises are also big. The 2025-26 cruise season adds a new stop at the port of Acajutla, El Salvador, on most Panama sailings. Meanwhile, two ships will offer Mexico itineraries with stops including Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.
(Photo courtesy of Holland America)
The 2025-26 season brings an iconic Pacific Northwest itinerary that hasn’t been offered in decades. Dubbed the “Great Bear Rainforest,” the seven-day itinerary departs from Seattle and includes stops in Ketchikan, Alaska. Expect to see whales, eagles and potentially bears.
Here’s a breakdown of all 11 Holland America ships, sorted by largest to smallest guest capacity:
Staterooms
Suites feature whirlpool bathtubs. (Photo by Sally French)
The smallest, two-guest rooms are about 143 square feet, though suites are easily double that. The smallest suite, the Vista Suite, ranges from 260-356 square feet. For maximum space (and service), book the Pinnacle Suite, which fills roughly 1,290 square feet. High-end suites include frills like whirlpool bathtubs, vanities, dressing rooms, decks and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Holland America also caters to
solo travelers
by offering single-person staterooms that are as small as 127 square feet.
Whether you choose a lavish suite or an inside stateroom, expect fairly upscale accommodations.
Holland America food
Larger ships have a dozen or more eateries. Some restaurants operate on every ship, such as Canaletto (a casual Italian restaurant) and Lido Market (which serves meals in an all-you-can-eat, cafeteria-style setting).
All you can eat
Meals at The Dining Room are included with your cruise fare — a rare exception for fine dining restaurants on Holland America. (Photo by Sally French)
Most casual restaurants are complimentary and all-you-can-eat, included in your cruise fare.
While most restaurants cost extra, the exception is The Dining Room. Its multicourse dinners feature rotating, elevated menu items (such as lamb loin).
No matter your cabin class, 24-hour room service is complimentary, offering items like salads and sandwiches.
The Dining Room, in partnership with Masaharu Morimoto, serves dishes reminiscent of those found in Morimoto’s restaurants.
Complimentary beverages usually include basics like water, tea, and coffee. Sodas, specialty coffees, mocktails, and alcohol come at an extra cost.
Additional charges apply to waiter-service restaurants and certain casual dining options, including cafés and gelato shops. Prices vary depending on the restaurant and the type of food or drink.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Enjoy free ice cream by visiting the ice cream station at Lido Market for a DIY dessert experience.
For additional beverages beyond the basics, guests can purchase individual drinks or opt for a drink package. Packages range from soda-only options to those including premium coffee, mocktails, and alcohol.
Food quality on Holland America ships can vary, with some restaurants offering excellent cuisine for an additional charge. Options from famous chefs like Masaharu Morimoto are also available on some ships.
Activities on Holland America cruises include live music, wine tasting, theater performances, expert lectures, dance shows, and various entertainment venues like lounges and clubs.
Kids clubs with activities like crafts, video games, and scavenger hunts are available, but kid-friendly offerings are limited compared to other cruise lines.
When choosing the best Holland America ship, consider factors such as the size of the ship, dining options, itinerary, and onboard amenities to find the right fit for your preferences.
The Zuiderdam offers more guest rooms and entertainment venues compared to the Volendam, making it slightly larger. Joining AARP pays for itself based on the cruise credit alone, as membership costs $16 annually (and potentially less if you commit to more than one year). The evaluation algorithm considers the category of the card under review (such as cash back, travel, or balance transfer) along with the card’s interest rates, fees, rewards, and other attributes.
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
BW Rating
BW’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel, or balance transfer) and the card’s rates, fees, rewards, and other features.
Rewards earn rate
Chase Dining, hotel stays, and car rentals purchased through Chase earn 10 points per $1.
Air travel purchased through Chase earns 5 points per $1.
Other travel and dining not booked with Chase earn 3 points per $1.
All other purchases earn 1 point per $1.
Altitude Rewards Center 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly.
Eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending on Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay earn 3 points per $1.
All other purchases earn 1 point per $1.
3 points per $1 spent.
Hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel site earn 10 ThankYou® points per $1.
Air travel and other hotel purchases earn 3 points per $1.
Supermarkets earn 3 points per $1.
Gas stations and EV charging stations earn 3 points per $1.
Restaurants earn 3 points per $1.
All other purchases earn 1 point per $1.
Travel credit benefit
$100 in airline incidental statement credits.
Is cruising with Holland America worth it?
Holland America provides a traditional and elegant cruise experience with a focus on high-quality dining, making it ideal for food enthusiasts. The crowd tends to be mature, which can be a positive or negative depending on the desired level of entertainment and energy.
Families or individuals seeking constant stimulation and entertainment may not find Holland America suitable. Budget travelers might be put off by additional charges, although such charges are typical on most cruise lines.
In essence, Holland America appeals to cruisers who appreciate refined service, delectable cuisine, and exploration.
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