Babysitting services are available for children under 12 years of age for $5 per hour for the first child, which is generally cheaper than most other cruise lines. In-cabin babysitting services are available for $8 per hour, assuming a crew member is available. However, playrooms are subjected to limited availability during non-summer months.

Enrichment Programs

Guests can take part in enrichment programs to learn skills such as cooking or photography. The 14 ships feature extensive art galleries. Adult entertainment includes onboard casinos, bars and lounges, and Broadway-styled performances. All ships feature a wraparound promenade deck for walkers and joggers as well as for those who want to relax in the sun on padded steamer chairs. Cruise ships travel to a number of different destinations as well. These destinations include:

Alaska and Yukon
Australia and South Pacific
Bermuda
Canada and New England
And many more

Great Amenities

Play basketball, tennis, volleyball on any of the ships. Golf is available on the Ms Prinsendam. Relax and unwind at the spa or take a fitness class for an additional fee. Yoga and Pilates classes are available as well. Movies are available to enjoy, and popcorn is free. Other standard amenities found on all cruise ships include:

Complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning throughout your cruise
Complimentary sparkling wine
Complimentary bottled water
Gorgeous corsages and boutonnieres for the first formal night
Cold hors d'oeuvres served before dinner each evening on request
Binoculars and umbrellas for your use on the cruise
Cocktail party with ship's officers
Priority boarding for tendered ports of call
Special disembarkation service
Priority dining and seating requests
Exclusive daily breakfast service
High tea service in suite on request
A variety of firm, medium, and soft pillows
Premium duvet; oversized bath towels; and soft, cotton bathrobes and slippers
No-host mini-bar for easy entertaining
Personalized cruise stationery
One-touch telephone concierge service
Our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed featuring a plush Euro-Top mattress and finely woven cotton linens
Daily housekeeping to tidy belongings and keep staterooms immaculate
100 percent Egyptian cotton towels
Lighted magnifying mirrors; massage shower heads; salon-quality hair dryers
Luxurious bathrobes for use during the voyage
Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities
Flat-panel TV and DVD player
Complimentary DVD library
Safes for your valuables
Complimentary fresh fruit on request
Complimentary 24-hour In-Room Dining
Nightly turndown service
Complimentary shoeshine service
Complimentary ice service

Entertainment for Kids and Teens

For kids, Holland Cruise Lines has playrooms with PlayStations, toys, arts and crafts, and more. Teens will enjoy a place just for them called the Loft that features a dance floor and video screens. Teens will also have their own Oasis featuring a beach-like setting with chaise lounges and a waterfall.

CPP Platinum

CPP Platinum enables you to cancel for any reason, at any time up until the start of your scheduled travel (sea, land and/or air) arrangements made by Holland America Line, and receive a refund equal to 90 percent of the prepaid, non-refundable portion of your cruise vacation.

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The Bad

Limited activities
Extra costs
Limited specialty cruises

Limited Activities

Cruises offered from Holland America Line is typically more expensive than mainstream competitors like Norwegian or Carnival. Onboard activities are limited for all ages, especially during non-summer months when less kids are on board. Activities end early in the evening compared to other ocean liners.

Extra Costs

Specialty restaurants are not included in the rates. Dinners range from $29-$49 per person. Dinner reservations for specialty restaurants must be made prior to boarding the cruise liner. The only exception is the Pinnacle Grill which allows for reservations to be made onboard. Beverages are not included in the cruise fare. Dress codes are highly formal. Also not included in the initial price includes:

Shore Excursions
Indulgences
Spa
Dining at Pinnacle Grill

Limited Specialty Cruises

Holland America Line offers two types of specialty cruises. Considering the number of cruises they send out every year, there should be more "specialty cruises." The two options include:

Ten day trip to Alaska $774 per person. Sail from Vancouver, glide under the Lion's Gate Bridge, and enter the scenic wonders of the Inside Passage. Enjoy deluxe motor coach sightseeing to Denali National Park for a one night stay at this majestic national treasure (lunch included).
Fourteen day trip to Australia and New Zealand $1,499 per person.

Corkage Fee

You may bring a bottle of wine onboard the ship. There is no charge should you drink in your stateroom. However, there is an $18 corkage fee to drink wine in restaurants or if you choose to purchase bottles at ports of call.

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The Bottom Line

Holland Cruise Lines is designed for older guests who desire affluent accommodations. Families seeking unlimited family-friendly activities might find better accommodations on another cruise liner. For those seeking culture, elegance, and sophistication in luxury, Holland America Cruises Lines is the perfect fit.

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User Reviews

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4.6

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17 Reviews

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Dale Ash Sandy, UT

We loved our cruise to Alaska! Boat was a bit smaller than our Caribbean cruises with another cruise line, but that's likely due to the location. There didn't seem to be as many fun things to do. But the staff was very courteous and helpful and the food was good. Getting on and off the ship was easy.

8 years ago

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Martha Gourley Pleasant Grove, UT

We have cruised with Holland America many times. Their quality of service has been excellent. We have noticed a decline in service and food the past 2 trips with them. Hopefully this is not a sign of things to come. 8 years ago when we started cruising with them they were excellent. I would give a very good at this time.

6 years ago

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Randal hyde Springfield, MO

I loved this cruise. It had a great mix of adult and children activities, and I felt like this was a more classy cruise line then others I have been on.

7 years ago