Holland America Line
Is This Your Business?4.6
5.2
Overall Score
Author: Kalicia Bateman
LAST UPDATED: April 20th, 2021
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The Good
- Babysitting services
- Enrichment programs
- Great amenities
Babysitting Services
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.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.The Bottom Line
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Kaylee West Jordan, UT
This cruise line is the nicest I have ever been on. The service is impeccable and the food is beyond compare. The ships are always very clean and elegant. There offer a variety of cruising options for every price range. I would highly recommend this cruise line.
8 years ago
Charlotte Ash Sandy, UT
This cruise line was just as great as the Norwegian. However, I would rate the food on the Holland America as #1. Food, boarding ports, and service were great. They gave us a great deal.
8 years ago
Connie Mayer South Jordan, UT
The service was wonderful, the food was fabulous, and their entertainment was awesome. We have tons of good things to say about Holland America Line cruises. We would definitely go again.
8 years ago
Yolanda Briganti Riverton, UT
The ship was formal and fancy evenings on our Alaskan Cruise, loved the Bands. Loved the food. The crew was really friendly.
6 years ago
Derrick Martinez South Jordan, UT
Holland America is a classy, quality cruise line. It is always very clean with great service and food. The gift shops are full of great items.
8 years ago
Jeff Gonnason Kihei, HI
I have cruised several times with Holland America and found excellent value for the money
5 years ago
Delores Wylie
Cruised for 10 days to Alaska. Everything was top notch. The best ever.
8 years ago
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Tom Gourley Pleasant Grove, UT
A top quality cruise line offering good customer service and catering to a more mature client
6 years ago
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Michelle Schow Saratoga Springs, UT
This is the best cruise line we have experienced! They are great at customer service.
6 years ago
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H Moore Lehi, UT
My parents recently traveled on Holland America Line and they had a wonderful trip.
8 years ago
Cindy Delgado
They take great care of us especially our dietary needs.
8 years ago
Jeff Martin Layton, UT
Enjoyes iur cruise to New Zealand, Australia, and one to Alaska
8 years ago
