Holland America Line and their “dam” ships
Holland America Line offers a shipboard experience that is suitable for families cruising with children as well as grandparents. Hipsters and those looking for thrills and late nights will probably want a livelier onboard experience found on other lines, but that is just my opinion.
Compared to the mass market cruise ship experience, you can expect plenty of great food and a well-rounded entertainment program. The staterooms (I have stayed in a balcony and a cabin with a large window) are well equipped and have higher-end finishes (bedding, technology, and bathroom amenities) compared to let’s say Carnival Cruise Lines or the run-of-the-house cabins on Royal Caribbean. However, it is not fair to compare Holland America Line to Carnival or Royal Caribbean because they are not the same product.
When I was selling cruises for a living, I would encourage people to sail on Holland America Line if they were looking for a mellow cruise experience with an desire for quality. Celebrity Cruises would be the natural competitor of HAL, and between the two the difference would be in the details and the choice would most likely come down to the exact itinerary and pricing.
The world’s oldest ship line, Holland America has been a recognized leader in cruising for 140 years.
Art in all the right places
One of the things not to be missed on a Holland America Line ship is the impressive art collection. Make sure to note the sculpture inside the atrium if you get a chance to sail on one of Holland America Line’s 15 mid-size ships (with a 16th, Koningsdam, due in early 2016).
Buzz-worthy highlights you can expect on Holland America Line’s ships
- Award-winning service
- Fine dining
- Extensive activities
- Enrichment programs
Need to relax?
The Explorations Cafe’s well-stocked book shelves, the latest edition of the New York Times, internet stations, a coffee car and comfy lounge chairs outfitted with headphones and music stations might help. To further unwind, enjoy a soothing spa treatment at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon.
Discover more
Links to my first-hand reviews and reports from sailing on Holland America Line in Alaska
- Live Voyage Report Preview: Holland America Line Alaska Cruise
- Pre-Cruise Stay in Seattle: Pike Place Market, Alki, King County Water Taxi
- Live Voyage Report: Welcome aboard Holland America Line Oosterdam
- Live Voyage Report: Sitka via Holland America Line
- Live Voyage Report: Juneau, Alaska via Holland America Line
- Live Voyage Report: Scenic Cruising Tracy Arm Fjord
- Live Voyage Report: Ketchikan, Alaska via Holland America Line
- Photo Tour: Holland America Line’s Oosterdam Galley Visit
- Cooking Dutch Pancakes with the Captain on Holland America Line
- Culinary Options on Holland America Line’s Oosterdam
- Holland America Line Oosterdam Alaska Explorer Cruise Review
- Pre or Post Cruise Ideas: Celebrating Aerospace near Seattle
- Post Cruise visit to the Future of Flight and Boeing Factory Tour