Cruise Line Spotlight – Holland America Line

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

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