Why choose Holland America Line
Holland America Line cruises are well-known for their exemplary service and fine dining. Passengers can choose from an array of complimentary and speciality restaurants while onboard.
The line also offers excellent entertainment and enrichment programmes, including Music Walk - comprising live music venues, as well as regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings.
HAL cruises are fairly good value for money, although there are some extras. The line has introduced a Club Orange programme – named after the Dutch House of Orange – offering exclusive benefits to guests in certain suite categories. Perks include priority check-in, a private dining venue and a concierge hotline.
HAL has been named Number One for cruises to Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, and the Panama Canal & Central America in Cruise Critic’s Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards.
Cruising with Holland America Line
Holland America Line offers full-on cruise excellence, with particular attention paid to your dining experience.
The Pan-Asian Tamarind, onboard Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam offers exotic menus that evoke the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan, with dishes that honour the elements of water, wood, fire and earth.
A new partnership with Top Sushi Chef, Andy Matsuda of the Los Angeles Sushi institute, sees his signature sushi rolls being introduced for guests to enjoy at Tamarind.
Other speciality joints are French restaurant Rudi's Sel de Mer and Italian spot Canaletto.
For casual alfresco dining by the pool, Dive-In includes gourmet burgers plus lighter fare, like a grilled chicken breast sandwich and vegetarian-friendly Portobello mushroom stack. Plus crisp Italian salads and made to order thin-crusted pizzas.
Other casual eateries include the Lido Market, New York Pizza, Grand Dutch Cafe and Explorations Cafe.
Who should travel
Holland America Line cruises are ideal for mature and seasoned travellers who want to relax and see the world. The cruise line’s fleet remains recognised for personalised service, premium amenities and fine dining.
Most of the activities and entertainment onboard are geared towards more mature cruisers – so do not expect water parks or gaming arcades – although its ships do include kids and teens clubs for families.
In a bid to attract a younger audience, the addition of HAL’s signature Music Walk (a set of entertainment venues) onboard its ships has certainly livened up nightlife and given the fleet a more youthful persona. That doesn't mean club-rave music, though!
And yet, you’ll find that the typical demographic for a Holland America Line cruise are North American passengers of retiree age.
Destinations
HAL ships sail to destinations across the world, but one of the cruise line’s most popular destinations is Alaska - exploring the dynamic glaciers, soaring peaks and captivating history of the 49th state. You can extend your Alaskan adventure with a cruisetour - digging deep into Alaska’s rugged interior.
It's not just Alaskan inventories on offer, however. The ocean-going cruise line also sails to Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii and Tahiti, the Mediterranean, Mexico, Northern Europe, Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, Antarctica and transatlantic. Full-blown global adventures can be enjoyed with planned bookings, which we would encourage!
Dining
Already known for a wide array of superb cuisine - from regional specialities and itinerary-based dishes to traditional favourites, HAL has taken dining to the next level with new choices and venues for guests to enjoy.
In the elegant Main Dining Room, which offers set and 'as you wish' dining, guests will find classic favourites and vegetarian choices, as well as regionally inspired cuisine prepared by chefs - all backed by HAL's Culinary Council, an elite team of seven world-renowned chefs.
In the intimate steakhouse Pinnacle Grill, (available on all ships) tables are set with crisp linens and dazzling stemware. The menu features a selection of 28-day wet-aged USDA Prime steaks plus as well as classic steakhouse dishes and innovative recipes. There are also regionally inspired cuisine and vegetarian dishes.
Inclusions
Relax. Holland America Line has got you covered. All standard dining in the ship's complimentary restaurants, which include the Dining Room, Lido Market, Dive-In and New York Pizza. Room service and afternoon tea at tea time are included in the cost of your cruise package.
Use of the on-board sports facilities and swimming pools, alongside access to a wide range of entertainment also come as part of the experience.
From freshly squeezed juices at breakfast time to full-scale theatre productions, you can rest easy knowing that you shouldn't need to spend an extra penny. Of course, there are upgrades you can enjoy, but that's entirely your call. The standard service is still top-notch!
