Expert review of Holland America Line
Best for
Multigenerational families and (generally older) seasoned travelers.
Not for
Kids or kids at heart. If you’re seeking sporty recreation or a constant party, a Holland America cruise will seem staid.
We love
- The expertise of Holland America's crew and staff.
- Elite excursions — like an after-hours tour of St. Petersburg’s State Hermitage Museum —give you “backstage” access.
- Port-focused itineraries that overnight at docks encourage guests to explore places on their own, engaging with cities rather than speed-dating them.
- The intimate public spaces, such as the Silk Den, Pinnacle Wine Bar, Explorer’s Lounge, and well-stocked New York Times-branded library have a way of making larger ships feel homey.
- The co-branded live entertainment options, including the B.B. King’s Blues Club and “Dancing With the Stars” lessons, are a nice touch.
- Holland America's generously sized staterooms are 25 percent larger than competitors’ cabins.
We could live without
- Holland America's Lido deck dining: It’s charmless, crowded, and one of few lunch options.
- When it’s too cool for the pool, some teens and tweens could feel under-stimulated without the bowling alleys, skating rinks, and rock-climbing walls that keep kids amused on other lines.
