Choosing the right cruise line is key to having a great vacation, and Holland America Line offers a different experience than what you’ll find on some other popular cruise lines. With a rich history and legacy spanning over 150 years, Holland America has evolved from a transatlantic passenger line into a premium cruise brand known for its mid-size ships, elegant ambiance, and thoughtful amenities.
Even though, as someone in my mid-twenties, I may be younger than most Holland America guests, I’ve found sailing with Holland America enjoyable for several of these reasons.
In this post, I’ll share ten aspects that set Holland America apart from other cruise lines, including key differences to be aware of.
10 Things That Make Holland America Different
1. Mid-Size Cruise Ships
When you cruise with Holland America, you aren’t going to be sailing on mega-ships. In fact, their mid-size cruise ships range from 1,400 passengers to 2,700 passengers. With fewer passengers, you’ll experience shorter lines and fewer crowds, creating a laid-back cruising experience.
While Holland America’s cruise ships doesn’t have waterslides and theme park style attractions that you’ll find on some popular cruise lines, they still offer a range of amenities for your enjoyment. From sports courts to pools and hot tubs, you’ll find everything you need for a fun and relaxing cruise.
Holland America’s newest class of ships, the Pinnacle Class, comes in at just under 100,000 tons. As someone who has cruised on many different cruise ships, I think the Pinnacle Class is perfectly sized.
One of the best features of Holland America’s Pinnacle Class ships is their ease of navigation. Unlike the sprawling mega-ships, these mid-size vessels are designed for easy exploration, with less chance of getting lost. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference to your cruising experience.
In an industry where many major cruise lines have been focusing on making their cruise ships bigger and more extravagant, Holland America has embraced the mid-size cruise ship. This unique selling point makes HAL stand out from the other cruise lines.
2. Grand Dutch Cafe
Exclusively available on Pinnacle Class cruise ships, the Grand Dutch Cafe is a rare gem among casual dining venues at sea. This unique experience, found only on Holland America ships, features Dutch decor, serves specialty Dutch drinks, and offers a menu that’s a true reflection of Dutch culinary culture.
Before sailing with Holland America, I didn’t know much about the Dutch culture. However, the Grand Dutch Cafe was a great way to experience local Dutch cuisine.
Furthermore, the food is freshly made, tasty, and complimentary! The Dutch Pea Soup, Bossche Bol, and Dutch Poffertjes are some of my favorite Dutch Cafe menu items that are worth trying.
3. Unique History
Since 1873, Holland America has offered transatlantic voyages between Europe and the Americas. Originally headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands, HAL established itself as a prestigious and reliable shipping line.
Over the years, Holland America evolved from a shipping company to a cruise line focusing on leisure travel. In 1989, the Dutch cruise line was acquired by Carnival Corporation, becoming part of the world’s largest cruise vacation company.
Now, Holland America is a cruise line known for exceptional service, enriching itineraries, and traditional cruising experience.
Origin Story
On board Holland America cruise ships, you’ll learn about their unique and important history on the first night of your cruise in the show, Origin Story. Origin Story is shown on the World Stage, covering the triumphs, challenges and impact Holland America has had throughout its 150+ years.
4. Music Walk
If you enjoy listening to live music, then you’ll love Music Walk. This is easily the most happening place to be each evening of a Holland America cruise!
Music Walk features three venues, Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and B.B King’s Blues Club.
Throughout the evenings, Music Walk is where a lot of the evening entertainment is taking place. You’ll see cruise passengers enjoying a drink, relaxing, and dancing, to the live music.
Since Music walk features different genres of music, there is something for everyone of every age. The performances alternate, so you can get the change to see multiple live musical performances in the same evening.
5. Pickleball Courts
Whether you’re a new or experienced pickleball player, you’ll love the Pickleball courts onboard Holland America. Every Holland America cruise ship is equipped with a Pickleball court. At the Pickleball court, you can take lessons, play games against other passengers, and enter tournaments.
Since Holland America is the official Professional Pickleball Association partner, Pickleball is extremely popular onboard. The Pickleball court is always busy, making finding other people to play with easy.
Furthermore, you can purchase your own Holland America pickleball set in the gift shop. This is a great souvenir and a nice touch for those who love Pickleball.
6. Enrichment Activities
Something that sets Holland America apart from other cruise lines is their emphasis on enrichment activities. Onboard Holland America ships, you can attend presentations about destinations, cultural topics, enjoy wine tastings, and even painting classes.
One of the most memorable experiences during my Alaska cruise with Holland America was the opportunity to learn from a local wildlife expert. As we sailed through Glacier Bay National Park, we also had a park ranger on hand to spot wildlife, answer questions, and share their knowledge about Alaska with us.
I enjoyed learning about Alaska directly from these local experts. This made me appreciate visiting Glacier Bay and Alaska much more, and I felt I learned something new throughout my cruise vacation.
Related: Alaska VS Norway Cruise: Similarities, Differences & Things to Know
7. Destinations
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing 7-day Caribbean itinerary or a 120+ grand voyage, Holland America likely has an itinerary you’ll enjoy. Holland America visits all seven continents and has some of the most interesting and unique itineraries any cruise line offers.
If Alaska is on your wish list, consider sailing with Holland America. Since Holland America has been sailing to Alaska since 1947, you’ll have more access to wildlife than any other cruise line.
With over 70 years of experience in Alaskan waters, Holland America cruises offer an expertise and deep knowledge of the region, providing passengers with unique and immersive experiences getting up close to Alaskan nature and wildlife.
Furthermore, Holland America’s private island, Half Moon Cay, is a cruiser favorite. At Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, you’ll find stunning crystal blue beaches, white sand, tropical wildlife, and fun excursions.
Holland America takes pride in its interesting and unique itineraries as a cruise line. If you’re a cruiser who loves visiting new destinations, you’ll enjoy cruising with Holland America.
Related: 30+ Best Things to Do in Half Moon Cay [Cruise Port Guide]
8. Fresh Fish Program
Holland America Line’s Fresh Fish Program is a unique culinary initiative designed to provide guests with the freshest seafood available while at sea. HAL uses locally sourced, sustainable fish and seafood, ensuring fresh, environmentally responsible, and delicious dishes are served on board.
When the cruise ship docks in various ports, the culinary team sources fresh fish from local vendors and markets, allowing guests to enjoy regionally inspired and fresh seafood meals. Holland America’s commitment to quality and sustainability enhances the onboard dining experience.
9. Dutch Influence
Onboard Holland America cruise ships, you’ll notice the rich Dutch influence woven throughout your experience. From the elegant Dutch decor adorning the ship to the distinctive Royal Delft dishes, the commitment to its heritage is evident. Guests can enjoy unique events such as the Royal Dutch Tea and the vibrant Orange Party, all of which celebrate and honor Holland America’s proud Dutch roots.
Orange Party
If you’re going on first Holland America cruise, don’t forget to pack some orange clothing for the Orange Party. It’s a big part of the experience, where you’ll join other passengers in wearing something orange as a tribute to the Dutch Royal Family.
This fun tradition extends onboard, and it creates a very unique atmosphere. There will also be Dutch treats and snacks, orange colored drinks (like an Aperol Spritz), and music and dancing.
The Dutch influence onboard HAL cruise ships is something you will not find on any other cruise line!
10. Upgraded Cabin Amenities
One of the benefits of sailing with Holland America are upgraded cabin amenities. In your stateroom, you’ll find plush bathrobes and umbrellas to use during your cruise. In the well appointed bathrooms, you’ll find Elemis toiletries, including handsoap, lotion, shampoo and conditioner.
During our cruises to Alaska and Norway, the inclusion of an umbrella in our stateroom was a thoughtful touch. It was handy on those rainy days in port, ensuring we were always prepared for the weather.
Furthermore, Holland America offers twice-a-day housekeeping and turndown service. While housekeeping (down to once a day on some cruise lines) has been a cutback frequent cruisers have been complaining, this is a nice little luxury of classic cruising still found on HAL cruises.
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Final Thoughts On Things That Make Holland America Different
Whether you’re new to Holland America Line or have cruised with them before, there’s no denying that this classic cruise line is special. From its rich history to interesting itineraries and enrichment activities, Holland America is one of the most unique cruise lines at sea.
Have you sailed with Holland America? Please let me know your experiences in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer has been cruising with his family since he was four years old and has been on more than 30 cruises. As a frequent traveler, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like from a young person’s perspective. Ethan also writes about men’s fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com.
My husband and I love Holland Amwrica cruises. We’ve sailed with them twice to Alaska and Hawaii and ar3 booked on a Panama Canal cruise in 2025. We love the enrichment activities. There was a wonderful Hawaiian-born speaker on our recent Hawaii cruise who gave interesting talks nearly every day. Wr have not experienced that on any other cruuse line. We also loved the indoor movies offered. Our last cruise on Royal Caribbean only offered movies out on the pool deck in the sun. No, thanks! And, they charged to allow you to watch the movies offered in your cabin. On Holland America the movies offered on board in the theater or on the pool deck were also available free in your cabin. We usually travel with another couple who are both very artistic. They really enjoyed the painting classes offered. My friend and I loved the knitting classes offered and the puzzles available up in the Crow’s Nest. Another major perk for us is that Holland America has a Catholic priest on board who celebrates mass daily. I attended mass most days while my husband and friends were still getting ready for breakfast. That was a huge factor in our choosing Holland America for our 15-day Panama Canal cruise..