Founded in 1873, Holland America Line (HAL) originally operated voyages between Rotterdam, Netherlands, and New York, USA, hence its name. It is currently a brand under the Carnival Corporation. Primarily targeting mature travelers, HAL is renowned for its meticulous service, exquisite dining, and rich array of activities.

The fleet currently consists of 11 cruise ships, sailing to popular destinations including the Caribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe, as well as unique routes to Tahiti and South America & Antarctica. Every Holland America Line ship is named in Dutch and ends with the suffix "-dam."

Holland America Line is a leader in Alaska cruises, having operated in the region for over 75 years. In addition to standard Alaska cruise itineraries, HAL also offers "Cruisetours" that combine sea voyages with land adventures. These tours not only take guests to see glaciers by ship but also lead them inland to Denali National Park and Canada's Yukon Territory for an in-depth journey combining natural landscapes with history and culture.

Staterooms & Suites

Holland America Line caters to travelers who appreciate tranquility and high accommodation quality. Since most itineraries focus on natural scenery, the proportion of Ocean View, Verandah (Balcony), and Suite staterooms is higher, with fewer Interior staterooms.

The staterooms are spacious and comfortable, equipped with showers or bathtubs, TVs, hairdryers, safes, and ample storage space. They also feature premium bath amenities from the British skincare brand Elemis.

Neptune Suites and the top-tier Pinnacle Suites are equipped with coffee machines, welcome sparkling wine, and binoculars. Guests in these suites enjoy exclusive services and privileges such as complimentary laundry, priority embarkation and disembarkation, priority dining reservations, and access to the Neptune Lounge.

Exquisite Dining

Holland America Line is famous for its exquisite dining, collaborating with numerous renowned chefs to design exclusive onboard menus. The kitchens provide fresh handmade bread, gelato, and desserts daily.

In 2023, HAL launched the "Global Fresh Fish" program, partnering with over 60 fishing ports worldwide to serve more than 80 types of fresh fish within 48 hours! Guests can taste different fish species depending on their itinerary; for example, Black Cod and King Salmon on Alaska routes, or Mahi-Mahi and Yellowfin Tuna on Caribbean routes.

The cruise fare includes meals at the Main Dining Room, Lido Market (buffet), and casual dining venues. For a more refined dining experience and service, guests can visit specialty restaurants.

Pinnacle Grill offers steaks and seafood; Canaletto serves classic Italian cuisine; Rudi's Sel de Mer is a Mediterranean brasserie combining French, Spanish, and Greek dishes; and Tamarind blends Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese flavors to satisfy Asian cravings.

On sea days, Afternoon Tea is served in the Main Dining Room with delicious treats and selected teas at no extra cost.

Holland America Line has partnered with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto to helm the Japanese dining brand "Morimoto by Sea," bringing creative and modern Japanese cuisine to the ocean, presenting guests with innovative and delicate Asian seafood dishes.

Currently, a dedicated restaurant is only available on the Nieuw Amsterdam. On the other 10 ships, it operates as a pop-up experience, where guests can enjoy Chef Morimoto's exclusive menu at Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind on select dates!

Themed Bars

Each bar on Holland America Line has its own unique character. Whether you prefer wine, beer, whiskey, champagne, or cocktails, you can find your own tasting haven among the different themed bars onboard for a bar-hopping experience.

◾ Crow's Nest: Located on the top deck of every ship, offering panoramic views of the magnificent ocean.
◾ Tamarind Bar: Offers exotic cocktails with unique flavors.
◾ Notes: Features a collection of single malt whiskies from around the world—a must for whisky lovers!
◾ MIX: A place to taste champagne, ales, spirits, martinis, and more.

Entertainment & Activities

The ships offer a rich array of entertainment activities. You can dance to live music, watch world-class performances, break a sweat in fitness classes, try your luck at the casino, or participate in cultural arts activities.

Music is truly the soul of Holland America Line! Many venues offer live music performances in different styles:

◾ Rolling Stone Lounge: Live bands play classic pop and rock hits daily—feel free to sway along!
◾ B.B. King's Blues Club: Bands bring the best of soul and rock music (available on Pinnacle Class ships).
◾ Billboard Onboard: Enjoy dueling pianos, request songs, and sing along!

The main theater, World Stage, hosts dance performances, stand-up comedy, and of course, musical shows. Depending on the itinerary and destination, travel talks are held where cultural ambassadors, experts, or guides introduce the local culture, offering deeper insights into the destination's unique characteristics.

Other activities include interactive trivia games, pickleball, Tai Chi, painting, origami, and more. The diverse activity design ensures sea days are never boring and increases opportunities to interact with other guests.

Family Travel

Although Holland America Line's primary clientele is mature travelers, it is also very suitable for family vacations. The ships feature Kids Clubs providing activity spaces for children and teens aged 3-17. Professionally trained staff lead activities including arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, team games, and themed parties, allowing children of the same age to play together.

Entertainment activities like pickleball and World Stage performances also welcome parent-child participation. Additionally, HAL's restaurants offer special menus designed for children, featuring popular items like pizza, chicken tenders, mac and cheese, salads, and fruits, satisfying picky eaters so the whole family can dine happily.