Holland America Line: What You Need To Know Before Cruising

Holland America Line is one of the most popular cruise lines. Discover the things you need to now about cruising with Holland America before you go. I share tips and advice on everything from what to budget for (what the fare does and does not include), dress code and passenger type and mix.
Every week Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers Channel posts a video to help you make the most of your precious travel time and money on both land and at sea. First-hand travel inspiration, advice and tips based on the over 20 years I have been travelling every month.
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[@nancyfaiella6376]

I love that they’re traditional: The ship looks like a ship and not a pastel-covered playground - and they don’t push the alcohol packages like other cruise lines are wont to do. A beautiful teak promenade deck with teak furniture rather than plastic. Gorgeous ship!

[@sodoffbaldrick3038]

My father emmigrated to this country from Germany in the mid-1950s on the Maasdam. 30+ years later, when he was booking a cruise for pleasure with Holland America, the young lady taking his reservations told him that the ship they would be sailing on was the Maasdam. He of course, mentioned his story of immigration oh, and she promptly gave him a discount for having sailed with them before and for the miles he had earned in his first sailing so many years ago.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Wow! That’s great 😀

[@derekcaistor449]

We too took the old Maasdam to Canada in 1968. Soon after she was sold to the Polish and became the Stefan Batory. Our waiter never spoke a word of English so he brought whatever food he found in the kitchen and we ate very well.

[@EdwardTravels]

That’s a fun thing about Holland America. They keep the ship names. Our first cruise years ago was on the Statendam 4 and then we cruised in Statendam 5 and they’re recently added a new Statendam ship. Gotta check that one out Keep cruising 🚢

[@hamishlightfoot6868]

I’m 17 and I’ve been on 3 of holland America cruises and Holland America is the only cruise line I’ll stick with.

[@TheRabbitHasLanded]

Same, I have only been on holland America

[@timsullivan4566]

I had 100 questions and now - thanks to you - I have none. An excellent , comprehensive presentation - thank you!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to hear!!

[@1akderby]

Holland America is my favorite cruise line. Everything he says is true. I give Holland America 4 stars.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks. Great to hear you agree 😀

[@barbaranelson5177]

Do they have evening show

[@BagelBunny]

I think the other thing you need to add is how safe HAL Cruises are. I can tell you from experience that there have been very few incidents with the exception of petty theft with that issue being resolved in minutes. In all my traveling with HAL I have never once been threatened or felt in any danger. And I do appreciate your videos; you seem to really care that we get the most out of cruising.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great point. Thanks for adding that. Thanks also for kind comment on the videos. I do indeed care about people having the right cruising experience for them

[@catharinejohnson4666]

Yes : anytime dining but this fills up fast. You can always call daily to make a certain time for your anytime dining. Added bonus!

[@patriciadodd9412]

Been on other cruise ships. Loved my 2 week cruise to Alaska last July. We left from Seattle and returned to Seattle on the beautiful Zaandam. I was travelling by myself, but met up with my friends from Arizona and Oregon. I had requested a handicap room, and was amazed at how roomy and great it was. The bathroom was roll in shower with a transfer bench. The Staff went over and above to make my trip wonderful. Will be going again.

[@gossedward]

Just returned from our first HAL Cruise. Excellent experience Our favorite restaurant was Canelleto BB King blues Club was great But our favorite music venue was the “Rolling Stone Rock Room” Outstanding band that played Classic Rock and Roll from the 70’s, 60’s and 50’s Will definitely use HAL again

[@EdwardTravels]

Holland America is a great cruise line. We’ve sailed with them all over the world and have always had a great experience

[@yvonnehardy9135]

Our family left Rotterdam in 1955 to come to Canada. We traveled with Holland America Line on the Maasdam 3. We actually got to travel tourist class. It was very exciting as an 11 year old. I got to see my first Western. We came through Pier 21 and took the train from Halifax to Medicine Hat and then reality set in. It was in the month of March and very cold. I think we started school very soon. My brother and I started together in grade 5. No ESL. We had a wonderful teacher who taught us to speak English. We have had a very good live here in Canada. Thank you Holland America Line. We had a wonderful trip. Yvonne Hardy nee van Wyngaarden

[@jennk7070]

Great review. My husband and I are 40 and we only cruise with HAL. Yes, the clientele can be older but we are old souls! Lol. We enjoy the smaller ships, classy bars, great food and the service. We set sail on the Zuiderdam next month in the Baltic. Can hardly wait!

[@bellax4273]

Jennifer Kliman As are we! However my daughter and son will be joining us.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Nice!! Have a great time

[@tipsfortravellers]

Have a fab trip

[@katiebellejohnson2688]

My husband and I just got back from that HAL cruise a month ago--you're going to have an amazing, amazing time! We're 48 and never felt out of place. We met so many interesting and fun people. It was our second time on HAL and we're loyal fans.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to hear you had an awesome time!!

[@amybradley5821]

Only sail with them now. I’m 50 and love the older crowd and lack of young kids. Great tips!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks! Great to hear your insight

[@markanthony976]

The only cruise Screaming ,kids should be on is Disney ...PERIOD .

[@TheAngryYank]

@@markanthony976 Been there, done that (five times with the Mouse). First HAL cruise with ONLY wife coming in July....no kids. Looking forward to it.

[@HiroseFamily5]

My husband and I LOVE HAL for the traditional feel and the extra service. We've been on HAL many times since our first when we were 24. We are now 35.

[@mts592]

Wife & I have been on 4 HAL Cruises and have Enjoyed each one and are planning our 2019 HAL cruise. I must say the staff have always been so Polite and Very Helpful. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@elli003]

We traveled the Inland Passage out of Vancouver on the Zuiderdam several years ago. This video is accurate. I would like to add this. "You get what you pay for."

[@josienicolosi114]

I did my first HA cruise last January. The cabin was really great and the food was out of this world. The one thing I didn't like was there wasn't much in the way of entertainment and everything closed early. It definitely was an older crowd. Not sure if I would do them again unless the price was right.

[@jeanreta3648]

Was on Holland America 10 Times. Food is good, Service is excellent.

[@tipsfortravellers]

A real fan then. Great to hear you enjoy it so much

[@deadsalmonstudios7198]

One of the best parts about HAL for me is not only their traditional approach to cruising, but also their rich history of transatlantic liners and the traditional ocean liners.

[@HeadlessChickenTO]

I was on the Maasdam 11 years ago, it was my first and only Holland America experience and I wish I could go back with them one day. The ship was beautiful, service was impeccable, food was excellent, love the old school experience. I've been with RCL, NCL, and Celebrity. HA is tops in my book of experience.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to hear!

[@mindyschocolate]

I’ve only been on one cruise, and that was also with the Maasdam back in 2000. I liked the cruise, the waiter, and the excursions. I’m going on a second cruise next month, but this time I’ll be on the Disney Dream. I will never go on the Carnival. Heard and seen too many videos of all the problems they have. I’d rather pay extra for either of these two lines. Pity Carnival owns HAL though.

[@HSMiyamoto]

Our AAA travel agent just recommended and sold mother and I a Holland America cruise. She is 89, I am 56. We wanted a safe and relaxing way to visit Mexico, so we are on a 7 day out of San Diego, near our home. This video was very helpful and reassuring.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to hear it helped !

[@tessla4546]

I was a medical officer for Holland America. I worked for them, because I was a flight nurse before that. Trinity Air, I used to pick up their passengers. Anyway, HAL, I did not hav an ethical conflict. If a passenger does not have travel insurance, HAL will pick up the bill, and charge the passenger. Also, HAL have the largest cabins, in the industry. Thanks for the info.

[@andrewhernandez7006]

I've cruised with HAL since I was very young. It has become and will stay my favorite line there is to date. Great value for the price and of course the tradition of great ships, great crew, and fantastic food. Love those "dam" ships!

[@marieippolito1620]

We love HAL and just got our 100 days at sea medal. We also love the fact that they have longer cruises! Finally, their ships are not overwhelmingly large. i don't want to go on vacation with 4-5,000 other people. Their ships are about 2,500 passengers and that is a perfect size for us.

[@katemcg5833]

I love the teak deck for walking laps and just a fresh air viewing spot; the buffet -dining is accessible to sit and enjoy the views with a hot cup of tea between meals. You can relax or be on the go. I will stick with HAL as best Alaska cruise.

[@deweyski]

I just returned from the Rotterdam on a Panama Canal cruise and had the time of my life. This was my third cruise, second on HAL, and first solo cruise. I met some of the most awesome people and the staff made me feel like royalty at all times. The entertainment was top notch and the part of my day I looked forward to the most, especially Billboard OnBoard with the dualing pianos. Joey and Emily were simply amazing together. Lincoln Center Stage was a refreshing compliment to the usual entertainment on board ships and added cultural pleasure mixed in with humorous additions to keep it from being too stuffy. And the talent? Top notch all the way! No BB King Lounge on Rotterdam yet, but the Ocean Bar offered great entertainment with similar entertainment as well. The Main Stage offerings were pretty great most of the time. My only complaint was really that too much was offered all at the same time and you could not be everywhere at once. They should really stagger the times different performances are offered, especially on sea days, so you can catch more. Dining was outstanding! Main dining (lunch or dinner) offered plenty to select from and if you went away hungry it was your own fault. Even what seemed to be the simplest fair came out extravagant and delicious and it really gave you an opportunity to experiment with new tastes and foods. The Pinnacle Grill upheld its reputation. I was there for dinner, lunch, and a special wine pairing event called the Cellar Masters Dinner where the food and wine was expertly paired for a culinary experience that has to be witnessed to properly enjoy and appreciate. The service was by far as excellent as could be expected with royal treatment and personal attention that made you feel you had your own staff attending to your every need. The buffet offerings in the Lido Market were fresh and many changed daily to give you new and exciting experiences daily. And again, the staff attention was awesome as they made you feel they were there just for you to make your day the best it could be. I prefer Holland America as a senior traveler so as not to fight crowds and be over stimulated by young activities that do not interest me. I love the ability to find quiet spaces to relax and read, watch the world flow by, or simply play a game of scrabble with a new found friend. And the open spaces inside and out gave me more opportunity for exercise than I ever would have tried at home. My average steps the last two weeks exceeded well over twice my normal average when I am at home.

[@Iconoclasher]

Wife and I went to Hawaii in October 09 on the MS Zaandam. Two week round trip. I never felt like we were on a "cruise", no... we were sailing the Pacific Ocean in an ocean liner! Wasn't all that expensive either. I think the entire tab came in at around $6500, including passage on the liner, tips and excursions. The most memorable trip I've ever taken.

[@polycarphunter2257]

we've sailed twice on HAL. the Alaska cruise and the Mexican Rivera cruise. we like the smaller ships, compared to the large circus atmosphere cruise lines. not many children so it's more peaceful. they also offer round the clock room service which is nice.

[@Dangic23]

Question... I'm about to book the Eurodam for an Alaskan cruise in May 2020. But my 3 daughters will be 14, 14 and 9 at departure day....and I'm afraid they will hate this cruise. We have been on Disney, RCL, Costa. My kids are not wild kids...lol....we get complemented all the time for their manners and behavior....which is always very awkward to me. Will appreciate any feedback from fellow travelers. Thanks.

[@paulinemonastero322]

Brilliant brilliant brilliant! You covered it all and now I want to book on Holland America. My husband & I have gone on several Royal Caribbean cruises and this looks like a beautiful change. Thank you.

[@patrickspino5941]

Hi! If you're not a pro, you sure report like one! My experiences on 3 HA cruises mimic your report. You've done a mighty excellent job here and I thank you!

[@davidpalmer2832]

Thanks for your tips which we saw after the event and confirmed our own experience. We did the Alaska cruise at the end of June 2018 on the Volendam. We really enjoyed it as it was one of their smaller ships and we're not into the vast floating hotel-style cruise ships. We had a Lanai cabin which was great. It had a sliding patio door (with one way vision glass - like in police interview rooms!) opening directly onto the deck with our own designated recliners just outside. Food and service were all excellent. If we ever decide to do a cruise again, we'll seriously consider HAL.

[@JPBrowning53]

Just got back from our 3rd trip on HAL. We really enjoy the coziness of the ships, the people we've met and the outstanding crew along with the entertainers. We've been on the MS Amsterdam, MS Nieuw Amsterdam and MS Veendam. We have met a lot of younger couples on the ship who are looking to relax and enjoy instead of being on the party ships. I highly recommend the line. Looking forward to our next adventure sometime early next year.

[@charlesgallagher8450]

The food is very high quality on HAL. They have some great chefs! Thanks for this review. Did not know about the app. Yes and Lincoln Center Stage is a really refined way to have a preprandial while enjoying some amazing classical music.

[@tipsfortravellers]

I agree :-)

[@uptown3636]

Very helpful video. It has been several years since I last cruised with HAL, and this was a nice refresher course in the culture aboard Holland America ships.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks. Great to hear you found helpful. I really appreciate you watching 😀

[@brianlance]

Perfect timing on this video! We embark in a couple weeks on the Nieuw Amsterdam (which it looks like you used for this video). We're cruising with a couple children and have been stressing about the dress code mostly. The reputation as an "older" clientele doesn't bother us. In fact, it's good there's not a lot of distractions for the kinds, since we're doing this to see Alaska. Thank you for your thoughtful tips! Edit: just saw your tour of the Nieuw Amsterdam! Excellent videos!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to hear the timing was good! I am sure you’ll have a great time and hopefully the concern in dress code sorted!

[@mts592]

We have Really Enjoyed our 3 cruises with HAL and plan on taking our 4th Cruise in January 2019. We can't say enough good things about the crew!!

[@geoffreystone4849]

Holland America Line donated much of the fresh fruit and produce from the Nieuw Amsterdam’s cancelled cruise to the Feeding South Florida food bank. Feeding South Florida is the largest food bank serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties, distributing more than 50 million pounds ( that's 42 million meals) of food annually to over 700,000 people - 240,190 of whom are children and 110,000 are older adults. The ship donated 11 pallets of fruits and vegetables, and a Holland America vendor - Freedom Fresh - picked up the food from the ship and delivered it to Feeding South Florida. The ship’s Food and Beverage Director Ron van Vliet and Executive Chef Sinu Pillai, along with Holland America’s Vice President of Hotel and Food and Beverage Frits Van der Werff, selected all of the produce and got it all loaded onto the truck for delivery. Feeding South Florida received a wide selection of inventory that had just been loaded for the cruise and would have gone unused. The organization accepted an abundance of vegetables including zucchini, tomatoes, lettuce, bell peppers, mushrooms, squash, kale, carrots, eggplant, cucumber and more. Fruits included starfruit, mango, dragon fruit, grapes, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, bananas, kiwis, strawberries and avocado. Fresh herbs and spices also were delivered, including sage, tarragon, dill, thyme, rosemary and basil. The Caribbean cruise from Ft. Lauderdale was cancelled due to problems with the ship's thruster.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for this. I had seen the cruise was cancelled but not about this. Good to hear

[@miqoi9067]

I'll be working on this ship soon

[@TLXJOKERYT]

Did you start working???

[@craigcarmean4807]

And now you aren’t. 😂😭

[@jromeo171]

Thank you so much, Gary! This video was super helpful. Had no idea that HAL had an app, but will definitely be downloading before my Alaska cruise tomorrow!

[@patriciamattson6159]

We sailed HAL many, many times & we always had great times. The food was always wonderful & you could eat anytime you wanted. We brought our dressy & casual clothing and we were so happy to meet & greet other passengers.

[@kellybell9717]

Thanks so much for this great overview! Super helpful, well timed and no fluff! We are first time cruisers so this was very much need to know info! We selected HAL after significant research and you have just confirmed my research results were spot on! We are taking HAL on an Alaskan cruise in July 2019. Feeling much more prepared now thanks!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great thanks for watching and good to hear you found it helpful. Have a fabulous cruise!!

[@patriciadodd9412]

You will have a great time. Went on 2 week cruise from Seattle July 2018. I was by myself,from Alberta,Canada but met up friends, 2 couples from Arizona and Oregon. We had a wonderful time. It was my 1st trip on HAL,but my friends had travelled many times with HAL. We were on the Zaandam.

[@gunsbeersmemes]

My wife an I took our Alaskan Honeymoon Cruise on Holland-America Westerdam, this past May, 2018. We are both 30 years old, and we loved it. My only negative is that everything closes at 12am. We were lucky enough that, I tipped the bar tender a good amount the first night, and they would keep serving while the cleaned up, so it gave us another hour-hour and a half at the bar, with some other couples around our age group, that we'd met. Being from Florida, I've gone on every possible Carnival Caribbean cruise, twice. Holland-America definitely has a bit higher quality of food, no doubt. It's been 3 months, and I can't wait to go again.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for the insights and tip !!!

[@monkeyb1820]

there are really good deals on Koningsdam out of Ft Lauderdale. We already did it, otherwise we'd do it again, but the ship is nice, showers work great.

[@HELENHONSE]

I thought you did an excellent job of an overview but failed to mention the Wi-Fi. We recently cruised on Azamara and found they had a very affordable Wi-Fi package. Last time we cruised on Holland America, the Wi-Fi was so expensive we were spending our time on shore finding Internet cafés! So some mention of this would be helpful, as that was a few years ago.

[@mryan9530]

We are 4 star Mariners on HAL. Never had a bad cruise. Excellent Captains and Officers. Excellent crew.Any changes to itin. were always supported by logic. Usually for safety reasons. Food is delicious. Shipsare clean.

[@Wailermon]

Excellent information. Especially the App! Loved HAL for our Alaska Cruise. We leave for the Medon Koningsdam in less than a week! Can't wait!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Nice, have a great trip

[@JPBrowning53]

We sailed to Alaska on the Amsterdam in July 2018. It was our first cruise and we really enjoyed the experience. Crew was very good along with lots of different things to do onboard. We're already planning our next one for Jan 2019 in the Caribbean! Just mom & dad this time.

[@smrfnose]

Jim Browning we’re doing the same trip, same boat in July of 2019. Glad to hear you had an enjoyable experience aboard.

[@lisamorice4701]

Thanks Gary. We are sailing with HAL for the first time on the Koningsdam to Alaska in 2020 so these things are good to know. I also appreciated that a fair bit of footage was from Alaska.

[@davemcduckful]

The Pinnacle Grill is great and recommend it. The Caviar is sublime, and not cheap.

[@notating]

I took a cruise this Nov. 2019, 15 day Panama Canal. It was excellent. This cruise line is not for young folks looking to have onboard blast. It is a traditional cruise ship, very very nicely layed out. I turned 50 an it was amazing getting into myself and talking with so many elders who had lots to chat about. It is not for first time cruisers. Lovely cruise and all the tips given are so on point. Take your best company, loafs of swim suits. The only thing not mentioned, well two things, the wifi premier package is excellent! And two book all your things ( spa, drinks, wifi) early/before cruise and it's cheaper!

[@Viperbob]

Your typical excellent review. Nice job. Have not done Holland Line yet, but it looks great for us in the 70’s. Thanks.....

[@Iconoclasher]

Wow! What a relaxing video! I sailed to Hawaii from California in 09 on HAL. The Zaandaam. It was a beautiful trip! 15 days.

[@tipsfortravellers]

That sounds like an awesome trip. One I would love to do!

[@marktierney2986]

The ship then continued on through the Pacific to Sydney. We picked up the cruise in Hawaii and had the most relaxing 26 days doing the crossing.

[@amberschlembach3606]

I just took a cruise with Royal Caribbean. It’s the only line I take. My aunt and sister took a cruise with holland. My sister had never been on a cruise before so she enjoyed it. My aunt said it was the worst cruise in the universe. There was nothing to do and she hated it. She said it was like a hospital onboard.

[@williamgeorge6973]

i noted that the Osterdam was part of the presentation. My wife and I enjoyed our 50th anniversary cruise in 2016

[@donpettinger8079]

Great video, Thank you. We have been on Princess tons of times and this will be are first time on Holland America. There website was very vague with prices and about the ships. You answered a great deal of guests . Thank you.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks! Great to hear it helped !

[@Undercookedpork]

FYI princess an Holland America are under the same company. I work at the in land resorts for Princesses/Holland America, come on out to copper river ask for Junior

[@stuartlee6622]

This is GOOD. I've learned that H.A.L. is for me!! Thank you for this one!

[@michaelwatson113]

Love cruising HAL.

[@tipsfortravellers]

They are great. I agree!

[@jlizardi5013]

Finally and after watching your video a couple of times I made my mind and booked my first Mediterranean cruise with HAL (Koningsdam) in May! going solo too!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to hear this helped. I hope you have a great cruise

[@elisolomon8741]

Thanks for the timely review. My wife and I are booked on a 25 day cruise out of Rome in June 2019 with HAL. Looking forward to the "old world charm" you spoke about.

[@walterchristen4502]

Gary, as always a great presentation. Will be taking my first Holland America cruise later this year and this info was very helpful.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks. Great to hear. Hope you have a fabulous time on Holland America

[@ralphweber2522]

Excellent as always, Gary. Thank you! I would love to see something more about the hop on hop off busses you mention.

[@IchStrickeGerne]

Hamish Davis with HAL is the best cruise director ever. The most fun cruise I’ve ever been on (I’ve been on 5) was the one where he was in charge of entertainment.

[@loriefranklyn558]

We love Holland America. We especially enjoyed the Pinnacle Grill.

[@53pittmanjt]

Valuable content well-presented as always! I've cruised HAL a few times and have a few comments. The cooking demos by America's Test Kitchen are a *vast* improvement over HAL's earlier cooking presentations, which felt a little amateurish in comparison. Even if you're not a foodie, the ATC shows will hold your interest. I'm a late diner in the evening and have noticed that the buffet stations start closing down sooner than you might expect. By around 7:30PM the place looks like it starting to close. Maybe because of the older demographic they're assuming we're all early bird special fans. Grab some sandwiches early and stash them in your cabin fridge if you think you might want to grab a a late bite. The Pinnacle Grill is an upcharge but it's worth it, at least for the filet mignon and lobster tail. In my experience these are consistently of high quality and perfectly prepared. You can order them delivered to your room in which case the beef and lobster are just as good but the accompaniments (creamed spinach, mashed potatoes) are...let's say "institutional" quality. Like my mom's nursing home did a better job. Ignore them and concentrate on that steak!

[@tobiasmoeckel]

I traveled with HAL when I was 22 years old. The trip was a gift for my mum and we both loved it. About the first point in this video: It is true that the average age is higher than on other cruise ships and that entertainment is not focused on action and adventure, but I didn't mind that at all. In fact, we actually appreciated the quiet and relaxed atmosphere. I'd like to add that the ship never felt crowded. At times you have entire areas almost for yourself and that was one thing we valued a lot - more space. I guess it depends on what you are looking for but if the focus is on traveling in a relaxed manner and on the places you visit, HAL is the right choice!

[@Wizerslapski]

Tobias Moeckel my parents just booked a trip to Alaska through HAL. We’re going on Westerdam and I’m gonna be 25 next year so I’m glad you had a good experience even with the older crowd.

[@gsb1616]

We took our cruise from July 1-8, 2018, the weather was beautiful everyone stated they never see this mild weather on a cruise to Alaska. This means all of our pictures were as clear as can be. Even the two float planes the weather was so clear this gives you a good view of how Alaska is an untouched secret. Many trips to the Caribbean have great weather so you can take that nice weather and enjoy it in Alaska. We knew about all the excursions and fees so we booked it months in advanced. If you cruise and don't take any excursions your traveling will be very boring.

[@patriciadodd9412]

I sure enjoyed my cruise to Alaska last July too. Beautiful weather. I'm from Alberta so I had a giggle seeing ppl in coats and hats, but to me it was lovely.

[@thealcshow918]

Same! It was amazing!

[@lemarkipusylvers4840]

Great video as always, I'm a big fan of yours. You are the best Cruise KZbinr on the net.

[@tipsfortravellers]

*blushes* Thanks! Great to hear you enjoying the videos. Great incentive to keep going !

[@sgmarsc]

Spot on for recommendations. We have taken 3 HAL cruises. We always enjoy them. Great if you need to relax and find quiet time.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Nice! Thanks for watching. I am also a HAL fan

[@BeechSportBill]

Great review. We missed SO MUCH, due to needing afternoon naps, so we need to go AGAIN!

[@COLINJELY]

Bon Voyage Cruislings, one can never go on enough cruises!

[@NealIRL]

I recently sailed with them in the Caribbean for 7 days on Nieuw Amsterdam which was the ship you filmed on. The crew was great and I would take them again.

[@adventurelifewithbob2960]

Great Video. We enjoyed our cruise on Holland America.

[@davva360]

Some good tips. I have cruised with them 3 times and always had enjoyable cruises. The app must be pretty new as it was not available on my last cruise although that was almost two years ago now. Time flies!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to Hera. Things change so fast on cruises these days it seems!

[@pinoyaudiobooks1935]

I did one on my cruise to Asia although majority of the guest are oldes but I loved my experienced. A comfortable way of exploring the world

[@lisacraze1]

I think you do a wonderful job in all of your videos. Thanks for answering so many of my questions!

[@signiustalas]

If you have AARP I suggest booking on their website. AARP gives members On Board Credit in addition to what you normally get. I price matched my Princess cruise 3 times without issue so customer service is top-notch too. I'll be booking my first HAL cruise to Alaska with my mom and sister (21) I'm (36), sometimes you just want to enjoy a relaxing cruise without all the adrenaline-pumping activities.

[@yasminedrexler8951]

Thank you that was great!!

[@michaelhammer2150]

Just been on a Holland America cruise around South America and it was fantastic could not fault it at all. The food was great and the trips amazing too. Has a brilliant time and would love to book another one in the future

[@mariannem3748]

Love Holland America Cruises! Great tips!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks!!!

[@ElbyStarfire]

Have cruised with HAL seven times so far and this video is spot on.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks !!! Great to hear. They are a great line. Do you have a favourite ship in the fleet ?

[@ElbyStarfire]

Niew Amsterdam is my favorite probably more from familiarity than anything else. The crew has been consistently great.

[@davedoty]

We only cruise on Holland America and have a 2 week cruise coming up in a couple of months. I’d like to add several things to this review. For us, always having a priest onboard for daily Mass, and reconciliation tops our list. We also like the art auctions and love the daily trivia games. Also I would never go to the dining room in jeans. You could go golf casual and not offend diners. Some nights are formal. So you need a suit/dress unless you will eat a]t the buffet on the Lido deck. You don’t want to miss their formal dinners... exceptional food!

[@djmorris103]

I just spotted myself at the nature talk.

[@tessla4546]

I LOVE HAL. We have cruised over 50 times with them. I tried NCL, they were good when I took my daughter, we HATED Princess, even though it was an older cruise too. The food wasn't good, the cabin was very dinghy, and small. Even though Princess and HAL are owned by Carnival. The ships on HAL are smaller, I feel easier to get around. Although HAL is retiring the Princendam in April. She's the smallest and best, but only boards 890 passengers, max. Great review. I appreciate your videos.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Wow, you definitely are a HAL fan. Hopefully with all those cruises the loyalty benefits are mounting up and good!

[@tessla4546]

Tips For Travellers yes, upgrades, guests, captains soirees, onboard spending, etc. Thanks for your great tips.

[@nicolenelson3853]

I love HAL! It feels more traditional and calm; I'm 22 but am not a fan of 'party' cruises, and Holland America was perfect for me. The gala nights were such a fun bonus, too! Went on an Alaskan cruise last year and going to the Caribbean this October. So excited! If you're going on your first cruise, and especially if you're part of the older crowd, I definitely suggest looking into HAL.

[@DH-qz2so]

Cruised with my hubby and all his family/sibs/spouses (courtesy of my in laws) back in 93 and again in 98...( was 27 then 32....on H.A.L...I think i was the youngest onboard at the time!

[@mollydickens1280]

I have cruised on R.C.C.L CARNIVAL & NORWEGIAN HOLLAND AMERICA is my next cruise line I want to go on.

[@valerie577]

Holland America is our first choice, we do not need all the bells and whistles most other lines have

[@tipsfortravellers]

There are a lot of very passionate fans of the line like you! They do seem to make a lot of people very happy

[@jaykilborn2508]

Thanks for the information on cruise critic. We are taking a HAL cruise this May. It is our favorite cruise line.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks. Have a great trip. Where you cruising to?

[@jaykilborn2508]

We are taking the 14 day Celtic Explorer cruise. It starts in Dover and ends in Amsterdam.

[@chuckp4710]

We are booked on two H A Cruises in 2019. A 10 day and a 13 day.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Nice! Were you cruising to?

[@46foryounger]

I just booked for a last minute seven day cruise. While I usually prefer a younger crowd since this is last minute booking and it’s ben such a stressful year for me I don’t think I will mind the laid back cruise. I guess I will find out. I’m just grateful to get away before starting a new job where I won’t have any time off for a year.

[@michellecaudill7936]

I’m not sure how this popped up but this was very helpful thank you

[@TheStreetfish]

this ship is in Montreal today thats why im here =)

[@Sandvink]

The Holland-America Line is part of the Carnival Corporation & PLC. The Carnivalships are more suited for active vacation and Holland-America Line is more relaxed. So if you don't want the climbing walls and pool sliders then book this one. Either way is a lot of fun if you want a more active or more relaxed vacation.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Yes definitely

[@tealwings3271]

I went on a Holland American cruise as a kid I found it so much fun evan if you don't go in the kids zone.

[@joystephens6614]

Excellent video. Everything you've said is right on. I've been on four HAL cruises to date and just booked my fifth.

[@FSD23384]

Thanks for posting a very informative video. I will be on the Koningsdam this October. I have not sailed on HAL in 11 years. The last 6 cruises have been with Celebrity. I am looking forward to the change.

[@wendykoek6757]

Those ships with the black hulls have a beauty of their own they fascinate me sleek looking too

[@TheRealAfroRick]

Extremely helpful, especially with respect to dress code. Not being familiar with Holland and knowing that their demographic skews older still has me wondering about how entertained 11-14 year olds would be on the longer cruises. But of course, much of the fun is to be off the cruise and doing the excursions anyway :)

[@tipsfortravellers]

They do have the HAL Club which will arrange events. Saying that, there are better lines that cater for families and kids of those ages like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian

[@donshumpert3161]

They do have anytime dining. We sail mostly with Holland and love it.

[@PhilFeedback]

Great video, Thanks for sharing. My wife & I are going on the Nieuw Statendam next month, we're looking forward to it.

[@margaret77494]

Phillip Riggins what did you think of the New Statendam? My family s taking a Norwegian Cruise on that ship in June.

[@PhilFeedback]

Margaret Daniel Sorry, I just now saw your question. Yes I recommend this ship, it was great. No complaints at all

[@annbirtles9296]

Interesting video - we were on a HAL cruise last month and enjoyed it very much. First cruise that my husband and I had done so it was all very new and exiting. After a week I started to notice that the ship is a little tired, but the thing we struggled with is the set amount for gratuities. Being from NZ we are not used to tipping and found along with other travellers from NZ and Australia that the $13.50 per person per day could be altered. We reduced the daily amount and left cash in our suite for the young men would we felt worked tirelessly the whole time we were on the cruise. The excursions at Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan were very good and well worth doing.

[@PhilFeedback]

Good information, thanks for sharing your video with us.

[@EmmaCruises]

Never been with Holland America or considered it... agreed it’s an older target audience but I know people my age that love it too! :)

[@bobterrwillinger4502]

I've been a bouncer for 13 years. The very worst people I see are drunks and morons. My gf and I have sailed with Holland America 3 going on 4 times (in May). The ship is quiet at 10pm. All the people we've met are fantastic, even the younger people are nice and respectful. Holland America for life!

[@amybradley5821]

Will just about only go Holland America and I am 50. Just cruised megaship with NCL and did nothing but wait in lines, lines, lines, no deck chairs, one tiny pool, lots of cool things on board but good luck ever getting to them. Noisy and 3 hours to disembark. I went on 14 day cruise with 900 on HA and loved every second. They don’t offer “ young people” excursions but I book my own with Viator. ( love to scuba dive). Also can go into ports that big ships can’t go ( St. Bart’s) will stay with Holland America!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great insight and tips !! I have had great times on HAL

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Gary, they doo look like a cruise line that would suit us!