Holland America Cruise SECRETS & Tips All Cruisers Need to Know...

Are you planning a Holland America cruise & wondering what to expect? There are so many things about Holland America cruise line that I never knew before my cruise! These Holland America cruise tips, tricks and secrets will help you to have a better cruise, save money & more!
In this video I go over what's included on a Holland America cruise, including the dining onboard HAL cruise ships. I also share what the demographic on Holland America cruise ships is like right now, information about the entertainment, cruise ship activities & more!
First time cruisers & avid cruisers will enjoy these Holland America cruise tips & hacks that are not often talked about.
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Please note that I am unable to give personal cruise and travel advice. If you leave a comment I try my best to answer.
ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!
Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
Some of the video footage used in this video is courtesy of HAL, Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises.
Music Credit: Surf Time by Lux-InspiraMusicMusic

[@LifeWellCruised]

Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limted time). Details here: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/

[@deboraheaster7385]

😊

[@peterkiviat9969]

A couple of things you left out. Holland America offers included breakfast in the main dining room that is white glove plus. On sea days they also include lunch in the main dining room with occasional gourmet dishes. Most importantly, even when the ship is sold out it never seems overly crowded. They offer the most public spaces, widest and most spacious hallways and largest amount of quiet space I have seen on modern boats. Also, the Lido buffet usually has a few Asian offerings at dinner that are native to crew members. WARNING. This is not the boat for hyper-active teens and pre-teens.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@Lisa-je5bb]

I agree. I absolutely love hal

[@Commonsenseisnotcommon8]

After watching this video, and and reading your post, I definitely want to go on one of these cruises Do they normally have painting classes on there? Because I keep seeing that B roll,And I love to paint.

[@lennybuttz2162]

I did not see this in the video, the pool area looked really crowded, deck chairs were very close together people looked like they could barely move without bumping into someone and the pool is completely surrounded by 2 story walls. It's hardly like being outside at all.

[@peterkiviat9969]

​@@Commonsenseisnotcommon8Beats me. They seem to be more food and music oriented. The only painting I've ever seen are the guys hanging on lines doing the outside of the ship.

[@Hawkeye2001]

Holland America is a more civilized way to travel. The journey is the adventure, with ports and places other lines don't go. Cultural enrichment left us feeling like we understood our stops better. The smaller ships are more intimate with fewer total passengers it does have a more familiar setting. The longer itereraries didn't have many families with small children, which I do appreciate. I've been on those lines that cater to families and have seen too many over caffinated, unsupervised kids running amuck. The Music Walk in the evening offers great entertainment.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s a good point about the enrichment

[@jdb316]

I would agree with this description. If you and your travelling party appreciate a more laid back experience focused on the journey and don't need to be constantly on the move, Holland America can be great. I loved the Music Walk venues on Koningsdam, especially the band at Rolling Stone Rock Room.

[@donbarron5349]

More civilized??

[@lennybuttz2162]

Civilized or boring? Lets go on the 2 floor wall surrounded deck and play a game of cornhole. Where's the shuffleboard?

[@ljacobs357]

Great summary of HAL.

[@davidandrew1078]

Went on our 20th Wedding Anniversary/Wife's 50th Birthday with HAL on the Nieuw Amsterdam to Alaska. A lot of the Hotel Staff are Indonesian and I introduced myself to our Cabin Attendant in Indonesian. He was beaming as a lot of people don't know is that staff are not to speak their native language on the ships, especially around passengers unless the passengers spoke to them in Indonesian first. My wife is fluent and they had an interesting conversation. We went to the Pinnacle Grill which was pre booked for dinner. The Crew Grapevine was working overtime and, BOOM, we were escorted to a table by a window to watch the sunset by the Maitre'd who spoke to us in Bahasa, (Indonesian). We ended up with a personal waiter, what seemed to be larger portions, little delicacies and all the conversations were in Bahasa. This reoccurred in the MDR, Lido Buffet etc. Amazing time. The crew were happy they could speak their native language.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Wow!! That’s amazing. Happy anniversary 🥂

[@AK-kz6wc]

Most human beings like when you treat them with respect. In the service industry it tends to come back to you five fold. Glad you had an amazing time.

[@veliaamparorivas3399]

I absolutely love Holland America! My husband and I went on 10 Cruises including an Inaugural Cruise in the Penthouse. But then my dear husband died so I haven’t cruised in about 15 years. Am looking forward to taking my cousin with me and start cruising again!

[@_echobravo]

I appreciate that HAL's newest ships are built more like classic older ships where there are a ton of ocean views from pretty much every public space. On many of the other lines new mega ships you can go days without ever seeing water.

[@LifeWellCruised]

This is true 👏

[@lennybuttz2162]

The views are great but everything is inside. I guess if you're in a cold climate this is a good thing but if you're in the Caribbean wouldn't you like to be outside? I want to fee that salt air and smell the ocean not be stuck in a pretty viewing room.

[@_echobravo]

@@lennybuttz2162 I did just say public spaces which I guess could imply just indoor. On Nieuw Statendam last month I was very impressed with all the outdoor space. There was a full promenade, the adult pool, most of deck 10, all of deck 11, half of deck 12 (although that was The Retreat) and the little known deck 14. And the roof opens on nice days for the Lido pool. And, not a Go-Kart occupying any of it. 😄 Also, they opened the bow up for especially scenic cruising out of Stockholm. Give it a look, you may be impressed!

[@lennybuttz2162]

@@_echobravo From the video all I saw was indoor space so that's all I had to go by. I've also noticed on a lot of the new ships even on the open decks they have walls of glass going up quite a ways. It makes me if it's really windy or if they're just worried about jumpers?

[@southwestjohnny7767]

Clearly Holland America is for people who have a more laid back personality but still like the option of having some party fun without having it be the primary vibe of the vacation. I would really enjoy doing paintings and crafts by day and some live music and dancing at night. I may book them for my next cruise.

[@forstar3943]

We have over 250 cruise days with HAL over the last 12 years. As with anything, occasionally one experiences the odd problem however the service and cuisine are generally exceptional. The one thing to note, is that the staff really want to please you so if your service or food is not satisfactory, nicely mention it to the server or Asst. Maître D. They will quickly resolve it. I hate hearing people who complain after the fact instead of discussing it politely with someone who can help them at the time. We think the staff attitudes and training are the best of any cruise line. We don’t book Club Orange because the dining room on the Pinnacle class reminds us of a fish bowl as everyone walks by the windows on their way to the MDR and because of our Mariner status we get several of the other benefits included already.

[@dorothywillis1]

I agree completely! Thanks for mentioning the Mariner program. I wondered if it was still in existence.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad to read your experience 👏

[@atomicrancher3745]

HAL also gives $100 OBC to military, active, reserve and retired. You must register your status with HAL. The $100 is same for all cruise lengths.

[@kens805]

You'll never see a drunken brawl on Holland America. THX for the coverage of entertainment! I've mentioned it to you in the past and you've come through like a champ!! In my opinion it gives you a "leg up" over the rest of the KZbin cruise channels.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Lol, i appreciate your comments 😊

[@judywelday9387]

In two weeks, we are sailing with HAL for the second time and prefer their smaller ships. They never seem crowded, and we appreciate the demographic as we are seniors.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Awesome!! Enjoy

[@LuluG]

I've traveled on HAL for over 20 years, and for me , it's the only way to go! Leaving in October for a 40-day cruise to Antarctica. 😅 I did learn a couple of new items. Especially the AARP benefit. Many thanks. 😊

[@LifeWellCruised]

Awesome! Thanks for watching

[@BTimmer]

We're on that cruise as well but we're doing the entire loop.

[@martimiller9329]

We'll be on board too. See you soon!

[@user-ig4yq3kt3z]

Ok​@@BTimmer

[@sergeantmetalhead417]

I give HAL customer service 2 thumbs up. We had to delay our cruise due to illness. We were told we would lose about $900 in fees but our cruise coordinator callled us back she got the fees applied to our future cruise.

[@kevinjmoore2359]

We have been to Alaska twice and we are returning in '24. I would recommend it for anyone. It is very relaxing, you can do as little or as much as you want☘

[@bsfmama]

What do you recommend doing in the various ports? We leave from Whittier on HAL on May 19.

[@jamiechampion4016]

Going on a cruise with our family in late May. So looking forward to it!

[@ronaldarchuleta2496]

It's nice to see HAL getting some love. They are my favorite cruise line, but it seems like very few KZbinrs talk about them.

[@LifeWellCruised]

It probably depends what people are looking for, but we enjoy HaL

[@LindaRUDYK]

We love Hal❤. It is definitely an older crowd which suits us perfectly.

[@LindaRUDYK]

Thanks so much!🎉

[@DyanEsoap]

Just booked with Holland America, Alaska! It will be our first Cruise!

[@carolynpeters3337]

Us, too!

[@mdgirl12345]

Just got back and it was amazing !!

[@dawnbellerive4717]

We have been on 2 Holland American cruises and what I liked is that they have great itineraries on the longer cruises.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That sounds great!!

[@betsy6046]

Club Orange! There was not a cabin upgrade on our cruise so it was only $15. It was worth it for only the special dining room as my husband doesn't like crowds. Also the fast lane for getting off at ports. There is also a Club Orange special line at guest services. There was an airline strike while we were in Europe and the Club Orange Guest Services line saved us HOURS trying to find a way home.

[@seashelify362]

I loved the fresh flower arrangements throughout the ship. Stunning!!

[@johnsandweg6260]

My wife and I (mid 60's) took our first HAL cruise earlier this year (31 days) and absolutely fell is love with this cruise line. Formerly we mostly cruised on Princess. The nightly music was fantastic. The food as you stated was consistently good, and the ship size was very manageable. We are sailing on HAL in a few weeks and will book another HAL cruise around Australia and New Zealand while we are on board the ship to take advantage of the extra on board credit offered.

[@peggy2429]

We love HAL, it is our go to cruiseline. We have tried others but always seem to go back to HAL. Love the smaller ships, food is excellent and the staff is amazing. It’s a classy cruiseline and very relaxing. We always book the spa package and I think that is my favourite part of the cruise.

[@cruisingnurse5443]

As I have only cruised HAL (and perfectly happy with them with no desire to change), you did a great job describing HAL.

[@LifeWellCruised]

I really appreciate your feedback! Thanks ☺️

[@debvachon9497]

We’re leaving in late Jan. For our 3rd HAL cruise. We love the size of the ships. This time,we’re going to the Caribbean. We’ve been to Alaska and a Spain, Portugal France cruise. We preferred the dining room and walk in dining. We shared tables on many nights and enjoyed meeting new people. We found out about the Dutch Tea room on our last cruise(get the gigantic cream puff!) and can’t wait to visit it again! We were so happy with our stewards, waiters, and all the staff. We also found out if you buy a bottle of wine for dinner, they will label it and store any unfinished wine for the next day’s dinner. It’s great for someone who only drinks one or two glasses per night. You need to book shore excursions early! We love Holland America!

[@mountainsunsets]

I have travelled with HAL many times. I have a mobility issue and I find the staff are more courteous to me then other other cruise lines. I could stay and listen to the piano players all night. Their worth the price of admission. If your looking for night entertainment due check out what’s available first as I notice some of their older smaller ships don’t have a lot going for it. Good video Ilana.

[@linamendt9149]

Love the crows nest! I usually hang out there a lot. Sometimes it's soooo peaceful!

[@richardsmith4187]

We made Holland America our cruise line at least 10 years ago. We cruised on a few other lines and we just like the vibe of Holland America much better as it seems to be a more relaxed atmosphere. The food is outstanding on board and service is the same. Like you advised if you like to party late, Holland America may not be the best choice. We have done about 19 cruises total and have 2 more coming up in Nov and Dec and look forward to the adventures !

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for sharing your experiences :)

[@lennybuttz2162]

What do you think of the public furniture? The cabins look lovely and very comfortable but the seating in public areas does not look comfortable at all. It looks more like they want to discourage people from settling down with a good book. Some of the furniture look really uncomfortable and not well suited for a senior person who may have more difficulties. It also looks like they just cater to fit people, no big butt seating.

[@richardsmith4187]

I've never had a problem with the public furniture and always find a nice place to sit@@lennybuttz2162

[@darcyashley3889]

Not sure about the other ships but Nieuw Amsterdam has a new lending library with a great variety of recently published hardcover books. Based on the stacks of books returned last day of cruise it was a well loved perk. I read two on my cruise.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Awesome 👏

[@annriding]

We loved the library on our cruise, too. Some of the books I'd had on hold from our local library for months, so was excited to read them. As a former librarian I was especially impressed with their library on the Nieuw Amsterdam.

[@IreneSchmidt]

@@annriding may I ask if there are also books in german on Oosterdam??? Thanks

[@annriding]

@@IreneSchmidt I was on another ship, so I do not know about the Oosterdam.

[@nascarmadman]

We are hardly cruise vets with only 7 under our belt. But of those, the HAL Alaska cruise of 1999 was THE best. We are about to do HAL again for only the 2nd time and we are hoping that it will be as good if not BETTER than the first one as we are looking for our 'Forever Line'. One of the things about our 1st HAL cruise that I liked is there was always something to do. They created a mini-golf course in the atrium using Kleenex boxes, drink glasses and whatever else to make the 18 holes. I was disappointed at my performance, but A++ for this. There was also a shuffleboard tourney and a free throw contest. Again, I didn't fare as well as I expected BUT - most importantly - I had a TON of fun! Bedtime is 11 for us so BRING IT! re 'formal/gala' nights...WAIT! Women need to wear TOPS! Ok, seriously - I dragged a suit halfway across the globe for a 2009 14 day RCL trans-Atlantic reposition cruise. We had been informed of formal/semi-formal vs casual nights. By the time we got on the ship, my suit was rumpled. And the first formal night, I wore my rumpled suit to the MDR. As we were being seated another group was being seated - the looked like they had washed up on shore after a ship wreck. At that point I vowed to NEVER drag a suit for a cruise ever again. If my Dockers/Polo wasn't good enough, fine, I'll go to the buffet. Weil, I HAD a chance to bring a suit on a cruise 2 years ago. We drove to Baltimore to get a Carnival cruise to Bermuda. BUT we were not informed of any formal nights so the suit stayed at home. Well, night 3 was formal - we found out via the daily flyer the day before. I showed up in - right - but we were seated anyway. The Carnival vets literally looked down on us. Dining options. On the one hand, I like to have the same server so I can tip appropriately. BUT with open dining, we aren't bound by a certain time - and that wins out. On some cruise apps, one can request a table whenever ready to eat and the app will tell one when to show up - usually less than 20mins.

[@linamendt9149]

Perfectly what I have always wanted...a quieter cruise w more educational events! We love HAL!

[@Tgram777]

Thank you Llana for the sweet reminder of why we love HAL. Heading on a Transatlantic cruise on our favorite Rotterdam in October, we are so excited. We loved it when it we sailed 2021 and can’t wait to do it again. We have been on several Carnival ships, and giving Celebrity Beyond a try April 2024. We love the simplicity, quietness, attentiveness of staff, and the “just chill” vibe on the Rotterdam. By the way, my husband and I are celebrating our 65th birthday in Paris… yeahhhh. Great job on the HAL recap!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Happy anniversary!!!

[@Tgram777]

@@LifeWellCruised Thank you, our 65th birthdays

[@Jackiebrook126]

Club Orange. We were on Koningsdam May 7-14, 2022. We had an aft Neptune suite (we we could only afford due to FCC from a 2021 cruise that was cancelled due to covid). That suite gave us access to Club Orange. We at breakfast there twice and enjoyed it and the mimosas. We really loved the crows nest. We spent a lot of time there on the first Sea day just sitting and watching the ocean go by. We also put a puzzle together. We did traditional dining early seating and loved it. Our waiters were exceptional. This was my first cruise ever and loved it. I would go back on a HAL ship again.

[@FJMc-yx9bo]

Hi - we just did our first cruise on the HAL Koningsdam, 7 day Alaskan inside passage - loved it !!! - hydro bath & spa / sauna was well worth it & great after late nights !!! - all staff / food / room etc were great - ship was full but didnt seem crowded except the buffet at peak times but we still didnt wait long - only issues were with their billing system as we prepaid the gratutities but then they credited them back to us & took them off daily ??? - also one of our shore excursions was cancelled & our money refunded to us quickly but we lost $$ again on the exchange rate & then again when we chose another excursion - advised on the HAL survey that for me it would have been better to keep it as onboard credit until the end & then balance it out.- For us we prepaid the gratutities & also gave cash tips - really enjoyed the cruise & now we're already looking for another cruise with HAL !!!! 🇦🇺

[@hopeernst3459]

17 days 15 hours and 11 minutes until our first cruise ever! Thank you so much for all of your help. I feel like I may know what I'm doing.

[@stcrombie]

We've done six Holland America cruises and have our seventh scheduled. You will love it!

[@joannefletcher3051]

26 days 6 hrs and 33 minutes til my first cruise I'm so excited

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Your HAL scenes feature a lot of people dancing. That's what I like about HAL. Lots of dancing. And yes, the ship kind of turns in early but it is pretty active evenings until about 11 pm. And you offer such useful info. Great job by HAL to have an app to keep people connected to what's going on on the ship and with fellow passengers.

[@michelle7710]

Thank you for all your wonderful advise. You are awesome.

[@veronicashine1812]

Loved the Rotterdam this past June. We had a Neptune Suite on the Rotterdam - laundry was free and as was Club Orange. The Club Orange dining venue was tops. The food was excellant and the chef even came out to meet with us to see if there was anything in particular we would like. All made to order in an open kitchen.

[@kathyduncan4638]

Glad you spoke about Club Orange. 👍

[@karenhale4338]

We took our first HAL Alaska cruise out of Seattle on the Westerdam and we had an awesome time, both on the ship and on the excursions. The food was so delicious and we really enjoyed the main dining room the best. The Crow's Nest was our fave spot on sea days as were able to have a great time playing cards with our friends while watching the beautiful scenery. We also loved the Navigator app for checking in with those friends, looking at menus and checking activity/show schedules. We had more fun in the Rolling Stone Lounge nearly every night as the live band was the best. Your cruise videos really prepared us for our trip and send you a huge "thank you." Your information was invaluable. Now planning our next adventure with Holland America.

[@jennycurtis4447]

We really enjoyed our recent HAL Alaska cruise. We cruised with our two teen boys who are pretty laid-back and we really appreciated the quiet of the ship as well as the educational programs, entertainment and trivia. The in room service was amazing and the ship was spotless.

[@janetsmith2809]

Cruised Norway and Denmark in July 2023 on HA Nieuw Statendam in a Neptune Suite. Beautiful marble bathroom larger than mine at home! Loved the access to Orange Club and the private lounge. One thing not well known is the men’s and women’s saunas near the spa area. The doors are pocket doors and appear as if they are part of the spa where you pay extra but they are not! I learned this from another cruise video I watched before we took our cruise. And there was no mention anywhere on the tv or signage indicating this feature. I only found it due to watching the video. Probably why it wasn’t busy with people! Very quiet area to relax.

[@janetmccall674]

We are sailing with HAL in late February, 2024, and after watching your excellent video, I am looking forward to it even more. Thanks Ilana, for sharing your experience with us!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@kathyduncan4638]

Another nice option. If you have club, orange is at guest services, there is a designated line for club orange guess that can save a lot of time standing in line if it’s crowded.

[@TheTfer]

HAL was my first cruise. My Mom and Dads 50th anniversary in 1996. I was Hooked. I love their ships.. Nieuw Amsterdam was my first ship, 1,200 passengers. Did a full circle HAL on the new Nieuw Amsterdam. She was a bit larger, 2,000 -3,000… but still a wonderful cruise. My favorite cruise line.

[@christalarmstrong300]

Thank you for this video. We are going on our first HAL cruise in February. Can't wait!!!

[@ruthhoward5380]

We have sailed on HAL for 9 years. We love it. We are in our 60s and enjoy the demographics on HAL!!! Thank you for mentioning the AARP on board credit. We are 4 star mariners and have never heard that before! You didn’t mention the outdoor movies in the evening. I believe that is only on the largest ships, but we really enjoy that.

[@jgheart3018]

We just got back yesterday on the Koningsdam and they showed movies in the pool area every night.

[@shelleyrichards4487]

Yes, watch to the end of the video! Since I'm not a frequent cruiser, Club Orange sounds like a good deal. Also thanks for the tip on AARP members... Finally a good reason to join! I think my travel buddy and I would like HAL because we both like to see and do things in the ports. Sounds like a good one to book for an Alaskan cruise! I also love Delft China and fresh flowers!

[@shaunakenyon9883]

Great information, especially Club Orange

[@Dead-Goldstar]

Loved the video and the hints on whats included during the cruise the club orange sounds interesting along with the in all inclusive packages.

[@Sally-yd3vl]

Cruising in November on the Nieuw Amsterdam. Having cruised with HAL since 2006, love those ship. Looking forward to sailing with them again.

[@amybradley5821]

Only cruise with HAL now. Love the service, free room service, small ships, relaxing, love it!

[@chriswhitworth9119]

I LOVE the Crow's Nest

[@johnruthnoel2289]

This is our preferred cruise line. We also like the talk about each port er are going into. Good lecturers

[@johnlyons1330]

Great tips. I just returned from a sailing Norway on the Nieuw Statendam a few weeks ago. Another tip: For breakfast, the New York Deli does bagels, including made-to-order breakfast bagel sandwiches. Faster than the dining room and more relaxed than the Lido for breakfast.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Awesome tip!! I should try that next cruise

[@dorothyhorton7494]

Cruising on Holland America for the first time next month, February 2024. My husband and I are in our 70's active seniors and looking forward to it. You're tips are very helpful. Because we are flying to meet the cruise in Florida we are only packing carry on. Because of your video we know it's possible.

[@CruisingwithChooChoo]

This video couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ll be sailing the koningsdam Aug 26 so this is perfect! Thank you so much for the valuable tips.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Yay!! Enjoy your cruise!

[@claudiad9627]

The Laundry Pkg was a best kept secret for a long time. It is a bargain, especially on longer cruises. I love returning home with all my clothes clean and pressed! I love HAL and have been sailing them for more than 25 years.

[@LifeWellCruised]

It is nice!!

[@lisashaner2892]

I haven’t been able to find pricing on that. How much was it?

[@CarolynSmithMoorman]

Thank you! I’m going on a 7 day Alaskan cruise in August, 2023. I appreciate this content.

[@maryfowler8808]

Club orange! Thanks for this tips!

[@joegalka1]

Fantastic Review! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@TheChelseyTyler]

I spotted Kainoa!!! He was our wildlife expert on board the Koningsdam in June! Love him!

[@dannypaquot8650]

Hi Ilana,my wife and I have more or less the same tastes as you, concerning cruise lines, princess and celebrity, your video will certainly convince us to test holland America, since we have confidence in your choices

[@LifeWellCruised]

I hope that you enjoy it. Let me know :)

[@jlawrence0181]

I think that all of your information on Holland America was spot on accurate and we are booked on them in January 2024 on the Eurodam. I think that one thing that you did NOT emphasize was that the MDR breakfasts had the BEST and most varied selections of any cruise ships. As for the evening activities, I would say that while the main shows end around Midnight, there was always something going on until 1:30 am for the few looking for something to do. We were on the Konigsdam in December 2022 and did find some shortcomings which were as a result of short staffing, especially in the MDR. One other thing to mention is that most HAL cruises offer Catholic Masses and Interdenominational Sunday services, which is uncommon on most other lines.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Great to hear!

[@wanted-33]

Thanks IIana, we are actually planning our first Holland cruise this year. Your video was very helpful.

[@dianec9456]

Club Orange! Thank you so much - this was extremely informative and helpful! I am currently planning our next cruise for 2025 and was JUST starting my research on HAL. Thank you!

[@brendoni]

Your comments are right on. I've often said the main difference between HAL and other lines we've sailed (RCCL for example) is that while they are about the journey, with forced frivolity and lots of things to do or not to do, HAL is about the destinations. The itineraries are excellent and the journey to get there is very good but less frenetic. We've found that we enjoy the smaller ships. Even on the cruise lines that have the megaships, we prefer the smaller ships. We have also noticed the demographics seem to change with the length of the cruise and time of year. In March, on a 14-night Caribbean, there were 3 (yes, three!) children and an overall older demographic. On our 7-night Adriatic cruise in June, there were lots of families and a much younger crowd. The service on HAL is very good as well. While we are Diamond members with RCCL, we see ourselves moving over to HAL for future cruises. Our next cruise is already booked. Since it is 22 nights in January, we don't expect any children and should also be an older crowd since most younger people don't have the leave at work to take a 3-week cruise, nor can the children miss that much school. We love the orange party!

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Everything is relative because the famous Statendam class ships were 55,000 tons and were considered midsized while ships the size of the newest HAL ships were considered "mega"ships. Now they're "smaller" ships. But even at the larger size, the new ships design some intimacy in them.

[@lisadiver5253]

Going on the HAL Rotterdam for the first time to Panama in March 2025 . This is a great intro and now I feel more prepared and excited!

[@jackieyarbrough4985]

Great video!!! Thanks for all the info😊

[@donnacarline663]

Heading on my first cruise around Japan next month on board the Westerdam, thank you for the informative video

[@thepianoappraiser]

Club Orange is super nice and worth the extra. We tried it and book it every time now!

[@lap8329]

Ilana, I really enjoy your videos, they are really informative and inspiring. I’m taking my first cruise in January (Princess) and planning on taking many more. This overview of HA really has me thinking about Cruise no 2. I will be seriously considering HA, and if there is a departure/destination I like at a time that works for me, I think HA may well be my first choice.

[@leemendoza4685]

Thanks a lot for sharing this very important and helpful information. I will go back sailing with Holland America again. God richly bless Holland America and its crew and staff.🙏🏻🥰💙💖❤️💓

[@Maqar06]

We're going on our first Holland America cruise over our 30th wedding anniversary. We're very excited!

[@danceunme]

We really enjoyed this video. We are now considering going on our first Holland America cruise. ty...

[@debratrani8583]

Thanks to your Holland savings tips, I am in the midst of booking and watched your video and will now get the AARP credit. Thanks for your valuable information.

[@leighsweet6846]

CLUB ORANGE. This is *exactly* the video I was looking for. And our Alaskan cruise in 2024 will be with HAL. Thank you for tje video.❤

[@kathleenabell5933]

Wow after watching this video I’m thinking of booking with HAL! Great info and thanks

[@patriciadeas132]

Very informative...we have never sailed with Holland America but plan to in the near future as we are native Floridians and close to the port...thanks again😊

[@pamelajudson2302]

I leave (with my sister) on my third Holland America cruise…my sister’s maybe twelfth or more cruise with HAL going on the 18 day cruise to Alaska leaving in about three weeks. I am very excited for this trip. It was a wish of my late husband to do an Alaskan trip…and although he won’t be with me physically he will be with me in spirit. Thank you for your helpful tips.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s wonderful! Enjoy

[@mtruelock3584]

I did not know about Club Orange! Thanks for the tip

[@LifeWellCruised]

👏👏

[@scottbarger1825]

Thanks for the info. Going on our first HAL cruise in August to Norway and Scotland.

[@tammaratiffany7425]

Thanks. Heading out thru Panama Canal for 17 days in Nov. Looking forward to it immensely.

[@melissasteed9471]

My husband and I are leaving this Sunday for Alaska on Holland America. We are really looking forward to it.

[@pattieduffy4992]

Great info. Always enjoy your informative videos. Thank you.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@frankcarr7029]

never been, but you are helpful, and we plan to go.

[@user-md7lh1wh1h]

Watching your video makes us even more excited for our 2 week cruise to the Norway Fjords in September on the Rotterdam! This will be our 7th cruise - but our first on Holland America! We will be celebrating our 40th anniversary and cannot wait!

[@Kamp1023]

Thank you for the tips! Leaving for the Holland Eurodma to Alaska on Sept 30 - Oct 7th 2023!

[@milliebuchwald6054]

Hi !!!!! I am cruising on Royal Caribbean soon …. I’m so addicted to your videos , that I still was very eager to click onto this one about Holland America ….😊 many thanks !!!!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Have an amazing cruise! So glad you enjoyed this one

[@mainelostdogrecovery2100]

We took the Alaskan cruise on Holland American. Loved the ship and the cruise!! Would definately go again. We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. Our cruise had a locat travel expert.

[@mikeklar9031]

This will be our 3rd go around with Holland and we love it . Heading to Hawaii this October.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Awesome 👏

[@vegaslady3732]

Club Orange! Have not yet cruised with HAL, but am very enticed by them after watching this vlog. Thanks!

[@bridgetemigh2700]

Thank you for the tips!

[@lauraerickson1434]

Thanks for all of the tips.

[@santaclaus5131]

Thank you for the information. After watching this the wife and I will definitely look into a Holland America Cruise. This looks like the type of cruises we have been looking for.

[@LifeWellCruised]

I’m so glad this was helpful:)

[@theperfectshot10]

Thank you, we're looking forward to our first HAL cruise in March 2024.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Nice!!

[@user-ld8cd6vj4k]

Just got back from the 2 week Baltic cruise on the Rotterdam. I do recommend Club Orange and Have It All. Had a great trip and hopefully many more on HAL.

[@luvbostons53]

We Luv HAL, new cruise is 24-day Baja & Hawaiian Circle in January 2024. Thank you for all the information💗

[@mammothscott1455]

Are you on the early January cruise or the January 30th cruise? Will be on the latter one.

[@kma9292]

Thanks for the information.

[@sophiebecker3000]

I'm going on my first cruise this september on the Nieuw Statendam. Your info is very valuable...

[@ErikaEmody]

Thank you for explaining Club Orange! 🍊

[@VegasSongPub]

Club Orange also gets you to the front of the line for open seating dining.

[@LifeWellCruised]

👏👏