Holland America Cruise Tips | 10 Things to know BEFORE you Cruise HAL

[@ellecaledonia348]

My husband and I enjoy cruising and we especially enjoy cruising on HAL: quieter, cozy, elegant, low key, great service, and friendly and accommodating staff. We don’t need or want a lot of bells and whistles. Give us a quiet corner with a lovely view and we’re happy. Our very first cruise was on the Volendam - I’m so glad it’s still sailing. I love the HAL smaller ships. I cannot imagine cruising on ships with thousands more passengers than what we’ve enjoyed on HAL ships so far. If we want to experience the so-called amenities on some of the bigger ships, we’ll simply go to Las Vegas or one of the all-inclusive resorts. We cruise for relaxation, peace and quiet, and to see beautiful places from the deck or the privacy of our cabin.

[@linamendt9149]

Agree!

[@linamendt9149]

I'll continue to cruise w HAL! Love them! Not a lot if kids! Perfect.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

We hope to get back on a Hal ship soon too!!!

[@annedavis3746]

Also free in-room movies. Only HAL for me. Afternoon tea, midnight snacks, and the chocolate party too.

[@lolal1026]

HAL is our #1 cruise line....we also get fresh fruit in our room...free. I find that the casino has had quite a few people especially at night & have received free drinks offered 90% of the time while gambling. One year the pit boss gave me a bottle of champagne for my B-day, which I shared with everyone at the table. Found the shows sometimes to be hit & miss at times. Can't wait to get back

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

We hope to be back on a HAL ship as soon as we can. Thanks for watching!!!

[@kays749]

These are all reasons we love HAL. Husband likes the slower casino because he can always find a slot machine. Being served in the buffet is nice because there aren't random people touching the food. Lastly, you are 100% right about the cookies--oatmeal raisin, yum!

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Yes we are loving HAL. We do miss a few activities on other cruise lines, but the relaxation and service makes up for it.

[@kays749]

@@SharonatSeaTravel Relaxing is my goal on a cruise.

[@stevebyrne5048]

we have done several Holland America cruises and love them, always great service, food and entertainment

[@jonsmith3702]

I notice on my last HAL cruise, in the bill there's a space for room service charges.. So I think it's coming..

[@jeannyjakobsen5608]

The chocolates on our pillows and towel animals were a special treat that we weren't expecting and loved seeing when we were on the Volendam in July! I love these videos you did while on board because she's not a ship that reviewed or traveled on by travel vlogers very often and I think that's sad because it's a beautiful little ship with a warm and amazing crew. We loved the cookies too and the anytime room service. We had breakfast in our room every day and finished the day with a trip to the coffee bar and buffet to nab our favorite cookies. I can't wait to go on another HAL cruise in the future!

[@SusanP-d4h]

When staying in an inside cabin leave the bow camera on your tv on. It’s like having a window for free.

[@shelcheese8344]

Reliable early access to cabins! Always ready when we board so no schlepping luggage around. We love the crew. We’ve had great conversations with the folks from the bridge over lunch at the buffet 😊 Also the common space per passenger is greater plus bigger verandahs and cabins overall.

[@Drake_Dimes]

HAL bread pudding is the best. You wont be disappointed

[@dianehall6686]

For me, the #1 tip for Holland America is to get 10% off of everything by joining AARP (can be done at any age for only $12/yr) and buying their HAL gift cards. #2 tip is buying 100 shares of Carnival stock and start getting OBC on all of their cruise lines like HAL. Then I’d suggest, instead of wasting the OBC on the giftshop, instead go to the Casino, ask for the penny slots and bet $1 and then cash out all of that lovely OBC, if you aren’t a gambler like me.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Great tips. We also purchase the aarp giftcards and you don't even have to pay to be a member anymore. Just have a login account. We took advantage of the shareholders benefit as well, although we did spend ours in the casino....

[@LindaRUDYK]

Great review on the Volendam. Just a comment regarding the buffet. Ask for smaller portions when they are serving you. I found they gave me way too much food. 😊

[@jeandalton7108]

HAL is our favorite. We like the upscale vibe and food. The buffet is awesome and they serve you. Music is great too!

[@richardnz55]

Based on my HAL experience your tips are 100% true and helpful. HAL cruises are suitable for people who seek enrichment experiences either on board or with excursions. HAL cruises are generous with small things that matter and they are excellent with health and safety. I had a (my fault) accident in port and the medical staff were highly professional when I needed them. Their unique 'Music Walk' is a huge point of difference. It covers most adult music tastes every night plus there are shows on their main stage. All free. They are not high adrenaline top deck activity ships. I will cruise HAL again happily.

[@jhollie8196]

We love HAL especially the Neptune Suites. We too don’t like not being able to hear ship announcements. They need a switch in the room to adjust volume and can hear them if you like. Thanks for sharing.

[@carynw2625]

Yes, I also thought that was a great tip! In your cruise cabin, the announcements just sound like a muffled mess! I'll be sure to try the ship Webcam channel on the TV

[@thepianoappraiser]

Good tip about the captain doing announcements over the Bow camera channel! I’ve been on several Holland cruises and didn’t know that!

[@pierrevalliereseafan]

I am 4 stars mariners and i did'nt know about the tv tip. I always open the door and missing the beginning. Thank you for that. Also, i do not drink alcool, but i realy appreciated the free (and delicious) limonade, but i never think about a thermos cup, thank you for this one 2 . Finaly i'm glad and can't wait for my nest cruise on ... the Volendam ! Actualy it's 2 cruises from San Diego to Fll, and Fll to Montreal on April 2024. Thank a lot for this video. Have a good day miss.

[@johnharper2016]

Just booked 42 day cruise on Volendam for November/December 2024. Loved your tips. Doing our research and found this very informative. Thanks.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Thanks, John!!!

[@kikky811]

Thank you for this, we have not yet tried HAL, so far just Disney, Royal and going on our first Carnival (Mardi Gras) soon. Surprisingly enough, most of these tips apply to Disney! 24/7 room service incl., all 3 meals in the dining room, chocolates during turn down service, high quality toiletries in the bathroom (they have H20 & Elemis) and also separate shampoo, conditioner, body wash, liquid hand soap & lotion! Great hairdryer, make up towels & hot tools pads. We love it. Disney does not have a casino & their entertainment is top notch broadway quality (though mostly Disney themed). I’m thinking of trying HAL next year with my mom (in her 60s) to Alaska. Can’t decide between HAL & Princess. I have cruised more than 10x but it would be mom’s first cruise!

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Thanks for watching Kikky!!!

[@julietaylor2497]

I'm fresh off the NCL Sky. NCl does bow cam channel announcements too, which is nice.

[@hettytravels]

As a life long cruiser with Holland America Line, I appreciate your review. I’ll be on the Volendam next year. I love the Elemis products…they leave my skin very soft. Appreciate not having the combo shampoo/conditioner too. And….I’m trying an inside cabin for the first time soon. Wish me luck!

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Thanks for watching, Hettytravels!!!

[@labecksf]

I will be on the Volendam in a few weeks! This is my fourth Holland America cruise and in between I’ve done two other cruise lines and there’s been things I’ve missed on each of them that Holland America does well. I missed the shows and movies that you can get on the TV in the room, room service that’s mostly free, having the crewmembers serve food at the buffet instead of everyone touching all the food, the chocolates, the bread pudding, the salad station in particular. On one of my cruises the crewmember who made the salad at lunch every day reminded me that he’s my salad guy!I too I’m trying an interior room for the first time it seems like it will be a pretty good experience!

[@travelingwithmikeandpam9074]

I love the mints also! It's the little things!

[@moniquelalonde5970]

Love the chocolates! Got them on Cunard! Am leaving on the Oosterdam in 9 days!

[@Ilikeit05]

Announcements on the T.V. , chocolates on pillows, awesome cookies and free room service are great plus factors. Loved your room too. Thank you so much!!

[@heideleskun1163]

LOVE the idea of announcements on one of the ship channels. Wish they all did that, including when they have naturalists on board like for Alaska, Panama Canal etc.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

It was great on our Alaska cruise!!! Thanks Heide!!!

[@reyalpolgna]

My wife and I just finished two cruises with Norwegian, 7 days on the Escape and 16 days on the Getaway. Both had shipboard announcements on the bridge camera TV channel. We left the TV's on that channel full time because of that.

[@danielburns7519]

cruised on the Volemdam 3 times it is a great ship that got me hooked on Holland.

[@wanted-33]

Thanks for the video Sharon. We are actually preparing to book a Canada/New England cruise on the Volendam in September. BTW, Oatmeal/Raisin are my favorite cookie. So, I'm in......😀

[@nigelcartwright5986]

Good video. Thanks. We are on the way to Fort Lauderdale for the MS Rotterdam cruise. Second cruise with Holland America. Looking forward to the same levels of service, accommodation, food and entertainment as the first one.

[@normk7nwf323]

It would be nice to see some pictures or videos of the different staterooms available on HAL. We are thinking about a Pacific Coast Cruise, and we like a balcony stateroom. However, haven’t seen any cruisers showing a lot of pics of staterooms. You do a great job with your videos, maybe in the future you could include this request. Keep up the good work..👍

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Great idea. I'm not sure if you saw it but I did a cabin tour of a vista suite on the koningsdam last month and we have an interior cabin tour coming out tomorrow on the Volendam. Hopefully we can view some other options next time.

[@sharondalynnewton7562]

I’m cursing with HAL to Alaska in August of next year. Can’t wait!

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Have a great time...

[@jhollie8196]

Us too! Sailing on Nieuw Amsterdam for 5th trip to Alaska. Have fun

[@mycrazylife2go]

We’ve booked our first HAL cruise for 2026.

[@carinolsson5544]

15 drinks per day is A LOT even if you use them for specialty coffee and eg Perrier!!

[@ericgranger5014]

We have used Airbnb a couple of times in Miami and it’s been a great option. Figuring out the lockbox to get the key can be interesting.

[@grannyoffive1313]

Good morning Sharon… Thanks for these great tips… We have never been on Holland America before very very helpful as we have a 20 2518 de Holland America cruise on the Koningsdam… Really appreciate this video. Thank you so much… Really appreciate all your videos truly❤️🚢

[@nutmeg22rb]

NCL also has announcements on their Bow Cam tv channel

[@amandaregis313]

Excellent tips! Thank you for sharing them. Just so many things to remember. Last summer, hubby and I did an Ottawa to Kingston Ontario aboard the Canadian Empress (St. Lawrence Cruise Lines), an adorable 70 passenger river cruise ship that we missed plenty because our cabin door was closed. It was our first multiple night cruise, and some 30 years earlier, the overnight ferry from Rotterdam to Hull England and back. This summer, we're booked on MS Volendam from Boston to Montreal and greatly looking forward to it. I can see hubby going for the oatmeal raisin cookies.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@fredsmodel3n192]

Will be on Eurodam out of Vancouver on Saturday, 2nd Holland ship for me as well. Thanks for the tips. Fred San Diego

[@firesunearthmoon8999]

Thanks. I’m curious about HA for upcoming cruise.

[@DyanEsoap]

I'm looking forward to my very first cruise ever and it's with HAL! I am wondering how fragrant the soap, shampoo was? I have allergies and would probably still bring my own.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Definitely bring your own..don't want an allergic flare up on the cruise ship. Thanks for watching!!!

[@Honolulu-Blue]

I like chocolates on the pillow. They're also available on Celebrity.

[@cindyraedeker9027]

We have never been disappointed by a HAL cruise!

[@matthowe5193]

will be on my first HAL cruise so appreciate this greatly!

[@laurieo1003]

We are looking for a "new" cruise line having cruised on Disney 25 times along with others prior to DCL. Have a HAL cruise booked for November and all of the things you discussed as being niceties are also on DCL. Turn down chocolates, free room service 24/7, main dining open for breakfast/lunch, etc. I think I might really like HAL. I was concerned it was for "old people" although we are now in our early 60's :)

[@sherishields3811]

We have cruised HAL 4 times, NCL , Princess and Carnival. HAL is hands down our favorite. We love the Promonade Decks on HAL, the music venues and the food is by far the best of all the cruise lines we have tried. We are in our early 60's as well and even 15 years ago, we found lots of people our age.

[@debbiepowell8172]

We have been wanting to try HAL. Maybe we will book that as our next cruise.

[@opcal3897]

Never been on HAL. Good backgrounder. Celebrity also has the TV announcements on specific channels.

[@gailabert7976]

Disney Cruise Line has a channel to hear the announcements too, as well as separate conditioner in the shower and chocolates on the bed! Thanks for the video! :)

[@cyrilohgarcia200]

We loved your video, We went in 2022 Christmas on Rotterdam wonderful time. A little crowded but expected at this time.

[@wenfritsch4647]

We love holland cruises! Meets our niche

[@terrigodmother]

Viking cruises not only has shampoo. conditioner, and lotion, but they are in small bottles that you can take home with you!

[@mesenteria]

When we cruised on HAL, we ate our supper in the dining room. We asked for, and were brought, cheerfully, everything on the menu for that night. A salad or two,. a soup, sometimes both of them, two entrees, and two desserts. In case you think that is gluttonous, or irresponsible, or just unwise from a health standpoint, it was only for the length of the stay aboard to get the best experience of the incredible cuisine on their ships. We didn't want to miss sampling whatever was on the menu. And if you ever see black bean soup on the menu at lunch, especially in the Lido, grab some! It's incredibly good! I don't know where we put it all, but we managed. And we were in our sixties. But......we also walked a great deal. On board or ashore, we put at least 15K steps on our Galaxy watch pedometer functions daily. One day, I had 27K at the end of the day. That helps to keep the weight off. And no, I don't eat like that at home. 🙂

[@bobdrake7611]

You got me at Cookies. Nice production

[@jeanwrightnour2495]

Have you ever taken a Viking Ocean cruise? I was wondering how they compare…

[@SusanP-d4h]

The best comparison is that both lines are destination oriented.

[@lessparks9388]

I am confused about the room service on HAL. The menu shown in the video, as does the menu for my upcoming cruise, shows $5 per item at the top. Do they not charge this fee, or do they charge the fee sometimes?

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

There are some items that there is a charge for, but there are a bunch of items with no charge. Check this link for a fairly current HAL room service menu. The items at the top are from "The Dive" for 5.00. rogerjett-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Room-Service-S-and-Pinnacle.pdf

[@jackredmond6023]

Great tips! Thanks.

[@randylowden1902]

Wonderful video. Thank you.

[@melodeekistner2936]

We are booked on the Noordam in June to Alaska. The way the casino has been described it seems to be open to the music venues. Does this make the music venues smokey? I always hate having to walk through a casino on any ship because of the smoke. Does anyone know about this?

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

I'm reading online that there is no smoking in the Noordam casino, maybe because of the location. www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/faq/cruise-planning/general-information/smoking-policy

[@barbarashuster9029]

Did I miss you mentioning an umbrella in the close?

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

No umbrella in the cabin this time. Not sure if the umbrella is itinerary based, or just not offeref in the interior cabins.

[@HollyPlake]

How often is the buffet open though? At least on Viking, the buffet was only open during meal times.

[@danzuelch]

Great tips Sharon. Thanks for your insight!

[@HowWeCruise]

Great tips! Can’t wait to do HA! Thanks for the info!

[@melodyspencer3868]

I agree with all of those

[@Flamingo_Pam]

Sharon, the bowl of cookies is something I used to do. Did you get your Delft tiles? I LOVE the free room service. The Ooey-gooey Mac n Cheese is awesome!

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

We sure did get our tiles!!! Already using them, FlamPam!!!!

[@LauraHolzer-b2x]

Is there a laundry facility available for the passengers to use? Thx for your help

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

I do not believe there is a passenger laundry available, but they do have laundry services for a small charge. Thanks for watching!!!

[@jfminton54]

Laundry service only

[@msrjorge1805]

Great tips!

[@beautyandthebumbtravels6625]

Weird question. What’s behind the drapes on inside room.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

A lovely wall. lol

[@CarlasLovingWife]

Hi Sharon. Good video and I found it very helpful. Thanks for contributing your very useful content. Happy New Year!

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Thank you...Happy New Year!!!

[@wesmorrison1211]

I also find that on the older ships , they have tubs , on the newer ships, there is walk in showers

[@asouthern90]

NCL Jewel has the same channel to hear the message while watching the cam.

[@kelliranallo7859]

I miss the Chocolates on Carnival.

[@kimtodd9712]

Just hoping that all of their ships have the shampoo, conditioner, soaps and lotion? I am taking my first HAL cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam in January. Your video helps so much!

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Well, we found it in a Vista Suite Balcony on one of the newest ships, and in an interior on the oldest ship, so hopefully it's standard in every cabin in-between. Thanks for watching!!!

[@alanbaker4125]

check some videos for your ship and cabin type...almost all show the bathroom and the supplies.

[@KimSonCali]

Thanks for sharing. For the shows, are there the complimentary or with admissions?

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Shows are included in the cruise fare...no extra charge. Thanks for watching!!!

[@Carol_in_Spain]

We sailed on the Volendam on a B2B (20 days in total) in the Caribbean in 2001. I love the older, smaller HAL ships although the Volamdam is now the only one left. I hope she stays around for a long time yet. Having done 11 HAL cruises, I am now 4 start Mariner.

[@ValleySmith-w7b]

The peanut butter cookies are the best.

[@icedteamama176]

From buffet? Booked my first HAL (Eurodam) for this December.

[@icedteamama176]

Helpful! They serve 3 meals even during port days? Turn down service still? Thanks！

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Yes they always serve 3 meals a day. We did have turn down service but I have heard some ships only make up your cabin once a day.

[@mz.l5057]

Can you tell me when the less busy times are for the buffet?

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Sure..just go right when it opens, or wait till after the main rush. If it's a port day breakfast..it will usually be busiest just before the ship arrives in port. Dinner is usually not too busy as most people are going to the Main Dining Room.

[@Sunshine22896]

Can you make tea or coffee in your cabin?

[@Vanhockeymom]

No

[@richardc8738]

Unless you are in a Neptune Suite, which have espresso machines.

[@HollyPlake]

Is the main dining room open on port days? I know it is not that way with Viking cruise line.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

For lunch, usually not.

[@HollyPlake]

@@SharonatSeaTravel thank you! I was jist curious.

[@heritageofhastur]

You can order a 12 pack of water prior to your cruise. It will be delivered to your stateroom. They are aluminum bottles. Reasonable cost. Also, you can order a gallon of Distilled water prior to leaving for under $3/gal.

[@debbieparks4934]

Are the elements fragrances free

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

@@debbieparks4934 they are included in your cabin..no extra charge.

[@richardvandenarend8149]

Somehow. I knew the cookies were going to be in the video. 😂

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Of course!!!

[@karinbinnie1862]

I miss the mixed berry crumble.

[@dboutier5636]

Most Holland America ships have a Catholic priest on board who does daily MASS. . I don’t think any other cruise line does that.

[@dougowens4508]

Sign of The Cross!

[@UnicowBoySlots]

Man I like quite, but this seems too quite…even for someone who likes princess….got a free cruise to the caribbbean so wanted to try it on one of their nicer ships…I hope it’ll be ok 😢

[@linamendt9149]

Casinos? Yuck! Not why I take a cruise!

[@donnahampton3632]

HAL is a luxury cruise line. Folks who are smart with their money don't gamble.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

Yet, they still have a casino.

[@donnahampton3632]

​@@SharonatSeaTravelYes. Not the best use of space.

[@GinaHolmbo-pt8yo]

@@donnahampton3632maybe for you but for a lot of people, they like it.

[@richardg8651]

Worrying about "wasting" any of your 15 drinks on non-alcoholic drinks is a serious problem . Get help .

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

From the guy that has a beer as his YT Avatar!!! lol Thanks for watching!!!

[@josutton2533]

I would not waste my 15 drinks a day on water either!!

[@SC-ie5bm]

HAL must have bribed you to say nice things about them this time. Your last review of HAL was far more honest. Don’t sell your souls for a free cruise.

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

You could not be more wrong..no contact with HAL, no bribes, no souls were sold, no free cruise. We actually really enjoyed our fist HAL cruise..it was just very different from previous cruising experiences on the 3 major cruise lines. I think the 2nd time on HAL we had a better understanding of what HAL has to offer. Thanks for watching!!!

[@mesenteria]

@@SharonatSeaTravel HAL is meant to be somewhat upscale of the typical cruise where younger folk, especially families, can enjoy something less.....umm....staid, or maybe conservative. The typical HAL client is going to be near or post retirement, probably well-heeled moneywise, and not mind the quieter experience. We're about to enjoy their offerings for a third time.

[@sandradow1783]

A great video, thank you