Holland America Line

Holland America Line traces its history to 1873, when it was founded in Rotterdam as the Netherlands-America Steamship Company. Today it is based in Seattle and owned by Carnival Corporation & plc. Its 11 ships are mid-size by modern standards, topped by the Pinnacle class (Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam), and the line is known for longer itineraries, Grand Voyages and world cruises.

Onboard, the atmosphere is calm and traditional, with polished wood, a large art collection, good library-style lounges and attentive service. Music is a centerpiece: on many ships a Music Walk links venues such as B.B. King's Blues Club and live piano bars. Holland America also has deep roots in Alaska, where it has operated for decades and runs its own land program in Alaska and the Yukon with hotels and motorcoaches.

Holland America suits couples, retirees and travelers who want a relaxed pace, longer port stays and more time at sea on scenic routes. It is a strong option for Alaska cruisetours that reach the Yukon and Denali. Families with young kids and travelers who want high-energy attractions or a nightlife scene will find more to do on bigger, newer ships elsewhere.

The vibe: Gracious and unhurried; live music at night, a good book by day and plenty of ocean views.

What Holland America does best

Alaska and the Yukon

Holland America has sailed Alaska for decades and runs cruisetours that continue inland to the Yukon, Denali and Fairbanks using its own land operations.

Pinnacle-class ships

Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam are the newest and largest ships, with the World Stage theater and the most dining options.

Music Walk

On many ships, B.B. King's Blues Club and piano bars give a nightly live music circuit.

Grand Voyages

Long sailings and world cruises are a specialty, with itineraries spanning weeks or months.

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

The line developed this private Bahamas island in the 1990s; Carnival Corporation has since renamed it and is expanding it with a pier.

Dining

The included Dining Room offers set or open seating, plus the Lido Market buffet and casual options such as the Dive-In burgers and New York Pizza. Extra-cost venues include the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse, Tamarind (pan-Asian) and Canaletto (Italian) on many ships, plus Rudi's Sel de Mer seafood on the Pinnacle class. A dining package covering several specialty meals is sold before and during the cruise.

Entertainment and activities

Live music is the core: B.B. King's Blues Club, piano bars and string ensembles on many ships. The World Stage on Pinnacle-class ships uses a wraparound LED screen for shows and performances. Expect enrichment talks, cooking demonstrations, trivia, a casino and destination-focused programs, especially in Alaska. Evenings wind down earlier than on mass-market ships.

Families and kids

Club HAL offers supervised youth activities for children and teens, mainly during school holiday periods and summer. The line welcomes families, especially multigenerational groups in Alaska, but there are no waterparks or dedicated thrill attractions, and most guests are adults.

Dress code

Smart casual most evenings. Holland America calls its dress-up evenings Dressy nights, typically one or two per week, when guests wear cocktail attire, a jacket or a suit. Jeans are fine on other evenings, and the Lido Market is always casual.

Gratuities and drinks

Holland America adds a crew appreciation charge of $18 per person per day in most cabins and $20 per person per day in suites. (Published rates as of 2026-10-13; source. Lines change these, so we confirm the current amount in every quote.)

Water, coffee, tea and juice at breakfast are included. The Elite Beverage Package covers beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, sodas, juices, specialty coffees and bottled water up to a per-drink price cap, with alcoholic drinks limited to 15 per day. All adults in a cabin must buy it if one does. A Signature package with a lower cap and the nonalcoholic Quench package are also sold. Packages exclude minibar, room service and the line's private island.

Loyalty program: Mariner Society. Tell us your number when you request a quote so past-guest offers and status perks are applied.

Private destinations

• RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
• Princess Cays

Specialist tips for booking Holland America

• For Alaska, look at cruisetours that add the Yukon and Denali. They follow the Klondike gold rush route and sell out early for midsummer dates.
• Check whether your fare includes the line's drinks, Wi-Fi and specialty dining bundle; promotions change, and the bundled fare can be good value on longer trips.
• Pinnacle-class ships (Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam) have the most dining and music venues. If you want more variety, pick one of these.
• On Antarctica itineraries, Holland America offers scenic cruising only; ships do not land guests ashore, so choose an expedition line if you want to step onto the continent.
• Join the Mariner Society on your first sailing. Status is based on days sailed, which adds up fast on longer voyages.