holland america cruise ship ratings

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Holland America Line

Courtesy of Holland America Line |

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Cruising with Holland America

Holland America Line caters to affluent adults with midsize ships that carry between 1,432 and 2,668 guests. Each ship provides high-quality service with two or three crew members for every passenger. Holland America Line's ships travel to destinations around  Australia ,  Mexico , the  Caribbean ,  Canada , southeast  Asia ,  Europe , South America, Antarctica and more. On Holland America cruises – which depart from U.S. cities like  Boston ,  Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and  San Diego  and can last anywhere from one to 128 days – you can pass the time with enrichment programs like digital photography, cooking demonstrations and mixology workshops, or work up a sweat in spin or Pilates classes before unwinding at the spa.

Though they vary by itinerary, Holland America Line's shore excursions are primarily adult-oriented, with activities ranging from animal encounters to bike tours and even helmet diving. Meanwhile, Holland America Line's dining style allows flexibility when it comes to mealtimes. You can mingle with fellow passengers over a five-course dinner in the main Dining Room, sample fresh seafood in the Pinnacle Grill or take advantage of 24-hour room service.  

U.S. News Insider Tip: Booking non-repeating, back-to-back Collectors' Voyages is a great way to see more than one area of a region and visit several countries on one cruise. – Jill Schildhouse, Contributor

Pros & Cons

Smaller guest capacities make ships feel spacious

Around-the-world voyages available

Cruisers praise friendly crew members

Typically more expensive than competitors like Princess and Royal Caribbean

Wi-Fi access costs extra

Limited onboard activities and dining venues than lines with bigger ships

• Expert Rating » 4.0
• Traveler Rating » 4.0
• Health Rating » 4.6

Holland America Line has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings.

• # 5 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money
• # 5 in Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean
• # 10 in Best Cruise Lines for Couples

Explore Photos

Holland America Line Ships

Nieuw Statendam

Nieuw Amsterdam

Before You Book

• You are required to make a deposit within five days of booking to claim your spot. The amount will be determined based on the total cost of your cruise. (Note: A second deposit is required for all Grand Voyages.) Full payment is due within 90 days of your cruise departure date, although exact payment deadlines may vary depending on the cruise.
• Expect to pay an additional $16 to $17.50 per person, per day for gratuities.
• Cancellation policies vary depending on the length of the cruise and the specific itinerary. See the Holland America  website  for details.
• If you purchase a Cancellation Protection Plan , you will be guaranteed a refund of up to 80% or 90% of the eligible amount you've already paid should you need to cancel – as long as you cancel up to 24 hours before departure for the Standard plan or any time before departure for the Platinum plan. Certain plans may also include lost baggage and medical coverage.
• To coordinate special needs requests , such as medical equipment rentals, call Holland America's Accessible Cruising department at 1-800-547-8493 or submit a Special Requirements Information form at least 45 days prior to departure. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, contact the Ship Services department at 1-800-541-1576 no fewer than three weeks before embarkation.

Before You Board

• Holland America strongly encourages using the cruise line's  Online Check-In tool  to complete the immigration questionnaire and retrieve your boarding pass 72 hours prior to embarkation. Passengers can also check in at their ship's departure port; necessary guest information must be given to the cruise line at least 90 minutes before embarkation. 
• You will need a passport that is valid for at least six months after you return from your cruise. If you are a U.S. citizen on a closed-loop cruise (one that starts and ends in the United States), you will be allowed to board as long as you have a government ID, such as a driver's license or a resident card, along with proof of citizenship. Some itineraries also require visas and vaccinations. To learn more about vaccine requirements for various countries, visit the CDC  website .
• No luggage restrictions apply, but Holland America recommends passengers consult airline baggage policies and pack accordingly.
• You may book shore excursions online through the  My Account portal  up to three days prior to your sail date or by calling the Shore Excursions department at 1-888-425-9376. You may also cancel your shore excursion without a penalty up to three days before you depart.
• If you'd like to make reservations at your ship's specialty restaurants, sign into your online account or call the Ship Services department at 1-800-541-1576. Reservations are given on a first-come, first-served basis, so Holland America suggests travelers book dining reservations as soon as possible.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Holland America Review

Friday, June 7th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

• Holland America
• Best for older guests (50+)
• 11 ships in the fleet
• Mid-size ships (1,400-2,600 passengers, depending on the ship)
• Over 500 itineraries with stops in 100+ countries

Holland America Line offers a wide range of itineraries to various destinations worldwide. The company has been in operation since 1873, making it one of the oldest cruise lines in the world. With a reputation for offering exceptional service, exquisite cuisine, and a sophisticated onboard experience, Holland America Line is a popular choice for older travelers looking for a luxurious and elegant vacation. The Holland America fleet is made up of mid-sized ships, which allows for a more intimate and personalized experience than many of the larger cruise ships on the market.

No shortage of spring break cruises in the Caribbean

It was no problem finding options for our comparison cruise: a Caribbean sailing in March, booked a little under a year in advance. There were 23 cruises to choose from, all departing from Ft. Lauderdale ( hooray for no international flights required for US travelers ). Three of those sailings were priced at $799 per person for a seven-day sailing, with itineraries for Eastern, Western, and "Tropical" Caribbean. Even the 21-day Caribbean itineraries were reasonably priced at $2,359 or less per person.

Look for promos that give you more included in your fare

And, at the time of this evaluation, Holland America was offering the "Have It All" promotion on some sailings, a premium package that included four "high-value amenities" for the first and second guest on each booking:

• Shore Excursions: $100 credit on sailings of 6-9 days, $200 on sailings of 10-20 days, and $300 on sailings of 21+ days
• Premium Beverage Package: Wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, sodas, specialty coffees, and more
• Specialty dining at Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, Tamarind

No assigned dining locations or times

In terms of dining, Holland America is known for offering exceptional cuisine. The company has partnered with renowned chefs, such as Jacques Pepin and Rudi Sodamin, to create menus that are both sophisticated and delicious. Passengers can choose from a variety of dining options, including formal dining rooms, specialty restaurants, and casual eateries. Holland America also offers a unique dining experience called "As You Wish" dining, which allows passengers to choose when and where they want to dine each night.

Children welcome, but most guests are 55+

Children are welcome to sail on Holland America cruises. However, Holland America is primarily known as a cruise line that caters to adults, especially those over 50 years old ( in fact, 75% of their passengers are age 55+ ). As a result, Holland America does not have as many activities and facilities designed for children compared to other family-oriented cruise lines. They're trying, though: they have Club HAL, which is their youth program that offers age-appropriate activities and entertainment for kids and teens from 3-17 years old, but those are only available during specific hours. They also have family-oriented shore excursions and some onboard activities like swimming pools, movies, and game rooms. Additionally, Holland America's dining options cater to children with kid-friendly menus and options.

Most onboard entertainment is for the older set

Entertainment on Holland America sailings definitely trends "mature" , with live music, theater productions, and enrichment programs such as cooking classes and wine tastings. The line also has partnerships with institutions such as BBC Earth and the Lincoln Center Stage, which provide unique and educational experiences for passengers.

Gratuities are extra but can be modified

Holland America will charge gratuities to your onboard account: $16 per guest per day for non-suite staterooms and $17.50 per guest per day for suites. They call this "Crew Appreciation" and emphasize that it's an important part of their team's compensation - but, unlike some cruise lines, you're allowed to modify the amount if you wish (for poor service).

Solid choice for cruising - especially for older guests

Holland America Line is a premium cruise line that offers a luxurious and sophisticated onboard experience. With a focus on personalized service, exceptional cuisine, and immersive entertainment and enrichment programs, Holland America is a popular choice for older travelers looking for a relaxed yet classy vacation to the world's most sought-after ports of call.

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The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.

There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.

Cruise Line FAQ

Which cruise line is the best, what is included in the cost of a cruise, what is the minimum age to cruise, what are the dining options on a cruise ship, are cruise ships crowded, do i have to dress up, are activities included at destination ports, can i bring my own alcohol onboard.

Continued from above...

Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.

Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.

When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward ( who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night ), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.

While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.

Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:

• Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
• Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free cocktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
• Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!

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Holland America Koningsdam Deck Plans & Reviews

Holland America Koningsdam

Activities & entertainment

• America's Test Kitchen
• Afternoon Tea
• America's Test Kitchen Cooking Classes
• Art and Craft Classes *
• Art Gallery *
• Beer Tasting *
• Cigars Under the Stars *
• Digital Workshop *
• Digital Workshop Computer Classes
• Explorations Central Port Lectures
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• Greenhouse Spa & Salon *
• Happy Hour Drink Special *
• Hot Tubs (5)
• Hydrotherapy Pool *
• Jogging Track
• Martini Tasting *
• Onboard Lectures
• Solo Traveler Get-Togethers
• Sport Court
• Team Trivia
• Wine Tasting *
• The Retreat *
• Afternoon Musical Concerts
• BBC Earth Onboard Features
• Billboard Onboard
• Feature Movie Matinees
• Lincoln Center Stage
• Live Nightly Music
• Queen's Lounge
• World Stage
• The Dining Room - American
• Tamarind - Asian Fusion *
• Ocean Bar - Atrium Bar *
• Lido Market - Casual
• Explorer's Bar - Classic Bar *
• Explorations Café - Coffee Bar *
• Grand Dutch Café - Coffee Bar *
• Dive-In - Fast Food
• Crow's Nest - Forward Bar *
• Rudi's Sel de Mer - Gourmet *
• Canaletto - italian *
• Panorama Bar - Outdoor Bar *
• New York Pizza & Deli - Pizza
• Lido Bar - Pool Bar *
• Sea View Bar - Pool Bar *
• Pinnacle Grill - Steakhouse *
• Neptune Lounge - Suite Lounge
• Gelato - Sweets *
• Sun Bar - Top Deck Bar *
• Blend - Wine Bar *

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• Excellent 71
• Very Good 34
• Terrible 24
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Just ba ck from a Holland america cruise…

Just back from a Holland america cruise to alaska, we've been on better cruises and we've been on worse cruises. We can't comment on the booking procedure because we booked through a third party. The ship was very nice and clean, the cabin was nice, we had an inside cabin. The food had a good assortment and was of good quality. Only thing missing was a good English breakfast. The staff on board were really nice and helpful. Our cabin staff Anom and Wawan were superb and couldn't do enough for us. The only down time for us was the daytime entertainment apart from the glacier day which was very knowledgeable. Overall we enjoyed had a great time and would recommend the cruise to x anyone who likes the outdoors

Date of experience : May 25, 2024

If you like the smell of secondhand…

If you like the smell of secondhand smoke, this cruise line is for you. Smoking is allowed in the casino. The smell drifts into the shops and up the staircase. I mentioned this problem to management and received the usual “Thanks for sharing your concern “ response. It is a deal breaking for using this cruise line in the future.

Date of experience : September 01, 2023

One Star Is Generous

One Star Is Generous What happened to Holland America? The website is dreadful. Since we have cruised with them years ago, decided to call and get information….appalling service. Asked if they had cruises to Svalbard, Iceland, Greenland, Faroe Islands, person had no idea where any of these places were. She was spelling Faroe “Furry”. Asked if the area was in South America? Spoke to 3 different people, 38 minutes on the phone and got zero information. Was told HAL doesn’t go the Arctic. One operator was in the Caribbean. Clearly no training for the job. Just based on phone service, or lack thereof, we would never book with them. Our travel agent assured us that HAL does go to the Arctic, again we will book with a different company, one that knows where the Arctic is on a world map.

Date of experience : May 24, 2024

I would not travel with Holland…

I would not travel with Holland America. We were on a land sea cruise and were shorted a hotel for 1 group in our party. The hotel Westmark in anchorage Alaska was awful. We waited for a few hours to check in and then were shorted a room. Which we never received any refund for. Holland America was no help in resolving this issue

Date of experience : July 26, 2023

if you are looking at a HAL cruise…

if you are looking at a HAL cruise please know that you will not receive any customer service. they give you a supposed "personal cruise consultant" once you've booked, they don't answer their phone, don't call you back and if you email you'll get an email back with yet another number to call. Their APP (Navigator) is a joke. It doesn't work and when you call they tell you to use a computer, well I don't carry that around with me everywhere. Beyond frustrating

Date of experience : May 01, 2024

Rotterdam Holland America

The food was terrific, staff wonderful, ship beautiful! Disliked SMOKING in the Casino actually HORRIBLE! On our 9 day cruise when out to sea very LITTLE to do. The BBKING & Rolling Stones lounge was way too loud and not the type of music for the majority of the passengers that travel on Holland America. There weren’t any lounges with soft listening music.

Date of experience : March 29, 2024

Never Again!

My wife and I just got back from a 14night cruise to Alaska aboard Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam. It was our third cruise with HAL, but the first in over a decade. What a shock! While the first two cruises were “ok”, this was “oh gawd!” From the very start we knew we were in for a bumpy ride after receiving the first pamphlet of the schedule of events for the following day. At a quick glance, we noticed that there was to be no entertainment on board before 5PM. That’s right, nothing in the way of entertainment, no guitar player, violin player, piano player, singer, nothing. Now, we could have gone to origami folding, stretching classes, colouring for adults, line dancing or up to fourteen different promotional sales hoaxes, but nothing in the way of entertainment until at least 5pm. This was not just one day, but for the entire fourteen days of the cruise. If you are not a big drinker, and we are not, you had better make sure you take a deck of cards with you Or there is “Nothing!” to do. Now, you might say, well at least you got fed well on the cruise. Guess again! Unless you are used to mediocre food served consistently cold, you won’t be too impressed with that either. On the second day of hell, sorry, cruise, I happened to mention the cold food to the “Hotel Manager”. He tried the food right away and agreed that it was indeed cold. I was impressed that he appeared to be concerned, until I realized that for the next twelve days the food was just as cold. Five days through the cruise we seriously considered catching a flight back home to Vancouver to end the nightmare, but felt we would be throwing good money after bad and stayed on board. If hard earned money means anything to you, please do yourselves a favour and book on Princess, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, hell, anything but Holland America and enjoy your cruise!

Date of experience : May 05, 2024

No customer service

It took me quite some time to even find how to contact the customer service. It’s practically hidden. and then… there’s no reply from customer service. I should have checked trustpilot before booking with this company. So very unfortunate.

Date of experience : May 13, 2024

You're going to get sick...

Great routes, great staff, good service, but you're going to get sick. "We're not allowed to ask someone who is obviously sick to isolate, wear a mask, or even cover their cough." That was the restaurant manager, also echoed by the cruise director in almost the exact words. Obviously a Carnival policy. They have policies in place to isolate and wear a mask if you are sick, and even call 911. But they do not enforce any of their policies. Over half the passengers and crew were sick by the end of our 31 day cruise. They failed to take even the most basic precautions to protect the health of their passengers and crew.

Date of experience : April 02, 2024

Beware of the word 'escalate'

Beware of the word 'escalate' We have found it to be their vehicle to avoid doing anything about a complaint. Their on board administration is poor, causing my wife being manhandled and stopping us leaving the ship. All because their staff entered our details incorrectly. An absolute disgrace, no apology , especially on a European registered ship. Needless to say we have heard nothing back following our frequent complaints so can only assume they have escalated it into 'no man's land.'!

Date of experience : March 04, 2024

No Cape Horn.

No Cape Horn. Bland and unremarkable food in Lido and Dining Room generally. Entertainment........not really. Old, crotchety and obese Americans wondering what they were doing most of the time, not knowing what queueing means and clogging up poorly laid out Lido seating. Good seamanship. Excellent but overworked staff. Generally boring........

Date of experience : February 23, 2024

Don't give two hoots about their customers!,…

Absolutely disgusted with Holland America at the moment! First cruise with them and probably the last! Due to sail with them from Boston to Montreal in August. Looking at shore excursions but a boat trip in Corner Brook seemed very expensive so I looked for alternatives and found a small company offering a half hour longer boat trip for less than half the price but when I tried to book the day we needed it was greyed out so I contacted the boat company. They told me they were offering a boat trip through HA. I replied I had seen that trip but it was over twice the price and half an hour shorter than the trip on their website. They responded that HA decide on the prices. As such I have been trying to contact HA. What a joke! I've spent over 3 hours on the phone with them in total whilst they have informed me that they can't get through to the shore excursions team as there are having difficulties at their end. Also, the UK phone number was given for shore excursions does not exist! To add further frustration, when, after two hours, I finally got through to the Shore Excursions team my query was dismissed with a load of crap about a contract blah blah blah. There was no apology for the long wait, no promise to look into the issue for me etc. I asked to be put through to the Customer Support team but she refused to put me through. Overall a disgusting way for HA to treat their customers! I have very little faith in the company now due to them seemingly ripping off their customers with over inflated prices for their shore excursions and not giving two hoots about their customers when they ring to enquire about something! NOT A HAPPY CRUISER!!

Date of experience : May 10, 2024

cannot even contact them only one way…

cannot even contact them only one way email changed itinerary at the last minute no refund on shore excusrsions just on board ship credit so you get to pay 50 for a 10 dollar bottle of wine with the money that should be back on my credit card. I cannot begin to tell you how dissapointed I am do not ever book with these crooks !!!!!

Date of experience : April 26, 2024

HAL website irritating

We are booked on an upcoming cruise, and it is impossible to navigate their website or their Navigator app on any device or browser even with cleared cache. Results are continuously glitchy, Error 500 messages, spinning, and the list goes on. Reaching out to address these issues results in total non-answers or passing the buck attitudes. Very poor customer service with archaic IT functions. I hope this is not indicative of their onboard experience!

Date of experience : March 14, 2024

The best thing about the cruise was the amazing staff

The best thing about the cruise was the amazing staff. So many excellent workers, with such genuinely sweet temperaments. Really lovely. In comparison with other cruises I've taken, I would not sail Holland America again. Cruise ports were ill planned, with absurdly short layovers. Daily activities were the most limited I've ever experienced, and anything worth attending was greidiously over crowded. Rooms were small,,but again, the room attendants were exceptional. Room service was ridiculous. Ecxept for breakfast. Try another ship if it's your 1st, or even 5th cruise. Older crowd as well.

Date of experience : December 10, 2022

Poor and dangerous experience

On May 1/2024 we were on a 13 day cruise thru New England and Canada beginning 4/21/24. On this day, we entered the elevator and there was fumes coming from the ship being painted. I am highly allergic to petroleum, paint and deisel products, which I informed staff when this cruise was booked. The room was selected mid ship because of problem. After I was exposed, I went to the service desk and they Called the medical center which I was instructed to go to. I received an EKg and blood work was done. My blood pressure is elevated having tightness in chest, and chest pain. I was never offered a breathing treatment but given a inhaler, and tolf to come back if my symtoms got worse. I informed them, I get a severe headache and become very tired. We stayed in my room for the next 2 days and lost out on seeing Quebec City. I received a bill for $806.00 which had to be paid before I received my reports and summary. The bill was paid received summary that said dx allery (unspecified)I questioned this and it was added exposure to toxic fumes. We spoke to hotel manager( who I might add was very sympathetic) who said he also questioned the strong odor. He called Seattle to ask if they would drop the charges, which was denied. I am still experiencing chest tightness, and feel we were treated unfair. This was our 16th cruise, 5 on Holland America

Took a one day over night from…

Took a one day over night from Vancouver to Seattle. What a disappointment. Casino closed (I know why they just don’t tell you) short staffed, wine bar closes at 10pm. Private function at the Rolling Stones bar ( so no night time entertainment) . Lots of passengers just no service. Just a complete waste of money. Quite a con.

Date of experience : May 03, 2024

Holland America Steals Your Deposit

i made an online reservation on the Holland America website on February 16, 2024 for a cruise leaving March 16 2025. The online site called the fare "best available price". Who wouldn't choose that? I paid a $600 deposit for two fares. The site indicated the usual cancellation schedule of 120 days before cruise cancellation is full refund. In March 2024 - a month later-- they wrote me outlining major changes in the cruise's itinerary which made it absolutely unsuitable for me (more excursions on Saturday, which I observe as Shabbat and don't travel). I asked to cancel my reservation and was informed it was a nonrefundaable category! They even refuse to transfer the deposit to another cruise. It's fraud.

Date of experience : April 16, 2024

Since HAL cruise line started saving…

Since HAL cruise line started saving money on their staff, I noticed a difference in the service, its way worse than before. Poor restaurant managers, tables not clean ... Dont book with them !

Date of experience : April 01, 2024

My husband and I just returned from an…

My husband and I just returned from an Alaskan cruise with Holland America on the Eurodam and it was fantastic. The food was delicious and the staff helpful and friendly. The entertainment was great, we especially enjoyed the BB King jazz show. Ivan and Holil were the two men that cleaned and stocked our stateroom, they were friendly, always smiling and did a great job. We liked them so much we asked to take their picture. We highly recommend Holland America and will definitely use them for our next cruise. Thank you Holland America for a memorable experience.

Date of experience : April 28, 2023

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Is a Holland America Alaska Cruise Worth It? An Honest Review

07/28/2023 by Kristin Addis 6 Comments

Imagine you’re sitting on a balcony, sipping on a freshly made latte while sailing past an electric blue glacier. Suddenly, you spot an eagle resting on a piece of floating ice. Later that day, you see dolphins, whales, and sea otters jumping through the waves as the mist breaks to reveal snowy mountains and tree-coated islets. There doesn’t appear to be anything around for miles, and it feels like it’s all unfolding in perfect harmony. That all happened within one day on my weeklong Alaska cruise while my son napped on the other side of the door, and I will never forget those magical moments.

Now I never thought of myself as a cruise person. Would a big ship really be my ideal way to travel?

When Holland America invited me, my mom and I weren’t sure it was for us. Would it be cheesy, crowded, and lame? We decided if we were to take a cruise, Alaska with its wild beauty would be the ideal place, so we went for it.

I had only been on a couple of cruises prior to this, wich were rather short and felt like a mixture between McDonald’s and a frat party, to be honest. The experience on the Koningsdam sailing the Inside Passage to Alaska via Vancouver was delightfully different. It was mostly families, retirees, and some multigenerational groups like ours.

The food was great, the service was excellent, but best of all, the experience of sailing along the coast of Alaska was breathtaking. Here’s everything to know before you book that cruise :

Table of Contents

Itinerary – 7 Day Alaskan Inside Passage

There are many Alaska itineraries to choose from, and they all offer scenic cruising with some variation in the stops they make.

What looked best to me was the departure in and out of Vancouver, which included the Inside Passage as well as Glacier Bay. It ended up being a great decision.

The first evening after departing Vancouver was already beautiful, passing by the islands outside of the city and all along the coast of British Columbia. It was just a taste of the beauty that was to come. 

The next day was mostly about getting up to Juneau and was spent at sea. Of all the days on board, this was the least scenic, but I still saw whales from my veranda! 

As would be a trend with the towns we visited in Alaska, Juneau had a charm to it, with historic, Wild West–style buildings and gorgeous surroundings. The downtown is mainly bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops, but there’s quite a bit to do in the area. I opted for the helicopter trek of the Mendenhall Glacier, which was a fantastic decision (more on that later). 

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The next morning, we arrived in Skagway, another small, charming coastal town, and took the scenic railway as our excursion. Felix squealed with delight at the helicopters taking off right outside of our room on the ship afterwards. 

That evening, leaving Skagway was particularly beautiful, as we watched the sunset over the dramatic mountains with waterfalls cascading down. Since we had a baby sleeping inside, most of our evenings were spent on the veranda, which could not have been a better spot from which to experience the beauty of Alaska all throughout the cruise.

Glacier Bay National Park

This was a highlight for us, as we spent the day cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. Though I’ve had the pleasure of hiking across part of a glacier in Wrangell St. Elias in Alaska and trekking on a few in Patagonia , this was still more glaciers than I had ever seen in a day.

As we made our way through, the weather kept changing, creating different lighting along the glaciers and providing incredible wildlife-spotting opportunities. I saw dolphins, whales, otters, and an eagle perched on an iceberg, all from our veranda.

Absolutely book an Alaska cruise that includes Glacier Bay!

As we made our way back south, we stopped in Ketchikan, which was a nice contrast to the glacial landscape that we had been seeing. This is a great opportunity to explore the fjords, which we did by seaplane as our excursion.

Our Room on the Koningsdam

One of my concerns was feeling cramped in a tiny room with our stuff everywhere and all of the free space taken up by our travel crib . 

The verandah room was spacious enough, though, with plenty of storage in the closets and drawers, as well as a space under the bed for suitcases . As long as we were good about putting things back in their place, the room was totally fine for the three of us. 

It also had a pull-out couch to sleep families, though I would imagine that squeezing four into one room would feel tight. 

The balcony was also great and a frequent hangout spot of ours. It was safe for my baby to crawl around and enjoy, and my favorite place from which to spot wildlife. I preferred it to all of the common spaces on the ship since it was so peaceful and felt like my own little retreat.

The room was also serviced twice per day by two incredibly attentive staff members who always left towel animals for Felix. 

Service 

Speaking of the staff, they were amazing. Those in the dining room made a particularly great impression, remembering my son and always saying hi to him and bringing his fruit right away. Considering how many people they were seeing on a daily basis, I was impressed. 

I also found each person we interacted with to be accommodating and patient, even when guests weren’t particularly warm with them. I know from working in hospitality in the past that it’s not an easy job, and they all did it especially well. 

I was worried the food might not be great or healthy onboard. I’d encountered a lot of chicken nuggets and subpar burgers in the past on my brief cruise experiences. However, there was plenty of variety, and I was able to eat healthy and find plenty of options for my one-year-old as well (veggies, grilled meats, and fruit were always abundant). 

Although they had a kids’ menu, my son tends to just eat the healthier food that we eat, and we could get other food for him in the restaurant and Lido Market, and share what we ordered in the specialty restaurants.

Rudi’s Sel de Mer

This is the highest-end restaurant onboard, with the smallest capacity — and also, of course, my favorite. 

It’s a tranquil seafood restaurant, and the halibut and steak special were both excellent. They also had lobster, crab, and other seafood delicacies available. I loved the apple crumble as well!

Tamarind 

This Asian-flavors-inspired restaurant was my second favorite, with satay, curries, a nice tom kha gai , and orange duck. They were also very understanding and accommodating of our nut and soy allergies. Definitely get the yuzu cheesecake for dessert!

The Italian restaurant with seating near the windows offers sharing-style Italian dishes. It’s a must-do if you’re looking for higher-end pasta, meatballs, seafood dishes, and desserts.

Pinnacle Grill

This appeared to be the most popular restaurant. It offered surf and turf. If they have the lemongrass soup appetizer when you sail, definitely get it! 

It is also open for lunch, unlike the other paid restaurant upgrades. I thought this was a steal, considering we got a nice steak and appetizers and dessert for only $15 each!

Lido Market

In market hall fashion, this was the place to go for variety, and it became our daily lunch stop. It had everything from a salad bar and roasted meats to sandwiches, sweets, and noodles. It could get a bit busy and overwhelming at times to be honest, probably because it had so much variety in one spot. 

There were other options in the vicinity, including burgers and pizza near the indoor pool, but we didn’t end up having those during our cruise. 

Main Dining 

Even if you don’t upgrade to any of the paid dining options, the main dining room is honestly awesome. It had a different menu each day with plenty to choose from, like roasted chicken, New York steak, a vegan chickpea patty (which was my favorite thing), and plenty of roasted veggies, grilled fish, and chopped fruit for my son. (It also had a kid’s menu with the typical options).

The staff were so great with my little guy, I was always happy to eat there, which we did for most breakfasts and dinners. 

In-room dining

There’s always room service too! I thought we would take more advantage than we did, but we loved the dining room so much, we went there more often. 

This is the part I was most looking forward to, and my excursions didn’t disappoint. 

Juneau Helicopter and Glacier Trekking

Do yourself a favor and book at least one scenic flight during your cruise, whether it’s in Juneau or elsewhere. 

The flight was beautiful, and the ice was wonderful to trek as well. I’ve been fortunate to trek on five glaciers now and take several scenic flights all around the world, but I had never combined the two. It was truly an adventure, which included scenes all around Juneau, crampons, and hiking on the ice for a few glorious hours. The guides were also happy to take pictures, which was helpful, since I did this excursion solo. 

Skagway White Pass Railway

There are several options for the historic train, since it’s the most popular thing to do in town. I found it a bit confusing and only ended up booking the excursion that just barely crossed the border into British Columbia before turning around, rather than going all the way into the Yukon Territory. Although my intention had been to go all the way, the trip was still beautiful, and probably long enough, considering we had my one-year-old in tow. 

Many of the other excursions will take you all the way one way on the train and then use a coach for the way back. If you do this, be sure to ride on the left side of the train on your way up as it is the most scenic. We ended up being among the last to board the train, which I worried would mean we’d miss out on good seating, but we actually got to be in the front, and it wasn’t too crowded up there!

The trip is narrated the whole way, and there are also platforms in the front and back of each car that passengers can stand on. I logged most of the trip out there.

Ketchikan Historic Wilderness Sea Plane 

This is another splurge but so worth it! In contrast to the glacier flights, Ketchikan is more about the misty fjords and potential to see wildlife. We got lucky with a clear day and a nice, long flight with views of hidden mountain lakes, snowy peaks, and a bear and whale sighting that I wasn’t quick enough to catch on the camera but loved seeing nonetheless. 

Koningsdam : Ship & Amenities 

I have to be honest that the size of the ship (2,500 capacity, one of Holland America’s largest) made me hesitate. I know for sure I’m not the kind of person who would enjoy the huge ships that have 5,000+ passengers, those big slides, and bellyflop competitions. But the Koningsdam was classy, with some shared areas we loved, particularly the Crow’s Nest on the 12th floor, with a fantastic view all around the front of the ship, coffee, and couches for Felix to crawl on.

There were also two pools to choose from, including an indoor pool that showed movies on the giant screen in the evenings, and the outdoor pool at the back of the ship that was nicely heated and had two hot tubs as well. It wasn’t very crowded, which made it perfect for us!

There was also a gym that had regular classes and plenty of machines to choose from. It was never too crowded, even though the ship was fully booked. There’s also a spa, shopping, casino, a few live music venues, and a large theater.

We also enjoyed the jogging track on the 11th floor for panoramic views. It was a great spot to get some exercise and take Felix for his beloved stroller walks with the ever-changing scenery.

As I understand is common on cruise ships, there are some extras, like internet and drinks, that you can opt to pay for as a package. The Quench package included espresso drinks, smoothies, and water cans. Tea, tap water, and regular coffee are free.

To upgrade to the package that includes alcohol runs $55/day, or $60 for top shelf. I don’t drink, so that didn’t tempt me, though it could be a meaningful expense to add onto the trip, as is Wi-Fi, which was $229 for four devices and high speed for the week.

One could just use one’s cell signal in port and disconnect elsewhere, and it’s possible to get an eSIM especially for cruises!

Cleanliness 

With so many people on board, this was another factor that I was a little worried about. Would it really be super clean? However, the guest-to-staff ratio seems to be about 2:1, which is pretty incredible. Everything always looked pretty well taken care of, and things were obviously being cleaned constantly. I regularly saw people servicing the bathrooms, our room got cleaned twice a day, and the pool was regularly serviced. It seemed like there was quite a lot of effort being put into everything feeling spotless.

Final Thoughts: Is it Worth It?

There was definitely a time in my life when I was all about taking small ships , cargo ferries, and local buses, and avoiding experiences like cruises. However, now with a young child, it ended up being such an easy, beautiful way to take a vacation. We didn’t have to worry about logistics, food, cleaning up after meals (which can be messy with a one-year-old), or having things to do while he napped. Each time my son went down for his nap, sneaking out to the veranda with the baby monitor ended up being so lovely, with plenty of wildlife and scenery to take in.

The care that the staff put into making sure our boy was well looked after at our meals was above and beyond. People were always trying to make him smile, and the guests were nice to be around, as well. It wasn’t a party atmosphere (although there may have been some of that in the evenings, which I missed since that was bedtime for my son), but rather a mix of people who were there to enjoy the scenery of Alaska.

The only times things felt a bit busy to me were at the Lido Market at lunchtime and in the Crow’s Nest when we were cruising Glacier Bay. I ended up really feeling that our veranda was the best place to view it all from, and I can’t imagine taking a scenic cruise without one.

Maximizing your time by booking excursions in the ports is also important. That does make things cost a bit more, but it really does make this a bucket-list trip. I think with a veranda, excursions, and some of the higher-end dining, as well as making use of the ship amenities that appeal most to you, will make for a wonderful experience. Although I might never be the type to cruise-hop in the Caribbean, I have a feeling this won’t be my last scenic cruise in some of the more mountainous, glacier-topped destinations.

You can book your experience with Holland America here!

*Thanks to Holland America for inviting me to experience this cruise. All thoughts on the amazing staff, beautiful Alaska, and delicious food are my own. Some links in this post are affiliate links that support us at no extra cost to you when you purchase through them. We only recommend products we love and use ourselves. Your trust always comes first!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Tillie says

08/30/2023 at 3:47 pm

AMEN!!! I’ve been blessed to shaparone elders on this cruise. They loved it. The medical staff is also attending to chronic conditions that would prevent an elder to vacation with emotional security in a different setting. Their bed goes with then, so that when they feel well, they are back to wonder.

Lisa Cochran says

09/01/2023 at 5:08 pm

My sister and I just went on a cruise on the Valdomara to Alaska. It was just as perfect as you described. I will go again! We had an excellent time!

Kathleen Curell says

09/06/2023 at 9:01 am

What month did you do this Alaskan cruise?

Kristin says

09/08/2023 at 5:58 am

end of July

Shelly Palczewski says

04/24/2024 at 6:49 am

Wonderful article. Very helpful and honest. Thanks. What side of the ship were you on?

Kristin Addis says

05/10/2024 at 9:09 am

Starboard, but when you’re in glacier bay the ship will rotate so both sides see everything 🙂

Everything you need to know about Holland America cruise cabins and suites

Editor's Note

Choosing a cabin on a Holland America cruise is never easy because the line excels at making all categories enticing.

Across its fleet, the line's accommodations are comfortable, with a neutral decor that ensures they weather the test of time. That aesthetic is in keeping with Holland America's desire to design ships that balance innovation with classic, elegant style and to blend a pride in the line's long heritage with the needs of a modern traveler.

From basic digs to swanky suites, we'll cover the different types of Holland America cabins and help you figure out which one might be right for you on your next voyage.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter .

Holland America cabin primer

Holland America cabins fall into four main categories: insides (no window or balcony), outsides (with windows that don't open), balconies (with walk-out porch areas) and suites (high-end accommodations, generally with more space and better amenities).

If you're looking for a specialty cabin, those are available, too. Holland America offers a selection of accessible rooms on every one of its ships. They span all cabin categories, including suites, and they're provided in several types: fully accessible, fully accessible single-side approach (with both left- and right-side approaches as options) and ambulatory accessible. Available types vary by ship.

Spa cabins come in inside, outside, balcony and Neptune Suite varieties. They offer the same square footage as standard cabins in each of those categories and share the same layout. What sets them apart is that they provide spa-themed amenities, such as cut fruit and flavored water, a spa concierge to help with booking treatments at the Greenhouse Spa and in-room fitness equipment, such as yoga mats and exercise DVDs.

Select Holland America vessels also offer solo accommodations designed for one person. They feature full-size beds instead of queens, and they come only in the outside category, ranging from 127-172 square feet.

The line's only rooms designed specifically with families in mind are outside family cabins, which range from 222-231 square feet and sleep up to five people with a queen bed, a two-person sofa bed and a single bunk that pulls down from the ceiling. These cabins are also outfitted with a split bathroom setup — one room with a bathtub/shower, sink and toilet and another with a shower and sink.

Several inclusions come standard in cabins on all Holland America ships. Even the most basic accommodations feature a queen bed that can split into two twins, a couple of nightstands, a vanity/desk area with a chair or stool and a phone, a closet with shelves and room for hanging clothes, a safe, a minifridge, a variety of outlets and USB ports, a private bathroom and daily housekeeping services. You'll also find a TV with a handful of channels, ship-sponsored content and free movies.

Some cabins also include sofas, some of which have pull-out beds. Other cabins designed to sleep more than two cruisers may also have bunks that pull down from the ceiling.

Unlike most other lines, Holland America provides some standard amenities that other lines only offer to passengers booked in higher-tiered cabins. They include Elemis toiletries, bathrobes, shoeshine service, fresh fruit, signature pillow-top mattresses and complimentary 24/7 room service.

Inside cabins on Holland America ships

Inside or interior cabins on Holland America's vessels range in size from 143-225 square feet and come with the standard amenities previously mentioned.

Inside rooms don't have a view, but that means they offer near-total darkness each night, making for great sleep. They're also generally the least expensive accommodations, so they can be a terrific value if all you're planning to do in your cabin is sleep and shower.

Outside cabins on Holland America ships

Holland America's outside or ocean view cabins are slightly larger than inside cabins, providing 175-282 square feet of space plus a window through which you'll have access to natural light.

Travelers booked in ocean view rooms have access to the basic amenities above.

Balcony cabins on Holland America ships

With 228-405 square feet of space (including the private veranda), balcony cabins are the largest non-suite cabins and come with basic amenities. They offer not only natural light but also fresh air via a sliding-glass door that grants access to a small private balcony area with chairs and a table.

Several varieties exist, including standard balcony accommodations, obstructed view (which means you might have a life boat partially blocking your ocean vista) and aft-facing (which gives you a view off the back of the ship, rather than the side).

Suites on Holland America ships

All suite passengers have access to additional amenities, including fresh flowers, a pillow menu, a stocked minibar and binoculars for use during each sailing.

Neptune and Pinnacle Suites come with additional perks, such as higher-end toiletries, an in-cabin coffee and espresso machine, a Bose Bluetooth audio system, a special in-cabin daily breakfast with mimosas, complimentary laundry and dry-cleaning services, a tote bag and a welcome glass of sparkling wine at dinner on embarkation day.

Additionally, all passengers booked in suites automatically receive access to Club Orange, a program that allows cruisers to eat in a private dining room and skip the line at the shore excursions and guest services desks, as well as during tendering. Exclusive onboard events — such as behind-the-scenes tours, private spa consultations and Q&A sessions — are also offered for Club Orange members. Passengers not booked in suites have the option to purchase Club Orange perks.

Learn more about each suite type below.

Vista Suites

Vista Suites are essentially mini-suites — balcony cabins with a bit more space (260-356 square feet). Like balcony rooms, they come with standard amenities and a walk-out veranda with a table and chairs.

This category also includes accommodations with aft-facing balcony views.

Signature Suites

These suites, with even more space (393-400 square feet), are similar to balcony cabins and Vista Suites in terms of amenities and inclusions.

However, they include king-size beds instead of queens, as well as a pull-down bunk, a Murphy bed or a sofa bed, depending on the configuration. This makes them a great higher-end option for families.

Neptune Suites

Neptune Suites span 465-502 square feet. In addition to more space and king-size beds, they include bathrooms with dual sinks and vanities, as well as whirlpool bathtubs in some configurations.

Passengers booked in Neptune Suites have a private concierge and access to the exclusive Neptune Lounge, which offers daily continental breakfast, tea, light snacks and a place to watch TV or relax with a book.

Pinnacle Suites

Pinnacle Suites, found on Holland America's newer Pinnacle-class ships, are the largest and most upscale rooms in the fleet. They run about 1,290 square feet, including the balcony, and they're divided into separate rooms — a living room, dining room (complete with microwave and pantry) and bedroom with a king-size bed.

A separate dressing room provides space for your clothes, and the bathroom and balcony each have their own whirlpools. A sofa bed sleeps two additional passengers, and the suite also includes a guest toilet.

Cruisers booked in these accommodations have access to a variety of complimentary services, including those of a private concierge. Other amenities include an in-cabin stereo system and entry to the Neptune Lounge.

Bottom line

Holland America offers a variety of classy, timeless cabins to suit the needs of cruise travelers, from inside cabins that are great for sleeping to lavish suites that entitle you to a plethora of exclusive amenities.

The line also caters to passengers with specific needs, including families, solo vacationers and travelers with limited mobility. No matter what you prioritize in a cruise room, Holland America will have plenty of choices for you.

For more information, visit Holland America's cabins page .

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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Holland America Eurodam Deck Plans & Reviews

Holland America Eurodam

Activities & entertainment

• Afternoon Tea
• America's Test Kitchen Cooking Classes
• Art and Craft Classes *
• Art Gallery *
• Beer Tasting *
• Cigars Under the Stars *
• Digital Workshop *
• Digital Workshop Computer Classes
• Explorations Central Port Lectures
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• Greenhouse Spa & Salon *
• Happy Hour Drink Special *
• Hot Tubs (5)
• Hydro Pool *
• Hydrotherapy Pool *
• Martini Tasting *
• Onboard Lectures
• Photo Gallery *
• Solo Traveler Get-Togethers
• Sports Courts
• Team Trivia
• Wine Tasting *
• The Retreat *
• Afternoon Musical Concerts
• B.B. King's Blues Club & America's Test Kitchen
• BBC Earth Onboard Features
• Billboard Onboard
• Feature Movie Matinees
• Lincoln Center Stage
• Live Nightly Music
• The Mainstage
• The Dining Room - American
• Gallery Bar - Art Bar *
• Tamarind - Asian Fusion *
• Atrium Bar - Atrium Bar *
• Ocean Bar - Atrium Bar *
• Lido Market - Casual
• Explorer's Lounge - Classic Bar *
• EXC & Explorations Café /Crow's Nest - Coffee Bar *
• Dive-In - Fast Food
• Canaletto - italian *
• New York Pizza - Pizza
• Lido Bar - Pool Bar *
• Sea View Bar - Pool Bar *
• Tamarind Bar - Scenic Bar *
• Pinnacle Grill - Steakhouse *
• Pinnacle Bar - Steakhouse Bar *
• Neptune Lounge - Suite Guests
• Excellent 59
• Very Good 33
• Terrible 12
• All languages ( 136 )
• English ( 134 )
• Dutch ( 2 )

Upcoming itineraries

Holland America Line’s Eurodam Featured on Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’

Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program will be featured on the Bravo series “Top Chef” on June 12. The episode will air at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo and be available to stream on Peacock the next day, will feature a special appearance by Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Holland America’s Fresh Fish Ambassador.

The episode will unite the Global Fresh Fish Program with the show’s penultimate elimination challenge. The final four “cheftestants” will prepare an eight-course fish-tasting menu for the judges and a table of experts. The challenge winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize and a 10-day cruise.

“We are highly focused on providing our guests with exceptional culinary experiences, and teaming up with Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ is an incredible opportunity to not only bring attention to our Global Fresh Fish Program, but to give a glimpse into cruising,” said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. “It was exciting to bring Chef Morimoto on Eurodam to prepare a meal for the cheftestants and showcase some of his dishes we serve on board.”

During his visit, Chef Masaharu Morimoto will prepare a meal for the “Top Chef” contestants, including the Halibut XO, a dish he created exclusively for Holland America Line.

“For two decades, Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ has united fans over a love for food, travel and culture. And throughout the show’s iconic legacy, we’ve been collaborating with brands to elevate each season of the award-winning culinary competition,” said Jamie Cutburth, Executive Vice President, Creative Partnerships, Advertising and Partnerships, NBCUniversal. “This incredible collaboration with Holland America Line will deliver a unique opportunity for fans to see the final four cheftestants get a taste of vacation and fresh fish as they make their journey to see who earns the title of ‘Top Chef.’”

Holland America Line guests can experience Chef Morimoto’s culinary expertise at Morimoto By Sea, a specialty restaurant on Nieuw Amsterdam, or through pop-up experiences on other fleet ships. The menu features a multi-course dinner with artfully presented dishes and beverages created by Chef Morimoto, celebrating the line’s fresh fish program.

Global Fresh Fish Program

Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program is a commitment to serving high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood. The program sources 80 types of fresh fish from 60 ports worldwide and serves it on board in under 48 hours. The cruise line is the first to receive certifications from the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council. Additionally, Holland America Line is the first cruise line to serve 100% certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood on its Alaska ships.

Julie Bouchner

Julie Bouchner is the Digital Editorial Manager for Porthole Cruise and Travel. She has a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Syracuse University. When she is not writing, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, baking, and playing with her Siberian Husky named Ellie.

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