Savor the Journey

Formed over 140 years ago, Holland America largely sailed out of Rotterdam to serve the travel needs of the Dutch. In the heydays of transatlantic crossings, before the birth of jetliner travel, they became famous for beautiful decor and lavish service on ships like the SS Rotterdam. This ship is now permanently moored as a floating hotel in that city.

Most of the crew onboard is from either Indonesia or the Philippines. Why? Holland has had a long history of trading with Indonesia and the US with the Philippines and in working together it was discovered that both Indonesia and the Philipines have a reputation for a high service ethic.  It was a natural choice for Holland America Line to make as the cruise industry changed and it became harder to find staff to maintain their high level of service standards. Why Indonesia and the Phillipines? Indonesian people do not drink or serve alcohol so you will find most bartenders to be from the Philippines.

Stateroom Direct Service program simplifies the boarding process by giving guests immediate access to their staterooms upon embarkation. Under the program, staterooms will be ready as early as 11:30 a.m., and cruisers will no longer have to check their carry-on bags and wait in public areas while their staterooms are being prepared. Additionally, arriving guests will receive their luggage earlier, allowing them more time to unpack and settle into their rooms. Guests also will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at their leisure in the line’s Lido restaurant, which features a full-service buffet.

The Staterooms are generously sized and are on average about 25% larger than other cruise lines.

Game-Changing Entertainment, including BB King Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, bring the top hits of the past 50 years to life and dueling pianos rock the house. Lincoln Center Stage entertains at a more relaxing pace, featuring world-class musicians selected by New York’s acclaimed Lincoln Center, and amped up big production LED Shows.

The intimate public spaces, such as the Silk Den, Pinnacle Wine Bar, Explorer’s Lounge, and well-stocked New York Times-branded library have a way of making larger ships feel homey.

 Holland America caters to affluent adults with midsize ships that carry between 835 and 2,648 guests and a nearly 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio that ensures high-quality service.

If you’re seeking sporty recreation or a constant party, a Holland America cruise is not for you.

When it’s too cool for the pool some kids could feel under-stimulated without the bowling alleys, skating rinks, and rock-climbing walls that keep kids amused on other lines.