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Holland America Line Staterooms

Holland America has an array of suites and staterooms that are suited to all different kinds of travelers, from families to solo cruisers. The common denominator in each room is a wonderful experience with a comfortable bed.

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The ultimate guide to Holland America cruise ships and itineraries

Of the "Big Eight" cruise lines, Holland America Line is the one that prides itself most heavily on legacy. Among the other industry players, which are relatively new in comparison, Holland America stands out because of its longevity, having begun passenger operations in 1873 to ferry passengers across the Atlantic between The Netherlands and New York City.

Ships in the Holland America fleet — formerly the Nederlandsche-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij (Dutch-American Steamship Company) — carried immigrants from Europe to North America at regular intervals. As such, the line often attracts older cruisers and genealogy buffs looking to experience sea travel much like their grandparents, great-grandparents and even great-great grandparents did (albeit with more modern comforts). And veterans who found themselves on Holland America ships used as military transport during World War II often sail on the line's modern vessels as a way to reminisce.

But that doesn't mean the ships are stuffy , boring or limited to an older demographic. In fact, HAL ships are more modern than ever, with some of the newest hardware featuring high-tech theater shows, extensive art collections and contemporary music that even members of Generation Z are likely to appreciate. It's common to see multigenerational family groups on Holland America voyages.

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

Tied to the cruise line's rich backstory is a focus on quality and upholding high standards of service. The line's ships generally offer excellent food, tastefully designed decor and an impressive variety of music as entertainment.

Holland America cruises are considered mainstream and mass market, but they're not bargain-basement sailings. They fall in line with brands like Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises, meaning you'll pay slightly more for them than a Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line cruise. But Holland America sailings aren't luxury. (The slightly higher price point also means you won't feel like you're in the middle of a never-ending frat party or a resort geared to families.)

Here's what you need to know to determine if Holland America Line is right for your next cruise.

3 things TPG loves about Holland America Line

• Delicious food that's carefully prepared with a focus on sustainability
• Abundant live music options to suit many tastes
• Extensive itineraries, from Alaska sailings that include land stays to lengthy world voyages

What we could do without

• The stereotype that Holland America is only for passengers of a certain age

The Holland America fleet

With only 11 ships, the HAL fleet is on the small side when compared to the industry's biggest players, some of which have more than two dozen vessels. Holland America's ships are divided into four classes : R Class, Vista Class, Signature Class and Pinnacle Class.

From oldest to newest , the ships have gradually increased in size . However, the largest ones still accommodate fewer than half of the number of passengers carried by the world's largest ships — a nod to the fact that many of the line's most loyal customers prefer a more intimate experience.

There are only two R Class ships on the roster — Volendam and Zaandam, which are the line's two oldest and smallest vessels, each with room for about 1,400 passengers. Because R Class vessels are nearly 40% smaller than the line's largest ships, they offer fewer amenities, making them perfect for anyone whose focus is the destinations the ships visit rather than the onboard diversions. As such, these two vessels tend to sail to more far-flung locales, including world cruises.

Introduced between 2002 and 2006, the four ships — Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam and Noordam — in Holland America's Vista Class are large enough for slightly more than 1,900 passengers at double occupancy. Like their smaller R Class fleetmates, they offer only two alternative restaurants (a steakhouse and an Italian eatery) in addition to complimentary buffet and main dining room venues.

Holland America's Signature Class, comprising Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam, represents the line's midsize offerings, with each vessel accommodating about 2,100 people. Like Pinnacle Class ships, those in this class are home to Pan-Asian restaurant Tamarind, in addition to the free options and for-fee Italian restaurant and steakhouse found on the line's smaller vessels.

But it was with Pinnacle Class ships that Holland America truly began to overhaul its offerings in terms of both dining and entertainment. Koningsdam, which debuted in 2016, brought with it the Grand Dutch Cafe (where you'll find the best grilled cheese at sea, along with delicious split pea soup) and Rudi's Sel de Mer, a seafood restaurant developed by chef and food artist Rudi Sodamin. It also boasts the Music Walk concept, a central thoroughfare that houses several performance spaces focusing on different genres of music.

While Rudi's and the Grand Dutch Cafe are only found on the line's Pinnacle Class ships (which hold 2,650 people and also include Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam ), Music Walk has been rolled out on Signature Class and Vista Class ships also, with R Class vessels featuring one or two of the individual Music Walk venues.

Destinations and itineraries

The sheer breadth of destinations Holland America covers is impressive for such a small fleet. Currently, the line has ships scheduled to call on six continents (plus a sail past the seventh, Antarctica) with stops in more than 50 countries.

Itineraries run the gamut from standard Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Canada/New England and Pacific Coastal voyages to more bucket-list regions like Alaska, the Mediterranean and the Panama Canal. More far-flung destinations include places like South Africa, Oman, Egypt, China, Australia and New Zealand, Japan, Turkey, Morocco, Malaysia, Fiji and other areas of the world that are often cumbersome to reach if you're not on a ship.

Many of the more off-the-beaten-path locations are reached via Holland America's two most impressive sailing types: world cruises, which last more than 100 days, and Grand Voyages that might include circumnavigations of places like Africa, Australia and New Zealand or South America and Antarctica. Both of these types of cruises tend to sell out a year or two in advance.

Plus, with the line's recent focus on longer cruises that travel round-trip from U.S. ports, Holland America makes it easy for Americans to set sail without having to fly.

The line's most popular and frequented destinations are the Caribbean and Europe, with other locales in proximity to North America — such as Canada/New England and the Mexican Riviera — proving to be the second-most popular with Holland America travelers.

Holland America has also had a commanding presence in Alaska for decades, offering some of the most robust opportunities to visit the 49th State. In fact, the brand is so established in the region that it owns and operates its own lodges near places like Denali National Park, making for the perfect pre- or post-cruise add-on.

Who sails Holland America cruises?

Passengers on Holland America's ships tend to be well-traveled retirees (largely couples but with some singles in the mix) and multigenerational family groups usually consisting of grandparents, parents and children traveling together.

Because the brand's vessels lack flashy top-deck attractions like waterslides and roller coasters, the experience is best enjoyed by people who don't need constant entertainment. The ideal match for one of these sailings is someone who likes destination immersion and relaxation time, as well as superb dining and eclectic music.

Although every Holland America ship has a kids club on board, the youth spaces aren't as expansive and thrilling as the facilities on the larger and more family-friendly cruise lines. Well-behaved kids who enjoy learning and visiting new places will still have a great time.

Cabins and suites

Holland America cabins fall into four main categories: insides (no views), outsides (sealed windows), balconies (walk-out verandas) and suites (high-end cabins, usually with extra space and more amenities).

If you're looking for a specialty cabin, those also are available. Holland America offers a selection of accessible rooms on every vessel. They span all cabin types, including suites, with fully accessible, fully accessible single-side approach (with both left- and right-side approaches as options) and ambulatory accessible varieties available. (Specific room types vary by ship.)

Spa cabins come in all basic cabin categories, as well as Neptune Suites. They encompass 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-centric extras, such as flavored water and cut fruit, a spa concierge to assist with booking treatments and in-room fitness equipment like exercise DVDs and yoga mats.

Certain ships also offer solo cabins for one person. Designed with lone travelers in mind, they feature full-size beds in lieu of queens, and they're available in the outside category only, ranging from 127 to 172 square feet of space.

The line's only rooms designed specifically with families in mind are outside family cabins, which offer from 222 to 231 square feet of living space and accommodate as many as 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.

Standard features in all Holland America ship cabins include 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. There's also a closet with shelves and room to hang clothes. Rounding out the offerings are a safe, a minifridge, a variety of outlets and USB ports and a private bathroom. An in-room TV provides a handful of channels, ship-sponsored content and complimentary movies.

Select cabins also include sofas, some of which have pull-out beds. Other rooms made to sleep more than two people might have bunks that pull down from the ceiling.

Daily housekeeping service is included in all room types.

Standard amenities on Holland America vessels are a step up from those on most other lines. Some that you might enjoy include Elemis toiletries, bathrobes, shoeshine service, fresh fruit, signature pillow-top mattresses and complimentary 24/7 room service.

Restaurants and dining

Holland America consistently cooks up some of the best food at sea . In fact, through its own Culinary Council, the line offers menu items — and even stand-alone restaurants — developed by renowned chefs like Ethan Stowell, Jacques Torres, Rudi Sodamin, Andy Matsuda, David Burke and Masaharu Morimoto. You can even find their items in the main dining rooms, meaning you don't have to pay anything extra to try them.

All of the line's ships offer at least four dining options: two complimentary (the buffet and main dining room) and two for a fee (Italian eatery Canaletto and the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse). As the ships increase in size, so too does the real estate dedicated to restaurants.

The line's Signature and Pinnacle classes both have added-fee Asian-fusion cuisine at joint venue Tamarind and Nami Sushi, and Pinnacle Class vessels also are home to quirky seafood restaurant Rudi's Sel de Mer and the Holland-themed Grand Dutch Cafe. The latter is a fantastic place to seek out complimentary between-meal snacks and extra-charge alcohol and specialty coffee beverages.

Given the brand's deep roots in Alaska and dedication to serving some of the best meals afloat, it uses sustainable Alaskan seafood sourced through a partnership with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute and certified by Responsible Fisheries Management.

Foodies will enjoy celebrity chef-led dining experiences and cooking demonstrations on select sailings. Plus, Holland America's Vital Choice program provides passengers with at-home fish deliveries and recipes from the line's chefs so they can replicate the meals they've eaten on board when they return to dry land.

Passengers tend to frequent the main dining room on most nights. It provides an upscale sit-down experience with waiter-served meals. If you choose As You Wish dining, you can arrive at the dining room any time between set hours and eat at your own table (or a communal table if you wish). If you choose set seating, you will dine at one of two set dining times with assigned tablemates at the same table and with the same waiters each night.

Depending on each day's schedule, the main dining room might also be open for breakfast and lunch.

Additionally, each Holland America vessel has a buffet that serves a large number of cuisines from several stations for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacking. And, speaking of snacking, afternoon tea is offered on select afternoons on each voyage.

Other noteworthy options include free pool deck pizza, burgers and hot dogs, as well as 24-hour room service. Although select room service items come with a fee, most are free. (Holland America is the only mainstream cruise line that doesn't charge for standard, around-the-clock room service.)

Entertainment and activities

Because Holland America cruises focus on the destinations visited, rather than onboard attractions, the entertainment roster is lighter than what you'll find with other mainstream lines. However, just because there are fewer options doesn't mean the ones that exist aren't excellent.

For starters, the newest vessels feature an entire music-themed promenade, and each ship's main theater, dubbed the World Stage, hosts several fabulous shows each cruise.

Theaters and shows

The most notable of Holland America's entertainment spaces is the Music Walk, a live music-themed promenade that's home to several venues for everything from dueling pianos and blues performances to rock 'n' roll.

B.B. King's Blues Club is a popular venue on Signature Class and Pinnacle Class ships. Named for the famed blues artist, it houses live performances of the same genre. On Vista Class, Signature Class and Pinnacle Class vessels, Billboard Onboard is where you can catch dueling pianos with musicians playing popular tunes that top the Billboard charts.

On Pinnacle Class vessels, a live band jams out to rock tunes in the Rolling Stone Rock Room. On ships in the Vista Class, the similarly themed Rolling Stone Lounge hosts a seven-piece band that covers a range of music styles, including R&B, rock, pop and country.

But the live music doesn't stop there. A three-piece band plays pop arrangements from the '60s through today at the Ocean Bar on all Vista Class and Signature Class ships.

The main theater, World Stage, features a changing roster of shows, including the a capella group Cantare; Step One Dance Company performances that meld technologically advanced sets with beautiful choreography; and Island Magic, a modern take on steel drum music.

Performances vary by ship, and a separate rotating list of performers also travels from vessel to vessel as part of Holland America's partnership with Lincoln Center. (Note that Lincoln Center Stage, a venue previously dedicated to instrumental performances in the Music Walk area, is no longer found on the line's vessels .)

Finally, "Origin Story" is a high-tech, live-hosted documentary-style show that chronicles Holland America's history — from the original Rotterdam through the pandemic-related shutdown of 2020 — in a way that will leave you wanting to see it more than once. (Bring tissues.)

Other attractions and activities

Other activities you can expect to see on the daily schedule might include trivia, game shows (think Battle of the Sexes and the Newlywed/Not So Newlywed Game), scavenger hunts, pickleball, casino play, poolside movies, basketball shooting competitions, afternoon tea, board games, dance and mixology classes, spa seminars and wine tastings.

Top-deck attractions

In keeping with Holland America's less-flashy style, you won't find much in the way of top-deck pastimes. There are no waterslides, go-kart tracks, surf simulators or rock climbing walls. What you will find, however, are two pools — a main pool covered by a retractable glass roof and another adults-only pool that overlooks the wake — as well as hot tubs for relaxing on each ship.

All ships also have tracks for walking and jogging. Locations and distances vary by vessel.

Children's programs

Holland America offers the appropriately (albeit uninspiringly) named Kids Club on all of its ships. It accommodates children from ages 3-17 under the supervision of professionally trained youth staff.

Children are split into three groups — Kids (ages 3-6), Tweens (7-12) and Teens (13-17) — for age-appropriate activities that might include video game play, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, theme parties and poker tournaments.

Note that regular Kids Club programming isn't available on sailings of 25 nights or longer, including world cruises and Grand Voyages. Children's activities will be available from time to time as needed, depending on the number and ages of the children on board.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

Unless you're sailing a closed-loop cruise (one that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port) to one of a handful of destinations , you'll need a passport in order to sail with Holland America. If you are taking a closed-loop voyage, you can sail with your original birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, instead of a passport.

Whether you're required to have a passport or not, TPG always recommends traveling with one, just in case there's an emergency that requires you to disembark your sailing in a foreign country.

You will also need your boarding documents, either printed or on your mobile device via the Holland America Line Navigator app , to show at the pier during embarkation.

Additionally, depending on your sailing, you might have to apply for visas in order to enter certain countries. In many cases, the line will handle the application and procurement for you, but pay attention to special instructions in cases where you might be responsible for obtaining your own documentation .

Unless you prepay gratuities or purchase a cruise fare that has them included in the price, you will be charged $16 per person during each day of your cruise ($17.50 if you're booked in a suite). You can adjust the amount up or down or remove it completely (which we don't recommend doing) by visiting the guest services desk. You cannot adjust or remove gratuities after your sailing has ended.

An 18% service charge will be added to bar, drink package and spa purchases.

Holland America offers two Wi-Fi package tiers for a fee. The Surf package allows for checking email, accessing webpages, using select apps and utilizing message services, such as WhatsApp and iMessage. The Premium package offers access to select streaming apps (excluding streaming services like Hulu, Prime Video and Netflix) and audio and video call capabilities on apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

If you purchase a cruise fare that includes Wi-Fi, you will receive the Surf package. To purchase the Surf package separately, the price starts at $18 per device, per day; Premium starts at $23 per device, per day. Passengers can upgrade from Surf to Premium or add additional devices at any time.

Carry-on drinks policy

Holland America's alcohol policy allows cruisers 21 years of age and older to bring bottles (750 milliliters or less) of wine or Champagne on board for a corkage fee of $20 per bottle, regardless of where the alcohol is consumed. No beer, liquor or boxed wine is allowed.

You can bring wine back on board if purchased in port, but liquor and other types of alcohol will be held for you until the end of the voyage. Most nonalcoholic drinks are not allowed to be brought on board. However, each passenger is allowed to bring cans or cartons of water, not to exceed six 1-liter cans or cartons or 12 500-milliliter cans or cartons. Plastic bottles are not allowed.

Smoking policy

Smoking generally is not allowed in indoor areas on Holland America ships, including cabins and cabin balconies. Designated smoking areas are available outdoors and in specific areas of the casinos on select ships. E-cigarettes are allowed to be used in passenger cabins but not on balconies.

Violations of these policies will result in a $250 fine; repeated offenses could cause a passenger to be disembarked from the sailing.

All of Holland America's vessels offer send-out laundry, dry-cleaning and pressing services for a fee. There are no self-service laundry facilities on any of the line's ships.

Electrical outlets

Ships have a mix of North American 110-volt and European 220-volt outlets in their cabins. All of the line's vessels also have USB ports in their rooms, including some near the beds for easy overnight charging.

The currency on Holland America ships is the U.S. dollar. The line's ships operate on a cashless system whereby passengers link a credit card or sum of cash to their room keycards, which can then be used to charge onboard purchases.

Drinking age

The drinking age on Holland America ships is 21. Passengers younger than 21 may not purchase or consume alcohol, nor may they bring it on board with them.

Holland America has two types of evening dress codes : smart casual and dressy. The former includes jeans without rips, holes or tears. Shorts, ripped jeans, beachwear and men's tank tops aren't allowed in restaurants at dinner.

On dressy nights, jeans aren't allowed in restaurants that aren't considered casual. For men, jackets and ties are preferred, but collared shirts with slacks are permitted. For women, dresses and skirts or slacks with blouses are appropriate.

Daywear is casual and influenced by the destination and current weather.

Holland America Line loyalty program

The Mariner Society, Holland America's loyalty program , allows frequent passengers to earn status over time if they sail with the line enough.

The program is straightforward, with five tiers. You reach each tier after accumulating a certain number of "cruise night credits." Simply, for each night you spend on a Holland America ship, you'll get credit for one night — or one point. Staying in a suite? You'll snag double points.

The five tiers are 1-Star Mariner (after your first cruise), 2-Star Mariner (30-74 cruise nights), 3-Star Mariner (75-199), 4-Star Mariner (200-499) and 5-Star Mariner (500 nights or more).

Cruisers have other ways to earn points, too, such as spending a certain amount of money on board when they sail.

But what's the incentive to join the program? After just one sailing, you're entitled to drink vouchers, a special welcome lunch, discounts on Holland America merchandise and half off third and fourth passengers in a cabin on select cruises. Plus, you'll be eligible for onboard credit when you book certain voyages.

When you reach each subsequent tier, you'll unlock further discounts — or even freebies — on things like specialty restaurant dining, specialty coffees, minibar purchases, spa treatments, laundry and pressing services. You'll also gain perks like priority check-in and tendering, as well as Wi-Fi credits.

How much does a Holland America cruise cost?

Holland America sailings aren't the least expensive you'll find, but they won't totally bust your budget, either, particularly if you opt for a more bare-bones cabin in the inside or ocean-view categories.

Although the line doesn't offer a truly all-inclusive cruise experience, it does allow you to purchase a Have It All premium package , rather than simply paying the base cruise fare. The package includes shore excursions, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and a beverage package. Gratuities are extra, but the line sometimes runs promotions that roll them into the cruise fare.

There are also special perks and priority benefits for passengers who pay for Club Orange access. When cruisers book with Holland America, they have the option to purchase a Club Orange add-on that provides priority check-in and disembarkation, priority tendering, dinner in a restaurant exclusive to Club Orange and a complimentary cabin upgrade, among other extras. Prices vary by sailing.

When it comes to fares, at the time of publication, the least expensive weeklong voyage I could find was $371 per person — $53 per person, per night — for a seven-night Alaska sailing through the Inside Passage, round-trip from Vancouver, British Columbia, on Sept. 22, 2024, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam in an inside cabin.

Prices range all the way up to $91,199 per person — $686 per person, per night — for a 133-night pole-to-pole Grand Voyage sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades on Jan. 25, 2025, in a Neptune Suite aboard Zuiderdam.

How to book

Cruisers can book Holland America voyages directly by visiting the company's website, by calling a cruise line representative at 855-932-1711 or by using a third-party online booking engine. If you need further assistance, a travel agent can help you narrow down the destination and ship you're looking for, field any special cabin requests you might have and process your reservation without costing you anything extra for the personalized service.

To maximize the return on your investment, carefully consider the type of card you're using to make the purchase. If you're someone who plans to pledge loyalty to Holland America, you might consider the Holland America Line Rewards Visa® Card . It offers welcome bonuses (at the time of publication, 10,000 bonus points when you spend $500 within the first 90 days of card opening), 2 points per dollar spent on Holland America purchases (including onboard purchases) and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Points can either be redeemed toward cruise purchases or as statement credits.

However, you might get more value out of one of TPG's favorite credit cards for booking cruises .

The information for the Holland America Line Rewards Visa Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bottom line

Holland America is a cruise line that caters to passengers seeking a premium experience at a reasonable price. It takes pride in its heritage, and its ties to immigration and historical events make it a compelling draw for history buffs and travelers interested in genealogy.

Passengers also have an impressive number of choices when it comes to destinations. Holland America offers itineraries spanning all seven continents, so you only need to decide where you'd like to go.

The line's Pinnacle Class renaissance shows a marked effort by the brand to improve the onboard experience, particularly in the way of entertainment. Sailings offer passengers excellent music and shows and serve phenomenal food in an elegant atmosphere.

Whether you're sailing with your significant other, friends or extended family, you're sure to enjoy a voyage with Holland America.

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Things to Know Before You Cruise

Unlocking The Suite Life: Holland America’s Perks

Have you ever dreamed of living the suite life? Of indulging in luxury and comfort while exploring new destinations? If so, Holland America Line might just be the cruise line for you.

As a premium cruise line, Holland America offers an array of suite categories, each with its own unique perks and benefits. From pillow menus to personal concierges, Holland America’s suites are designed to make your cruise experience truly unforgettable.

But why settle for just any suite when you can unlock the ultimate suite life with Holland America? In this article, we will delve deep into Holland America’s suite benefits, exploring each category and providing tips for choosing the right suite for your needs and budget.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, we’ll help you make the most of your Holland America cruise and unlock the freedom and luxury that come with the suite life.

So, come aboard and let’s discover the secrets of Holland America’s suites together.

• Holland America Line offers four suite categories: Vista, Signature, Neptune, and Pinnacle, with increasing benefits as you move up the categories.
• All suite guests enjoy extra amenities such as a pillow menu and stocked minibar, but Neptune and Pinnacle Class guests also have access to Club Orange and the exclusive Neptune Lounge.
• Club Orange is a program of additional benefits that can be purchased by any guest, with guaranteed access for Neptune and Pinnacle Suite guests.
• It’s important to choose the suite category that best fits your needs and budget, with Pinnacle Class suites recommended for spaciousness and Club Orange extras.

Suite Categories Explained

I learned that Holland America Line offers four different suite categories, and each one comes with extra amenities, but the higher the suite category, the more perks you receive.

Compared to other cruise lines, Holland America’s suite categories are not as complicated, making it easier for guests to choose the one that best fits their needs and budget.

The Vista and Signature Suites have limited additional benefits, while Neptune and Pinnacle Class have upgraded perks such as access to the Neptune Lounge, priority boarding, and exclusive events.

For those on a budget, Neptune Suites are still a great choice, while Signature and Vista Suites may be better downgraded to a Balcony Cabin with Club Orange add-on.

However, Pinnacle Class suites are recommended for spaciousness and Club Orange extras, making them the top-tier suites on the newest ships.

Upgrading to a suite on Holland America Line definitely has its benefits.

Amenities for All Suites

Guests staying in any of Holland America Line’s luxurious suites are treated to an array of indulgent amenities that are sure to make their cruise experience feel like a dream come true.

Here are three amenities that come with all suite categories:

Pillow menu: Suite guests can choose from a variety of pillows, including hypoallergenic, feather, and therapeutic options to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.

Stocked minibar: All suite guests will find their minibars stocked with complimentary soft drinks, water, and beer upon arrival.

Luxurious bathrobes and slippers: Guests can wrap themselves in plush, comfortable bathrobes and slip into cozy slippers provided in their suite.

While the suite pricing may be higher than standard staterooms, it’s important to consider the value of the additional amenities and perks that come with suites.

Holland America Line also offers suite packages that may include extras such as specialty dining, beverage packages, and spa treatments. These packages can offer a more cost-effective way to enjoy the suite life while still receiving the top-tier benefits.

Neptune and Pinnacle Suites

Exploring the Neptune and Pinnacle suite options on Holland America Line, it’s clear that these offer even more luxurious amenities and benefits than the lower-tier suites. Neptune Suites are significantly larger than Signature Suites, with extra living space and a separate bedroom area. These suites come with a lot of extra benefits, such as access to the exclusive Neptune Lounge and its Personal Concierge service. In addition, Neptune Suite guests are guaranteed Club Orange for their cruise, which includes priority boarding, exclusive events, and more.

Moving up to the top-tier suites, Pinnacle Suites are over twice the size of Neptune Suites and offer even more space and luxury. Guests staying in a Pinnacle Suite will have access to all the amenities of Club Orange, as well as additional benefits such as a whirlpool bathtub and a private verandah with outdoor furniture. Of course, all of these extra perks come at a higher price point, but for those looking for the ultimate in luxury and personalized service, the Neptune and Pinnacle Suites are an excellent choice. For more information on suite pricing and guest experiences, see the table below.

Club Orange Program

Learning about the Club Orange Program on Holland America Line has been informative, as it offers additional benefits that can be purchased by any guest, including priority boarding, exclusive events, and more. The cost of Club Orange varies depending on the length of your cruise, with prices usually around $25 per person per day on cruises of 13 days or less, and $15 per person per day on cruises of 13+ days.

While the program is available to all guests, Neptune and Pinnacle Suite guests are guaranteed Club Orange for their cruise.

When comparing Club Orange benefits with other suite categories, it’s important to note that Neptune and Pinnacle Suites already come with a lot of extra perks, such as access to the Neptune Lounge, personal concierge service, and more. Vista and Signature Suites, on the other hand, have limited additional benefits.

For those on a budget, the Neptune Suites are still a great choice, as they offer many upgraded perks at a lower cost than the Pinnacle Suites. However, if spaciousness and Club Orange extras are a top priority, the Pinnacle Class suites come highly recommended.

Neptune Lounge and Personal Concierge

As a fan of personalized service, I was thrilled to discover that Neptune Suite guests have access to the exclusive Neptune Lounge. This lounge offers a more intimate and quieter atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy a more personalized experience.

The lounge is staffed with a personal concierge who is dedicated to ensuring that every guest’s needs are met, whether it’s making dinner reservations or booking a shore excursion. In addition to the concierge service, Neptune Lounge also offers a selection of refreshments served throughout the day, including coffee, tea, and snacks.

Neptune Suite guests can also enjoy the lounge’s library, which is stocked with a selection of books and magazines. Overall, the Neptune Lounge is a great way to add a touch of luxury to your Holland America Line cruise experience and take advantage of the exclusive benefits that come with booking a Neptune Suite.

Choosing the Right Suite

I found it helpful to compare the different suite categories offered by Holland America Line in order to determine which one would best fit my needs and budget.

The Vista and Signature Suites are great options for those who want a bit more space than a balcony stateroom, but don’t require a lot of extra amenities. These suites offer limited additional benefits, but are still an upgrade from a standard stateroom. If you’re on a budget, these suites may not be the best choice, as they can be quite pricey compared to other options.

For those who want upgraded perks, the Neptune and Pinnacle Class suites are the way to go. The Neptune Suites are significantly larger than the Signature Suites and come with a lot of extra benefits, including access to the exclusive Neptune Lounge and the Club Orange program.

Pinnacle Class suites are even more spacious and come with all the perks of the Neptune Class, plus even more exclusive benefits. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Neptune Suites are still a great choice, as they offer many of the benefits of the more expensive Pinnacle Suites at a lower price point.

tips for Saving Money

Saving money on your Holland America Line cruise is like finding a hidden treasure – with a little digging, you can uncover some amazing deals and discounts. One budget-friendly option is to book a Vista or Signature Suite and upgrade with Club Orange. This will give you access to exclusive events, priority boarding, and more, without breaking the bank. Another alternative upgrade is to book a Neptune Suite on an older ship, as they tend to be less expensive than those on newer ships. You’ll still get plenty of extra amenities and benefits, such as access to the Neptune Lounge and Personal Concierge service.

But don’t forget to also look for promotions and discounts when booking your Holland America Line cruise. The cruise line often offers deals for early booking, last-minute bookings, or for specific itineraries. You can also ask your travel agent or check online for any additional discounts or perks. By doing a little research and being open to budget-friendly options and alternative upgrades, you can enjoy the suite life on a Holland America Line cruise without breaking the bank.

Note: The table above is an example of how it could be formatted. The content of the table is not exhaustive and can be expanded upon.

Additional Resources

Now that we’ve talked about some great ways to save money on your Holland America Line cruise, let’s delve into some additional resources that can help you plan your perfect suite vacation.

One great resource is Cruise Tips’s blog, which offers a wealth of information on all things cruising. You can find posts on topics like drink packages, ship size/age comparisons, and of course, Holland America Line’s suite benefits.

If you’re looking for even more information, Cruise Tips has social media accounts where you can connect with other cruisers and get firsthand advice and tips. You can also join their email list, which has over 40,000 subscribers and is powered by Cruiseline.com.

While there may not be specific ship or itinerary details on the blog, there is a comment section where you can ask questions and get personalized responses. So, whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned pro, these additional resources can help you get the most out of your Holland America Line suite experience.

How do suite prices compare to other stateroom categories on Holland America Line?

Comparing suite prices on Holland America Line, I find that while they are more expensive than standard cabins, they offer great value for money with added benefits like Club Orange and a personal concierge. Neptune and Pinnacle Suites are worth the upgrade.

Are there any age restrictions for access to the Neptune Lounge or Club Orange program?

Age restrictions do not apply to access the Neptune Lounge or Club Orange program. Benefits eligibility is based on suite category, with Neptune and Pinnacle Suite guests guaranteed Club Orange.

Can guests in lower stateroom categories purchase individual Club Orange benefits?

Oh, sure. You can totally buy Club Orange upgrades if you’re not in a suite. Individual pricing varies, but it’s usually around $25 per person per day for cruises of 13 days or less, and $15 per person per day for longer cruises.

Are there any restrictions on the amount or frequency of refreshments available in the Neptune Lounge?

Refreshment options in the Neptune Lounge are available throughout the day for guests staying in Neptune and Pinnacle Suites. There are no restrictions on frequency, but access to the lounge is limited to those suite categories.

Are there any suite upgrades or promotions available for repeat Holland America Line cruisers?

As a repeat Holland America Line cruiser, I’ve enjoyed suite perks and loyalty rewards. Upgrades to higher suite categories or promotions may be available depending on past cruise history and current availability.

• Cruising / Holland America / Ship Reviews

ms Noordam Signature Suite Tour and Review

by Prof. Cruise · Published January 7, 2023 · Updated January 7, 2023

Introduction

First off, let me apologize to my regular readers for the injuries their jaws sustained after hitting the floor upon hearing that I sailed in a suite. Let me also take a moment to remind you that this blog is, “read at your own risk.” So, while sympathetic to your pain and acknowledging my role in it, I won’t be reimbursing for any chin stitches.

For my new readers who are confused and alarmed, let me explain. I’m cheap. Like, shop at Goodwill and cut my own hair and take extra rolls of toilet paper and bath products from hotel rooms and book inside guarantee cruise cabins cheap. Shrug.

So how did I end up in a Signature Suite on ms Noordam for a 16-day cruise to New Zealand? Easy. Mr. Cruise booked and paid for it! Don’t worry, I properly thanked him by repeatedly singing an off-key rendition of “Big Spender” while hogging the in-suite jetted bathtub, giant television, and huge, comfy sofa. I also held daily dance parties for one on our spacious balcony which I can only assume he found equally entertaining and endearing as he hastily closed the curtains to give me some privacy to fully express myself.

Now, for those I haven’t scared off, let’s start with the basics of my Signature Suite on ms Noordam and then we’ll get in to all the specific things I loved and didn’t love about it (mostly loved).

My Signature Suite on ms Noordam: The Basics

Mine was cabin 8075, located mid-ship on deck 8, close to the mid-ship elevators and just below the Lido Marketplace buffet on deck 9. It was a connecting cabin (meaning there was an inside door to the cabin next door, which we didn’t use). It was 289 sqft, with a 100 sqft balcony, larger than most apartments in my home port of Seattle. This cabin sleeps 3, with the sofa transforming to the 3rd bed (our wonderful cabin steward prepared it as a bed each night and set it back up as a sofa each morning). The Signature Suites, while much larger than a regular balcony cabin, do not include any special amenities like Neptune Suites (complimentary mimosas, priority seating in the dining rooms, etc).

Here’s a tour (be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel after watching so you don’t miss any of my additional Noordam content coming soon – it’s free!)…

ms Noordam Signature Suite Cabin Tour

Things I Loved about my Signature Suite on ms Noordam

When writing reviews, I always like to start with the things I loved. And there was a LOT to love about my Signature Suite on the Noordam. Here’s the (long) list:

This cabin was large enough to host a king-sized bed, two desks, a sofa, a coffee table, three end tables, two closets, a palatial bathroom, three exceedingly messy humans (it only looked like the above photo for about two minutes), three holidays (Christmas, New Year’s, and my son’s 10th birthday), and hypothetical daily Jane Fonda aerobics routines (I never actually did one, but it was comforting to know the available floor space would accommodate). The takeaway from that long run on sentence is this: our Signature Suite was HUGE!

What’s better than one desk to shun in favor of all things non-work? Two desks to avoid like the buffet salad bar! Our signature suite came equipped with two desks – one with a window, an extra comfortable chair, and in close proximity to the mini-bar just in case a rogue work e-mail made its way through. While we never actually used the desks for their intended purpose, we enjoyed the extra surfaces and drawers as clutter receptacles. HAL should just re-name them that on cabin floor plans as I imagine that’s what roughly 100% of passengers use them for.

Large, Comfortable Sofa

The stylish, comfortable sofa in our suite was so large, I found my 6″4′ husband sprawled out on it in his underwear one day. For a second I thought it was trying to seduce me, but then I realized he was just resting there between the difficult vacation tasks of showering and getting dressed.

Comfortable Bedding

Both the big bed and the sofa bed were cozy and comfortable. I can speak firsthand about the sofa bed because a non-miserable cruise with my child involves a series of negotiations: “I’ll let you sleep in the big bed with dad if you promise to spend ALL DAY, EVERY DAY at kid’s club.” And – while I confess to dreaming a few times of my next solo cruise where I can fall spread eagle into the middle of the big bed and do dramatic angel motions with my arms and legs while not missing my family at all – based on the wild boar-like snoring sounds coming from the “boys bed,” it seems they found the big bed cozy and comfortable as well.

Large Balcony with Padded Loungers and a Large Table

There’s an R-rated question I’ve seen posted to cruise forums a few times over the years related to whether balconies are large enough to accommodate certain “adult activities.” And while we never actually used our balcony for anything other than eating vast quantities of room service, reading, napping, and gazing out at the ocean, I’m here to say yes. Not only was our balcony large enough for… that , but we could have hosted a key themed party that would have left our neighbors with eyes wide shut and traumatized, but also rich off the proceeds of their viral TikTok video which they captioned, “Think Holland America is only for boring old people?”

In addition to the size, I also loved the cushioned reclining lounge chairs with padded foot stools and the large table, perfect for room service meals:

Plentiful Outlets

Our suite featured three-prong American style outlets and USB ports next to each side of the bed, next to the couch, and above each of the two desks. All these outlets may seem like overkill, but they came in handy for charging our remote control boat and walkie talkies and firing up our juicer (all things my kid asked for for Christmas that I had to haul all the way from Seattle to Sydney).

Large, Premium Television

I really could have placed this huge, flatscreen television on my “love” list or my “didn’t love” list depending on what was showing on it. The size and booming speakers of our television were great for vacation appropriate romantic comedies and mindless home renovation shows. However, it wasn’t great for avoiding all news and when my son started Space Jam for the 40th consecutive time.

I don’t know why I choose to post a photo of a cloth bag that says “hair dryer” instead of the actual hair dryer, which would have been much more helpful. Shrug . But you should know that the hair dryer was better than the average cruise ship hair dryer that either threatens to strangle you with a short coiled cord permanently attached to the wall or lacks the power to dry the head of a balding ant.

Fresh Flowers

Early in our relationship, I had to request that Mr. Cruise stop buying me flowers. Not because I didn’t like the flowers themselves, but because he would just plop them on the counter wrapped in cellophane where I would have to arrange them in a vase, water them, and deal with cleaning them up when they turned from red roses to something akin to 25 cent vending machine slime. It just wasn’t worth it. But when you have a room steward who vases them and replaces them before a single petal droops, they’re great!

Holland America is known for having beautiful fresh flowers onboard and having this little vase of flowers in our suite, changed several times throughout our sailing, was a nice touch.

Blankets, Robes, and Beach Towels Provided

Our suite came stocked with two cozy blankets to use on the balcony, two large beach towels (towels were also available on the Lido deck on loungers and near the pools), and two robes. And I’ll admit, there were a few mornings when I headed up to the buffet wearing all three: the towel wrapped around my bed head, the robe as a makeshift wrap dress, and the blanket draped over my arm as backup in order to prevent traumatizing any young children, or grown adults for that matter, should the cloth belt come loose from my “dress” to reveal my birthday suit, sagging and worn after roughly four decades of wearing it to every occasion.

Huge, Elegant Bathroom

The tiny, colorless, institutional looking bathroom on the left is from the last cabin I sailed in a few months prior to embarking on the Noordam. It made me want to throw up. Not because it was that bad, but just to add a bit of color. And the one on the right, from my Signature Suite on the Noordam, has ruined all future cruise ship bathrooms for me in perpetuity.

Double Sinks

I have a reputation for forgetting to pack daily essentials like underwear. So having two sinks was handy, one for washing hands and one for washing fruit (of the loom).

Jetted Bathtub

I’m a bath person. In fact, I’ve been known to announce to my family that I’m “taking a hot bath,” only to emerge six days later with elephant skin and out of a job. If you’re thinking, “doesn’t she get bored and hungry in there?,” I have a bath tray for snacks and to prop up my iPad for binging Netflix (true story). So I loved having a jetted bathtub in our Signature Suite.

Separate Shower

But while I love a bath tub, trying to fit Mr. Cruise into one is like trying to stuff a sturgeon into a sardine can. So he appreciated having a separate large-ish (for a cruise cabin) shower. I guess we also could have bathed and showered at the same time, but after non-stop cruise binging, neither one of us wanted to see that (the wall separating the bath and shower is glass, so no privacy is offered).

Elemis Bath Products

During the first few days of my cruise on the Noordam, I was browsing a Carnival Facebook group (allow me to confess my cruise line infidelity) where I saw a post by John Heald, Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, discouraging Carnival cruisers from bringing onboard empty shampoo bottles to fill up with ship-supplied shampoo to take home with them. My initial thought was, “OMG, even I’m not that cheap!” But, after a few more days of pampering with the Elemis bath products provided in all Holland America cabins, I regretted not packing the nearly empty Head and Shoulders bottle taunting my memory from Mr. Cruise’s shower back home.

Door Hanger

While “clean up and rebuild in the aftermath of a tornado” would have been a more accurate description of the daily task that faced our room stewards (they were wonderful and we left an extra cash tip to thank them for all their efforts), I appreciated having a door hanging to indicate when we wanted “privacy please” or a little white-gloved “tidy up” performed with a jaunty skip and British accent.

Room Service

There are so many reasons to love Holland America. I mean, where else can one see every model of walker ever made in one place? I kid, I kid. But one of the many, many things I do love about HAL, that I think separates it from other lines, is free, extensive room service. And while room service isn’t any different in a Signature Suite, I wanted to mention it as something I particularly enjoyed. Not only can you hang the breakfast card the night before or call and order off the menu, you can also order any item from the dining room menus as long as the dining room is currently open. Which is why Mr. Cruise was still able to order delicious dining room fare after being turned away for wearing track pants and a sweatshirt on formal night (sadly, a true story – but please forgive him, we’re from Seattle where that’s considered appropriate boardroom attire)!

Things I Didn’t Love about my Signature Suite on ms Noordam

Connecting door.

In my mind there is no good reason to book a connecting cruise cabin. Especially if you have in-laws or children staying in the one next door. But I was particularly resentful of the connecting door in our suite taking the place of an extra closet. Thankfully we didn’t hear any noise from our neighbors coming through the door. Now the true test would be to ask them if they heard any noise from us ! Not only was I too afraid to ask, I avoided eye contact entirely, judging it likely.

Bathroom Door Didn’t Lock

The lock on our bathroom door didn’t work because the bolt wasn’t properly aligned with the strike plate (it wasn’t even close). I found myself saying on several occasions, “I did NOT pay 19 grand for this suite to walk in on my husband discharging a day’s worth of buffet meals while playing “Call of Duty” on his phone!” To which he reminded me that I didn’t pay a penny for this suite and could I please give him some privacy to finish up his mission.” To which I replied, “which one?!?”

The only scenario in which I’d ever partake of a cruise cabin mini-bar would be in the event that I was too drunk to worry about the cost. But if I was already drunk, why would I need the mini bar? Shrug . I don’t get it.

While I love having a small fridge, I always hate when it’s stocked with items getting in the way of my late-night snacks hoarded from the buffet. We generally either ask our steward to clear it out or just shove everything under the bed until debarkation day.

Sticky Drawers

The small drawers in the desks were so hard to pry open, I thought the prior occupant glued them shut as a prank (sorry if yours are actually glued shut because I gave someone the idea).

Lack of Closet Space

Thankfully I’m a light packer and the majority of my suitcase was filled with the giant juicer my son asked for from Santa. (Yes, he’s 10 and still believes in Santa. And yes, he asked for a juicer.) But had Mr. Cruise and I bothered to pack anything appropriate for “casual dress” let alone formal nights in the dining room, we may not have had room to hang all our items in the small closets.

Motion Sensor Light

While I like to blame childbirth, which my son takes kind of personally (I’m proud to be keeping our local child psychologist in business), for needing to pee 3-4 times a night, it probably has more to do with the number of cocktails I consume when I have the drink package. In any case, there was a motion sensor light located under the desk that lit up the room brighter than the flashlight of a cop administering a late-night sobriety test (which is why I only drink when the Captain is driving). It took a few nights of hearing “moooooooooom, why can’t you hold it for 45 hours like I can!?!” before I engineered an ingenious solution (I threw a pillow in front of it).

Water Temperature Control in the Bathtub and Shower

While I like to spend hours in the bath, I don’t like to spend the first 30 minutes trying to figure out which way to turn the knob for “hot.” The temperature control for both the bathtub and shower was tricky to figure out. Thankfully, once I found the hot water, there was plenty of it.

Balcony Overhang

While the extended overhang above our balcony was great for sheltering us from sun and rain, it also photo bombed all our pictures and videos.

Would I Sail in a Signature Suite on ms Noordam again?

Well that’s a question better suited for Mr. Cruise. But to sort of answer your question, I’ll happily provide his address, phone number, e-mail, and social media handles if you’d like to forcefully lobby on my behalf. Perhaps together we can insure that I will, indeed, sail in a Signature Suite again!

Would I pay for one myself? Not a chance. Unless you send this review link to about 10 million of your closest friends. Then maybe I could afford it through ad revenue (although even then, I’d probably just book consecutive world cruises in an inside cabin instead).

What Advice Would I give Others Considering Booking a Signature Suite on ms Noordam?

Do it! Especially if you can get someone else to foot the bill! But avoid adjoining cabins (unless you like your neighbors and are doing it intentionally). I’d also recommend mid-ship on deck 8, unless you’re worried about weight gain (in that case, may as well retire from cruising entirely) being located so close to the Lido Marketplace Buffet and Dive-In (HAL’s excellent burger joint).

And with that…

Class Dismissed!

Homework (10 points): Have you sailed in a suite on a cruise before? Share your experience to the comments.

And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog (scroll up to the top right if on a computer or keep scrolling down if on a mobile device) and follow Prof. Cruise on your favorite social media sites:

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7 Responses

• Pingbacks 1

I have been reading your blog for several years and get a kick out of your humor! I do want to correct one of your statements in this one about the wonderful Signature Suites. The Neptune Suites on HAL do not have butler service nor does the huge Pinnacle Suite. Don’t want anyone to get their hopes up!

Also, the broken lock and stuck desk drawers…….did you let them know so maintenance could fix them? I’ve had a few small issues in my HAL cabins and repairs were done within the day.

Happy New Year!

Thanks so much for your generous words and for catching my mistake! I’ve fixed it so hopefully no one is confused. My in-laws sailed in a Neptune Suite recently and I remember them bragging about getting mimosas delivered each morning by their room steward, but that’s not the same as butler service. My bad!

I didn’t call maintenance about either issue. They were fairly minor and I didn’t think the lock could be fixed (after examining it myself and determining that the hole for the strike plate had been put in the wrong place on the frame). My own fault for not calling though!

Happy New Year to you too! I hope you’ll enjoy some amazing cruises in 2023!

This is the first time that I stumbled upon your site. We are booked for an SS (8095) sailing in a week for 15 days . Regrettably we also have an adjoining door but am considering making the occupants our BFF. We intend to use the balcony to do art if the views cooperate.

Enjoyed your writing style.

Thankfully, we didn’t hear any noise from the adjoining cabin (which we have on other ships). Art on the balcony? Amazing and definitely plenty of room to set up and be comfortable. Enjoy your SS and have an amazing cruise!

Hi, first time visitor also, very interesting reviews. We are booked for an eleven nighter from Sydney early 2024 in a Signature Suite, midships 6 deck Starboard. Enjoyed your Noordam tour and the SS video, gives a good insight to what to expect.

Your breakfast foraging attire made me smile 😊

Last cruise we did was in March 2019 on the Queen Elizabeth, got married by the Captain one day out of NZ, lat/long is on the wedding certificate. Excellent cruise in a Princess Suite however the SS on Noordam looks a bit bigger and just as luxurious.

Catch you again Prof 👍

Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words! Enjoy your cruise next year – I hope you love the SS as much as we did! Also, how cool that you got married on a cruise by the Captain (I mean, I guess if I can’t marry the Captain, getting married by the Captain is the next best thing!).

[…] ms Noordam Signature Suite Tour and Review […]

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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You can see all the furniture details on the HAL Westerdam cabin floor plans in the table above.

All Suites and Balcony cabins feature floor-ceiling sliding doors opening to a private veranda with lounge furniture (1 table and 2 chairs /Penthouses are with additional sun loungers and small tables).

Pinnacle and Signature Suites additionally have twin beds convertible to king, bathrooms with whirlpool bathtubs, dressing room. Guests in these high-category Suite accommodations enjoy the following perks: concierge service, priority services (check-in, embarkation, disembarkation, tendering, dining reservations), in-room dining (Afternoon Tea and canapes), umbrella, binoculars, Welcome Aboard gifts (flowers, fruits, champagne, bottled water), exclusive Suite Lounge access (Neptune Lounge), private breakfast service (Pinnacle Grill), complimentary services (laundry, pressing, dry cleaning).

The largest accommodations are the Penthouses/Pinnacle Suites (forward on Deck 7), which have an oversized whirlpool bathtub, guest bathroom/half bath, powder room/dressing room, separate living room (sofa bed) and dining room (with mini-bar, pantry, refrigerator, microwave).

Wheelchair-accessible cabins (ADA-certified rooms for disabled passengers) are in categories Neptune Suite (SC), Signature Suite (SY, SS), Balcony (VA, VB), Oceanview (C, D, H), Interior (I, J, K).

Holland America Westerdam passengers booking Suite categories enjoy the following "perks" (bonus amenities):

• Neptune suites - Nespresso coffee machine, BOSE SoundDock (multimedia iPod docking station), complimentary in-cabin breakfast (with complimentary mimosa cocktails), luxury bath products (by Elemis).
• Signature and Vista suites - binoculars (usable throughout the cruise).

Implemented fleetwide in 2019, "Club Orange" program provides exclusive amenities to Suite passengers booked in categories Neptune and Pinnacle. Bonus perks by this program include:

• priority services (check-in, disembarkation, tendering, dining reservations)
• 24-hour concierge service (assistance, information, reservations)
• exclusive dining venue (serving complimentary Pinnacle Grill breakfast and Dining Room dinner, plus exclusive dishes)
• dedicated Concierge Desk (Guest Services and Tours)
• room service (a la carte breakfast menu with complimentary gourmet dishes - including smoked salmon, steak and eggs)
• sparkling wine (embarkation day), Club Orange tote bag, premium bathrobes (cabin use, available for monogramming and purchasing).
• Club Orange Restaurant is part of the Main Dining Room (designed as a separate VIP dining section).

During MS Westerdam ship's drydock refurbishment in 2017, each Suite was upgraded with:

• (new) sofa, chairs, headboard, carpet, wall coverings, privacy curtain, drapery, bed runner, bed skirt, quartz stone top (on the vanity), vanity lighting, dresser, dressing table, nightstands
• (new) 1 USB outlet (on the bed’s headboard), bedside LED lights (for reading), electrical outlets, lighted closet rod
• (new) interactive TV system allowing complimentary movies-on-demand, access to the ship's daily scheduled activities program, checking onboard accounts, Internet, ship information (restaurants, bars, deck plans, spa services, etc)
• All suite bathrooms received a wall of designer glass tiles (backdrop to the new dressing area with a new stone top, modern taps, an undermount bath sink), new mirrors (with integrated LED lighting), stylish floor tiles, nightlight.

ms Westerdam cabin and suite plans are property of Holland America . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

• Holland America Line

Neptune Suite pricing

By molemaui , November 9, 2021 in Holland America Line

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We've sailed HAL twice in Neptune Suites. (11/19 and 2/20) In reviewing costs which included either provided or purchased drink packages and internet, our average cost per day was $657 and $638. I felt that to be pretty reasonable for the product provided. Both cruises were excellent. 

Wanting to cruise HAL again, I've reviewed current Neptune pricing and find pricing to border on the ridiculous averaging anywhere from $885-$1200 a day with the same inclusions. Even with a 15% inflation factor, that would only bring our costs to $755/night. As much as we enjoyed our HAL cruises, HAL is not a $1000/night cruise line. 

By contrast, we are sailing Silversea in December. Totally all inclusive (champagne instead of Prosecco etc., internet, outstanding dining, etc.) and our cost per night  will be $817. We completed a Celebrity cruise last month (smaller suite to be fair) and our cost was $750/night which included premium drinks, internet, on board credit, private dining room and all gratuities) 

Really want to sail HAL again but not at this prices!

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I have not had the pleasure of cruising in a Neptune Suite, but have enjoyed several Signature Suites and I have to agree that prices are outrageous for many cruises across all cabin categories.  I believe that it's due to all of those FCCs out there as well as HAL trying to see just what people will pay.

I've got 4 HAL cruises booked currently, and I feel like I got good deals on them, but those are very few and far between these days.  I am very interested in a 26 night itinerary on Oosterdam in 2023, but with the current asking price - No thank you, HAL.  We have plenty of time to monitor pricing for this cruise and I will not book it unless it becomes reasonable.

23 minutes ago, molemaui said: We've sailed HAL twice in Neptune Suites. (11/19 and 2/20) In reviewing costs which included either provided or purchased drink packages and internet, our average cost per day was $657 and $638. I felt that to be pretty reasonable for the product provided. Both cruises were excellent. 

I am assuming this is pp pricing and not per couple?  

23 minutes ago, molemaui said:   Wanting to cruise HAL again, I've reviewed current Neptune pricing and find pricing to border on the ridiculous averaging anywhere from $885-$1200 a day with the same inclusions. Even with a 15% inflation factor, that would only bring our costs to $755/night. As much as we enjoyed our HAL cruises, HAL is not a $1000/night cruise line.    By contrast, we are sailing Silversea in December. Totally all inclusive (champagne instead of Prosecco etc., internet, outstanding dining, etc.) and our cost per night  will be $817. We completed a Celebrity cruise last month (smaller suite to be fair) and our cost was $750/night which included premium drinks, internet, on board credit, private dining room and all gratuities)    Really want to sail HAL again but not at this prices!

I am only booked on 2022 cruises and booked early.  I think some of the pricing depends on the ship and itinerary.  No question that the smaller ships with the good itineraries (for us) are very pricey.  And prices are up for those.

Silversea doesn’t do an equivalent itinerary to the one we are doing in May so I have no comparison.

To be fair my pricing on a Vista for another sailing is nearly 1/2 of the smaller ship so it really seems to depend on the ship, itinerary and when you book.

I haven’t dared look at 2023 yet.  I want to sail first and make sure we are still pleased with HAL 😉  

Good for you for finding a nice cruise on Silversea at good pricing.  Enjoy 🙂  

Silversea is on our potential list for the future.

CruiserBruce

It is what it is. They are charging what the market will bear, and what they feel they need to charge. They are in this to make a profit, and to recover from the Covid crisis. Comparing HAL to other cruise lines (by the way, HAL has champagne and Prosecco, at least last time I was on) is not very relative, its just something to frustrate you.

You always have the ability to vote with your feet.

10 minutes ago, kazu said:   I am assuming this is pp pricing and not per couple?        

Per couple-pulled out old invoices.

3 minutes ago, molemaui said: Per couple-pulled out old invoices.

So, your Silversea is per couple too?  In a suite the size of a Neptune?  Good deal 👍 Good for you!

I started to keep track this year after our one cruise on Viking Ocean to then compare it to our past HAL cruises. These HAL cruises were in Neptune, Signature, Vista ( S-class and Pinnacle -class), and Verandah staterooms. The Viking was the most expensive. It was a DV-2 and the fare was discounted   by VO $500.00 pp for the 7-day cruise. Wine and beer at Lunch and Dinner was included but mixed drinks were extra. An excursion was included for each port but only consisted of a walking tour or "panoramic" bus ride of approximately 1-1/2 hour length. The comprehensive excursions were priced approximately the same as HAL. The Neptune suites we have had were at least $200.00 less per day.

Our daily price was $842.29 on the  Viking Sky for the seven days in a stateroom that was just +/ inches the-size of a Verandah on HAL. We booked one of the four cruises first announced but VO didn't realize how much in demand they were. Sold out on the first day, they added 15 additional cruises and brought in a second ship. These were then sold without the discount, but some did include the Drink package.

Pricing points are based on demand, how far out from the cruise you are booking, and if within the final payment window. 

1 hour ago, kazu said:   So, your Silversea is per couple too?  In a suite the size of a Neptune?  Good deal 👍 Good for you!

Is per couple. ($9768 total cost for 12 days) Cabin is not as large as a Neptune but is far more deluxe. What I'm trying to get across is perceived value vs. price. The Neptune suite used to be priced so attractively, it was a good "go to" choice over other options. As the price increases far beyond what it used to be, other options become attractive.

FCC users, supply/demand (especially with ships not booking to capacity) and other market factors contribute to this. I really just wanted to point out even with a 15% increases from when I cruised in 2019 and 2020, prices are significantly higher and other really good options that deliver value are available. 

12 hours ago, molemaui said:   Is per couple. ($9768 total cost for 12 days) Cabin is not as large as a Neptune but is far more deluxe. What I'm trying to get across is perceived value vs. price. The Neptune suite used to be priced so attractively, it was a good "go to" choice over other options. As the price increases far beyond what it used to be, other options become attractive.   FCC users, supply/demand (especially with ships not booking to capacity) and other market factors contribute to this. I really just wanted to point out even with a 15% increases from when I cruised in 2019 and 2020, prices are significantly higher and other really good options that deliver value are available. 

I agree. I have one HAL cruise booked for 2022. My 2023 cruise is with another line (a first for us).  We just couldn’t pass up the price and itinerary for 2023. As someone said above, vote with your feet. And that’s what we are doing. I do hope pricing comes down again. If not, there are many other lines to choose from. ☺️

The whole pricing dynamic is changing at HAL.  Many of the Neptune benefits have now been monetized in the Club Orange product which means that what remains exclusive to Neptunes is the Lounge, the Concierges, laundry and dry cleaning and--most significantly--real estate. Other lines have demonstrated that there is a market for ship-within-a-ship products.  Price conscious passengers are already asking the value-for-money questions.  For my next cruise I was seriously looking at an MSC Yacht Club booking, and it was a fairly last minute decision to opt for a balcony on HAL with Club Orange. As Neptunes start to be cost evaluated against competitors' ship-within-a-ship products (especially Celebrity and MSC), HAL are likely going to have to up the game for Neptunes.  I suspect that HQ is testing where the price sensitivity exists in the marketplace, which will create or refute the business case for an enhanced product for Neptunes. It will likely be a few years for all this to shake out.  But Club Orange has already locked in the concept of exclusive dining.  It is not beyond the wit of designers to relocate the Neptune Lounge into a full size, outward facing bar/lounge space and the only other element would be an exclusive sun deck area. 

There comes a tipping point in the pricing matrix and value proposition of mass market cruise lines where loyal customers seriously shop....... and walk.

I suspect that the likes of HAL, Celebrity, Princess, etc. are trying to determine what that tipping point is for their loyal customers and then price a just a little south of that point.

I suspect the real challenge for these cruise lines may be the value proposition.

Warm and fuzzies tend to disappear when, from a competitive perspective, the price and perceived value become increasingly out of sync. for an increasing number of each lines base of loyal customers.

I suspect that loyal customers who shop and walk for the first time are much more inclined to do the same on future buys.  That becomes a challenge for those cruise lines.

20 minutes ago, iancal said: There comes a tipping point in the pricing matrix and value proposition of mass market cruise lines where loyal customers seriously shop....... and walk.   I suspect that the likes of HAL, Celebrity, Princess, etc. are trying to determine what that tipping point is for their loyal customers and then price a just a little south of that point.   I suspect the real challenge for these cruise lines may be the value proposition.   Warm and fuzzies tend to disappear when, from a competitive perspective, the price and perceived value become increasingly out of sync. for an increasing number of each lines base of loyal customers.   I suspect that loyal customers who shop and walk for the first time are much more inclined to do the same on future buys.  That becomes a challenge for those cruise lines.    

I think you're right. There are two factors throw into the mix. First, what portion of revenue derives from Neptunes and Pinnacles?  I'd suggest that these are underperforming assets.  The two R-class ships that left the fleet first were  Amsterdam  and  Rotterdam --the two ships that had the largest proportion of S and PS accommodations.  Pinnacle class ships dropped PS space from 2 to 1 and have a lower proportion of S category compared to Vista and Signature class ships.  Ultimately, why have Neptune suites that are twice the size of balconies unless you are earning at least twice as much net revenue from them? The other element to factor in is how the larger Carnival branding addresses this.  Seabourn, Cunard, HAL and Princess all occupy brand positions that need to be distinct and all serve the larger corporate goals.  Turning HAL into Cunard or Princess is pointless--Cunard and Princess already exist.  HAL needs to compete with others in its brand sector, and the obvious target is Celebrity.  5 years ago  Koningsdam  showed us that this was the new direction for HAL.  Nothing in  Nieuw Statendam ,  Rotterdam VII  or any of the new soft product suggests that this does not continue to be the focus of management.  

We are not cruise line loyal.

Once thing for certain.  We are never going to pay 40 or 50 percent more for 20 percent more real estate on any cruise line.  Even if some low value, feel good, ego boosting 'extras' are included in the offer to make it look somewhat exclusive.

The real question for us?  Would we be willing to pay the same fare on a premium or luxury line for 20 percent less real estate but far more value added items all inclusive items that represent on board cost savings for us.

The answer, at least for us, is a definite yes providing that the ship is attractive.  It could well be a yes if the cost was higher provided we perceived more value.    In a New York minute.

It is very common for the past few years for Neptune's to be over $ 1,000.00 per room.  It is clear that HAL does not want Suite people with the marketing of their price, Club Orange and the amount of Suites on the new ships.  And yes, they are over priced, period.

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2 crew members die during ‘incident’ on Holland America cruise ship

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Two crew members on a Holland America cruise ship died during an “incident” in the ship’s engineering space, the cruise line said.

The unidentified crew members died Friday while the Florida-based Nieuw Amsterdam was at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, Holland America said in a statement.

Authorities were notified and the cause of the accident is being investigated, the cruise line said. Crew members were being offered counseling.

“All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with our team members’ families at this difficult time,” the statement said. “The safety, security and welfare of all guests and crew are the company’s absolute priority.”

The cruise line did not offer any further details about the crew members. It later said the Bahamas Maritime Authority was leading the investigation. The ship set sail out of Fort Lauderdale on March 16 for a seven-night trip.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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7 continents in 4 months: Holland America Line reveals 2026 world cruise

If visiting all seven continents is on your travel bucket list, a new cruise from Holland America Line will make it easy for you.

The cruise line’s 2026 Grand World Voyage will traverse the globe over 132 days, stopping at 47 ports in 39 countries. Passengers just have to get themselves to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the trip’s round-trip departure point.

“We asked thousands of past guests and travel advisors for their opinions about the perfect Grand World Voyage, so this may be one of our most thoroughly researched routes ever for a world cruise,” Holland America’s president, Gus Antorcha, said when announcing the itinerary to guests currently sailing on the line’s 2024 Grand World Voyage on Monday, according to a news release. “This itinerary includes destinations we know guests love, packed with memorable moments and overnight stays."

When is the 2026 Grand World Voyage?

The cruise will set sail on Jan. 4, 2026, on the line’s 1,432-guest Volendam ship which launched in 1999.

Where will the cruise sail?

Antorcha said the cruise will visit fewer ports than previous Grand World Voyages “to allow more time to explore the destinations we visit and to create a voyage that does not feel rushed.”

Passengers will head down South America’s east coast before making their way to Antarctica. There, they will have a four-day Antarctic Experience (though guests won’t disembark due to the ship’s size ).

The ship will then head to destinations like the South Pacific and Australia, with time to explore the Great Barrier Reef. The remainder of the voyage includes Singapore, the Maldives , the Mediterranean and northern Europe. The trip will wind down with a transatlantic crossing before one last stop in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Passengers will stay overnight at nine ports, including Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; Bali in Indonesia and Alexandria, Egypt. There will also be five late-night departures in Civitavecchia, Italy, Oslo, Norway, and San Juan, among others.

Other highlights include visits to Easter Island, Adamstown in the Pitcairn Islands, and Bordeaux, France.

What is a world cruise?: Here's what sets the months-long voyages apart

How much does the cruise cost?

Pricing info is not yet available, but an inside cabin on the line's 2025 Grand World Voyage currently starts at $24,999.

Travelers can call 1-800-522-3399 or contact their travel adviser to make a future cruise request for the 2026 itinerary and get priority booking confirmation before the cruise opens for sale to the public in May.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

16 Fantastic Things That Make Holland America Line Unique

T here are so many cruise lines to choose from. What makes one stand out from another? The answer to “Why is Holland America Line unique?” lies in the details and things they offer that sweeten the deal.

Disclosure: This page has affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase  at no cost to you . We recommend cruises, experiences, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Longstanding History on the Seas

Holland America Line’s (HAL) rich history and the evolution of the brand is impressive. What began as a Dutch shipping cargo line has transformed into an international cruise line that sails to seven continents.

In 1872, their first cruise set sail from Rotterdam. It cruised from The Netherlands to NYC with crew, passengers, and cargo. This ship was 269 feet but cruising has come a long way since then. Fast forward to Zuiderdam — the first ship we sailed on with HAL — where we we had 936 feet of ship to enjoy!

From 2022 to 2023, they entered a year-long celebration commemorating 150 years of business; we were proud to sail from Boston to Quebec City with HAL at that time.

In the 1940s, after Germany invaded The Netherlands during WWII, HAL's ships were used for the war effort. When the war ended in 1946, a joyous homecoming took place when Amsterdam (II) sailed home from Southampton to Rotterdam. As the Holland America Line timeline states, “During the course of the war, she travels 530,452 miles and carries 378,361 troops — a record only broken by the Cunard Queens, which are twice the size.” We're veklempt just thinking about this momentous event!

In a post-war world, cruise ships were ever-increasingly popular for the use of leisure trips. A pioneer in Alaska cruises , Holland America Line acquired a 70% majority stake in the Alaska tour company Westours, Inc. in 1971; it acquired 100% of Westours, Inc. by 1977.

Today, the cruise line is owned by Carnival Corporation (who also owns a slew of other popular cruise lines, including Princess Cruises , Seabourn, Cunard , and AIDA). Yet Holland America Line maintains its own identity associated with the cruise lines' Dutch founding.

2. Orange Party on Every Cruise

Why Holland America Line has an “Orange Party” on each cruise lies in the company's name and history.

The cruise line, which has “Holland” at the forefront of the brand, has roots in the Dutch shipping industry. Yet, for a broader understanding of the connection the color orange has with the Dutch, we need to understand one of The Netherlands' annual holidays.

King's Day in The Netherlands

Every year, on April 27, Dutch people celebrate King's Day, which is the date of the King's birthday. The city is dressed in orange, from balloon decorations on business facades to what the residents wear to parties. The color of Konigsdag , as it's officially called in Dutch, is orange because the royal family is called “Huis van Oranje” or “House of Orange.”

This is why the Dutch-rooted cruise line has an orange party!

What is the Orange Party on Holland America Line Like?

The Orange Party is a blast! Guests are encouraged to pack orange clothes to wear to the party before leaving home. Some passengers go as far as wearing orange sequin dresses, and others accessorize with simpler things like orange jewelry or scarves.

If you forget to bring orange but want to join in on the apparel fun, there are orange accessories like headbands and hats available to buy onboard. This little “shop” is simply a table located right next to the party venue.

When we were on our Boston to Canada New England cruise aboard Zuiderdam, the Rolling Stone Lounge was the place to be for this festive party. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres were passed around, and special cocktails were crafted for the evening. We danced for a couple of hours to the live band, celebrating this fun event.

3. Afternoon Tea Time

Who doesn't need an afternoon pick-me-up? Tea time on Holland America Line is the perfect time to enjoy little pastries, tea sandwiches, and, of course…tea! We loved meeting up with new friends for this time of onboard relaxation. It was quite lovely!

HAL's Navigator app is the perfect resource to find out when afternoon tea — or “High Tea,” as it's called — is taking place on select days.

4. Days of the Week Carpet in the Elevator

You know how when you're on vacation, you often forget what day it is? But sometimes you need to know if it's Tuesday or Wednesday for something back home, like messaging a family member or friend on his or her birthday.

We loved that every day, the carpet in the elevators was swapped out to correspond to what day it was. It was a small detail that we very much appreciated.

5. Canaletto Italian Dining

Specialty restaurants are available for dining on Holland America Line in addition to the usual restaurant that is open for every meal. One night of our cruise, we enjoyed dining at Canaletto. This Italian restaurant had delectable antipastas, fresh salads, and homemade pasta, which I am a total sucker for.

Canaletto also has melt-in-your-mouth meat dishes on the menu, like their Ossobuco or Chicken Parmesan, and seafood options, too. If you want to feel like you're in Italy on the Mediterranean, no matter where your cruise is going, get an Aperol Spritz to drink with your meal.

The small upcharge to dine here, which is around $20 per adult, is completely worth it. If you purchased a “Have It All” cruise fare, at least one specialty dining experience is included. More might be included depending on the length of your cruise is.

6. “Have It All” Pricing

Speaking of the “ Have It All ” package — it's completely worth it! You can upgrade your cruise fare to Have It All if it's not what you originally purchased for $55 per person per day.

Three tiers correspond to the length of your cruise and dictate how much of each category is included. These tiers are:

• 6 to 9-day cruises (excludes cruises less than six days)
• 10 to 20-day cruises
• Cruises longer than 20 days (excludes Grand Voyages)

Within the three tiers are four categories of what's included:

• Drink Package
• Shore Excursions
• Specialty Dining

All three tiers, no matter the length of your cruise, include daily WiFi and the Signature Drink Package for the length of your cruise. What varies is how much shore excursion credit you get (the longer the cruise, the more credit you get) and how many specialty dining restaurants you can go to.

If you pay for Have It All for your 6-9 day cruise, for example, and only one specialty restaurant experience is included, you can always pay the separate fee to add on another dining experience.

7. Live Music Galore

If live music is your thing, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy it across multiple venues onboard. Holland America Line has partnerships with New York City's Lincoln Center, Billboard, and Rolling Stone.

Our favorite place to be at night after dinner on Zuiderdam was the Billboard Onboard piano bar. Two pianos are set next to each other, and the two musicians/singers play crowd pleasers for hours each night. We were singing along all night.

8. Holland America Line Navigator App

Cruise line apps are appreciated when they're particularly functional and useful. Another reason why Holland America Line is great is because of their mobile app. It was very easy to use, especially for finding out what activities we wanted to attend at any given time.

The app is available for Apple devices and Android users.

9. Neptune Lounge: Cabanas/Private area

It's always nice when a cruise line has a suites class of some sort that guests can opt to book. Neptune Suites on Holland America Line ships are a special category of staterooms.

Being in this ship-within-a-ship class allows guests access to the Neptune Lounge, outdoor cabanas, and priority embarkation and tendering, as a few examples of the class perks.

10. Bar Events

If a cruise vacation is associated with indulgence, having adult beverages is part of it. Two particular bar events onboard got us excited when we cruised with Holland America Line.

Happy Hour Savings

If you don't opt to include a drinks package with your cruise fare, either as a stand-alone option or with HAL's “Have It All” pricing, you can take advantage of happy hour at select bars around the ship! During our cruise, happy hour started at 4:00 pm and lasted until 5:00 pm. The hour-long specials were for beer, wine, and house spirits.

Bar Crawl 

Although we had a drinks package, we signed up for the HAL Bar Crawl. We wanted the experience.

We thought we would go from bar to bar on the ship and quietly enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine with other guests we would meet. But we were very wrong! Though we met other guests, it was more so a frat party bar crawl rather than the quiet experience we envisioned. 

That said, we talked about that bar crawl for months later. The crew leading the event was so enthusiastic! And though we didn’t drink 90% of the cocktails given to us (most were too sweet), we loved traipsing around the ship and singing the song, “We are the Zuiderdam! The mighty, mighty Zuiderdam!” Then, one of the crew members leading the group would yell, “Zuiderdam!!!” And we’d reply with “Bar crawl!!” It was a fun evening activity.

If there are activities on cruises designed to get you out of your comfort zone, we’d say this was one of those for us; we’re glad we did it once.

11. You Can BYOB

Did you know you can bring your own beverages on board? The catch is that it's very specific alcohol and specific quantities. Luckily, the HAL website spells it all out so you don't have to guess.

Here's the synopsis:

• You can bring wine and champagne onboard, with a max volume of 750 ml or less. There is a corkage fee of $20.
• If you purchase wine during a company-sponsored shore excursion (like visiting a winery on a HAL-organized excursion), it's exempt from the corkage fee.
• You can bring your own water onboard if you want. “An allowance of six liters, twelve (12) cans or cartons (500 ml in volume or less) or six (6) cans or cartons (1 liter in volume or less) of water are allowed per stateroom.”
• Guests are not allowed to bring beverages in plastic containers onboard. 

12. They Have Pickleball Onboard

If you haven't heard of Pickleball, it's likely you haven't lived in the United States for a while, where the sport has swept the nation! Holland America Line caught onto this sports trend; they converted some of their outdoor top-deck sports courts to be used for Pickleball .

13. They Have Libraries Onboard

One of the things that most surprised us about cruising with HAL was the onboard library. This makes Holland America Line unique in such a remarkable way! Guests are welcome to borrow books for the duration of the cruise in all categories including fiction, youth, and short story sections.

14. Carpets by the Elevators on Stateroom Decks Point to the Forward or Aft

We always appreciate when a cruise line helps guests find their way in a ship’s design elements. On Princess , we enjoyed that the carpet in the hallways was a different color on the even-number stateroom side vs. the odd-number stateroom side. On Holland America Line, we were grateful that the carpets had arrows pointing toward Forward or Aft.

The photos below illustrate the direction of ship Forward from the Port vs. Starboard side. Since these are opposite sides of the ship, they point in different directions for how a guest would walk toward the front of the ship.

15. Board Games and Puzzles Encourage Guests to Unplug

Guests can enjoy games and puzzles provide by HAL. On Zuiderdam, this was in the Crow’s Nest lounge of the ship on Deck 10.

Playing a game is such a nice way to unplug from devices and bond with other cruisers as you work towards finishing the same puzzle or bond with your partner, friends, or family.

16. They Have Their Own IslanD: Half Moon Cay

Did you know that Holland America Line has their own Caribbean Island? In fact, every Caribbean Cruise itinerary makes a stop there during one day of the cruise.

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The post 16 Fantastic Things That Make Holland America Line Unique appeared first on Sometimes Sailing .

2 crew members die during 'incident' on Holland America cruise ship

Two crew members on a Holland America cruise ship died during an “incident” in the ship's engineering space

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Two crew members on a Holland America cruise ship died during an “incident” in the ship's engineering space, the cruise line said.

The unidentified crew members died Friday while the Florida-based Nieuw Amsterdam was at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas , Holland America said in a statement.

Authorities were notified and the cause of the accident is being investigated, the cruise line said. Crew members were being offered counseling.

“All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with our team members’ families at this difficult time,” the statement said. “The safety, security and welfare of all guests and crew are the company’s absolute priority.”

The cruise line did not offer any further details about the crew members. It later said the Bahamas Maritime Authority was leading the investigation. The ship set sail out of Fort Lauderdale on March 16 for a seven-night trip.

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