BEST Holland America Line Cruises to Around the World (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic (2024)

FAQs

Where does Holland America rank in cruise lines? ›

10 Holland America Line

The line provides free room service and several all-inclusive pricing options that can be booked as packages before sailing, ranking it as #5 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money.

Rates for the 2025 world cruise aboard MSC Magnifica start at $13,199 per person, though you can also join the cruise for shorter segments if you can't commit to the full 116 nights. Included in that rate: food, beverages, 15 shore excursions (though you can always pay for more), and a 30% discount on laundry.

With an average age of 55, Holland America passengers skew slightly older than those of some major lines. On Alaska cruises, about 80 percent of cruisers are older than 50; about 40 percent are over 65. Ages were older on our recent New Zealand to Australia cruise.

But generally speaking, it's best to book over a year in advance during the November to March sale season.

Known for their luxurious yet affordable cruising experiences with spacious cruise ship rooms, expansive views and steeped in elegance. Holland America's newest ship, Rotterdam, joined the fleet in 2021 as the 3rd Pinnacle class ship.

The best cruise lines in 2023. Norwegian Cruise Line ranked as the best cruise line in the world, according to Condé Nast Traveler.

Is an around the world cruise worth it? That's certainly subjective, but travelers already accustomed to cruising—who appreciate the amenities of a ship and the lifestyle of a new port to view through the window every few days—will likely consider world cruises good value.

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.

Is Holland America good for seniors? ›

As a premium, midsize cruise line, Holland America Line offers plenty of destinations, excursions and activities aligned to an older audience.

Answer: Yes, some refinements were made to improve consistency and the policy now reads: Most evenings smart casual attire is appropriate. Shorts, pool/beachwear, distressed jeans and men's tank tops are best left to the daytime and are not permitted in fine dining restaurants.

Heidi Allison, president of CruiseCompete.com, a long-running site where experienced cruise travel agents bid for vacationers' business, says that in 2024, prices for cruises have seen an "increase of approximately 15 to 20 percent" over last year.

“It's best to book a cruise six to 12 months out to ensure you get an optimum selection of cabin types, preferred itineraries, and special promotional rates,” says Jennifer DeLaCruz, a vice president at Carnival Cruise Lines.

Beyond holiday periods such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Labor Day when there may be some flash sales, January and February are particularly good times to book a cruise, as the first two months of the year are considered “wave season” in the cruising industry.

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.

Holland America stands beside Celebrity at the top of the major cruise line ratings. Holland America has been known to cater to an older crowd, but that is an image they are working on changing and they do have programs for all ages.

While Holland America attracts an older demographic who prefer a night in the lounge listening to live music to late-night parties, Celebrity appeals to a younger, more urbane set who are more likely to be on top of the latest food, wine and co*cktail trends.

The Best Party In Holland Is On Board

Celebrated one night on each cruise, we give a nod to our Dutch heritage, a la King's Day, during the Holla… Pack your best orange outfits and accessories to show off on the dance floor. Wear your wild wigs, giant hats, boas and bowties—whatever you want, as long as it's orange!