5 Holland America Line Cruise Myths, Busted (2024)

Holland America Line can trace its roots back to 1873, when it began operating shipping and passenger voyages between the Netherlands and North America. Today it operates cruises around the world aboard its fleet of “smaller” and more intimate cruise ships that place heavy focus on the line’s Dutch heritage and the golden days of ocean travel.

But Holland America Line was also purchased by Carnival Corporation back in 1989, and that has led to a heavy investment in ships that are new, modern, and packed with activities that cruisers might not be aware of.

To be sure, Holland America is a more upscale, laid-back experience. You aren’t going to find waterslides or escape rooms or ropes courses. What you will, find, however, is a classic cruise experience that is moderately priced and destination-intense, particularly in Alaska where the line has roots going back over 50 years.

Here are our top Holland America Line myths, busted.

Myth 1: Holland America is Only for Old People

Perhaps the most prevailing myth about Holland America Line is that its cruises are “for old people.” And in an ocean a long, long time ago, that may have been true. But the fact of the matter is that Holland America’s audience continues to skew younger with each passing decade.

I’m also biased: I’ve been sailing the line for over two decades, starting when I was 21 years old.

When Holland America Line introduced its first Vista-class ships in 2002 with Zuiderdam, the line made more of an effort to court families than it had in the past. It developed dedicated kids’ clubs that, while not as elaborate as those on other mainstream ships, offered families with children the opportunity to cruise together, without compromise.

The hangover from the global pandemic has also seen Holland America Line’s passenger age base trend downward somewhat, particularly on the line’s shorter voyages to places like the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera.

Does Holland America still skew older? Sure, especially on longer Grand Voyages where time and money are both factors. But ask yourself: is that really a bad thing?

Myth 2: Holland America is Expensive

One of the oddest myths we encounter about Holland America Line is that it is somehow “expensive.” And, certainly, if you pick a top-of-the-line Pinnacle Suite, that could be true. But Holland America Line’s pricing is easily on-par with Princess Cruises, and is often even less than comparable cabins aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest megaships.

You get more bang for your buck on Holland America, too: drinks, specialty dining venues and even gratuities for staff and crew are frequently more reasonably priced than other big-ship lines, and because Holland America Line’s ships hold between 1,500 and 2,500 people on average, you’re probably going to encounter better and more personalized service, to boot.

In cruise parlance, Holland America is a “premium” cruise line – but definitely not budget-breaking.

Myth 3: Holland America Lacks Nightlife

This is an odd myth, because if there’s one thing the line excels at (as of late), it is its nightlife options.

Onboard Holland America’s ships – particularly larger ones like Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Nieuw Amsterdam and the new Rotterdam – passengers will find Broadway-style production shows, guest entertainers like comedians and performance artists, happening in the ship’s main show lounge.

Elsewhere around the ship, passengers will encounter busy casinos that always have steady traffic to them, most of which are bookended by Billboard Onboard – a duelling piano-style entertainment bar.

Other great live music acts include B.B. King’s Blues Club (a hopping blues club that typically runs until late); Lincoln Centre Stage, offering classical concerts that are way more fun than they sound; and live music throughout the ship in places like The Ocean Bar, Holland America’s traditional watering hole that has been popular with passengers for decades.

Holland even kicks off its nightlife with a Happy Hour in select bars, typically starting in the late afternoon from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. It’s a great way to get “prepped” for a night of bar-hopping and musical delights.

The only caveat to this: most onboard activities tend to quiet down between 11 p.m. and Midnight, so if you’re looking to party into the wee hours, Holland America’s ships may not be for you.

Myth 4: Holland America’s Dress Code is Stuffy

Being a more traditionally-minded cruise line, one of the joys of sailing with Holland America are the line’s formal nights, when cruisers of all ages dress to impress.

But Holland America isn’t so stuffy when it comes to its dress code – particularly in recent years, where formal requirements have softened across all lines. What’s more, most weeklong voyages will only have two formal nights – usually on sea days – while other evenings are typically designated as “cruise casual”.

So do you need to break out the tux on Holland America? Not at all – though many do. Instead, a nice suit or dress will fit the bill. And because the entire ship dresses up (typically), the atmosphere aboard a Holland America ship on formal night is one that feels, well, special compared to the more casual cruise lines where some, but not all, might dress for the occasion.

Myth 5: Holland America Isn’t Good for Families

Because of Holland America’s (undeserved) reputation as a cruise line solely for older travellers, many tend to overlook the line when it comes to family cruise travel. And while it’s true that Holland America Line’s ships aren’t loaded down with wacky diversions, that definitely does not make them less family-friendly.

In fact, Holland America Line is a great choice for families with older kids: their Club HAL program covers kids from ages three and up, and includes larger and more elaborate spaces for kids and teens on their newest ships.

Multigenerational with grown children will also find plenty to love about Holland America: the line’s edutainment offerings, like lectures and destination programming, are top-notch, particularly in Alaska where the line has maintained a commanding presence for generations.

Families will also love the value-added inside staterooms on Deck 1 of the Vista-class ships (Zuiderdam and newer) that offer more than enough space for two adults and two kids to spread out. Those looking to splurge will want to set sail in one of the line’s Signature or Pinnacle Suites for the ultimate in family indulgence.

With itineraries around the world and a more classic, laid-back atmosphere, Holland America isn’t a line you want to overlook for your cruise vacation. Its traditional style of cruising may pleasantly surprise you!