Holland America Line is not trying to be everything to everyone. For many of its most loyal guests, that restraint is exactly what makes the experience appealing.
The question of whether Holland America is a “good” cruise line comes up often, especially when it is compared to higher-energy brands like Royal Caribbean or Carnival.
Some cruisers write it off quickly, not because the quality falls short, but because the atmosphere is quieter and the average passenger skews older. What often gets missed is that those same qualities are the reason many travelers choose Holland America again and again.
That perspective is reinforced by one of our contributors’ sisters, Cindy, who has sailed with Holland America countless times around the world. She shared her honest thoughts with us about why she continues to choose Holland America, even after trying competitor cruise lines like Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Viking Cruises.
A brand built around consistency
Holland America has spent years leaning into what it does best rather than chasing trends. That approach continues to resonate with travelers who value food, service, and destination-focused itineraries over constant onboard stimulation.
In fact, the line was recently named a 2026 U.S. News Best Cruise Line for Dining, recognition that reflects one of its strongest and most consistent selling points. Food quality has long been a differentiator for Holland America, from five-course dinners in the main dining room to specialty venues like Pinnacle Grill and the option of 24-hour room service.
The cruise line has also continued to invest in its product rather than standing still. In Alaska, Holland America is enhancing its land-and-sea experience with upgrades at Denali Lodge, including a new guest building designed to better connect travelers with the region.
On board, entertainment is being refreshed with more immersive, destination-inspired performances. New programming includes a revamped “Welcome Aboard” show and regional soloists who perform folk, mariachi, or steel pan music depending on the itinerary.
Looking ahead, the cruise line is also preparing for major enhancements at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
Through a partnership with Carnival Cruise Line, the shared private island is being upgraded with a new beach club and renovated facilities expected to debut in 2026, aimed at creating a more comfortable and elevated experience without losing the island’s relaxed feel.
What to expect on a Holland America cruise
At its core, Holland America caters to adults looking for a calm, moderately upscale cruise experience.
Its midsize ships typically carry between roughly 1,400 and 2,600 guests, noticeably fewer than today’s megaships, and the onboard service model reflects that scale. With approximately one crew member for every two passengers, service tends to feel personal and unhurried.
Holland America sails all over the world, from Alaska and Canada to Europe, Southeast Asia, South America, and even Antarctica. Cruises depart from U.S. ports such as Boston, Fort Lauderdale, and San Diego, with itineraries ranging from short getaways to epic voyages lasting more than 100 days.
On board, time is filled not with constant partying or attractions. Instead, you can find enrichment programs like art classes, cooking demonstrations, photography workshops, and lectures, along with low-key activities such as pickleball and spa treatments.
All of this helps explain why Cindy keeps coming back. She has sailed with Holland America countless times across the globe and considers it her favorite cruise line, not because it tries to impress with spectacle, but because it delivers a relaxed, thoughtful experience that feels intentional, consistent, and genuinely enjoyable.
Why Cindy keeps choosing Holland America
Cindy does not describe Holland America as exciting or flashy. Instead, she finds the experience reliable, comfortable, and truly relaxing from the minute she steps onboard.
She consistently praises the service, which she says is always warm and attentive without feeling forced. She also points to the food as a major reason she keeps coming back, particularly the main dining room. In her experience, the quality of the meat and overall meals has been higher than what she has encountered on many other mainstream cruise lines.
What Cindy appreciates most, though, is the more traditional atmosphere. Guests tend to read, walk the deck, attend afternoon tea, and enjoy quiet conversations throughout the day. People are there to unwind and relax, not to party. There is not much pressure to dress up, and the overall tone of the ship is reserved rather than high-energy.
One detail that stands out for Cindy is the presence of religious services on board. As a practicing Catholic, she appreciates always having a priest onboard for daily mass. This isn’t something every cruiser looks for, but for her, it’s an important aspect of the onboard experience that she can’t find elsewhere.
For Cindy, Holland America simply feels like a place where she can truly relax.
Who Holland America is really for
Cindy’s experience mirrors much of the broader passenger feedback surrounding Holland America. Again and again, travelers say they choose the cruise line specifically because it is calmer, quieter, and less chaotic than other options.
For many cruisers, the quieter atmosphere and older-leaning crowd aren’t negatives at all.
Many cruisers describe Holland America as a “real vacation.” Instead of poolside DJs and nonstop hype, they talk about educational lectures, art classes, libraries, quiet lounges, and the ability to actually hear announcements over the ship’s PA system.
Loyal cruisers often mention how much they appreciate the absence of unsupervised kids running through hallways or splashing in hot tubs.
However, this doesn’t mean Holland America lacks entertainment. Guests frequently point out that there are still shows, live music, bars, casinos, and multiple pools, including adults-only spaces.
The difference is that none of it feels overwhelming. By late evening, the ship tends to wind down, and many guests are happy to turn in early and be well-rested for the next port.
What Holland America does especially well
When we asked Cindy what stands out most about Holland America, she didn’t hesitate. The food was the first thing she mentioned. She values the cruise line’s consistent, upscale approach to dining and says it’s one of the main reasons she continues to choose Holland America.
That sentiment is echoed widely among passengers. Dining is one of the most consistently praised aspects of the Holland America experience, even among travelers who typically sail with other cruise lines.
Comparisons to Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Celebrity come up often, with many guests saying the main dining room food on Holland America feels noticeably higher quality.
Service is another area where Holland America really shines. Guests frequently describe crew members who remember their names, take time to talk with passengers, and go out of their way to make the experience feel more personal. For many Holland America cruisers, these interactions can leave a lasting impression and keep them coming back to the brand.
The size of the ships also plays a role. While Holland America vessels are not small, they carry far fewer passengers than today’s megaships. Many guests appreciate how much easier it feels to move around, find seating, and avoid the constant congestion that can come with ships carrying more than 4,000 people.
Finally, Holland America is one of the best mainstream cruise lines for itinerary selection and variety. The cruise line is known for offering sailings with longer port stays, favorable berths, and routes designed for travelers who care deeply about the destinations themselves.
For itinerary-focused cruisers to destinations like Alaska, Northern Europe, South America, and Antarctica, Holland America is an excellent choice.
Where Holland America can fall short
Of course, Holland America isn’t perfect. The same qualities that make it appealing to some cruisers can feel limiting to others, and longtime guests tend to be candid about where the experience falls short.
Some of Holland America’s ships can feel dated. This is especially true in areas like bathrooms on older vessels, where stepping into a bathtub to shower can feel inconvenient or even unsafe. While parts of the fleet have been updated, this remains a common complaint for Holland America cruisers.
Entertainment can also be inconsistent. While live music venues are often praised, mainstage production shows receive mixed reviews. Some guests find them enjoyable, while others say they fall short of what they have seen on Royal Caribbean or Princess.
There is also the reality that sea days can feel slow for travelers who need a packed schedule. Activities tend to focus on enrichment, music, games, and relaxation rather than adrenaline-driven attractions.
For some people, this is the perfect way to spend their vacation. For others, the slower pace can feel boring.
Is Holland America actually “too old”?
Age tends to dominate conversations about Holland America, often drawing attention away from the broader experience the cruise line offers.
Yes, Holland America generally attracts an older crowd, especially on longer itineraries and non-holiday sailings. That does not mean younger travelers are unwelcome or out of place.
Many people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s say they enjoy the calmer atmosphere. Some families also sail with Holland America, particularly on Alaska or holiday cruises, and report positive experiences.
Several commenters pointed out something that often gets overlooked. Older people cruise because they have the time and the money to do so. They also frequently travel with children and grandchildren, especially during peak seasons. Avoiding a cruise line solely because of age demographics misses the larger picture.
In the end, you shouldn’t avoid Holland America because of the older crowd. If you’re someone who wants to be especially busy with parties, interactive gameshows, trivia, and onboard attractions, then I would stay away from Holland America.
So, is Holland America a good cruise line?
Holland America is a good cruise line if you want a relaxed, traditional cruise experience that prioritizes service, food, comfort, and destinations over nonstop activity.
The cruise line is not designed to compete with competitors like Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line or Norwegian Cruise Line. Holland America feels more like staying at a hotel at sea than an all-inclusive resort built around constant excitement.
If you value a calm atmosphere with a high-quality dining experience and destination-focused itineraries, Holland America may be exactly what you are looking for. The slower pace can’t be compared with high-energy nightlife, water slides, and packed daily schedules. If you crave this kind of cruise experience, you will likely be happier elsewhere.
The biggest mistake people make is assuming there is one “best” cruise line. There isn’t. There is only the cruise line that best fits how you want to spend your vacation. For Cindy and many others, Holland America fits just right.
