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Holland America Review

Wednesday, August 28th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

• Holland America
• Best for older guests (50+)
• 11 ships in the fleet
• Mid-size ships (1,400-2,600 passengers, depending on the ship)
• Over 500 itineraries with stops in 100+ countries

Holland America Line offers a wide range of itineraries to various destinations worldwide. The company has been in operation since 1873, making it one of the oldest cruise lines in the world. With a reputation for offering exceptional service, exquisite cuisine, and a sophisticated onboard experience, Holland America Line is a popular choice for older travelers looking for a luxurious and elegant vacation. The Holland America fleet is made up of mid-sized ships, which allows for a more intimate and personalized experience than many of the larger cruise ships on the market.

No shortage of spring break cruises in the Caribbean

It was no problem finding options for our comparison cruise: a Caribbean sailing in March, booked a little under a year in advance. There were 23 cruises to choose from, all departing from Ft. Lauderdale ( hooray for no international flights required for US travelers ). Three of those sailings were priced at $799 per person for a seven-day sailing, with itineraries for Eastern, Western, and "Tropical" Caribbean. Even the 21-day Caribbean itineraries were reasonably priced at $2,359 or less per person.

Look for promos that give you more included in your fare

And, at the time of this evaluation, Holland America was offering the "Have It All" promotion on some sailings, a premium package that included four "high-value amenities" for the first and second guest on each booking:

• Shore Excursions: $100 credit on sailings of 6-9 days, $200 on sailings of 10-20 days, and $300 on sailings of 21+ days
• Premium Beverage Package: Wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, sodas, specialty coffees, and more
• Specialty dining at Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, Tamarind

No assigned dining locations or times

In terms of dining, Holland America is known for offering exceptional cuisine. The company has partnered with renowned chefs, such as Jacques Pepin and Rudi Sodamin, to create menus that are both sophisticated and delicious. Passengers can choose from a variety of dining options, including formal dining rooms, specialty restaurants, and casual eateries. Holland America also offers a unique dining experience called "As You Wish" dining, which allows passengers to choose when and where they want to dine each night.

Children welcome, but most guests are 55+

Children are welcome to sail on Holland America cruises. However, Holland America is primarily known as a cruise line that caters to adults, especially those over 50 years old ( in fact, 75% of their passengers are age 55+ ). As a result, Holland America does not have as many activities and facilities designed for children compared to other family-oriented cruise lines. They're trying, though: they have Club HAL, which is their youth program that offers age-appropriate activities and entertainment for kids and teens from 3-17 years old, but those are only available during specific hours. They also have family-oriented shore excursions and some onboard activities like swimming pools, movies, and game rooms. Additionally, Holland America's dining options cater to children with kid-friendly menus and options.

Most onboard entertainment is for the older set

Entertainment on Holland America sailings definitely trends "mature" , with live music, theater productions, and enrichment programs such as cooking classes and wine tastings. The line also has partnerships with institutions such as BBC Earth and the Lincoln Center Stage, which provide unique and educational experiences for passengers.

Gratuities are extra but can be modified

Holland America will charge gratuities to your onboard account: $16 per guest per day for non-suite staterooms and $17.50 per guest per day for suites. They call this "Crew Appreciation" and emphasize that it's an important part of their team's compensation - but, unlike some cruise lines, you're allowed to modify the amount if you wish (for poor service).

Solid choice for cruising - especially for older guests

Holland America Line is a premium cruise line that offers a luxurious and sophisticated onboard experience. With a focus on personalized service, exceptional cuisine, and immersive entertainment and enrichment programs, Holland America is a popular choice for older travelers looking for a relaxed yet classy vacation to the world's most sought-after ports of call.

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The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.

There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.

Cruise Line FAQ

Which cruise line is the best, what is included in the cost of a cruise, what is the minimum age to cruise, what are the dining options on a cruise ship, are cruise ships crowded, do i have to dress up, are activities included at destination ports, can i bring my own alcohol onboard.

Continued from above... Continued from above... -->

Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.

Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.

When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward ( who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night ), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.

While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.

Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:

• Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
• Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free cocktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
• Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!

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Holland America Cruise Line – Ships, Destinations, Dining, and More

Katie Seemann

Senior Content Contributor and News Editor

371 Published Articles 66 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 28 U.S. States Visited: 29

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

41 Published Articles 3375 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28

Director of Operations & Compliance

6 Published Articles 1201 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10 U.S. States Visited: 20

Table of Contents

Basic information, departure ports, private ports/islands, onboard activities, dining and beverages, accommodations, mariner society, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Holland America Cruise Line has been around since 1873. It was started as the Netherlands-America Steamship Company, which was headquartered in the Netherlands and provided service to America. Since then it has grown to carry over 800,000 passengers a year across all 7 continents, with an emphasis on luxury, mid-size ship cruising.

In 1971, it stopped transporting cargo to offer only cruise vacations. In 1989 it was acquired by Carnival Corporation, the largest cruise company in the world. Today, Holland America offers modern amenities and luxury accommodations across 14 mid-size ships.

Name: Holland America Line

Parent Company: Carnival Corporation (which also owns Carnival Cruise Line , Princess Cruises , AIDA Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn, Costa Cruises, and P&O Cruises)

Number of Ships: 11

Destinations: 400+

Loyalty Program: Mariner Society

Credit Card: Holland America Line Rewards Visa ® Card

Holland America operates 11 mid-size ships.

• Nieuw Amsterdam
• Nieuw Statendam

Bottom Line: Holland America operates 11 ships.These are mid-size ships, not the gigantic ships you’ll find on cruise lines like Royal Caribbean.

Holland America sails to over 400 ports of call from 25 departure ports across the world.

Hot Tip: Curious about award travel on cruises? Check out our complete guide to booking your cruise with points and miles.

Half Moon Cay is Holland America’s private island in the Bahamas (you can also visit this island on a Carnival cruise). Whether you’re looking for adventure or a quiet day on the beach, you’ll find it on Half Moon Cay.

Here are some of the activity highlights of Half Moon Cay:

• Children’s water park
• Glass-bottom boats
• Horseback riding on the beach
• Paddleboards
• Private 2-story villas and private cabanas

There are plenty of places to eat and drink on the island as well. Try the Tropics Restaurant for a barbecue lunch or opt for Caribbean-style grilled lobster at Lobster Shack. You can grab a tropical drink at one of the many bars including Captain Morgan on the Rocks.

Hot Tip: Looking to say, “I do?” You’re in luck — you can get married or renew your vows on the island in Half Moon Cay’s wedding chapel.

On a Holland America ship, you’ll find plenty of unique activities, plus your favorite cruise classics like a casino, spa, fitness center, and onboard shopping.

In addition to lots of great things to do, Holland America offers a huge selection of live music onboard. Look out for these unique activities and performances on your next Holland America cruise (some activities may have an additional charge and not all are available on every ship).

• BBC Earth Experiences
• B.B. King’s Blues Club
• Billboard Onboard
• Club Hal (for kids 3-17)
• Explorations Central (EXC) Culture
• EXC Photography
• EXC Port To Table
• High Score! family game room
• Lincoln Center Stage
• Microsoft Studio
• Movie theater

Orange Party

• O, The Oprah Magazine activities
• O’s Reading Room
• Postmodern Jukebox
• Rolling Stone Rock Room
• Step One Dance Company
• World Stage
• Zodiac excursions

O, The Oprah Magazine Partnership

Holland America has partnered with O, The Oprah Magazine to bring passengers a collection of Oprah-inspired activities and amenities to each of its ships.

This partnership offers complimentary activities that are designed to inspire you to “Live Your Best Life,” which is the magazine’s mission.

Onboard a Holland America ship, you can start your day with a meditation, pick up an inspirational book in O’s Reading Room, and even shop for “Oprah’s Favorite Things.”

Oprah Winfrey herself has even been named the godmother of the ship Nieuw Statendam.

Holland America Line Navigator

Holland America Line Navigator is a free app that you can use once onboard your cruise ship. With this app, you’ll be able to organize and plan your trip.

• Keep in touch with traveling companions
• Plan daily activities
• Book shore excursions
• Make dinner reservations
• View onboard statement
• Purchase and use onboard Wi-Fi
• View and purchase onboard photos
• View spa treatments

Holland America offers Gala Nights on its ships. On these nights, dress is formal — a suit, cocktail dress, or gown for women and jacket and tie, dark suit, or tuxedo for men are appropriate. On all other nights, resort casual attire is suggested. This includes casual dresses, slacks, or informal evening wear for women and slacks and collared shirts for men.

On 1 night of each Holland America cruise you’ll get to experience an Orange Party.

Orange is the color most associated with the Netherlands and Holland’s royal family (House of Orange), so it’s only fitting that there be an Orange Party onboard. During the party, you’ll get to sample Dutch-inspired appetizers and drinks and you’ll enjoy live music.

So be sure to pack all of your favorite orange-colored clothing. But don’t worry if you forget to pack something orange — you can find Orange Party essentials in the onboard shops.

Specialty Cruises

Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special holiday or want to plan a cruise around a special interest, Holland America can fit the bill.

A Grand Voyage Cruise tends to be a longer voyage with more ports and more time in each port (even overnight stops).

If you love food and wine, try a Food & Beverage Aficionado Cruise . These special cruises feature cooking classes, cocktail demonstrations, wine tastings, and a chance to meet and mingle with a culinary expert from the Holland America Line Culinary Council ® .

If wine is your passion, consider a Wine Experts Cruise . On these voyages, you’ll have the opportunity to meet experts from Chateau Ste. Michelle while you indulge in wine classes and tastings.

If cocktails are more your thing, check out a Mixologist Aficionado Cruise. These cruises feature Holland America’s “King Cocktail,” Dale DeGroff, a James Beard award winner and author of The Essential Cocktail .

A Holiday Cruise offers all of the traditional festivities without any of the work. You’ll enjoy your favorite holiday foods, multiple religious services, a yule log parade, holiday movies, and decorations throughout the ship. Kids can make seasonal crafts and visit Santa while adults can enjoy festivities like the Christmas Eve party and New Year’s Eve Ball.

Hot Tip: Be prepared for your cruise. Check out our best cruise tips plus get our printable cruise packing list . You can also see what the best credit cards are for booking cruises so you get the most bang for your buck!

As with most cruise lines, Holland America offers both dining options that are included in your cruise fare and options that come with an additional charge. You’ll find everything from casual poolside fare to elegant fine dining.

Dining on Holland America is “As You Wish.” This means you can choose a traditional pre-set seating option or you can dine anytime you choose. You can stay casual by the pool, order room service, or choose one of the elegant dining rooms — the choice is yours.

Complimentary Dining

Look for these complimentary dining locations on your Holland America cruise. Not all locations are offered on every ship.

• In-room dining
• Lido Market
• New York Pizza
• The Dining Room

Specialty Dining

The following dining locations come with an additional charge above what you paid for your cruise. Not all locations are available on every ship.

• Explorations Cafe
• Grand Dutch Cafe
• Pinnacle Grill
• Rudi’s Sel de Mer

Bars and Beverages

There are plenty of bars and lounges on a Holland America ship so you can grab a drink and relax anytime. Look for these locations on your next cruise (not all locations are available on every ship).

• Crow’s Nest
• Explorer’s Lounge
• Gallery Bar
• Tamarind Bar

Each passenger over 21 years old can bring 1 bottle of wine or sparkling wine (750 ml maximum) in their carry-on luggage that can be consumed in a stateroom free of charge. Any additional bottles will incur an $18 per bottle corkage fee regardless of where they are consumed. You can’t bring beer, boxed wine, or any other liquor onboard.

For cruises that depart from and return to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Singapore, this policy applies to passengers 18 years old and up.

For cruises departing from and returning to Japan, this policy applies to guests 20 years old and up.

Most beverages onboard a Holland America ship come with an additional charge . If you’d prefer to pay for your drinks upfront, you can purchase a beverage package.

Quench Package: $17.95 per person per day 

• Premium coffees, espresso, and cappuccino
• Coca-Cola products
• Signature mocktails
• Bottled water (500 ml and under)

Signature Package: $54.95 per person per day (limit of 15 drinks per day)

• Everything from the Quench Package
• Premium beers
• Spirits and cocktails
• Wines by the glass priced $11 and under

Elite Package: $59.95 per person per day (limit of 15 drinks per day)

• Everything from the Quench and Signature Packages
• All drinks priced $15 and under

Evian Water Package: $24-$42 per person

• 6 or 12 liter bottles of Evian water delivered to your stateroom

Coca-Cola Package: $8 per person per day

• Unlimited fountain sodas
• Coca-Cola Freestyle on select ships

Bottom Line: Every beverage package purchase automatically incurs a 15% service charge and must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise. If a guest purchases a package that includes alcoholic drinks, every other guest of legal drinking age in the same stateroom must also purchase the package. Beverage packages don’t apply to purchases made from the in-room mini-bar, Honor Bar, Chocolate Seduction, in-room dining, Half Moon Cay, and any self-service draft beer stations.

In each stateroom on a Holland America ship, you’ll find a host of luxury amenities waiting for you including:

• Mariner’s Dream bed
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Elemis Aromapure bath products
• Deluxe bathrobes
• Complimentary fresh fruit

Holland America offers rooms to suit everyone from the single traveler to families to cruisers looking for the ultimate in luxury.

Here are some of the highlights:

The Family Ocean View Stateroom is great for families on a budget. This room sleeps up to 5 people and comes with 2 bathrooms (including a tub, which comes in handy if you’re traveling with kids ).

Verandah Staterooms come with floor to ceiling windows that open up to a private verandah. You’ll also find a sitting area, queen-size bed (that can be separated into 2 single beds), and a shower with a premium massage head.

Guests staying in a suite will also receive complimentary mimosas with in-suite breakfast, a premium duvet, binoculars, and an in-suite coffee and espresso machine.

The Signature Suite is a spacious room featuring a private verandah, sitting area, a queen-size or king-size bed, plus 1 Murphy bed and 1 sofa bed. In the bathroom, you’ll find 2 sinks and a full-size whirlpool bath/shower plus an additional shower stall.

Try the Neptune Spa Suite if you’re looking to indulge. These rooms come with spa amenities like yoga mats and access to spa treatments at Greenhouse Spa & Salon. You’ll also find a large sitting area, private verandah, and a bathroom with 2 sinks and 2 showers. Plus, you’ll have access to the Neptune Lounge and a private concierge.

The Pinnacle Suite is the largest stateroom offered by Holland America and features over 1,200 square feet of both indoor and outdoor living space. These suites come with a living room, dining room, pantry with microwave and fridge, bedroom with separate dressing room, whirlpool bath and shower, additional shower stall, soft bed, and guest toilet. You’ll also have access to the Neptune Lounge and a private concierge.

Hot Tip: The Neptune Lounge is exclusively for guests staying in a Neptune Suite or Pinnacle Suite. This private area features worktables, large screen TV, a library, sofas and chairs, and refreshments throughout the day.

Holland America Cruise Line’s loyalty program is called Mariner Society. Once you’ve cruised with Holland America once, you’re automatically enrolled. You’ll earn Cruise Day credits for each night you sail and for onboard purchases.

Bonus credits can be earned when you pay a published fare for a suite or penthouse and for each $300 in eligible onboard purchases.

Mariner Society benefits are cumulative so each level will also have access to the benefits offered at all lower levels.

Hot Tip: Is it better to book your cruise directly through the cruise line or through an online travel agency? We’ll show you in our guide to the best websites to book cruises.

You won’t find mega-ships with thrill rides and high-octane activities like zip-lining or ice skating with Holland America Cruise Line.

What you will find are mid-size ships that offer luxury cruises to fantastic destinations all over the world. You’ll find cultural activities and plenty of live music onboard plus special perks like amenities inspired by O, The Oprah Magazine.

When you return to Holland America for a second, third, or even 20th cruise, you’ll be rewarded through the Mariner Society with benefits like discounts and special welcome aboard events.

If you’re looking for luxury accommodations and fantastic itineraries, Holland America might be the right choice for your next cruise vacation.

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Is a Holland America Alaska Cruise Worth It? An Honest Review

07/28/2023 by Kristin Addis 12 Comments

Imagine you’re sitting on a balcony, sipping on a freshly made latte while sailing past an electric blue glacier. Suddenly, you spot an eagle resting on a piece of floating ice. Later that day, you see dolphins, whales, and sea otters jumping through the waves as the mist breaks to reveal snowy mountains and tree-coated islets. There doesn’t appear to be anything around for miles, and it feels like it’s all unfolding in perfect harmony. That all happened within one day on my weeklong Alaska cruise while my son napped on the other side of the door, and I will never forget those magical moments.

Now I never thought of myself as a cruise person. Would a big ship really be my ideal way to travel?

When Holland America invited me, my mom and I weren’t sure it was for us. Would it be cheesy, crowded, and lame? We decided if we were to take a cruise, Alaska with its wild beauty would be the ideal place, so we went for it.

I had only been on a couple of cruises prior to this, wich were rather short and felt like a mixture between McDonald’s and a frat party, to be honest. The experience on the Koningsdam sailing the Inside Passage to Alaska via Vancouver was delightfully different. It was mostly families, retirees, and some multigenerational groups like ours.

The food was great, the service was excellent, but best of all, the experience of sailing along the coast of Alaska was breathtaking. Here’s everything to know before you book that cruise :

Table of Contents

Itinerary – 7 Day Alaskan Inside Passage

There are many Alaska itineraries to choose from, and they all offer scenic cruising with some variation in the stops they make.

What looked best to me was the departure in and out of Vancouver, which included the Inside Passage as well as Glacier Bay. It ended up being a great decision.

The first evening after departing Vancouver was already beautiful, passing by the islands outside of the city and all along the coast of British Columbia. It was just a taste of the beauty that was to come. 

The next day was mostly about getting up to Juneau and was spent at sea. Of all the days on board, this was the least scenic, but I still saw whales from my veranda! 

As would be a trend with the towns we visited in Alaska, Juneau had a charm to it, with historic, Wild West–style buildings and gorgeous surroundings. The downtown is mainly bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops, but there’s quite a bit to do in the area. I opted for the helicopter trek of the Mendenhall Glacier, which was a fantastic decision (more on that later). 

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The next morning, we arrived in Skagway, another small, charming coastal town, and took the scenic railway as our excursion. Felix squealed with delight at the helicopters taking off right outside of our room on the ship afterwards. 

That evening, leaving Skagway was particularly beautiful, as we watched the sunset over the dramatic mountains with waterfalls cascading down. Since we had a baby sleeping inside, most of our evenings were spent on the veranda, which could not have been a better spot from which to experience the beauty of Alaska all throughout the cruise.

Glacier Bay National Park

This was a highlight for us, as we spent the day cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. Though I’ve had the pleasure of hiking across part of a glacier in Wrangell St. Elias in Alaska and trekking on a few in Patagonia , this was still more glaciers than I had ever seen in a day.

As we made our way through, the weather kept changing, creating different lighting along the glaciers and providing incredible wildlife-spotting opportunities. I saw dolphins, whales, otters, and an eagle perched on an iceberg, all from our veranda.

Absolutely book an Alaska cruise that includes Glacier Bay!

As we made our way back south, we stopped in Ketchikan, which was a nice contrast to the glacial landscape that we had been seeing. This is a great opportunity to explore the fjords, which we did by seaplane as our excursion.

Our Room on the Koningsdam

One of my concerns was feeling cramped in a tiny room with our stuff everywhere and all of the free space taken up by our travel crib . 

The verandah room was spacious enough, though, with plenty of storage in the closets and drawers, as well as a space under the bed for suitcases . As long as we were good about putting things back in their place, the room was totally fine for the three of us. 

It also had a pull-out couch to sleep families, though I would imagine that squeezing four into one room would feel tight. 

The balcony was also great and a frequent hangout spot of ours. It was safe for my baby to crawl around and enjoy, and my favorite place from which to spot wildlife. I preferred it to all of the common spaces on the ship since it was so peaceful and felt like my own little retreat.

The room was also serviced twice per day by two incredibly attentive staff members who always left towel animals for Felix. 

Service 

Speaking of the staff, they were amazing. Those in the dining room made a particularly great impression, remembering my son and always saying hi to him and bringing his fruit right away. Considering how many people they were seeing on a daily basis, I was impressed. 

I also found each person we interacted with to be accommodating and patient, even when guests weren’t particularly warm with them. I know from working in hospitality in the past that it’s not an easy job, and they all did it especially well. 

I was worried the food might not be great or healthy onboard. I’d encountered a lot of chicken nuggets and subpar burgers in the past on my brief cruise experiences. However, there was plenty of variety, and I was able to eat healthy and find plenty of options for my one-year-old as well (veggies, grilled meats, and fruit were always abundant). 

Although they had a kids’ menu, my son tends to just eat the healthier food that we eat, and we could get other food for him in the restaurant and Lido Market, and share what we ordered in the specialty restaurants.

Rudi’s Sel de Mer

This is the highest-end restaurant onboard, with the smallest capacity — and also, of course, my favorite. 

It’s a tranquil seafood restaurant, and the halibut and steak special were both excellent. They also had lobster, crab, and other seafood delicacies available. I loved the apple crumble as well!

Tamarind 

This Asian-flavors-inspired restaurant was my second favorite, with satay, curries, a nice tom kha gai , and orange duck. They were also very understanding and accommodating of our nut and soy allergies. Definitely get the yuzu cheesecake for dessert!

The Italian restaurant with seating near the windows offers sharing-style Italian dishes. It’s a must-do if you’re looking for higher-end pasta, meatballs, seafood dishes, and desserts.

Pinnacle Grill

This appeared to be the most popular restaurant. It offered surf and turf. If they have the lemongrass soup appetizer when you sail, definitely get it! 

It is also open for lunch, unlike the other paid restaurant upgrades. I thought this was a steal, considering we got a nice steak and appetizers and dessert for only $15 each!

Lido Market

In market hall fashion, this was the place to go for variety, and it became our daily lunch stop. It had everything from a salad bar and roasted meats to sandwiches, sweets, and noodles. It could get a bit busy and overwhelming at times to be honest, probably because it had so much variety in one spot. 

There were other options in the vicinity, including burgers and pizza near the indoor pool, but we didn’t end up having those during our cruise. 

Main Dining 

Even if you don’t upgrade to any of the paid dining options, the main dining room is honestly awesome. It had a different menu each day with plenty to choose from, like roasted chicken, New York steak, a vegan chickpea patty (which was my favorite thing), and plenty of roasted veggies, grilled fish, and chopped fruit for my son. (It also had a kid’s menu with the typical options).

The staff were so great with my little guy, I was always happy to eat there, which we did for most breakfasts and dinners. 

In-room dining

There’s always room service too! I thought we would take more advantage than we did, but we loved the dining room so much, we went there more often. 

This is the part I was most looking forward to, and my excursions didn’t disappoint. 

Juneau Helicopter and Glacier Trekking

Do yourself a favor and book at least one scenic flight during your cruise, whether it’s in Juneau or elsewhere. 

The flight was beautiful, and the ice was wonderful to trek as well. I’ve been fortunate to trek on five glaciers now and take several scenic flights all around the world, but I had never combined the two. It was truly an adventure, which included scenes all around Juneau, crampons, and hiking on the ice for a few glorious hours. The guides were also happy to take pictures, which was helpful, since I did this excursion solo. 

Skagway White Pass Railway

There are several options for the historic train, since it’s the most popular thing to do in town. I found it a bit confusing and only ended up booking the excursion that just barely crossed the border into British Columbia before turning around, rather than going all the way into the Yukon Territory. Although my intention had been to go all the way, the trip was still beautiful, and probably long enough, considering we had my one-year-old in tow. 

Many of the other excursions will take you all the way one way on the train and then use a coach for the way back. If you do this, be sure to ride on the left side of the train on your way up as it is the most scenic. We ended up being among the last to board the train, which I worried would mean we’d miss out on good seating, but we actually got to be in the front, and it wasn’t too crowded up there!

The trip is narrated the whole way, and there are also platforms in the front and back of each car that passengers can stand on. I logged most of the trip out there.

Ketchikan Historic Wilderness Sea Plane 

This is another splurge but so worth it! In contrast to the glacier flights, Ketchikan is more about the misty fjords and potential to see wildlife. We got lucky with a clear day and a nice, long flight with views of hidden mountain lakes, snowy peaks, and a bear and whale sighting that I wasn’t quick enough to catch on the camera but loved seeing nonetheless. 

Koningsdam : Ship & Amenities 

I have to be honest that the size of the ship (2,500 capacity, one of Holland America’s largest) made me hesitate. I know for sure I’m not the kind of person who would enjoy the huge ships that have 5,000+ passengers, those big slides, and bellyflop competitions. But the Koningsdam was classy, with some shared areas we loved, particularly the Crow’s Nest on the 12th floor, with a fantastic view all around the front of the ship, coffee, and couches for Felix to crawl on.

There were also two pools to choose from, including an indoor pool that showed movies on the giant screen in the evenings, and the outdoor pool at the back of the ship that was nicely heated and had two hot tubs as well. It wasn’t very crowded, which made it perfect for us!

There was also a gym that had regular classes and plenty of machines to choose from. It was never too crowded, even though the ship was fully booked. There’s also a spa, shopping, casino, a few live music venues, and a large theater.

We also enjoyed the jogging track on the 11th floor for panoramic views. It was a great spot to get some exercise and take Felix for his beloved stroller walks with the ever-changing scenery.

As I understand is common on cruise ships, there are some extras, like internet and drinks, that you can opt to pay for as a package. The Quench package included espresso drinks, smoothies, and water cans. Tea, tap water, and regular coffee are free.

To upgrade to the package that includes alcohol runs $55/day, or $60 for top shelf. I don’t drink, so that didn’t tempt me, though it could be a meaningful expense to add onto the trip, as is Wi-Fi, which was $229 for four devices and high speed for the week.

One could just use one’s cell signal in port and disconnect elsewhere, and it’s possible to get an eSIM especially for cruises!

Cleanliness 

With so many people on board, this was another factor that I was a little worried about. Would it really be super clean? However, the guest-to-staff ratio seems to be about 2:1, which is pretty incredible. Everything always looked pretty well taken care of, and things were obviously being cleaned constantly. I regularly saw people servicing the bathrooms, our room got cleaned twice a day, and the pool was regularly serviced. It seemed like there was quite a lot of effort being put into everything feeling spotless.

How to Book

Holland America is offering various routes and variations on this particular itinerary all the time. It’s easy to add on and make it a longer journey, or to explore land and sea packages that include Denali National Park. Booking with a Virtuoso agent can help you find the best room for you on the ship most suited to your desires, with onboard credits.

Final Thoughts: Is it Worth It?

There was definitely a time in my life when I was all about taking small ships , cargo ferries, and local buses, and avoiding experiences like cruises. However, now with a young child, it ended up being such an easy, beautiful way to take a vacation. We didn’t have to worry about logistics, food, cleaning up after meals (which can be messy with a one-year-old), or having things to do while he napped. Each time my son went down for his nap, sneaking out to the veranda with the baby monitor ended up being so lovely, with plenty of wildlife and scenery to take in.

The care that the staff put into making sure our boy was well looked after at our meals was above and beyond. People were always trying to make him smile, and the guests were nice to be around, as well. It wasn’t a party atmosphere (although there may have been some of that in the evenings, which I missed since that was bedtime for my son), but rather a mix of people who were there to enjoy the scenery of Alaska.

The only times things felt a bit busy to me were at the Lido Market at lunchtime and in the Crow’s Nest when we were cruising Glacier Bay. I ended up really feeling that our veranda was the best place to view it all from, and I can’t imagine taking a scenic cruise without one.

Maximizing your time by booking excursions in the ports is also important. That does make things cost a bit more, but it really does make this a bucket-list trip. I think with a veranda, excursions, and some of the higher-end dining, as well as making use of the ship amenities that appeal most to you, will make for a wonderful experience. Although I might never be the type to cruise-hop in the Caribbean, I have a feeling this won’t be my last scenic cruise in some of the more mountainous, glacier-topped destinations.

You can book your experience with Holland America here!

*Thanks to Holland America for inviting me to experience this cruise. All thoughts on the amazing staff, beautiful Alaska, and delicious food are my own. We loved it so much that we did another trip with them to Iceland ! Some links in this post are affiliate links that support us at no extra cost to you when you purchase through them. We only recommend products we love and use ourselves. Your trust always comes first!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Tillie says

08/30/2023 at 3:47 pm

AMEN!!! I’ve been blessed to shaparone elders on this cruise. They loved it. The medical staff is also attending to chronic conditions that would prevent an elder to vacation with emotional security in a different setting. Their bed goes with then, so that when they feel well, they are back to wonder.

Lisa Cochran says

09/01/2023 at 5:08 pm

My sister and I just went on a cruise on the Valdomara to Alaska. It was just as perfect as you described. I will go again! We had an excellent time!

Kathleen Curell says

09/06/2023 at 9:01 am

What month did you do this Alaskan cruise?

Kristin says

09/08/2023 at 5:58 am

end of July

Shelly Palczewski says

04/24/2024 at 6:49 am

Wonderful article. Very helpful and honest. Thanks. What side of the ship were you on?

Kristin Addis says

05/10/2024 at 9:09 am

Starboard, but when you’re in glacier bay the ship will rotate so both sides see everything 🙂

Janine Palludan says

06/11/2024 at 8:41 am

Can you give anymore specific tips for bringing a toddler? We’re going on this trip in the beginning of July with our 17 month old. I would love tips on what to bring for him, things to do on board, excursions we can do with him, etc. Thank you!

06/14/2024 at 7:27 pm

here you go! https://parenthoodadventures.com/cruise-with-baby-tips-guide/

elizabeth says

07/04/2024 at 10:44 am

How was the weather and would you go in April? thanks for this article, I am just starting the R&D for this trip for next year.

07/11/2024 at 3:41 pm

April would likely still be wintery but if you like that then go for it! Probably cheaper then.

08/12/2024 at 4:42 am

Nothing but a paid advertisement.

08/12/2024 at 6:55 am

We enjoyed it enough to book another one for the following year. I think that should sum up how we felt about it!

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Holland America Line Review

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Holland America Line maintains a fleet of 14 ships, each with its own brand of amenities and travel destinatios. The company runs up to 500 cruises to 320 ports in more than 100 countries with 2- to 114-day itineraries. Holland America Lines also offers a broad range of food and dining options as well as entertainment and on-board activities which can cater to individual passenger taste.

Holland America Line Experience

Food and Dining

Holland America Line has a broad range of exquisite food and dining options available on-board for their passengers. On-board, there are a number of restaurants that suits every appetite and allows guests to choose the dining style they prefer. The cruise line also offers Signature Beverage Package for passengers ages 21 and above which lets them pay one price per day for beverages.

Each cruise ship provides a flexible dining program which is “As You Wish” Dining that gives guests the choice of an open schedule dining or traditional pre-set and dining time. Included in Holland America Line’s cruise fare is their main dining which serves breakfast, lunch, and five-course dinner.

Other featured dining options at Holland America Line:

• Le Cirque Restaurant (for reservation)
• The Pinnacle Grill (for reservation)
• Tamarind Restaurant (for reservation)
• Lido Restaurant
• Canaletto Restaurant (for reservation)
• Slice Pizza
• Dive-In at Terrace Grill
• 24-Hour In-Room Dining

Stateroom and Suites

All staterooms include:

• Complimentary ice service
• Complimentary shoeshine service
• Complimentary 24-hour In-Room Dining
• Complimentary fresh fruit on request
• DVD library
• Daily housekeeping service

Exclusive amenities for upper class staterooms:

• In-suite coffee and espresso machine
• Complimentary mimosas with in-suite breakfast
• Bose SoundDock
• Neptune Lounge
• One-touch 24-hour concierge service
• Complimentary sparkling wine served in the Neptune Lounge upon embarkation
• Complimentary laundry, pressing, and dry cleaning service
• Cold hors d’oeuvres served before dinner each evening on request
• Binoculars and umbrellas
• Corsages and boutonnieres in suite at embarkation
• Priority dining and seating requests
• Exclusive daily breakfast service
• Cocktail party with ship’s officers
• Personalized cruise stationery

On-Board Activities

Holland America Line has various activities available every day on-board for guests to enjoy. They offer a wide range of recreational activities which includes Spa and Salon, Culinary Classes, Digital Workshops, Art Galleries, and Shopping Boutiques.

Guests are presented with an array of entertainment shows and nightlife activities which allows them to experience a thrilling cruise vacation. The cruise line also has diverse lounges, movie theatres, and casinos ready for use aboard. Passengers can stay up all night and be entertained with Holland America Line’s stage shows and live music.

Cruise Ships and Itineraries

Cruise Ships:

• ms Koningsdam
• ms Amsterdam
• ms Nieuw Amsterdam
• ms Oosterdam
• ms Prinsendam
• ms Westerdam
• ms Volendam
• ms Rotterdam
• ms Zuiderdam

Destinations:

• Alaska and Yukon
• Asia and Pacific
• Canada and New England
• Australia/ New Zealand and South Pacific
• Hawaii and Tahiti
• Panama Canal
• Pacific Coast
• South America and Antarctica
• Arabia and Africa

Excursions Offered

Holland America Line let travellers explore the places they visit and do exciting activities with a variety of excursions they offer with each destination. Their Journeys Ashore allows guests to choose from a number of well-planned excursions with the comfort of their own private driver. Excursions are given in one price without extra charges and with included guaranteed returns. Travellers can get unique perspectives and have access to exclusive opportunities with the help of local experts.

Holland America Line - Summary

Holland America Line is a great choice of cruise line for frequent cruise line passengers. It provides a wide range of on-board and off-shore activities that makes each cruise a memorable experience. With 320 ports and 100 countries in its itinerary, there is always something new to discover.

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• Wide range of food and dining options
• Flexibility to choose the dining style you prefer
• Variety of staterooms and suites available
• Array of shore excursion activities with something for everyone
• Get expert advice from a travel professional near your area
• Up to 14 cruise ships to choose from

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This Cruise Line Now Lets You Travel Standby for $99 — With Routes to Private Islands in the Caribbean and Glacier Trips in Alaska

Holland America's expanded standby program has a new rate — and new perks.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Have you ever dreamed of cruising the open sea but just can’t get past the cost? As long as you’re willing to travel at the last minute, you can hop aboard one of Holland America’s ships for a fraction of the cost. The company’s newly expanded Standby Program costs travelers $99 per person, per day for an Inside or Oceanview stateroom, or $129 per person, per day for a Verandah.

The rate may cause some Holland America devotees to balk — after all, the program used to cost $49 a day . But, while the old $49 rate didn’t include taxes or fees, the new $99 or $129 rate does. The fine print now states that the advertised fares include taxes and fees.

Plus, the new standby price is still half the cost of most early bookings. For example, the famed 7-Day Alaskan Explorer , which provides more glacier and wildlife sightings than any other cruise line and can cost over $200 a day per person when booked in advance. Similarly, the 21-Day Eastern Caribbean Wayfarer cruise, which includes a full day on Holland America’s private island, can cost almost $230 per person, per day. The standby rate for both trips is half that — and then some.

Here’s the rub: you need to be ready to go at a moment’s notice, which means you should be within driving distance of the port or have the budget to book last-minute flights. Holland America will notify people on the standby list two to seven days before departure, so you’ll need to be prepared to pack your bags and get to the port in two days. In addition, you’ll be charged for the cost of the trip when you add your name to the standby list. If you’re not cleared off the list, you’ll be refunded in four to six weeks. 

If you’re a solo traveler, you can travel in your own room for $99 per day (Inside or Ocean View room) or $129 per day (Verandah room). If you’re planning to travel with a guest, you’ll both be charged the daily standby rate ($99 or $129 each). However, if there are three or four people in your party, the third and fourth guests travel for free — meaning the daily cost for a family to cruise with Holland America via the standby list can be as low as $200 per day.

The list of eligible Standby Program sailings currently includes trips as far out as April 2025 to destinations like Hawaii , Newfoundland, the Mexican Riviera, and the Caribbean.

To view a full list of Standby Program itineraries, visit hollandamerica.com . To join the Holland America standby list contact a travel advisor or call 877-724-5425.

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Holland america line offers cruisers the chance to sample a grand voyage, exploring a global region in grand style starting at just $169/day.

Guests can enjoy destinations like Easter Island, Antarctica and cities of the Med while enjoying signature experiences aboard a Grand Voyages

SEATTLE , Aug. 26, 2024 /CNW/ -- Holland America Line , a leader in destination-rich longer voyages, is inviting cruisers to sample one of its most prolific cruise categories by booking a segment of either the 2025 Grand World Voyage or 2025 Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole, for as little as $169 per day, including all taxes and fees.

Seven segments are available on the Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole aboard Volendam, ranging from 33 to 100 days. On Zuiderdam's Grand World Voyage, guests can choose from among six segments, ranging from 20 to 55 days. The segments allow guests to choose from a diverse selection of shorter itineraries, tailoring the Grand Voyage experience to their own taste and timeline.

"Our Grand Voyages are something our dedicated guests come back for every year while also attracting new guests who are eager to explore the world, but at over four months we recognize that not everyone has that time," said Paul Grigsby , vice president of deployment and itinerary planning for Holland America Line. "By booking one of our 2025 Grand Voyage segments, cruisers can get a taste of the special atmosphere and community aboard these sailings at an incredible value."

Grand Voyage segments sail between two key ports along each voyage, making it a seamless experience joining the ship in various locales around the world. On the Grand World Voyage, guests can sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida , to Singapore or Sydney, Australia ; Singapore to Athens, Greece ; Cape Town, South Africa , to Fort Lauderdale ; Sydney to Cape Town ; and Athens to Fort Lauderdale .

The Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole segments cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires, Argentina ; Buenos Aires to Barcelona, Spain , or Ijmuiden ( Amsterdam ), the Netherlands or Fort Lauderdale ; Fort Lauderdale to Ijmuiden ( Amsterdam ); and Ijmuiden ( Amsterdam ) or Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale .

Highlighted Segments

2025 Grand World Voyage Aboard Zuiderdam, departs Jan. 4 , roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale :

55-Day Fort Lauderdale to Singapore , Jan. 4 — March 1, 2025 : Those looking for a sampling of a world cruise can embark in the convenient North American homeport of Fort Lauderdale , sailing east to west, before ultimately disembarking in Singapore . On the voyage, Zuiderdam will call ports in 13 countries, and guests will experience multiple bucket list items, including a Panama Canal transit, overnight stay at Easter Island and scenic cruising in the Great Barrier Reef.

20-Day Athens to Fort Lauderdale , April 19 — May 9, 2025 : Guests looking for the shortest taste of a grand can embark in Athens for a Mediterranean adventure, calling ports in Italy , Spain , Portugal and Morocco — including a special overnight celebration in Barcelona — before heading across the Atlantic Ocean, visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico , for a perfect day in paradise before disembarking at Fort Lauderdale .

2025 Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole aboard Volendam, departs Jan. 25 , roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale :

47-Day Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires , Jan. 25 — March 13, 2025 : Those looking for an extended Antarctic adventure and exploration of South America can sail from Fort Lauderdale , experiencing a Panama Canal Transit before heading south to Central and South America , extensively exploring Peru (including an overnight at Lima ) and Chile . A four-day Antarctica experience rounds off the segment before sailing north to Uruguay and Argentina .

33-Day Ijmuiden ( Amsterdam ) to Fort Lauderdale , May 5 — June 7, 2025 : Guests who dream of visiting the North Pole can embark in Ijmuiden, exploring the rugged coast of Norway before crossing the Arctic Circle and calling Honningsvåg (Nordkapp) in the North Cape. Volendam then visits Iceland , Greenland , Canada , Saint Pierre and Miquelon , and ports in Maine and Massachusetts before ending the voyage at Fort Lauderdale .

A Grand Onboard Experience Guests sailing on any of the full or segmented Grand Voyages will have access to all the on-board offerings that Holland America Line is known for, including a robust entertainment and enrichment program that is exclusive to Grand Voyages. This includes 15 new production shows debuting in 2025 ,  comedians, headline entertainers and performers brought on locally, and resident musicians, including a classical trio and dance band on both ships.

Cruisers can delve deep into the cuisine of the region of the itinerary, as guest chefs will join select segments to share their culinary talents, including live cooking demonstrations, informative "coffee chats" and signature dishes in both the main Dining Room and Pinnacle Grill.

Grand Voyage Ships to Meet in Barcelona During the Grand Voyages, Zuiderdam and Volendam will rendezvous April 24 in Barcelona . Guests on select segments will get to experience the historic meetup, which will be commemorated with Catalan-themed gala dinners, and a shipboard party capped off with a special drone show. Guests on both ships who want to meet up will have opportunities to get together as the ships overnight in port.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com .

Find Holland America Line on  X (formerly Twitter ),  Facebook , Instagram  and the Holland America Blog . You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at  hollandamerica.com .

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)] Holland America Line has been exploring the world for 150+ years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering an ideal perfectly-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests enjoy the best entertainment at sea, and dining venues featuring exclusive dishes by world-famous chefs. A new global fresh fish program brings more than 80 types of fresh fish on board, sourced and served locally in regions around the world.

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/holland-america-line-offers-cruisers-the-chance-to-sample-a-grand-voyage-exploring-a-global-region-in-grand-style-starting-at-just-169day-302230606.html

SOURCE Holland America Line

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2024/26/c6361.html

Courtesy of Holland America Line |

Find a Cruise on Eurodam

with a cruise advisor

Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 1082 guests have reviewed Eurodam , giving it a rating of 4.1 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type, most recent reviews.

Very Scenic and Great Experience

Aug 27th, 2024

Overall, the staff on the cruise is amazing. I particularly like Valerie. Very knowledgeable and friendly. The food is Average, but I still enjoyed the experience. The games and the wildlife talks were perfect.

Traveler Type

Family (older children)

1 cruise (first)

Exceptional Cruise!

Loved every minute! We have found our preferred method of travel after cruising on the Eurodam. We are already planning to make the voyage again! If you have not been on a cruise or to Alaska, you need to add this trip to the top of your list.

Great attempt at a wonderful cruise that falls just short.

Nice cruise on a somewhat tired ship. 4 of the ship hotubs were too small for anything more than 1 adult to fit comfortably. The jets on the hotubs were not properly aimed or serviced (shoots a lot of water in peoples faces so they cant really enjoy the jets when turned on).The crew was fantastic but the activities and entertainment seem geared towards a senior crowd. Nothing stays open past 1AM and left many younger passengers wandering the halls looking for a place to gather and share drinks and laughs. The Rolling Stone lounge was a missed opportunity to have the gathering place that would have made the cruise much for fun for the younger crowd. However, the cruise was saved by an AMAZING stateroom, great views and scenery of the cruise are, and amazing ports of call. Book if you're looking for a quiet and more reserved cruise and an early bedtime.

Singles/Friends

2-3 cruises

Magnificent Alaska Cruise

Aug 6th, 2024

This was our first cruise and will definitely not be our last. Coming back next year but later in July when the salmon are running to see more actual nature!

Very few plant based food options

Jul 30th, 2024

Very few plant based food options Cruise director was great.

4-6 cruises

Basic Alaska Cruise Aboard the Eurodam

Jul 23rd, 2024

A Great Glimpse Into the Alaska Shoreline & It's Wildlife!

Great Alaska Cruies

It was a great cruise. The weather was no so good but after all it was Alaska. All the stops were wonderful. Some were shorter than i would have liked. The staff were by far the best I have experienced.

Enjoyable Alaskan Cruise

Jul 2nd, 2024

Eurodam is a great ship and offers a great cruise! Super convenient as it starts and ends at the same port!

Unhappy cruisers

Jun 18th, 2024

This was worst cruise we have ever been on. The ports of call were flooded with 1,000s of people getting off cruise ships. Almost impossible to walk around there were so many people. The food on the ship was terrible. The entertainment was nothing special. Staff at buffet lines were terrible, didn't clean off table quickly, endless waiting for a table. Food was similar to a bad buffet. No water filtration station.

Absolutely Wonderful!!

Jun 12th, 2024

This was my husband’s first cruise and my cruise after 35+ years. We absolutely fell in love with Holland America - the Eurodam. It was a small ship, which is what we wanted and never felt overwhelmed by the size. Staff was attentive and friendly. Food was excellent. We fell in love with cruising and this is now going to be our adventure in life.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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