Holland America Cruise Tips for a Memorable Vacation

Holland America cruises are known for their rich history, elegant atmosphere, and exceptional service. Holland America has been in operation for over 145 years.

To make the most of your Holland America cruise, it's essential to understand the ship's layout and amenities. This will help you navigate the vessel with ease and discover all the hidden gems onboard.

A Holland America cruise typically offers a wide range of onboard activities, including enrichment programs, live entertainment, and recreational activities. You can also take advantage of the ship's spa, fitness center, and library.

Whether you're looking to relax or stay active, Holland America has something for everyone. Don't be afraid to ask your friendly crew members for recommendations or assistance whenever you need it.

Consider reading: Holland America Vancouver to Alaska

Pre-Trip Planning is essential to make the most of your Holland America cruise. Research your destination thoroughly to understand the local culture, customs, and weather conditions.

Check the Holland America website for any travel advisories or restrictions before booking your cruise. You can also contact their customer service for assistance.

Related reading: Holland America Seattle to Alaska

Book your flights and transfers in advance to avoid last-minute stress and ensure a smooth arrival. Holland America offers airport transfers for a fee, but you can also book your own transportation.

Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected trip cancellations or interruptions. Holland America recommends purchasing insurance that covers trip cancellations, interruptions, and delays.

Download the Holland America app to stay connected with your travel party and access important cruise documents, like your itinerary and cabin details. The app also provides real-time updates on ship activities, dining hours, and more.

Embarkation and Arrival can be a chaotic experience, especially if you're a first-time cruiser. Boarding the ship can be a long process, but Holland America has a smooth system in place to get you on board efficiently.

Plan to arrive at the terminal by 10:00 AM to account for parking, security checks, and crowd congestion. Take a deep breath and be prepared for a potentially long wait in line.

Bring a printed or digital copy of your cruise documents, including your ID and travel insurance information, to make the check-in process easier and faster. This will also help you avoid any last-minute rushes.

Once you've checked in, take some time to explore the terminal and grab a bite to eat before boarding. You can also use this time to take a group photo with fellow passengers.

Holland America allows passengers to drop off their luggage at the terminal the day before embarkation, which can be a huge time-saver on the actual arrival day. This service is usually available from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Embarkation day itself is a busy time, but with some preparation and patience, you'll be sipping cocktails by the pool in no time.

Holland America has plenty of daily activities to keep you busy throughout the day, with a variety of options to suit all interests.

You can expect to find something to do every hour of the day, so don't worry about getting bored. Holland America has a show every evening at 7:30 pm and 9 pm, so be sure to catch one of these performances.

With live music playing throughout the day and evenings, you can always find a great spot to relax and enjoy some tunes.

Onboard dining is a highlight of any cruise, and Holland America stands out for its exceptional cuisine. The quality of its food is unmatched, making every meal a treat.

Even if you don't dine at specialty restaurants, the Main Dining Room is a great option that won't leave you feeling like you're missing out.

Specialty Dining Restaurants are a highlight of any Holland America Line cruise. You'll find a range of options to suit your taste and budget.

The Pinnacle Grill, Holland America's Steakhouse, is available on all ships and is a great spot for a special occasion or a treat. It's an additional $46 for dinner and $19 for lunch.

Canaletto, Holland America's Italian Restaurant, is another popular option, priced at $35 per person. You'll find it on all ships except the Westerdam, Zuiderdam, Noordam, and Oosterdam.

Tamarind, a very popular Asian-fusion restaurant, serves sushi a la carte and is priced at $35 per person. Unfortunately, it's not available on the Westerdam, Zuiderdam, Noordam, and Oosterdam.

Rudi's Sel de Mer features exceptional French cuisine and seafood, and has a stand-alone restaurant on the larger Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam. On other ships, there's a pop-up dinner in the Pinnacle Grill for $55 per person.

Morimoto by Sea is a brand new restaurant in 2024, offering Asian-fusion cuisine for $55 per person. It has a stand-alone restaurant on the Nieuw Amsterdam, and a pop-up restaurant on all other ships.

All specialty restaurants come with an additional 18% gratuity on top of the listed price. Be sure to ask guest services when you get on the ship to see if pop-up restaurants are available and make a reservation.

A unique perspective: Holland America Alaska Ships

You'll find plenty of daily activities to keep you busy on a Holland America cruise. Holland America has a lot to offer, with activities tailored to suit all interests and ages.

One of the highlights of the day is the evening show, which takes place at 7:30 pm and 9 pm. The entertainment options are endless, with live music available throughout the day and evenings.

You can expect a packed schedule with plenty of activities to choose from, including those you absolutely don't want to miss. Holland America has a wide range of onboard activities to keep you entertained and engaged.

The Thermal Suite is a must-visit on Holland America cruises. It's located in their spa and offers an incredible experience.

You can access the Thermal Suite by purchasing a pass, which is often cheaper if you buy in advance. The cost is around $299 for a 7-day cruise or $49 for a day pass.

One of the highlights of the Thermal Suite is the giant mineral water hot tub with jets, perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating. The cool monsoon shower with multidirectional jets is another great feature.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can access one of the steam rooms for free. Just ask a staff member for its location.

Hearing Announcements in Your Cabin is a breeze, thanks to the clever setup on cruise ships. You can turn on your TV and put it to the Ships Bow station to hear daily announcements in your room.

The daily announcements are a great way to stay informed about onboard activities and schedules. They take place at 8 am and throughout the day.

You can tune in to the announcements from the comfort of your cabin, no need to stand in the hallway trying to catch the announcements.

Happy Hour Hack is a great way to enjoy a cocktail without breaking the bank. Drinks are usually 50% off during happy hours, which often happen between 4 PM and 5 PM at one or two bars around the ship.

You can expect to meet new friends at these popular happy hour timeframes. Bartenders are happy to answer any questions you may have.

On Holland America cruises, you'll have access to a variety of healthy dining options, including the Lido Marketplace, which offers a salad bar with fresh vegetables and lean proteins.

Fresh fruit and smoothies are also available throughout the ship, making it easy to stay hydrated and energized.

Holland America's spa and wellness programs include fitness classes, such as yoga and Pilates, which can be taken in the ship's gym or on the outdoor jogging track.

I'm prone to seasickness, and I've been there, done that - I got sick on my first cruise. If you're like me, take non-drowsy Dramamine every morning like a vitamin to avoid seasickness.

Booking a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck can also help. This area tends to have less motion, making it a great choice for those who get seasick.

Taking preventative measures, like Dramamine, can make a big difference in how you feel on a boat.

As you travel, keep an eye out for regional food and drink options that showcase local flavors.

HAL cruise lines do an amazing job of incorporating local flavors into their menus, especially seafood.

Their Global Fresh Fish Program offers over 80 varieties of fresh fish sourced locally from across their worldwide network.

Check out the port to plate guide on HAL's website to see what's offered in your region.

To ensure a smooth cruise experience, make sure to pack essentials like medications and identification documents in a carry-on bag. This way, you'll have access to them immediately.

For a hassle-free embarkation, consider using luggage tags that can be printed at check-in. These tags will help prevent damage to your printable tags.

If you're worried about losing your cruise key card, consider purchasing a lanyard to keep it secure around your neck.

Here are some unique packing items to consider:

Packing for a cruise can be a bit overwhelming, but don't worry, I've got you covered. To start, make sure to pack essentials like medications and identification documents in a carry-on bag. This way, you'll have them easily accessible in case you need them.

Consider purchasing luggage tags for your cruise, which can be printed at check-in and attached to your luggage when you embark. This will ensure your bags get to your room safely. You can also use lanyards to keep your cruise key card secure around your neck.

If you're planning to attend Holland America's special orange-themed event, don't forget to pack an outfit with the color orange. It's a fun way to get into the cruise spirit.

Before your cruise, make sure to download the Navigation App, which will be your go-to tool for everything from booking reservations to checking your itinerary.

The Holland America Navigation app will still work even if you don't have a wi-fi plan, so you can access it anywhere on board.

You'll use the app to pull up your excursion tickets, so be sure to download it prior to your trip to get familiar with its features.

If you're thinking of packing a bunch of fancy outfits for your Holland America cruise, think again. There are only two formal nights on a 7-night cruise, and even then, it's optional.

In reality, you can get away with packing more casual clothes, like polo shirts and jeans. We've seen it happen, and it's totally fine.

In Alaska, you can even wear the same clothes you wore on your shore excursion to dinner, which is super convenient. Just be sure to check the ship's schedule for any special events that might require a bit more effort.

Formal nights are still a thing, but you can always head to the buffet restaurants if you're not feeling up for dressing to impress.

Holland America has a 110% Price Guarantee for their excursions, which means if you find a better deal on an equivalent tour, you can get a non-refundable on-board credit.

Booking a cruise can be a big investment, so it's great to know that Holland America offers a price guarantee for shore excursions.

If you book an EXC Tour and then find a better deal on an equivalent tour, you can submit a request through an online form up to seven days before cruise departure.

You'll be notified within two days of submission if the tour meets the requirements for the Best Price Guarantee.

The Best Price Guarantee applies only to shore excursions that are advertised with pricing and publicly available, so make sure to check the Holland America website for eligible tours.

Disembarkation can be a breeze, especially if you keep your luggage in your room until you're ready to depart.

If you're flying out after your cruise, Holland America offers airport transportation excursions that can be a cost-effective alternative to taking an Uber or taxi.

Take time to pamper yourself on a Holland America cruise. Whether you want a world-class tan or to sharpen your poker skills, the ship has plenty to offer.

The pool area is a popular spot for swimming, lounging, and tanning. People love spending hours soaking up the sun.

Spa treatments are also a great way to unwind. Holland America's spa is world-class and offers a range of treatments to help you relax.

If you're a morning person, enjoy the sunrise from the deck. It's a beautiful way to start the day.

Keep an eye out for the little touches that make Holland America cruises special. The days of the week on the elevator carpet are just one example of the attention to detail that sets them apart.

Overall, Holland America takes care of all the small details, making your cruise experience unforgettable.