How is the Holand America Cruise Line?

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Stephen M

Holland America Line (HAL) is owned by the Carnival Corporation. One should not think of it like Carnival Cruise Lien though. HAL is much more upscale.

At one time HAL was known as the "highly aged line", as the average age of passengers was well over 50. In recent years, they have have done a lot to become more family friendly, even adding kid's clubs to their ships. They really have repositioned themselves to be upscale, similar to Princess Cruises, which is also owned by Carnival Corporation.

HAL is the recognized leader for Alaska cruises. They have many offerings, and own several lodges in the Denali area that are used for their cruise-tour packages. As a result of being part of Carnival, Princess and Carnival cruises make use of those lodges as well.

As the old Life cereal commercial used to say, "Try it. You'll like it!"

HAL's strengths are
- super-attentive, gracious service
- delicious cuisine
- fastidiously clean ships
- a great Alaska program
- the best private island in the Caribbean, Half Moon Cay

What it's not so good at is late-night partying or rock-climbing walls. Those are better left to Carnival and Royal Caribbean. It's also not super-luxury like Cunard or Seabourn; but of course those are about twice the price.

There's a pretty detailed guide to HAL here: http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/holland_america_line

And you're welcome to check out my review and pictures from Zuiderdam here:
http://www.cruisesavvy.com/journals/pj/2008/zuiderdam_holland_america_line_pacific_northwest_907
and there's one of Noordam here:
http://www.cruisesavvy.com/journals/sylvia/2008/holland_america_line_noordam_caribbean_208

Hope that helps!

MomSezNo

It's wonderful, if you like a more "traditional", quiet, classy cruise. Little nightlife, but it has great food, fantastic service, great rooms; no silly pool games, "party-til-you-puke" atmosphere.

Go to Cruisecritic.com, click on "Reviews" and check out "Member Reviews". Also check the HAL board and "Cruise Styles" [at the top of the home page].

The crowd does tend to be "older" or at least have a more mature attitude, especially on longer or "off season" cruises. I wouldn't recommend it for kids, although they do have a children's program.

Celebrity is a similar, classy line.

Ali

Personally, I don't like it that well. Of course, I am only 13. I have been on tow Royal Caribbean cruises and one Holland America and we are going on another RCI this summer. Holland America is for old people. I think the average age is 70. i just didn't like it that well. I recommend RCI. That is the best.

Princess

I found that Holand America was more for older people, people who are in their 60.

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