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Holland America cruises
Posted on 8/19/25 at 12:18 am
Posted on 8/19/25 at 12:18 am
Thinking about trying Holland cruises next year (probably Caribbean) and was wondering if anyone could tell me something about them. Thanks for your help.
This post was edited on 8/19/25 at 12:19 am
4
Posted on 8/19/25 at 7:09 am to Chrome
We did a cruise with Holland America in August of 2023 to Norway and it was great.
That said, Caribbean cruises are a different animal and attract a different clientelle.
That said, Caribbean cruises are a different animal and attract a different clientelle.
Posted on 8/19/25 at 7:33 am to Chrome
Floating retirement home, much older crowd. Ships are geared to that crowd. Food isn’t any better than standard cruise fair, usually is a bit bland because of the older crowd.
The more active activities on the ship and the ship offered active excursions usually have lighter crowds because of that too.
I don’t know if they still do it because it’s been a few years since I been on HA, but they use to do this activity where you built a ship to hold a 6 pack of coke and sail it in the pool that was a lot of fun to do.
The more active activities on the ship and the ship offered active excursions usually have lighter crowds because of that too.
I don’t know if they still do it because it’s been a few years since I been on HA, but they use to do this activity where you built a ship to hold a 6 pack of coke and sail it in the pool that was a lot of fun to do.
Posted on 8/19/25 at 9:58 am to Dam Guide
It is an older crowd. Beautiful ships though.
If that’s not your crowd look at Princess or Celebrity.
If that’s not your crowd look at Princess or Celebrity.
Posted on 8/19/25 at 10:22 am to Chrome
I have taken three of them, twice to Alaska and one in the Mediterranean. I like them. I would compare them favorably with lines like NCL and Princess but when it comes to comparing the ships in those categories , I find that the similarities are greater than the differences.
As far as being an old folks cruise, I find that the itennerary makes a difference. The oldest crowd I have had on a cruise (other than maybe Viking) was a Princess to New England and Canada. The Caribbean should attract a younger crowd.
I would not hesitate to book HAL.
As far as being an old folks cruise, I find that the itennerary makes a difference. The oldest crowd I have had on a cruise (other than maybe Viking) was a Princess to New England and Canada. The Caribbean should attract a younger crowd.
I would not hesitate to book HAL.
Posted on 8/19/25 at 2:37 pm to geauxpurple
Thanks to all of you for your input.
Posted on 8/20/25 at 9:35 pm to Chrome
I have cruised Holland America often enough to be a 5 star Mariner. The posters are correct, the passengers are older. The ship tends to wind down earlier in the evening, about 9:30pm most passengers are in their cabins.
Took a month cruise in January 2025 to SE Asia (Singapore to Tokyo) and really enjoyed it. We usually book a Neptune Suite as the cabin space is outstanding. Extra space for the wife to do the makeup thing, plenty of closet space, nice size veranda, access to the Neptune lounge.
Taking another HAL cruise January 2026 Santiago, Chile to Buenos Aires, Argentina cruising four days around Antarctica. Starting off with seven days in Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco before flying to Santiago to jump on the ship. Finishing with trip to Igauzu Falls and couple days in Rio de Janeiro.
My only negative comment regarding HAL is that things were cut out after the purchase of HAL by Carnival. Food quality has slipped but is still good. Some small amenities were also lost, but obviously we still like the cruiseline especially as we get older.
I think it depends on what you are seeking from a cruise line or a cruise. Looking for excitement and partying then HAL is not your first choice. If looking for relaxing steady service, you will like HAL.
Took a month cruise in January 2025 to SE Asia (Singapore to Tokyo) and really enjoyed it. We usually book a Neptune Suite as the cabin space is outstanding. Extra space for the wife to do the makeup thing, plenty of closet space, nice size veranda, access to the Neptune lounge.
Taking another HAL cruise January 2026 Santiago, Chile to Buenos Aires, Argentina cruising four days around Antarctica. Starting off with seven days in Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco before flying to Santiago to jump on the ship. Finishing with trip to Igauzu Falls and couple days in Rio de Janeiro.
My only negative comment regarding HAL is that things were cut out after the purchase of HAL by Carnival. Food quality has slipped but is still good. Some small amenities were also lost, but obviously we still like the cruiseline especially as we get older.
I think it depends on what you are seeking from a cruise line or a cruise. Looking for excitement and partying then HAL is not your first choice. If looking for relaxing steady service, you will like HAL.
Posted on 8/21/25 at 2:42 pm to VABuckeye
quote:
That said, Caribbean cruises are a different animal and attract a different clientelle.
I did HAL West Caribbean last year and it was still great. We were on the Rotterdam which is a great ship. Half the ship went to bed by 8pm so it's even better at night.
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