holland america caribbean cruise 2023

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Caribbean Cruises

When it comes to pleasure, relaxation and reconnecting in the warm sunshine, nothing is better than a Caribbean cruise with Holland America Line.

Why Cruise with Holland America Line

Top reasons to cruise the Caribbean with Holland America:

Award-Winning Private Island

Every Caribbean cruise includes a day at Half Moon Cay, so you can see for yourself why it’s been awarded “Best Private Island,” by readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine for 20 consecutive years.  

Perfectly Sized Ships

Our ships never feel crowded but have everything you need at your fingertips. Breathe in expansive views, explore enriching activities, and relax in easy elegance. 

Island-Inspired Cuisine

Taste the islands on board with fresh local ingredients, Caribbean flavors, and time-honored techniques from our world-class chefs.

Flexible Itineraries

Our Caribbean cruises fit every schedule with convenient weekend departures and many options, from breezy 7-day getaways to extraordinary 21-day explorations.

The True Caribbean Awaits

Our Caribbean cruises take you deep into these featured regions, where you’ll experience island magic through dining, music and nightlife.

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Snorkel in Grand Turk’s clear blue waters among schools of jewel-toned fish. Sip the perfect blend of rum, mango and magic on Half Moon Cay.

Southern Caribbean Cruises

Discover a breathtaking under-water nature park in Bonaire. Tour Willemsted, Curaçao, and get some great shots of its signature gingerbread rooflines.

Tropical Caribbean

Sit under swaying palms or snorkel with colorful fish on tropical Caribbean cruises to Key West and more. Sun, sand, and relaxation await.

Western Caribbean Cruises

Don your snorkeling gear and explore a shipwreck and coral reef. Visit Key West and tour the home of long-time resident, Ernest Hemingway.

Caribbean Cruises, Every Year From October to April

Venture beyond the known on 7- to 21-day cruises. New for the 2023-2024 season, a 9-day Southern Caribbean itinerary that departs on a Friday and cruises the ABC islands with a late-night call in Curaçao. 

VIEW ALL CARRIBEAN CRUISES

Explore Top Caribbean Excursions

Explore the islands from the top of the twin Pitons to the bottom of the sea with hundreds of unique shore excursions. 

Top Caribbean Shore Excursions

Adventurers

Convenient caribbean cruise departure port.

Cruise conveniently with weekend departures from Ft. Lauderdale, the “Venice of America.” There’s plenty to do before or after your cruise from this welcoming city. 

Cruises From Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Featured caribbean cruise destinations.

Every Caribbean cruise stops at our exclusive slice of paradise, Half Moon Cay, celebrating 26 years with us in the 2023-2024 season.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Oranjestad, Aruba

The Dutch island of Aruba feels like another world and offers experiences unlike anywhere else. Relax in the shade of a fofoti tree on a white-sand beach or explore coastal cliffs in a cactus-filled landscape that that has both wild donkeys and lounging iguanas. 

San Juan, Puerto Rico

From relaxing beaches and breathtaking colors, to old cobblestone streets full of hidden gems, incredible flavors and beautiful live music, San Juan always has more to show you.

Castries, St. Lucia

Take a journey into the rainforest and immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness of this paradise island. Touch, hear, taste and feel the true power of Mother Nature.

See All Caribbean Cruise Ports

The Best Way to Explore Caribbean Islands

There are more than 7,000 unique islands in the Caribbean. We’re excited to show you this sun-kissed corner of the world again this year, but with more amenities, family-friendly itineraries, and onboard events than ever before. 

Caribbean Countries

Our newest ships, back for another caribbean season.

Immerse into the steel-drum rhythms of the islands on Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam, our two newest ships. Enjoy electrifying music at Music Walk® entertainment venues and exquisite dining, along with youth activities, themed parties and more. Welcome to Pinnacle Class.

Nieuw Statendam

Caribbean cruise travel tips & advice.

Plan your cruise with recommendations on what to pack and things to do. 

Packing for a Caribbean Cruise

25 Things To Do in Half Moon Cay

First-Timer’s Guide

VIEW ALL CARIBBEAN CRUISE TIPS & TRAVEL ARTICLES

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Holland America: up to 45% OFF and up to $300 OBC*

Holland America: Included Drinks, Tours, Specia...

Holland America Caribbean cruises from $1,799*

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Holland America Line Caribbean Cruises

Tropical sunsets, beautiful sunrises, and a vacation full of vibrant wildlife and culture awaits you onboard a Holland America Line Caribbean cruise. Each region will relax and delight you, whether you decide upon the exotic luxury of the Southern Caribbean, the vibrant cultures of the Western Caribbean, or the pure tropical perfection of the Eastern Caribbean. Cave explorations in Curacao or a trek through the Mayan ruins of Costa Maya can satisfy your appetite for adventure, a city tour of Old San Juan can satiate your cultural desire. Each day is different, but each day is unforgettable during a Caribbean cruise with Holland America.

Things to Do on a Caribbean Cruise with Holland America Line

With the sun shining and the clear water lapping the shores, you'll have an incredible experience in the Caribbean with Holland America Line. Be sure to get your groove on at a reggae party or river tubing in Dominica. Featured below are just a few of the amazing experiences available to you on a tropical Caribbean escape with Holland America:

• St. Pierre and Rum Distillery ( Fort de France, Martinique) Learn about the production of Agricole Rum, famous in Martinique. You'll also get a chance to try this cane juice rum. Then travel to Saint Pierre where you can visit the Volcano Museum and ride through towns where Christopher Columbus set foot and Paul Gauguin painted. In Bellefontaine there are lots of interesting things to see and observe on this French island, including a house shaped like a boat.  

• Schooner Calypso and Reggae Party (Kingstown, St. Vincent) Stay in the water on this wooden-decked schooner where the reggae music will have you jamming and the Chatoyer rum punch will have you swaying to the groove. During this party sail you'll pass by fishing villages and black sand beaches. Then you'll anchor near the beach and be invited to snorkel in the amazingly clear water.  

• River Tubing, Rainforest Drive and Hibiscus Falls (Roseau, Dominica) Start your day by viewing the Hibiscus Falls, a beautiful spot covered with lush greenery, and then make your way to the river where you'll watch a Carib Native cultural group perform a traditional dance before you head in. As you drift down this peaceful river you'll encounter amazing scenery and wildlife.  

• Clear Kayaking (Terre de Haut, Guadeloupe) See the beautiful underwater life the flourishes off the island of Guadeloupe by venturing out in a clear kayak. You'll venture into Les Saintes Bay where you'll marvel at the variety of fish you can see as you propel yourself out into the peaceful bay.  

• Grand Turk Explorer (Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos) Spend three hours on a guided tour of Grand Turk. On this adventure you'll visit the Grand Turk Methodist Church. You'll also stop by the Salt House where you'll learn about the town's salt industry. Next you'll tour the Grand Turk Botanic Garden, and then go shell hunting on a local beach. Your tour guide will let you know about the variety of shells that are found on the local beaches.  

• A stroll through Frederiksted (Frederiksted, St. Croix) Visit Fort Frederik and the Old Danish School as you wind your way through the streets of this island town. Along the way you'll learn about the Danish and African influences on the town's history and architecture. As you stroll you'll see old Victorian homes and learn about the families that once owned these astounding properties.  

Top 10 Holland America Line Caribbean Cruises

• Zuiderdam 28-day New England Discovery & Perfect Caribbean Escape Departing From Quebec City, Quebec (Oct 2024)
• Zuiderdam 35-day Perfect Caribbean Escape & Southern Caribbean Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Oct 2024)
• Zuiderdam 21-day Perfect Caribbean Escape Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Oct 2024)
• Nieuw Amsterdam 7-day Eastern Caribbean Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Oct 2024 - Apr 2025)
• Rotterdam 21-day Panama Canal Sunfarer / Southern Caribbean Seafarer Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Oct 2024 - Mar 2025)
• Rotterdam 12-day Panama Canal Sunfarer Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Oct 2024 - Mar 2025)
• Eurodam 15-day Bahamas Caribbean / Eastern Wayfarer Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Nov 2024)
• Eurodam 4-day Private Island & Bahamas Escape Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Nov 2024)
• Nieuw Amsterdam 7-day Tropical Caribbean Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Nov 2024 - Mar 2025)
• Nieuw Amsterdam 14-day Tropical / Eastern Caribbean Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Nov 2024 - Mar 2025)

Holland America Line Caribbean Departure Ports

Learn more about each of the possible departure ports for a Caribbean cruise with Holland America. Your Holland America Caribbean cruise could leave from any of the following cities:

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

Photo Gallery for Holland America Line Caribbean Cruises

Browse our photo gallery of Caribbean cruising photos from Holland America. Keep in mind, this is just a sample of the sights waiting for you on a Holland America Caribbean cruise vacation.

Caribbean snorkeling

Garden in Grand Turk

Beach in Guadeloupe

Jungle stream

Beach houses in Martinique

Palm tree in St. Croix

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Holland America Caribbean Cruises 2022 and 2023 Now Available

Welcome to the cruise line dedicated to explorers, foodies, and music lovers of all ages. Holland America Cruise Line just released their Caribbean cruises for 2022 and 2023. Join Holland America in celebrating 25 years of Half Moon Cay, their private island in the Bahamas. Every sailing in the 2022-2023 season includes a day in this tropical paradise. There will be 7, 9 to 14-day voyages that provide time to unwind and explore the far reaches of the Caribbean in destinations such as St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Cartagena, and the Panama Canal.

The two Holland America’s newest ships, Holland America Rotterdam and the Nieuw Statendam cruise ship return to the Caribbean for the 2022-2023 season. These vessels showcase the best of everything and feature Pinnacle-class exclusives in dining and entertainment, as well as special single and family staterooms. Known for their sophisticated style, spacious public areas, and wraparound decks, the ships always have a sunny corner to call your own. You will experience gracious, friendly service from a crew whose goal is to always be available but never in the way.

Go beyond the shore and dive deeper into the landscapes and cultures of the Caribbean. Late evening stays in San Juan, Aruba, and Curacao give you a richer taste of local dining, music and nightlife. The 10-14 day itineraries provide more time to unwind and explore destinations such as St. Lucia, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal.

Learn to balance smoke and spice for the perfect jerk chicken at a Ports to Table cooking demonstration or get a look at life below the sea with a captivating EXC Talk.

Reconnect with the crew on a Caribbean adventure. There are enriching activities for all ages from younger travelers and teens to world-class dining and entertainment for adults. Choose from a selection of holiday cruises  with festive decorations, parties and performances.

Whether it’s a classic meal with an imaginative twist or bold new flavors inspired by places you visit, experiences are amazing.

Fine dining options includes The Dining Room, a premier restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Pinnacle Grill is refined and intimate. Canaletto offers an authentic Italian menu with classic favorites. Club Orange is a private dining room for Neptune Suites and Pinnacle Suites guests.

Rudi’s Sal de Mer is a lively brasserie offering a modern twist on classic French dishes. Tamarind is inspired by the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan. Nami Sushi offers a delectable menu from world- renowned sushi master Andy Matsuda.

Casual dining options include Lido Market with a wide range of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, snacks or grab and go. Dive-in is a poolside grill featuring the perfect burger, hot dogs, and fries. New York Pizza is a poolside pizzeria with tasty salads and thin-crust pizza. Grand Dutch Café is the perfect stop for a pint of lager or a coffee, along with savory snacks. G Gelato is made fresh on board featuring a variety of flavors and styles.

Music Walk is an exclusive collection of five live music venues featuring performances from accomplished artists. Everyone will find something they love from Memphis R & B to rock n roll’s biggest anthems. Book your Holland America Caribbean Cruises 2022-2023 now. We can also help you apply for your Holland America Future cruise credits .

When Will Cruises Resume 2021

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Holland America Line announces 2023-24 Caribbean season

The itineraries range from seven to 16 days and all include a day at the line’s award-winning private island, half moon cay.

Holland America Line has just announced details of its winter 2023-24 Caribbean programme.

The itineraries will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida between October 2023 and March 2024, and will range from seven to 16 days.

Every sailing will include a day at the company’s own award-winning private island, Half Moon Cay, which celebrates 25 years of Holland America Line’s stewardship in December.

The longer itineraries feature visits to the colourful ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao), Barbados and St Lucia, while the 10 and 11-night Sunfarer voyages include a partial transit of the Panama Canal, as well as opportunities to visit Cartagena in Colombia and the rainforests of Costa Rica.

The 2023-24 season will also include stops at some of the lesser visited islands in the Caribbean, including Trinidad & Tobago and Mahogany Bay, Roatan.

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• Cruise News

Holland America Announces 2022-2023 Caribbean Cruises

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• April 9, 2021

Holland America Line has announced its 2022-2023 Caribbean season, which will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the line’s private island Half Moon Cay.

During that winter season, seven ships will sail the region from Fort Lauderdale, including the two newest Pinnacle Class ships:  Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Volendam, Zuiderdam,  and  Zaandam.

Half Moon Cay

Porthole Cruise Magazine, Travel Weekly, and TravelAge West have repeatedly named Half Moon Cay the industry’s best private island, and it’s consistently rated the highest Caribbean port by Holland America guests.

Half Moon Cay, which is in the Bahamas, features soft, white sand beaches, a natural 700-acre lagoon, private cabanas, a variety of dining venues, a waterpark for kids, and a variety of shore excursions for nature-lovers and adventure-seekers.

Eastern Caribbean

One eastern Caribbean itinerary will be available on  Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, Volendam,  and  Zuiderdam.  It be seven nights and feature calls at Grand Turk, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and Half Moon Cay.

One special five-night departure will be available on December 18, 2022 aboard  Nieuw Amsterdam,  stopping at Amber Cove and Half Moon Cay.

Western Caribbean

Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam,  and  Zuiderdam  will all operate seven-night cruises to the western Caribbean. They will include a combination of the following ports of call: Cozumel, Falmouth or Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Key West, and Half Moon Cay.

READ MORE:  Bookings Open For Holland America’s 2022 Alaska Cruises

Southern Caribbean

Seven-night southern Caribbean cruises will also be featured aboard  Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam,  and  Zuiderdam. Calls will include Aruba, Curaçao, and Half Moon Cay.

Longer nine, 10, 11, and 14-night southern Caribbean cruises will be available on  Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, Volendam,  and  Zaandam.  They will include a combination of these following destinations: St. Kitts, Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Bonaire, St. Maarten, Grenada, Amber Cove, Aruba, Curaçao, Grand Turk, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and Half Moon Cay.

Tropical Caribbean

Seven-night Tropical Caribbean itineraries will be offered on  Nieuw Amsterdam  and  Nieuw Statendam.  They will call at Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Key West, and Half Moon Cay.

Partial Sunfarer Panama Canal

Eurodam  and  Volendam  will sail 10 and 11-night partial transit Panama Canal cruises, which call at Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Aruba; Curaçao; Half Moon Cay; and scenic cruising in Gatun Lake.

Holiday Cruises

Christmas and New Year’s holiday cruises will be among these itineraries mentioned, and during these special voyages guests can take part in a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, enjoy traditional holiday meals, and indulge in a special Royal Dutch High Tea complete with Christmas cookies. The ships’ international crew chorus performs a holiday show, and caroling and sing-alongs will take place around the ship.

Kids can enjoy a visit from Santa Claus as well as Christmas-themed crafts and activities.

New Year’s Eve sailings will feature a festive holiday ball with a champagne toast, followed by a day of college football bowl games.

Here are the holiday voyages for each ship:

Eastern Caribbean:

• Rotterdam — December 21
• Nieuw Amsterdam — December 23
• Volendam — December 27
• Eurodam — December 28

Western Caribbean:

• Eurodam — December 21
• Zuiderdam — December 22
• Rotterdam — December 28

Southern Caribbean:

• Nieuw Statendam — December 17 and 27
• Zaandam — December 20
• Zuiderdam — December 29
• Nieuw Amsterdam — December 30

Partial Panama Canal: 

• Volendam — December 17

Collectors’ Voyages

Many of the aforementioned sailings can be extended into Collectors’ Voyages with better fares than booking the cruises individually. Ranging from 12 to 21 days, the longer journey combine non-repeating, back-to-back itineraries that allow passengers to explore more than one Caribbean region in a single vacation.

READ MORE:  Holland America and Princess Open Alaska Lodges for Summer 2021

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MS Rotterdam - December 15, 2023

Click For Interactive Map

December 15, 2023

December 15 - 22, 2023

MS Rotterdam

Holland America Line

7 Night Eastern Caribbean

from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

The December 15, 2023 cruise on the MS Rotterdam departs from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. On this 7 Night Eastern Caribbean sailing, the ship will visit a total of 5 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The MS Rotterdam sets sail on a Friday (December 15, 2023) and returns on a Friday (December 22, 2023).

The MS Rotterdam was built in 2021 and is amoung Holland America's 11 ships in it's fleet. The MS Rotterdam is included in the cruise line's Pinnacle Class Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the MS Rotterdam vs all other Holland America ships.

All Itineraries

Ft. Lauderdale

Ft. Lauderdale has 23 miles of beaches, 300 miles of inland waterways and swimming pools galore, but immersing yourself in this city doesn't require a drop of water. Dive into a culture as deep as any ocean, a culture characterized by Seminoles and Broadway shows, golf and whimsical water taxis, fine cuisine and tasty jazz. And just like the horizon here, the list of attractions goes on and on.

Ft. Lauderdale has 23 miles of beaches, 300 miles of inland waterways and swimming pools galore, but immersing yourself in this city doesn't require a drop of water. Dive into a culture as deep as any...

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Grand Turk Island

The fortress of El Morro guards the harbor against long-gone Sir Francis Drake and his British privateers. The colorful streets of Old San Juan retain the Latin flavor of its seafaring past, when this was the heart of the Spanish Main. Sample the fiery rum made here, or indulge in an icy treat made from fresh tropical fruit and enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere.

The fortress of El Morro guards the harbor against long-gone Sir Francis Drake and his British privateers. The colorful streets of Old San Juan retain the Latin flavor of its seafaring past, when this...

Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie, is the capital of the United States Virgin Islands and the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean. Named for a Danish Queen, the city features pastel houses that are heavily sprinkled against a background of emerald hills. Colorful sloops dock along the waterfront, and a few steps back, down alleyways lined with old Danish warehouse buildings, is a world-famous shopping center.

Charlotte Amalie, is the capital of the United States Virgin Islands and the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean. Named for a Danish Queen, the city features pastel houses that are heavily...

Half Moon Cay

Spend the day on your own private island, courtesy of Holland America. Sun, swim, or sail around this beautiful island as you enjoy your very own day in the sun! The fishing's great, but so is the parasailing and snorkeling so you have some decisions to make! And don't forget the Bahamas style barbecue!

Spend the day on your own private island, courtesy of Holland America. Sun, swim, or sail around this beautiful island as you enjoy your very own day in the sun! The fishing's great, but so is the...

• Cruise Tips / Cruising

25 Things I Love About Holland America In 2023

by Prof. Cruise · July 7, 2023

I present the top 25 things I love about Holland America here both to inform those who are booked on or considering a cruise on the line, but also for the big cheese at corporate (picture me staring you down as you read these words, Stein Kruse and Gus Antorcha) as a plea to retain these features and resist pressure from your peers to go bigger and splashier and to squeeze every last nickel and dime from the social security checks of your most loyal passengers. Because if there’s one thing I have in common with Holland America, it’s that we’re both unapologetically unhip. And that’s what makes us so great. Right? RIGHT?

I’ll interpret your sudden coughing fit as a yes and continue on to the top 25 things I love about Holland America in 2023:

1. Libraries

I’m going to start with libraries, because I literally wouldn’t be alive without them. Both of my parents started out as librarians. In fact they met and fell in love working at the library, so it’s no surprise that I spend more time (by an order of magnitude) pre-cruise selecting my books than I do packing anything else. And it’s no surprise that I LOVE libraries and really appreciate the Holland America ships that have large, comfy, well-stocked ones. And while pre-Covid many of us feared Holland America was doing away with traditional library spaces onboard, I was thrilled to see a dedicated and refreshed library space on the Westerdam recently. It was stocked with multiple copies of recent titles in a variety of genres that people may actually want to read and not tattered books written in a now extinct language about how to construct an earth oven or romance novels with questionable stains.

I’ve heard reports that quite a few other other HAL ships either have these new library spaces already or are getting them (please share to the comments if you’ve sailed on a ship with one recently). Here’s what the one on the Westerdam looked like:

2. Promenade Decks

My second favorite thing to do on a cruise is to walk laps around the promenade deck while listening to an audio book and stalking wildlife ( Fun Fact : That song Every Breath You Take by The Police was actually about Prof. Cruise and a whale). It’s a good thing too, because my first favorite thing to do on a cruise is eat like I’m building up a reserve of fat for a protracted winter hibernation.

While at 3 laps per mile, it would take me approximately 75,000 laps to avoid cracking the scale upon my return home, “ouch!,” it would be even worse if I didn’t get out there 2-3 times per day, sometimes early or late to avoid crowds and sometimes at peak hours to walk with a buddy or wave at the other regulars as they pass by me at what seems a sprinter’s pace, clearly having trained for this at the mall.

I’ve been sorely disappointed recently on several non-HAL ships with no promenade deck that wraps all the way around the ship and is fully open to the public. I know what you Holland America loyalists are thinking: “serves her right!” And on this point, you are correct. Because if you love walking the promenade deck and understand that a small track on an open upper deck is NOT the same, Holland America is the line for you (although the promenade decks on the newer Pinnacle Class HAL ships aren’t as nice…what a shame).

3. Fresh Flowers

I’ll save you the trouble, they’re real! Still, you’ll find them too perfect and spectacular and will doubt my credibility and grope them anyway: “OMG, they are real!” Holland America is known for having gorgeous fresh flowers onboard. It’s one of those small touches that really adds a lot to the experience and makes HAL unique.

4. Buffet Desserts

While certain other lines, not naming names to protect the guilty (but it starts with a C and ends with an L and ranks as the number one cruise line for number of brawls and sunburned butt cheeks), display gorgeous looking cakes and pies that taunt your eyes but disappoint your buds, the small selection of pre-sliced and plated desserts available in the buffet on Holland America ships are just the opposite. While often not as impressive to look at, they will delight your tongue and may prompt you to recreate that famous scene from When Harry Met Sally : “I’ll have what she’s having!” And if that wasn’t enough, HAL buffets also offer a selection of hard ice cream, made-to-order crepes, warm bread pudding, and often a special dessert in the evening that would otherwise only be available in the dining room.

5. Live Music Venues

While I grieve for the intimate Lincoln Center Stage and for the B.B. King’s Blues Club (which still exists on some ships, but has been replaced with the, inferior in my opinion, Rolling Stone Rock Room on several others) and am on a one-woman crusade to bring them back, I still love the surviving music on HAL. Billboard Onboard and the 3rd Avenue West Band are among my favorites.

6. Mid-sized Ships

While I’ve never met a cruise ship I haven’t liked, for the same price, dates, itinerary, and departure port, I’d run faster than a well-caffeinated cheetah away from a mega ship and toward a small to medium-sized vessel, like those for which Holland America is known. HAL ships hold between (roughly) 1300-2700 passengers, which is the perfect range by my estimation.

Not so small that I’m identified as the ship eccentric before the anchor is even raised, “I hope I don’t get stuck at a table with her for dinner,” but not so large that it takes me 14 days of determined looking before I find the martini bar: “where can a gal find shaken vodka, chocolate liqueur, creme de cacao, and heavy cream around here?”

7. Unique Itineraries

While I’ll cruise anywhere at any time short of Iowa during a presidential campaign season (I know you can’t cruise to Iowa – I just wanted to vent that I find U.S. politics exhausting), I’m particularly fond of the itineraries available on Holland America. Three of my favorite cruises ever were a 14-night sailing to Alaska on HAL, visiting some very uncommon ports like Homer , Anchorage (proper), and Kodiak , a 10-night Sea of Cortez sailing on the Zuiderdam , again visiting some very uncommon ports, this time in Mexico: La Paz, Loreto, Guaymas, and Topolobampo, and a 16-night sailing around New Zealand on the Noordam.

8. Free Room Service

My two favorite f-words combined: free and food. I’d even go so far as to use that other f-word (beep) to crudely celebrate the free room service on Holland America: f**k yeah! While many other lines have started charging for most room service items, it remains complimentary on Holland America (with the exception of a few premium selections). There is a room service menu AND as long as the dining room is open, you can even order any item from the main dining room menu through room service at no extra charge.

I had to laugh on our New Zealand cruise one night when I walked in on my husband in our cabin looking guilty as he gorged himself on a giant steak, some french onion soup, and an ice cream sundae that he ordered through room service after we’d already eaten in the dining room and been for our traditional after dinner pass through the buffet. I was like, “no shame, sir!”

9. Minimal Kids

I mean, it’s bad enough that I have to cruise with the smell and scream of my own kid. But a bunch of other people’s kids? Don’t they have grandparents with doorsteps you can dump them off on as you skid out of the driveway yelling, “see you in a week, suckers!” Kidding, kidding (mostly). I generally love kids and deeply appreciate those who are kind and patient with my son when we travel. But I admit to enjoying the smaller number of kids on most Holland America sailings.

10. Full Service Buffet

While I actually toggle back and forth between loving and hating this, it’s something that, pre-Covid, was unique to Holland America (it’s like they saw Covid coming years ago and decided to be ready), so I decided to include it.

I’m something like a pig at a trough at a buffet. If I didn’t fear a lifetime ban, I’d stick my whole face in a vat of mac and cheese, coming up only for air and dessert. Maybe that’s what prompted Holland America to have staff serve most items at the buffet. And while I acknowledge the wisdom in trying to limit the spread of germs and cut down on food waste, sometimes this leads to longer waits and smaller portions than I’ve come to expect at a buffet: “another six scoops please, so I don’t have to wait in this line again for seconds and thirds and….”

On a wholly positive note, I love the drink service in the buffets on Holland. Instead of having to get your own drinks – leading to extra trips and an unintended Arnold Palmer when two guests wielding lemonade and iced tea collide – servers will come around to your table and offer you a variety of complimentary beverages (or bar service) and will refill your glass as necessary.

11. Explorations Central (EXC) and BBC Earth Experiences

One of my favorite activities on my latest HAL cruise was the EXC multi-media lectures given by our cruise director. They were highly engaging, well-written, fascinating, moving at times, and many of them were specific to our itinerary. I also enjoyed the other EXC programming, including cultural talks given by local experts brought onboard at port and nature experiences.

A partnership with BBC Earth provides Holland America cruisers with theater screenings of BBC Earth programming as well as magnificent concert events that combine live orchestra music with dramatic footage from BBC Earth. I especially enjoyed “Alaska in Concert,” featured on my Alaska cruise aboard the Zaandam and “Planet Earth II” onboard the Zuiderdam .

12. Delft China

I love the signature blue and white Delft china on Holland America almost as much as the food served on it. No I don’t. Still though, it’s beautiful. And if you’re bored waiting for your food to arrive, you can play a “Where’s Waldo” type game with the bread plates called, “Where’s the HAL Logo?” See if you can spot it on this one:

13. Memory Aids

The first rule of business? Know your customers. And it seems Holland America knows me particularly well. I almost never know what day it is, especially on vacation, and often find myself lost, wondering, “which direction am I walking?” And after a few drinks, sometimes I even forget which ship I’m on: “Well no wonder I can’t find O’Sheehans, I’m on the Eurodam !”

I love the “day of the week” rugs in the elevators (where do I get a set of these for my apartment?) and, while some lines have hallway carpet with fish swimming in the direction of the front of the ship, that’s far to subtle for me. I prefer “FORWARD” with a clear arrow.

14. Friendly, Kind Crew

The crews on Holland America ships are among the friendliest, most helpful, and professional of any line I’ve sailed. It’s always a pleasure to speak with them, learning more about their lives and home countries. And I truly appreciate how hard they work (usually to send money back home to support their families), going above and beyond to provide me with such a unique and wonderful experience. I always bring some extra $20 bills along to distribute on the last day to express my appreciation to my wait team, room steward, and the children’s programming staff (in addition to the automatic gratuity). I found these cute crew thank you cards on Amazon that I put the extra tip in along with a personal note of thanks:

15. Art And Artifacts

You’ll find millions of dollars worth of art and artifacts throughout your Holland America ship. For example, HAL’s newest ship, the Rotterdam features pieces (photography, painting, sculptures, mixed media, illustration, and prints) by artists from 37 different nationalities that focus on themes of music, dance, and movement. The 2,645 piece collection is valued at 4.1 million dollars.

16. Elemis Bath Products

I can’t in good conscience recommend Holland America to split ends because complimentary high-quality Elemis bath products are provided in every stateroom category, including separate conditioner.

17. The Step One Dance Company

The main theater onboard your Holland America cruise will feature several evening performances from the Step One Dance Company, six world-class dancers who will wow you with, at times pulsing and at other times moving, choreographic sequences coupled with dramatic projected video images. Their show entitled, “Humanity” remains one of my all-time favorite cruise ship production shows and I really enjoyed their newest show, “Move,” on my latest HAL cruise. Don’t miss them!

18. Extensive MDR Breakfast Menu

I love cruise breakfasts and particularly enjoy a more relaxed and less chaotic experience in the main dining room. However, I also like lots of choices, particularly on long sailings, and sometimes find cruise line breakfast menus pretty limited (especially as a vegetarian). But the breakfast menu on Holland America is extensive and offers dozens of choices to satisfy both the egg on my right shoulder and the doughnut on my left shoulder, shouting at my brain to, “order savory,” “no, order sweet,” “savory!,” “sweet!” “Calm down, you two! I’ll order both the eggs benedict AND the croissant and bread pudding.” Plus, there’s vegetarian sausage (Morningstar Farms Veglinks), coconut milk yogurt, and vegan eggs available which I’ve never seen on another line. You can find the 2023 breakfast menu HERE .

19. Dive In

In my estimation, Holland America’s casual burger and hot dog joint, Dive In, is the best at sea. It’s so good I’d battle weekday traffic and pay $35 (Seattle prices) for “The Freestyle” portabella mushroom burger and a side of fries in a suburban strip mall on land. And I’m currently printing flyers offering a reward to anyone who can reverse engineer the recipe for Dive In sauce.

We ordered every burger and dog on the 2023 menu on our last cruise onboard the Westerdam. You should do the same on your next HAL cruise (you can tell them Prof. Cruise made you do it, they’ll understand) and let me know in the comments which was your favorite. And did you know that you can now order Dive In via the Navigator App to avoid waiting in line?

20. Fruit Crisps in the Main Dining Room

You know HAL’s fruit crisps topped with vanilla ice cream must be exceptional because, despite being morally opposed to fruit in dessert, I order one every night! While the three photos above look almost identical, the fruit was different every night. Fruit crisps were another thing that went away for a time during Covid that I’m relieved are back.

21. Pickleball at Sea

I’m among the few who did not like the addition of pickleball courts to HAL ships in the beginning. Why? It wasn’t because I didn’t like the sport. In fact, it looked like loads of fun (I’m was just too busy eating 23 out of 24 hours each cruise day to find out). No, it was because I frequently cruise with my 10-year-old son who is a huge basketball fan and the conversion of onboard basketball courts to pickleball courts for a portion of each day means one less thing to keep him entertained and his fingers out of my food. But when my HAL bread pudding is on the line, I adapt! So what did I do? I taught my kid (and myself) how to play pickleball and now it’s an activity we can enjoy as a family on our Holland America cruises.

22. Bed chocolates

I love that Holland America still provides nightly bed chocolates. I always marveled at the willpower of the towel animals to not eat them until I noticed that they don’t have eyes.

23. Port Specific Menu Items

While many cruise lines have trimmed and streamlined their menus to cut costs, Holland America still includes special “port to table” menu items specific to a particular itinerary. As an example, here are the special Alaska-themed menus we enjoyed on our recent HAL cruise:

Holland America ALASKA Menus

In addition, HAL ships also offer special items from the line’s home port (also MY home port): Seattle! The Beecher’s mac ‘n cheese is my favorite and even though Beecher’s flagship store in Pike Place Market is located a block from my apartment, I still order it every day on my HAL cruises! Also look for Ivars clam chowder, Rainier cherries, and craft beer from Pike Brewing.

24. Taco/Nacho Bar

I affectionately refer to this one as “Qdoba at sea.” I say “affectionately” because Qdoba is my favorite land-based fast food restaurant. This complimentary taco/nacho bar, with an extensive selection of premium toppings, is located near the main Lido pool and open for lunch on many HAL ships. Unlike Qdoba and almost any other food option on HAL, it’s self-serve, so you can construct your dream nacho tower and won’t have to keep asking for, “more cheese PLEASE!”

25. Sophisticated And Subdued

If you’re looking for a floating amusement park, you’ll never get back the time it took you to labor through the previous 24 points. Points you now realize are totally irrelevant because Holland America is clearly not the line for you. Sorry about that – I should have started with this one. But if you enjoy a certain level of sophistication or aspire to sophistication even though you laugh at the occasional fart joke and consider flip-flops appropriate formal wear (what, they’re comfy and easy to pack), you’ll love HAL. For her art, for her music, for her flowers, for her libraries, for her promenade decks, for her food, for her service, for her enrichment activities, and for the best dam ships at sea. And with that…

Class Dismissed.

Homework (10 points): What did I miss? Share your favorite features of Holland America to the comments.

And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog to receive new Cruising 101 content direct to your e-mail (scroll up to the top right if on a computer or keep scrolling down if on a mobile device) and follow Prof. Cruise on social media:

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We love HAL, too, for all the points you mention! I would add the attention to cleanliness, awesome medical staff, visibility and access to officers, superb enrichment programs on their Grand Voyages, and so much more! I recently sailed on a luxury ship and the buffet didn’t hold a candle to the Lido on any HAL ship. I was disappointed. We like HAL itineraries so much we’re doing another Grand voyage this fall, this time to Africa. I will be walking that wonderful promenade deck every day!

Dive-In fries are the best In. The. World. (Even better than Five Guys!!!

Yes! I agree!

Thank you so much!! We have been on over 35 cruises and HAL (9 with HAL) is by far our favorite cruise line. We have 3 more booked for the coming season and are very much looking forward to each one.

Being of a certain age and a bit claustrophobic as well as a food lover, I agree with all these points. Smaller ships, great food options, etc. I don’t remember chocolates or “Qdoba at sea” on my cruise in September. I can’t believe I missed food opportunities!

Do you feel there is enough entertainment at night to not be bored? That and endless amounts of wheelchairs and scooters everywhere is what my wife has heard about HAL. I’m looking at the New Zealand cruise for Mar 2025 but my wife is afraid of HAL from what she’s heard from others. I loved your report of what you liked!

The crowd on HAL definitely trends older, but that doesn’t bother me and you’ll still see a wide range of ages (less when kids are in school, of course). In terms of nightlife, there are bars, music venues, the usual shows in the main theater, and the “orange party.” If you’re into dance clubs, lots of theme parties, gameshows, a dedicated comedy space (there are comedians that perform in the main theater on HAL, but not dedicated comedy clubs), you probably wouldn’t love HAL.

As it happens, I’m doing a New England/Canada cruise on HAL in August, so I’ll report back on that one!

We’re doing the ten and eleven day Canada/New England cruises in September. The seven-day Montreal-Boston/Boston-Montreal is our favourite because we don’t have to fly. (We’re an hour from Montreal.) We’ve done it ten times. Also, Ed’s Books in Sydney. Lobster ice cream in Bar Harbor.

I’ll definitely check out Ed’s Books in Sydney on my upcoming New England/Canada itinerary. And my mom will love the lobster ice cream in Bar Harbor (I’ll pass on that one…lol). Thanks for the awesome tips!

We just got off the Nieuw Amsterdam after an Alaska cruise tour- had an amazing time. Loved the naturalist talks! FYI- I asked about the Dive In sauce, it’s ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise, though I don’t know the proportions

Ooooooh! Good to know! I’ll have to experiment and see if I can recreate it. Thanks! So glad you had a fabulous cruise tour! HAL does Alaska so well.

Recent cruise on Nieuw Statendam: no library, bed chocolates once in 16 days, pickleball hats to play because set up was on sports court with little kids around us. No partitions so quite windy. And then with the demise of Lincoln Center Stage, the reason HA was our first choice, we are probably going to change cruise lines.

I’m very sorry to hear that – sounds like a pretty disappointing experience. I know a lot of people are upset about Lincoln Center Stage (including me). Hopefully if enough of us speak up about it, they’ll consider bringing it back.

One thing not mentioned was there are religious services on holland american cruises weekly. I find this important and have cruised on 21 cruises consisting of 5 cruise lines and never had them offered on any other cruise lines.

Only cruise line that offers catholic masses

We absolutely agree with you! I’d also add that the overall ship layout is wonderful (you can walk straight through the entire ship on one level (unlike N@$@n where you have to take detours and elevators to get from Stem to stern. Also the wide spacious walkway area between the Lido food stations and the short wall separation of the dining tables in the Lido are well-planned. As you mentioned, the wait staff helps with drinks which is a truly practical and enjoyable feature. The entire crew is focused on polite customer service. #weloveHAL

Yes! I love all those features too!

I love all of these and more. On my next cruise on the Nieuw Statendam, I’ll be able to cruise in the ocean view solo cabin which i am super excited about! I traveled on another line but their solo cabins were all inside. I look forward to my next tile as I am a 3 Star mariner and hope to get to 4 star very soon. I truly enjoy sailing with HAL!

I will be taking my 5th HAL cruise in December 2023. Will be sailing roundtrip Sydney to New Zealand this time. Really enjoyed the size of HAL cruise ships. Been on the larger cruise ship and find it so crowded and chaotic. Looking forward to earning my 3rd star Mariner!

I would like to hear how you liked that NZ cruise with HAL as looking at that one also…

We were on 2 B2B cruises on HAL in May . The Zuiderdam on a Transatlantic and then the Nieuw Statendam for Norway. While the Z is an older ship, she had an extensive library. On board the NS, I went looking for the library and found NONE! Much to my surprise. What a disappointment. One of the newest ships in HAL’s fleet with NO library! I understand they will be installing a library at the next refit, and getting rid of some business spaces. Thanks, HAL.

I also liked the pizza. I hated the reminders of what say it was because it make me feel that the cruise was ending too fast.

So I’m looking at 2 options for Aust/NZ for Feb 2025: HAL-Westerdam or Crown Princess My biggest concern is limited entertainment on HAL but feel their enrichment sessions might be good. I’m guessing that food is comparable? Any recommendations?

[…] of the recycle bin and join up! And I’m going to add this new onboard credit benefit to my List of Things I Love About Holland America! And with […]

[…] out of the recycle bin and join up! And I’m going to add this new onboard credit benefit to my List of Things I Love About Holland America! And with […]

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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Hello, HAL posters.  I'm looking for a recent copy of the daily program on a HAL ship, preferably from a vista/signature class ship.  I've looked at some of the "Live from" posts with no luck, and the CC site locks up when I try to search for "when and where" (in quotations).  Any tips on how to locate one would be very much appreciated.  If someone currently on a HAL ship would post a copy from a sea day, that would be even more fantastic.  Thank you.

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47 minutes ago, TBfrPH said: Hello, HAL posters.  I'm looking for a recent copy of the daily program on a HAL ship, preferably from a vista/signature class ship. 

Here is a week's worth from this summer (Alaska) on the Zuiderdam. Thanks to Roger @Crew News

https://rogerjett-photography.com/specialty-2/on-locations-specific-cruises/alaska-ms-zuiderdam-7-day-when-where-daily-activities-2022/

There is a LIVE thread right now by richwmn.  He is posting the when & where daily.   https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2885959-nieuw-statendam-10822-relocation-to-fort-lauderdale/page/3/#comment-64125824

while it’s a Pinnacle Class ship, activities would be very similar IMO if not identical.

June 2022 on Oosterdam  (both recent and Vista class but maybe not the right location!)

Thank you all for responding.  You're fantastic.

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Home » Cruise » Holland America Line » Holland America Reveals New Entertainment Shows For 2024

Holland America Reveals New Entertainment Shows For 2024

Holland America Line has announced four new theater shows, updated destination-specific entertainment, and additional Rolling Stone Lounges.

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Holland America Line is adding to its entertainment lineup with the introduction of several new mainstage experiences in 2024. Four new shows will put a fresh spin on the classic cruise production format, while additional new productions will be tailored to the regions where the ships are sailing.

Beyond the main theater, the cruise line is also adding the Rolling Stone Lounge to more ships and is enhancing its Billboard Onboard music experience.

New Theater Shows

Starting back in February, the cruise line has begun debuting four shows on the main stage of its ships. These concert-style productions are fronted by three multi-talented headliners, who are supported by an ensemble of singers and dangers. The new shows are:

• Song & Dance: Set on a studio backlot, two leading men front a concert of musical numbers from Broadway, Hollywood, and more.
• Class Act: Las Vegas goes to sea in this elaborate production, celebrating iconic female performers of the concert and nightclub stage.
• All That!: Be a part of the studio audience as Holland America presents its take on the classic TV variety shows of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. Headliners share the spotlight combining singing, dancing, and a bit of comedy.
• Hey, Mr DJ: Iconic radio DJs introduce songs from the ’60s through today in this concert of pop hits.

These new shows debuted on Eurodam in February and will be followed by Rotterdam, Zuiderdam, and Nieuw Statendam by the end of June. More ships will follow.

Region-Specific Entertainment

Caribbean cruises on Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Eurodam will feature the unique orchestral steel drum concerts of Island Magic, playing a versatile set ranging from traditional island sounds to unique versions of classical and pop songs.

Voyages to Canada and New England on Volendam and Zuiderdam will introduce the new show Breton Thunder, an authentic Atlantic Canada music experience. Sailings on Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, and Zuiderdam in Europe will feature classical string music with the Chordial Chamber Trio and Pantheon, a dynamic group of European tenors.

Alaska cruises will continue to feature the elite members of Step One Dance Company, who blend choreography with artistic video projection. They’re joined on the main stage by Major Fourth, four singers delivering impactful harmonies from lots of genres and decades. Both of these groups will also perform pop-up performances in the music clubs around the ships.

Sailings in Alaska will also feature a new program called Destination: Alaska. This show is aimed at getting guests excited about the destination and will highlight shore excursions they can book to make the most of their cruise.

Music Venues

Rolling Stone Lounge, which showcases a seven-piece band playing everything from rock to pop to R&B was added to Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam in December 2023. It’s already been a staple on Noordam, Oosterdam, Zuiderdam , and Westerdam.

Billboard Onboard will embrace an updated piano bar concept through the lens of Billboard’s chart-topping hits, with a different music theme each evening.

B.B. King’s Blues Club continues to be the centerpiece of the music scene on Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam.

Meanwhile, a live classical music trio will be featured on select European voyages on the main stage, and on Grand and Legendary Voyages in the Explorer’s Lounge.

Entertainment offerings vary by ship and depend on the length and destination of the cruise.

Are you excited about Holland America’s new entertainment offerings? Are you planning a Holland America cruise for this year? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!

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Frugal Traveler

Standby Cruising: A New Option for Bargain Seekers

Are you a flexible traveler? Holland America’s standby cruises may be for you. The cost: $49 a day, excluding fees, taxes and extras. The catch: It might be a hair-raising, last-minute scramble.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

In February, Barb McGowan took a seven-day cruise on Holland America Line, visiting the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic for just $343, or $49 a day, excluding taxes, port fees and extras. By comparison, Holland America currently lists a seven-day Caribbean itinerary in October from about $700.

The catch: She had just 48 hours’ notice.

Ms. McGown, a 64-year-old from Naples, Fla., who runs a restaurant franchise, took one of the line’s new standby cruises , which are aimed at travelers who live near departure ports and intended to fill ship vacancies.

“I look for deals, and this was an especially good experience,” Ms. McGowan said, praising the food and entertainment. “I was impressed enough to put down a deposit on a future cruise.”

A way to keep ships full

Holland America introduced its standby program last August to maximize ship occupancy, knowing that cancellations are inevitable. So far, the rest of the cruise industry has not followed its lead.

“If cancellations are within a week or two of sailing, it’s difficult to resell that space in the open market,” said Dan Rough, the vice president of revenue management at Holland America.

In the same way that airlines oversell seats, cruise lines may compensate for cancellations by overselling staterooms. Filling in with standbys, however, reduces Holland America’s reliance on overselling, which runs the risk of bumping passengers to distant departures or potentially offering generous cash incentives to coax volunteers to cancel.

Though the company does not heavily promote the new practice, it has attracted a following among the thrifty by dangling a bargain rate — $49 a person, whether sharing a cabin or traveling solo, before taxes and fees — on a web page that lists available departure dates to attract flexible travelers. Standbys should expect an inside cabin, according to the company, though ocean-view and veranda cabins have been assigned. (The company declined to say how many standby cabins it has offered.)

“Forty-nine dollars per person, per day is pretty exceptional,” said Colleen McDaniel, the editor of CruiseCritic.com , a website that reviews cruises, noting that the price covers all meals and entertainment. “You can’t find a cheaper rate at a land resort for what’s included.” (In 2023, the average nightly rate for a hotel room in the United States was nearly $156, according to STR, a data analytics firm that monitors the hospitality industry.)

To participate, travelers choose an itinerary from the standby list on the website — current embarkation ports include Boston; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Montreal; Quebec City; San Diego; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Whittier, Alaska — and pay for the trip in advance by calling Holland America or booking through a travel adviser.

There are no refunds for standby cruisers who want to back out. However, if the gamble fails to pay off, and the cruise line cannot offer a cabin to someone on the standby list, it issues a refund.

The company says standby offerings are added on a rolling basis and usually lists itineraries within two to three months of departure. Current offerings include seven-day sailings in Alaska’s Inside Passage from April through September and seven-to-11-day trips cruising the coast of New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces between May and October.

Proximity is a bonus

Standby cruisers don’t learn of their acceptance or denial until a week to two days before departure, complicating transportation arrangements.

“Last-minute airfare could offset the savings on a cruise,” wrote Crystal Seaton, the owner of Road to Relaxation Travel , a travel agency based in Raleigh, N.C., in an email. Though she has not booked a client on a standby sailing yet, she surmised that it is intended for travelers who can drive to a port.

“We were lucky; we found out Tuesday we were going on a Friday 3 p.m. sailing,” said Sheila Valloney, 66, of Clermont, Fla., who with her husband spent nine days aboard a Holland America ship in the southern Caribbean in February by going standby.

Before being cleared, she reserved a parking spot near the ship dock in Fort Lauderdale, which would have set her back about $6 if she canceled. She also kept their vacation clothes ready to go at the last minute for the three-and-a-half-hour drive to port.

Booking a refundable airline ticket — or at least one that guarantees a credit in loyalty points or cash in the event of cancellation — is one way travelers who must fly can take advantage of the deal.

For her standby sailing, Ms. McGowan drove 90 minutes from her home to the ship in Fort Lauderdale. But her travel companion was coming from Indiana, so when she joined the standby list a few months before the departure date, she booked her friend a Southwest Airlines flight using frequent flier points that would be refunded if the last-minute cruise didn’t come through.

Avoiding extra charges

Once on board, charges for extras like cabin upgrades, Wi-Fi, alcohol and shore excursions can inflate the bill, though the thriftiest travelers try to avoid them.

Ms. McGowan sprang for the $17.50-a-day charge for an upgraded drink package (basic nonalcoholic drinks are included in the cruise) and took one shore excursion, focused on coffee growing, which she deemed a good value at $89.

On their Caribbean cruise, the Valloneys asked around for recommendations for good beaches, where they went to relax on port days, and waited until they were on land to check emails, in order to avoid paying for Wi-Fi on the ship.

“We didn’t miss it at all,” Ms. Valloney said. “For beverages, we would wait until happy hour, when it was buy one, get one free.”

Will other companies follow suit?

To date, no other cruise lines have adopted standby programs.

Princess Cruises said it did not plan to offer cabins on a standby basis, but noted that it already offers last-minute deals , which tend to run about $50 to $60 per passenger per day. For example, a seven-day Alaska sailing from Vancouver to Anchorage departing on May 8 is listed at $399 a person in a double-occupancy cabin.

Several other major cruise lines did not respond to inquiries about potentially adopting standby programs, though operators like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line also offer last-minute deals on their websites.

“We would be surprised to see many mainstream cruise lines begin to adopt a similar model” to the standby system, wrote Kimberly Coyne, the head of sales and content strategy for Cruiseline.com , a cruise review site, in an email. She said the standby fares might be financially unsustainable for cruise lines and cited the potential that travelers might become too accustomed to late-booking deals.

More ways to save

With the recent surge in cruise bookings, companies are discounting less, said Ms. McDaniel of CruiseCritic.com.

She identified more reliable ways to get a deal compared with going standby, such as booking during “ wave season ,” a sales period that generally runs January through March, or taking a repositioning cruise, in which a ship relocates from one region to another seasonally. A repositioning itinerary might sail in the fall from Alaska to the Caribbean via the Panama Canal.

“It’s not unusual to see a repositioning cruise at less than $75 per night,” Ms. McDaniel, said, noting that other expenses such as an airline itinerary into one city and returning from another may cost more than a standard round-trip ticket.

Repositioning cruises tend to stop at fewer ports and add more shipboard enrichment programs, such as lectures and activities like cake decorating classes and craft spirits tastings.

“For a lot of people the ship is the destination and this is the perfect activity for people who like to be on the ship,” she said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

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Holland America: First Cruise Line to Receive International Seafood Certifications

• April 8, 2024

Holland America Line is becoming the first global cruise line to receive both Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifications.

According to the company, the two organizations serve as the most credible standards worldwide for certified seafood.

The certifications take Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program to the next level, the cruise line added in a press release, underscoring its commitment to serving guests the highest quality seafood that is sourced sustainably when wild-caught and raised responsibly when farmed according to the strictest global standards.

“Our guests care about the quality and sustainability of the fresh fish we serve, and so do we,” said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line.

“These certifications build on our commitment of bringing regionally inspired fresh seafood dishes from port to plate in 48 hours. We’re proud to partner with two organizations that share our dedication to protecting the vitality of the oceans we sail.”

The Marine Stewardship Council’s focus is on sustainable wild-caught seafood, while Aquaculture Stewardship Council works with responsibly farmed seafood, with both organizations seeking to minimize environmental impacts.

“As the first global cruise line to successfully complete the Marine Stewardship Council’s rigorous Chain of Custody audit, Holland America Line is extending our important work around sustainable, ocean-friendly fishing to a new category,” said Erika Feller, Americas Director, Marine Stewardship Council.

“Consumer interest in sustainable fish options is growing and, by achieving this commitment, Holland America Line is helping to support our goal of ensuring responsibly farmed seafood supplies for future generations,” said Chris Ninnes, CEO, Aquaculture Stewardship Council.

All 11 ships in the fleet are Chain of Custody certified to serve Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified and labeled seafood, with the full rollout starting across five Holland America Line ships in May 2024 at the beginning of Europe and Canada/New England season.

They include the Volendam in the Canada/New England region, and the Rotterdam, the Nieuw Statendam, the Zuiderdam and the Oosterdam in Europe.

Holland America Line’s six ships in Alaska serve 100 percent sustainable seafood under its Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification.

Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified seafood dishes in Holland America Line’s Main Dining Room, as well as in Lido Market and in specialty restaurants.

Certified seafood from nine regions worldwide will be incorporated into the company’s seafood  offerings: Asia, Australia, Canada/New England, Mexico, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and Hawaii.

The initiative is aligned with Holland America Line’s strategy for its onboard product, which includes focusing on three elements: fresh, regional and local .

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This Cruise Company Just Became the First Line to Receive International Seafood Certifications

Sustainable and delicious dinners? Yes please.

Holland America Line

Cruising isn’t exactly known for its sustainability, but Holland America Line is hoping to change one small part of it for the better.

On Monday, Holland America Line announced it’s “elevating its award-winning dining experience” not by introducing new dishes, but by becoming the first global cruise line to receive both Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifications. 

The new MSC label means the fish used onboard the ships is “from a fishery that has been independently assessed on its impacts to wild fish populations and the ecosystems they're part of,” the organization’s website explains . To gain the certification, a fishery must comply with the organization’s three principles: “only fishing healthy stocks, being well-managed so stocks can be fished for the long-term, and minimizing their impact on other species and the wider ecosystem.”

As for the ASC certification, that means that the fish comes from a farm that is “independently assessed against every requirement in their species-specific ASC standard,” the ASC website explains . ASC-certified farms must meet strict environmental regulations, ensuring the seafood is good for you and the planet. 

The program, the cruise line shared, is yet another extension of its promise to bring guests the freshest seafood possible. In 2023, it announced its Global Fresh Fish Program in partnership with celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, which promised to bring fresh fish to every diner’s plate from the closest docks in less than 48 hours. As Food & Wine previously explained, that means if you're sailing through the Caribbean, you'll get to taste local yellowtail snapper, while in Alaska, you can enjoy sockeye salmon, and in Greece, you can expect lavraki to be on the menu.

“Our guests care about the quality and sustainability of the fresh fish we serve, and so do we,” Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line, shared in a statement provided to Food & Wine. “These certifications build on our commitment of bringing regionally inspired fresh seafood dishes from port to plate in 48 hours. We’re proud to partner with two organizations that share our dedication to protecting the vitality of the oceans we sail.” 

As of right now, all 11 ships in the company’s fleet are Chain of Custody certified to serve MSC and ASC-certified and labeled seafood. The full rollout will start across five Holland America Line ships in May 2024, beginning with cruises in Europe and the Canada/New England region. Holland America Line’s six ships in Alaska already serve 100% sustainable seafood under its Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification.

Guests will know exactly what they are dining on thanks to new onboard menus indicating the type of certification with a symbol marked next to the dish using the MSC blue fish, the ASC’s sea green, and RFM’s logo. And though the company shares that not all seafood species aboard Holland America Line are currently certified, they are “working toward 100% accreditation of species that are eligible to meet the organizations’ standards.” 

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