holland america 71 day africa cruise

Holland America Details 73-Day Grand Africa Voyage

For those in search of Africa’s “Big Five,” Holland America Line’s new 2023 Grand Africa Voyage has been released as a 73-day journey around Africa, departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida in October 2023.

The 2023 Grand Africa Voyage itinerary will explore 26 ports in 22 countries and territories, including four overnight calls and numerous safari opportunities for guests throughout the continent.

The Line’s 2023 Grand Africa Voyage

The Grand Africa Voyage will now return in 2023 for a 73-day cruise aboard the Vista-class Zuiderdam on a roundtrip itinerary from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

Departing on October 10, 2023, the voyage will take guests to Africa’s “Big Five,” venturing to 26 ports in 22 countries and territories. With four overnight calls to destinations such as Cape Town, South Africa, the itinerary will give guests several safari opportunities.

Beth Bodensteiner, Chief Commercial Officer of Holland America Line stated, “Our guests like to explore the world in the comfort of a Holland America Line cruise, and our Grand Voyages allow them to travel internationally, while departing from domestic ports.”

“Our  Grand Africa Voyage focuses on this one region, so our guests are able to have a complete cultural immersion into the African lifestyle. From shore excursions that best showcase each port to menus that feature local cuisine and wines, we want our guests to return home feeling like their cruise was delivered in the most authentic way,” she added .

This Grand Africa journey will take the place as one of the newest additions to Holland America Line’s collection of longer cruises , offering guests unforgettable experiences such as visiting wildlife on diverse safaris and savoring the finest wines in South Africa.

Aboard 81,769 gross-ton Zuiderdam , guests will be able to explore Africa on a 73-day clockwise navigation around the continent via the Grand Africa Voyage.

Visiting 26 ports in 22 countries and territories, the cruise will explore these destinations in order of calls: Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Greece, Egypt, Jordan, Seychelles, Tanzania, Mayotte, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Ghana, Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Senegal, Cape Verde, and Puerto Rico.

During the two full days in one of South Africa’s three capital cities, Cape Town, guests will be able to tour Table Mountain, Nelson Mandela’s prison cell, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Winelands, along with other popular locations around the city.

Read Also: Holland America Line Introduces Culinary Cruises for 2022

This 2023 itinerary will feature several safari and wildlife opportunities, including Victoria Falls National Park, Namib Rand Nature Reserve, Etosha Game Reserve, Abuko Nature Reserve, Jozani Forest Reserve, and Bandia Wildlife Reserve.

Additionally, the cruise can be broken up into two shorter-segmented itineraries, 46 days from Fort Lauderdale to Cape Town and 27 days from Cape Town to Fort Lauderdale.

Grand Africa’s Onboard Experiences and Booking Benefits

During the 2023 Grand Africa Voyage, activities onboard 2,272-passenger Zuiderdam will feature local cultural entertainment and special guest headliners.

Guests can experience several onboard events, such as festive gala evenings and balls, along with an exclusive Captain’s Grand Voyage Dinner available for all full-cruise voyagers.

The Grand Voyage’s dining opportunities will be elevated for this sail, with menus that change daily and are unlikely to be repeated, and food options that highlight local ingredients and regional cuisine.

Read Also: Holland America Becomes First Certified Sustainable for Alaskan Seafood

Those who choose to book this itinerary by February 24, 2023, will receive 3% savings off the cruise-only fare, and could include onboard spending money up to $400 per person, depending on the stateroom choice.

If booking a verandah and select ocean-view staterooms by that date, guests can take advantage of additional savings such as prepaid gratuities, luggage delivery service to and from departure port for two pieces, initial in-suite liquor setup, and a complimentary shore excursion and a welcome bottle of sparkling wine.

Guests who book a suite with this early savings promotion will also receive onboard spending credit of up to $1,000 per person, a signature internet package, and will be upgraded to unlimited luggage delivery service to and from Fort Lauderdale.

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HAL-Holland America introduces 2023 Grand Africa Voyage

On HAL-Holland America Line ’s Grand Africa Voyage, passengers can go in search of the “Big Five” of Africa and experience a variety of cultures across the continent, all without international air travel from the USA or with a convenient flight from Canada.

One of HAL's longest itineraries, the Grand Africa Voyage in 2023 is a 73-day itinerary featuring clockwise navigation on ms Zuiderdam leaving roundtrip from Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale (Florida USA) .

Departing on October 10, 2023, travelers can explore 26 ports in 22 different countries/territories with 4 overnights ( Aqaba-Petra Jordan ; Cape Town South Africa - 2 nights; Zanzibar Tanzania , Victoria-Mahe Seychelles ). A wealth of safari/wilderness opportunities highlight the trip.

The visited countries include Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Greece, Egypt, Jordan, Seychelles, Tanzania, Mayotte, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Senegal, Cape Verde, as well as Puerto Rico in the Caribbean.

Daylight transit of the Suez Canal en route to Aqaba provides the opportunity to visit the Lost City of Petra.

Wildlife and safari opportunities include Abuko Nature Reserve, Bandia Wildlife Reserve, Black Lemur Sanctuary, Etosha Game Reserve, Jozani Forest Reserve, Kruger National Park, Lokobe National Park, Namib Rand Nature Reserve, Victoria Falls National Park, and Zulu Nyala Private Game Reserve.

Two shorter segments are also offered - 46-day (Fort Lauderdale to Cape Town) and 27-day (Cape Town to Fort Lauderdale).

All bookings of the full 73-day voyage made by February 24, 2023, receive 3% savings off the cruise-only fare, as well as amenities valued at up to USD 4110 per person. 

HAL's additional upcoming Grand Voyages feature the 2022 Grand Africa Voyage, 2023 & 2024 Grand World Voyages , 2023 Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage, 2024 Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage.

Zuiderdam on Holland America’s 73-Night Grand Africa Voyage

• October 27, 2023

The Zuiderdam is currently offering Holland America Line’s Grand Africa Voyage.

The 73-night journey started in Fort Lauderdale, on October 10, 2023.

One of the company’s longest cruises this year, the journey includes visits to a total of 26 ports across 22 countries and territories including Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Greece, Egypt, Jordan, Seychelles, Tanzania, Mayotte, Madagascar and Mozambique.

Before returning to Florida in late December, the Zuiderdam is also scheduled to sail to destinations in South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Ghana, Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Senegal, Cape Verde and Puerto Rico.

According to Holland America Line, the cruise is highlighted by overnight stays in four ports of call, including Aqaba, Jordan; Cape Town, South Africa; Zanzibar, Tanzania; and Victoria, Seychelles.

Part of the company’s Legendary Voyages product , the destination-intensive cruise also offers a daylight transit of the Suez Canal, in addition to a trip to the Lost City of Petra.

Passengers will have the opportunity to take part in safaris too while visiting places like the Victoria Falls National Park, the Namib Rand Nature Reserve, the Etosha Game Reserve, the Abuko Nature Reserve and the Jozani Forest Reserve.

The complete itinerary can also be split into two different segments: a 46-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to South Africa, and a 27-night voyage from South Africa to Fort Lauderdale.

Also scheduled to sail Holland America Line’s next world cruise in early 2024, the Zuiderdam returns to the United States on December 22, 2023.

After a 12-night cruise to the Caribbean for the holidays, the 2002-built vessel sets sail on the 128-day global voyage on January 3, 2024 .

First vessel in Holland America Line’s Vista-Class, the Zuiderdam offer an array of amenities and facilities, including the Explorers Lounge, the Ocean Bar, the Crow’s Nest Observation Lounge and the Pinnacle Grill Steakhouse.

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Cruise Line Offers 73-Day Africa Voyage from Fort Lauderdale

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• September 8, 2022

Holland America Line has announced that its Grand Africa Voyage is returning — a 73-day journey roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which allows Americans to avoid taking any international flights to get there.

On October 10, 2023, guests will embark Zuiderdam for the adventure, which will call on 26 ports in 22 countries — four of which will be overnights, including two nights in Cape Town, South Africa.

Here are some highlights of the 2023 Grand Africa Voyage:

• Four overnight calls: Aqaba, Jordan; Cape Town, South Africa; Zanzibar, Tanzania; and Victoria, Seychelles
• Six evening departures: San Juan, Puerto Rico; Souda, Crete; Safaga, Egypt; Richards Bay, South Africa; Walvis Bay, Namibia; and Cape Town
• Ports in: Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Greece, Egypt, Jordan, Seychelles, Tanzania, Mayotte, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Ghana, Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Senegal, Cape Verde, and Puerto Rico
• A daylight transit of the Suez Canal en route to Aqaba for the opportunity to visit the Lost City of Petra
• Safari and wildlife opportunities including Victoria Falls National Park, Namib Rand Nature Reserve, Etosha Game Reserve, Abuko Nature Reserve, Jozani Forest Reserve, Bandia Wildlife Reserve, Lokobe National Park, the Black Lemur Sanctuary, Kruger National Park, and Zulu Nyala Private Game Reserve
• Two full days in Cape Town, where passengers can explore Table Mountain, Nelson Mandela’s prison cell, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Winelands, and more

Two shorter segments of the voyage are also available, for those who may not want or be able to take the full cruise. They are 46 days from Fort Lauderdale to Cape Town, and 27 days from Cape Town to Fort Lauderdale.

MORE: Azamara Details 2024 Europe Itineraries & Golf-Focused Voyages

On a Grand Voyage, evening activities on board focus on local cultural entertainment and special guest headliners. Gala evenings and balls will be held, along with an exclusive Captain’s Grand Voyage Dinner for guests who are sailing the entire cruise. On each Holland America Grand Voyage, menus in the dining room change daily and are rarely repeated, featuring local ingredients and regional cuisine.

Those who book the full 73-day Grand Africa Voyage by February 24, 2023 will receive three percent savings off the cruise-only fare, along with amenities valued at up to $4,110 per person.

Perks for balcony cabins and select oceanview cabins include onboard spending money of up to $400 per person, prepaid gratuities, luggage delivery service to and from Fort Lauderdale for two pieces, initial in-cabin liquor setup, a complimentary shore excursion, and a welcome bottle of sparkling wine.

Suites also receive onboard spending money of up to $1,000 per person, unlimited luggage delivery service to and from Fort Lauderdale, and a Signature Internet Package.

Fare for the full sailing start at $12,599 per person.

Additional upcoming Grand Voyages include the 2022 Grand Africa Voyage, 2023 and 2024 Grand World Voyages, 2023 Grand South American and Antarctica Voyage, and 2023 Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage.

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Holland America 2023 Africa Voyage Detailed

Posted on September 8, 2022 September 8, 2022 Author Chris Owen

Sailing 73 days roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Holland America Line’s Grand Africa Voyage brings travelers to Africa’s “Big Five”, a diverse collection of cultures across the vast continent without international air travel from the United States or with a convenient flight from Canada. Among the newest additions to Holland America’s collection of longer cruises, Grand Africa is giving travelers another way to see the world from their doorstep.

“Our guests like to explore the world in the comfort of a Holland America Line cruise, and our Grand Voyages allow them to travel internationally, while departing from domestic ports,” -Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer of Holland America Line.

In 2023, the Grand Africa Voyage returns for a 73-day sojourn on board Zuiderdam roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Departing Oct. 10, 2023, guests will explore 26 ports in 22 countries and territories with four overnight calls, including two nights at Cape Town, South Africa. Numerous safari and wilderness opportunities highlight the journey.

2023 Grand Africa Voyage Highlights Africa is a continent of countless splendors and awe-inspiring experience. Travelers on the Grand Africa Voyage are in for an adventure full of golden vistas, rolling grasslands and pristine beauty. Wonder at the incredible wildlife on safari, savor the finest wines in South Africa, marvel at the imperial cities in the north and take in the incredible flora and fauna.

• 73 days. Departs Oct. 10, 2023, sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zuiderdam on a clockwise navigation around the continent.
• 4 overnight calls: Aqaba, Jordan; Cape Town, South Africa (two nights); Zanzibar, Tanzania; and Victoria, Seychelles.
• 6 evening departures: San Juan, Puerto Rico; Souda, Crete; Safaga, Egypt; Richards Bay, South Africa; Walvis Bay, Namibia; and Cape Town.
• 26 ports in 22 countries and territories, in the order of calls: Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Greece, Egypt, Jordan, Seychelles, Tanzania, Mayotte, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Ghana, Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Senegal, Cape Verde, Puerto Rico.
• A memorable daylight transit of the Suez Canal en route to Aqaba for the opportunity to travel to the Lost City of Petra.
• Safari and wildlife opportunities include Victoria Falls National Park, Namib Rand Nature Reserve, Etosha Game Reserve, Abuko Nature Reserve, Jozani Forest Reserve, Bandia Wildlife Reserve, Lokobe National Park, the Black Lemur Sanctuary, Kruger National Park, and Zulu Nyala Private Game Reserve.
• Two full days at Cape Town, South Africa, to explore Table Mountain, Nelson Mandela’s prison cell, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Winelands and more.   
• Two shorter segments are available: 46 days from Fort Lauderdale to Cape Town and 27 days from Cape Town to Fort Lauderdale.

A Grand Onboard Experience

On a Grand Voyage, evening shipboard activities shine with local cultural entertainment and special guest headliners. Festive gala evenings and balls create memorable moments, along with an exclusive Captain’s Grand Voyage Dinner for full-cruise guests. Dining is elevated to a new level on each Grand Voyage with menus that change daily and are seldom repeated, featuring local ingredients and regional cuisine.

Grand Voyage Early Booking Benefits Guests who book the full 73-day Grand Africa Voyage by Feb. 24, 2023, receive 3% savings off the cruise-only fare, along with amenities valued at up to $4,110 per person. Perks for verandah and select ocean-view staterooms include onboard spending money up to $400 per person, prepaid crew recognition (gratuities), luggage delivery service to and from Fort Lauderdale for two pieces, initial in-suite liquor setup, a complimentary shore excursion and a welcome bottle of sparkling wine. Suites also receive onboard spending money up to $1,000 per person, unlimited luggage delivery service to and from Fort Lauderdale and a Signature Internet Package.

Additional upcoming Grand Voyages include the 2022 Grand Africa Voyage, 2023 and 2024 Grand World Voyages, 2023 Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage and 2024 Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage.

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

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Holland America Line opens bookings for its 2021 Grand Africa voyage

Holland America Line is planning to go ahead with its 2021 Grand Africa voyage, a 71-day cruise aboard Zaandam departing Fort Lauderdale on October 10th, 2021, calling at 18 African ports and has opened bookings with a range of incentives on offer.

The cruise line, which recently sold two of its ships as it works to conserve cash-flow, is offering those who book and pay in full before February 26th, 2021 onboard spending credit, prepaid gratuities, luggage delivery service and a 3% discount on the cruise fare.

Holland America Line’s Zaandam will operate both the Grand Africa Voyage and World Cruise

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These incentives also apply to its 2022 Grand World Voyage, which departs Fort Lauderdale on January 3rd, 2022. The 128-day voyage features 50 ports of call in 27 countries, with overnight stays in nine ports.

These include Tokyo and Kobe (Osaka), Japan; Xingang (Beijing), Shanghai and Hong Kong, China; Singapore; Mumbai (Bombay), India; Aqaba, Jordan (overnight and next-day late departure); and Istanbul, Turkey.

The itinerary for Zaandam’s 128-day 2022 World Cruise

The world cruise will also feature late night departures from 10 ports, (Hilo, Hawaii; Naha, Okinawa, Japan; Da Nang, Vietnam; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Dubai and Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates; Aqaba ; Ashdod (Jerusalem) and Haifa (Nazareth), Israel; and Mykonos, Greece).

Passengers will cross the equator twice and will also transit both the Panama and Suez Canals, while scenic cruising will be offered in the Amazon River, Kanmon Strait and Dardanelles.

The itinerary for Zaandam’s 2021 Grand Africa Voyage

The Grand Africa voyage, meanwhile, will circumnavigate the entire continent, calling at 18 African calls, with additional visits to San Juan, Puerto Rico; Funchal, Madeira; Crete, Greece; and Aqaba, Jordan over 71 days.

Zaandam will stay overnight in Cape Town on her 2021 Grand Africa Voyage

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Zaandam will stay overnight at Aqaba; Mahe, Seychelles; Zanzibar, Tanzania; and Cape Town , South Africa (overnight and next-day late departure), with late night departures from Crete; Safaga, Egypt; Richards Bay and Cape Town, South Africa; Walvis Bay, Namibia; and San Juan.

The grand voyage will also offer more than a dozen wildlife encounters, with safari opportunities at Jozani Forest Reserve, Lokobe National Park, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, Aqulia Game Reserve, Abuko Nature Reserve, Bandia Wildlife Reserve and more.

Zaandam is of two of Holland America Line’s last Rotterdam-class cruise ships, after her sister ships Amsterdam and Rotterdam were sold to Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.

The 61,396-gross ton, 237-metre ship can carry 1,432 passengers and was launched in 1999. She offers four restaurants, 10 bars and cafes, three pools, a spa with thermal suites and sauna, four lounges and teens and kids facilities.

In addition, there are a range of entertainment facilities, from the main theatre, to a Culinary Arts center, casino and shopping and retail promenade.

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Categories: SA Cruise News

Tagged as: Cape Town , Grand Africa Voyage , Holland America Line , South Africa , Zaandam

Published by Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com. View all posts by Shaun Ebelthite

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

Holland America Africa cruises

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Holland America Line Africa Cruises

For an adventurous, unique, and sometimes mysterious vacation experience, choose an Africa and Arabia cruise with Holland America Line. Immerse yourself in the culture of the Mediterranean-influenced North African countries like Algeria, Morocco, Sudan, and more. Explore Egypt and Arabia, finding treasures and enriching yourself with foreign dance, cuisine, and history. You may even have the opportunity to visit Africa’s crown jewel--South Africa—where you can interact with the incredibly blended cultures and spend time getting acquainted with Africa’s wildlife. For a special and memorable journey, choose an Africa & Arabia cruise with Holland America Line.

Things to Do on an Africa Cruise with Holland America Line

Africa and the lands of Arabia offer a desert wonderland. With Holland America Line, you can delve into the history of the Holy Land, explore the pyramids and go 4x4 riding in a landscape that mimics the moon.

• Namib Desert 4x4 Adventure (Walvis Bay, Namibia) When you picture desert sand dunes, you’re thinking about the Namib Desert. This amazing landscape is filled with dunes reaching tens of feet in the air. You’ll also explore the Swakop River Valley, which is said to look a lot like the surface of the moon. You’ll also stop in the Welwitschia Valley which offers another interesting environment. Before heading back to the ship you’ll enjoy some local treats: oysters.  

• Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee Overnight Tour (Haifa, Israel) You’ll spend two days discovering the religious roots of Jesus Christ on this excursion. First you’ll visit Nazareth where he grew up, then you’ll drive by the site where Jesus gave his famed Sermon on the Mount. In Jerusalem, visit the Western Wall, the only remaining part of the Holy Temple built by King Solomon. On your second day you’ll visit Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, and return to Jerusalem later to visit the Garden of Gethsemane, Mount Zion and the spot of the Last Supper.  

• Magical Marrakech (Casablanca, Morocco) This mystical city has a lot of beautiful Islamic architecture to view, including the Bahia Palace, which was once the home of the Sultan’s harem. You’ll visit a 12th century minaret and after lunch you’ll head to Jemaa el-Fna Square to see the acrobats, snake charmers and soothsayers all perform for your attention.  

• Cape Town: A Military City (Cape Town, South Africa) Visit the Castle of Good Hope, which was a fortress built just 14 years after Dutch settler Jan van Riebeeck came onto the shores of South Africa. You’ll explore both the Military History Museum and the William Fehr Art Collection which contain artifacts associated with the colonization of Cape Town. At noon you’ll hear the Noon Gun at Signal Hill, a local tradition. After lunch, enjoy the South African Air Force Museum.  

• Giza Pyramids, Sphinx and The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities (Port Said, Egypt) One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza are not to be missed. Nearby is the mysterious Sphinx, a statue depicting a lion with a man’s face. In the afternoon, travel to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities where you’ll get a great understanding of Ancient Egypt and its customs. One of the highlights of this museum is the treasures of King Tut, the boy king.  

• Petra: the Rose Red City (Aquaba, Jordan) Walk into this tucked away city through the Siq gorge in Petra. You will be guided through this experience as you pass by stone carvings and water channels until, seemingly out of nowhere, you’ll see The Treasury, an intricate building carved out of rock. You’ll also visit the Greek Theater and the royal tombs.  

Top 10 Holland America Line Africa Cruises

Holland america line africa departure ports.

Learn more about the different departure ports for an Africa cruise with Holland America. Your Holland America Africa cruise could leave from any of the following cities:

Photo Gallery for Holland America Line Africa Cruises

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

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An Africa cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will leave you amazed at the continent's beauty. On African cruises, passengers can visit the wine country of South Africa, or watch the sun sink over the plains of Kenya after a day on safari. Cruise Africa and stroll the exquisite, unspoiled beaches of the Seychelles, or experience the colonial French atmosphere of Nosy Be, Madagascar.

• The African cruise season lasts from September to May.  
• Africa cruises are typically 12 to 24 nights.  
• Pre- or post-cruise safari packages are very popular, allowing Africa cruise passengers to spend a few days exploring the incredible wildlife habitats of Kenya, South Africa or Tanzania.  
• To cruise Africa, you'll need to fly a long distance to reach your port of departure, so we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance. A pre-cruise hotel package will give you time to rest and get oriented before your African cruise.

I tried Holland America's 'Have It All' package. For just $55 a day, my cruise felt way more luxurious.

• I tried Holland America Line 's Have It All package on a recent cruise to Alaska.
• For $55 per person per day, we got complimentary drinks, special meals, and other perks.
• The price was so worth it we already booked this package for future cruises. 

Cruise bookings are predicted to reach record levels this year, and travelers are especially interested in luxurious sailings.

But as many of us know, luxury doesn't always equate to value, even when it comes to upgrades and special packages.

So, on our recent cruise to Alaska, my husband and I put one of many cruise packages to the test: Holland America Line's "Have It All" package, which costs $55 per person per day.

It includes perks like a beverage package, ship credit for shore excursions, onboard WiFi, and dinner at specialty restaurants.

Here's why we found it to be such a great value we're going to add it to future cruises.

The beverage package was great, and it included special drinks without alcohol

The biggest perk of the "Have It All" package was the ability to order drinks without worrying about the bill at the end of the cruise.

Our previous cruises had us drinking only tap water, drip coffee, tea, and an occasional glass of wine with dinner to avoid any sticker shock at the end of the trip. We felt restricted in enjoying our vacation.

But this time, we had the freedom to enjoy ourselves. The "Have It All" package we booked came with 15 drinks a day under $11. If you want a drink over $11, you only pay the difference.

The beverage package also covers non-alcoholic drinks. It was perfect for when we wanted espresso drinks for cold Alaska days or a bottle of water for a shore excursion.

The shore-excursion credit helped push us to have more fun

We knew we had to do a whale-watching excursion in Alaska, but didn't consider booking other excursions due to price. Many of the ones we were interested in cost over $100 per person.

But with the package, we each got credits to use toward shore excursions during our cruise. The value of the credit varies depending on the duration of your cruise — ours was less than 10 days, so we each got a $100 credit.

The $200 worth of credits made us feel more comfortable booking an incredible excursion to kayak the wild waters of Sitka.

We probably would've hesitated to book an excursion and missed an incredible experience if we hadn't felt compelled to use the credits in the package.

Specialty dining helped us celebrate our anniversary

Our "Have it All" packages each included at least one dinner at one of the ship's specialty restaurants. If you're on a longer cruise, this package would get you access to more dinners.

We used our credits to eat at the Pinnacle Grill, known for its premium steaks and intimate dining experience. Our anniversary dinner was extra special because of the access to premium dishes unavailable in the main dining room, five-star service, and a luxurious setting.

WiFi kept us connected

The package included WiFi, which really came in handy as we shared photos with friends and family throughout our trip.

We were able to use the internet to search for whatever we needed and research the highlights to visit at the next port of call.

We've already booked the package for future cruises

For less than what a few drinks cost per day, the package helped us relax, have fun, and enjoy each port of call with a shore excursion. Plus, we got to indulge in the ship's specialty restaurants.

We loved it so much we've already purchased this same package for three future cruises.

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