Holland America Line

Holland America Line is a stately cruise company that takes its roots from the 19th century when it launched the first transatlantic service between Holland and New York. Nowadays, the cruise firm is part of the giant Carnival Corporation and based in the US, but that hasn’t altered the unmistakeable European ambience or the classic elegance of its fleet of 14 ships. Holland America cruises are described as perfect for discerning travellers wanting to see the world from the comfort of an elegant mid-size “hotel at sea”. With the promise of being grand but not immense, and spacious but still intimate, Holland America says its ships offer more space per guest than any other cruise line with one crew member for every two passengers. The vessels stand out for their elegant surroundings with gracious public areas and lounges decorated with flowers and works of art.

Holland America cruise holidays are offered across all five continents from the Caribbean to Antarctica, the Mediterranean to South America and from Australasia to Alaska. Cruises range from a few days to leisurely Grand Voyages and an annual 100-day-plus world cruise. As a result, Holland America holidays attract passengers looking for classy surroundings and high standards of accommodation of service combined with longer cruises to more unusual destinations. All HAL ships also offer a range of staterooms adapted for less able-bodied passengers. Holland America cruise holidays are known for their “special touches” that include free hors d’oeuvres served at cocktail hour and fresh fruit baskets in staterooms. Following the line’s Signature of Excellence initiative that was completed in 2007, other enhancements have been added, including a Culinary Arts Theatre in each ship’s show kitchen and the extensive Explorations Café which contains an online and library resource centre.

Holland America cruises boast more spacious staterooms than the industry average with several having their own private balconies. The ships have elegant teak promenades, an open-air pool that transforms into an indoor swimming pool and lounge area at the flick of a switch, and the Greenhouse Spa with its health and fitness facilities and hydrotherapy pool. Diners on Holland America holidays can sample the elegant main dining room which offers sea views on three sides, the informal lido or reservations-only Pinnacle Grill. The line’s newest ship, Eurodam, which debuts in June, will offer pan-Asian and Italian speciality restaurants and more balcony staterooms than ever before.