In August 2021, we took our first Holland America Line cruise to Alaska. Since then, we have sailed with the cruise line on three separate occasions. Following these cruises, we have received a lot of questions about the passenger makeup on HAL ships. So, we wanted to share our four reasons why Holland America Line isn’t just for old people.

WHERE WE TOO YOUNG FOR HOLLAND AMERICA LINE?

Four Reasons Holland America Line Isn’t Just for Old People

Since our first cruise with Holland America on Nieuw Amsterdam a year ago, Heidi and I have sailed on the line’s newest ship, Rotterdam, twice. Once in the Caribbean and then again on a Norwegian Fjords cruise.

Recently, we cruised on her sister ship as well, Nieuw Statendam, for a Canada/New England sailing. Given these experiences on three different ships, we have a pretty good sense of what cruising with HAL entails.

In full disclosure, we are 40 years old with no children and have cruised as just a couple.

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Dining Options

If you are a frequent cruiser, we suspect one of the aspects you love about cruising is the food. Happily, Holland America Line offers a variety of dining options on its cruise ships that are included in the cruise fare. Surprisingly, the line delivers some of the best cuisine at sea. After all, the company’s tag line is ‘Savor the Journey’.

So, if you are a foodie, Holland America might be for you.

On the Lido deck, you can find some of the best burgers and hot dogs at sea at the Dive-In. These custom burgers are paired with crispy French fries and served on a brioche bun. All orders are freshly prepared, and the best part is that you can order on the Navigator app avoiding the lines.

While we are not typically fans of buffets, we do enjoy the Lido Market. In our experiences, the food quality and selection here is a top notch, edging out the competition.

In the morning, all of the typical favorites are available, along with custom-made omelets, waffles, and crepes. The sweet spot is home to some of the most delicious breakfast pastries as well, like monkey bread and sticky buns.

In the afternoon, there are typical deli selections, daily salad specials, and a variety of menu options at the Homestead. Some of these items included pan seared char, fish and chips, mac and cheese, and braised brisket.

Perhaps our favorite station is the Distant Lands, serving Italian and Asian cuisine. The custom wok selections stir fry up some fresh ingredients that cruisers can customize with toppings, sauces, and either rice or noodles.

On Holland America Line’s newer ships, you can find the Grand Dutch Café. This casual spot serves up authentic Dutch cuisine like the cruise line’s famous pea soup and Dutch apple pie.

While an up-charge, the specialty restaurants on Holland America Line are superb as well. They are reasonably priced and offer an upgrade from the main dining room.

Perhaps our favorite of the specialty venues is Tamarind. This Pan-Asian restaurant serves far east flavors with exquisitely executed dishes. Menu items include lobster and shrimp dumplings, Szechuan shrimp, Red Curry chicken, and so much more.

Not to mention, the Tamarind bar is home to some of the most exotic and unique cocktails on the ship. Further, the nearby Nami offers a variety of sushi, rolls, like the must-try lobster tempura rolls.

Additionally, the Pinnacle Grill is the line’s steakhouse, serving up a variety of freshly seared premium cuts of beef and the signature clothesline candied bacon.

On newer HAL ships, there is Rudi’s Sel de Mer. This French brasserie serves up fresh, modern twists on classic dishes. From the bouillabaisse to the signature Salzburger nockerl dessert, this upscale menu makes for a special night out.

Even if you’d rather not pay for dining, Holland America’s main dining room is on par with what you would expect on contemporary cruise lines. However, the menus also feature distinct items inspired by the region and various ports of call. This could include New England clam chowder and Atlantic Haddock when docked in Boston. Or, fresh rainbow trout when cruising the Pacific Northwest and Jerk Pork in the Caribbean.

Main Theater Entertainment

Like most contemporary cruise lines, Holland America Line offers a nightly show in the main theater. True, these are not Broadway caliber productions like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line. However, the line does have exclusive partnerships with the Step One Dance Company and BBC Earth to offer engaging and unique shows.

On most ships, the Step One Dance Company troupe is featured in 3 or 4 productions depending on the itinerary. These shows are high energy and visually stunning. They focus on dance without the distractions of a mediocre cruise ship singer.

Of these performances, our favorite is Humanity. This approximately 45-minute production pairs creative choreography with smart use of digital screens for an emotional performance. Other shows include the lively and upbeat In Tandem and Musicology where the performers visually capture the essence of musical instruments.

There is also Off the Charts, where the musicians from Billboard Onboard join the cast. With live music, singing, and dancing, the ensemble showcases some of the Billboard charts #1 hits. From rock classics to modern day pop, it is a show for all music fans.

Not to mention, the World Stage (on Pinnacle Class ships) offers the perfect setup for these performances with a circular stage and a 270-degree LED backdrop.

Further, HAL ships feature BBC Earth in Concert experiences. These shows pair BBC nature series with live music from the Lincoln Center Stage orchestra for a one-of-a-kind look at the diverse wildlife around the world.

Of course, you might find a headliner comedian or local performer in the main theater on HAL ships as well.

Thus, if you are a fan of main theater entertainment, and want something a bit different than a typical cruise ship show, Holland America Line will not let you down. 

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Live Music and Nightlife

While Holland America Line offers exquisite dining and unique productions shows, it doesn’t stop there. There are several bars and lounges with signature menus and plenty of live music to keep cruisers of all ages entertained.

Best of all, most drinks are modestly priced when compared to other contemporary cruise lines. Not to mention, Holland America Line offers several drink packages to help cruisers save money.

One of the featured music venues on most HAL ships is Billboard Onboard. Featuring two piano players, this lounge is home to themed sets as well as all-request sessions. Typically, there is a female and male musician belting out all the classic piano tunes you’d expect to hear. While you are enjoying the music, you can sip drinks like the whiskey smash or the raspberry lemonade.

Most Holland America Line ships also have a B.B. King’s Blues Club that features several different musical sets, not just jazz and blues. Of course, this venue features some signature cocktails too like the musically inspired rhythm and blues or roadhouse drop.

B.B. King’s is also home to the cruise line’s Orange Party. This brightly themed party pays homage to the line’s Dutch history.

While we are not huge classical music fans, the Lincoln Center Stage is another intimate and unique space on many HAL ships. Featuring a four-piece chamber ensemble, these extremely talented musicians offer themed sets in the early evenings.

Finally, our favorite music venue found on the newer Pinnacle Class ships is the Rolling Stone Rock Room. This is perhaps one of the best rock stages at sea. With an energetic live rock band performing songs from all eras of rock and another specialty drink menu, this is one of the most happening spots on the ship. This lounge delivers amazing sound and a true rock concert experience.

So, if you are a music lover, look no further than Holland America. Admittedly, music is the main focus of nightlife on Holland America Line. There are trivia sessions and a few game shows but not as much diversity as you might find on other cruise lines.

Overall Atmosphere on Holland America Line Ships

Finally, when evaluating what cruise line is right for you, you should consider the cruise line’s overall vibe. If you are looking for the cruise line to be your destination, you may be better fitted on a Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Carnival Cruise Line ship. However, if you are looking for the cruise ship to be your vessel to explore new and exciting ports of call, Holland America delivers.

The overall atmosphere on Holland America Line ships is relaxed. The décor and furnishings are comfortable yet sophisticated with subtle nods to the cruise line’s Dutch heritage.

You will find all the staples you have come to know and love about cruising. HAL ships offer a Lido Pool, with many featuring a retractable roof, the outdoor Sea View pool, a gym, a spa, and a casino. There are also sports facilities, with many ships offering a jogging track, pickleball courts, a basketball court, and more.

In our experiences, the staterooms offer plenty of space and storage, with all the amenities you would expect to find on a contemporary cruise line. The bathrooms even offer a full standup shower with plenty of counter space.

Further, Holland America Line ships have a similar layout and design, making it easy to navigate. Similar to luxury cruise lines, HAL doesn’t overwhelm cruisers with over the top onboard amenities or up-charge experiences. Instead, the cruise line focuses on delivering good food and dynamic entertainment and nightlife.

Our Fellow Mariners

Now, when it comes to the other cruisers onboard, we will admit, the population may skew a tad older than some other contemporary cruise lines. Yes, there are many fellow Mariners of retirement age, but Holland America Line isn’t just for old people. While we might be some of the younger cruisers on HAL ships, we are not alone.

The cruise line does offer youth programs; although, it is more family-friendly than it is family-focused. So, you won’t find many families and children onboard HAL ships.

Further, most of the live music and nightlife does end somewhere between 11 pm and midnight each evening. Though, that is fine with us as we are usually ready for bed by then anyway. After all, the next day is most likely another adventure ashore. With that being said, if you are looking for a dance club with a DJ spinning hits until 2 AM, then HAL probably isn’t right for you.

Overall, even though Holland America Line might get the reputation of being just for old people, we think the cruise line is a great option for many types of travelers. If you are a cruiser who enjoys global cuisine, live music, and a diversity in entertainment, we suggest you give HAL a try, especially one of the cruise line’s newer Pinnacle Class ships.

Comments

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