Celebrity Cruises vs Holland America

Why should we cruise with Celebrity?

We asked Celebrity why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Set sail on the vacation of a lifetime aboard one of Celebrity's award-winning cruise and river ships. The luxurious fleet merges cutting-edge technology with welcoming interiors and revolutionary venues. Discover the unrivaled luxury of The Retreat®. Experience visionary spaces, like the Magic Carpet®, that are like nothing you’ve seen before. On Celebrity's ships, you’ll cruise the world's oceans and Europe's rivers while enjoying the height of style, comfort, and service throughout your journey.

What destinations are Celebrity exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Celebrity from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Celebrity Cruises is a premium “modern luxury” cruise line, and more recently a river cruise line as well. Known for their stylish design, and relaxed upscale atmosphere as well as their standout newer ships like the Edge Series and their new launched river ships. Compared with mainstream lines such as Royal Caribbean and NCL, Celebrity generally feels more like a contemporary resort at sea - ideal for couples and travellers who value dining, comfort and refined service over high-energy attractions. For travellers seeking luxury, The Retreat, onboard their ocean ships, offer exclusive lounge access and elevated suite-level benefits, while “All read more Included” pricing bundles drinks and Wi-Fi for better value.

Who cruises with Celebrity?

Primarily couples and solo travellers, including food and wine connoisseurs and travellers who enjoy modern luxury settings.

What are Celebrity known for?

A half-acre real lawn at sea, Michelin-starred chef-curated dining, a large wine collection and the Magic Carpet on Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex.

Are Celebrity's fares all-inclusive?

No. Celebrity Cruises have pre-packaged their most popular amenities - Drinks and Wi-Fi which is a common addtion to the base fare.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Specialty dining, alcoholic and some other beverages, shore excursions, room service charges after 11pm, WiFi packages and some onboard activities require additional payment.

Are gratuities included?

Gratuities are included for Australian and New Zealand passengers. They are not included for North American passengers.

Are shore excursions included?

No except on Celebrity's expedition cruises onboard Celebrity Flora.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Charges apply unless Celebrity's Drinks & WiFi All Included Package is selected

Does Celebrity have a loyalty program?

Yes. Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Azamara offer reciprocal benefits to members enrolled in their loyalty programs.

Is Celebrity a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Children are accepted from 6 months, or 12 months on select cruises, with dedicated programs and facilities available. Expedition ships have some service limitations.

Are any onboard activities included?

Enrichment programs such as guest lectures and some onboard classes, with art and technology classes available on select ships. Most onboard activities and entertainment are included.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes, except on Celebrity Flora

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Charges apply for activities such as glassblowing and mixology classes; some specialised training programs and occasional special entertainment may also cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Celebrity's ships?

Yes. Specialty restaurants are available and charges apply.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Juice, water, tea and coffee are available at stations across the ship, with select soft drinks at meals.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No except on Celebrity's expedition cruises onboard Celebrity Flora.

Do Celebrity sell any beverage packages?

Yes, Celebrity Cruises have pre-packaged their most popular amenities - Drinks and Wi-Fi - one price, all included.

Do Celebrity offer room service?

Yes. Available 24/7, with a late-night fee applying.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Spa and salon services are available and charges apply. Celebrity Flora offers smaller spa facilities.

Are there gyms onboard Celebrity's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard Celebrity's ships?

Yes. Group fitness classes are included complimentary, although some specialised training programs may incur additional charges.

Do Celebrity offer personal training?

Yes. Charges apply. Not avaialble on Celebrity Flora

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

No.

Do Celebrity offer a laundry service?

Yes. Charges apply.

Why should we cruise with Holland America?

We asked Holland America why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

For 150 years, Holland America Line has been a recognized leader in cruising. If you are looking for some of the most spacious and comfortable ships at sea, award-winning service, exquisite dining, extensive activities and enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries, you've come to the right place. Balance. Depth. Authenticity. These are the elements we bring to more than 500 itineraries, stopping in 100 countries, the world over.

What destinations are Holland America exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Holland America from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Holland America Line is a premium cruise line known for classic, refined cruising with a strong focus on destination immersion, live music and quality dining. Its “Savour the Journey” positioning emphasises a slower, more meaningful travel style, appealing to couples and travellers who prefer relaxed sophistication over water-park-style thrills. Holland America is particularly compelling for Australia & New Zealand cruises and for bucket-list Alaska itineraries, with it's Glacier Bay permits. With value-focused options like their "Have It All" package and a strong food-and-seafood sustainability story, Holland America suits travellers wanting read more a premium experience that feels comfortable, culturally rich and unhurried.

Who cruises with Holland America?

Couples, solo travellers and families, with Holland America particularly appealing to adults who value destination-focused itineraries, traditional cruising, dining and enrichment.

What are Holland America known for?

Destination-focused cruising, longer itineraries, Alaska and worldwide voyages, live music, culinary experiences and a more traditional premium cruising style.

Are Holland America's fares all-inclusive?

No, standard fares include accommodation, main dining, entertainment and many onboard activities.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

On standard fares, expect to pay extra for gratuities, alcoholic and specialty drinks, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, specialty dining, spa treatments, personal training and selected fitness classes and laundry. Have It All fares bundle drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining and shore excursion credit.

Are gratuities included?

No. Crew Appreciation is normally added to your onboard account. It is included when specifically offered with eligible Have It All Early Booking Bonus fares.

Are shore excursions included?

No. Shore excursions cost extra. Have It All fares provide shore excursion credit, with the amount determined by cruise length.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Wi-Fi packages are available for purchase. Have It All includes Surf Wi-Fi, while eligible Early Booking Bonus fares may include Premium Wi-Fi.

Does Holland America have a loyalty program?

Yes. The Mariner Society has five membership levels, with benefits based on accumulated cruise-day credits and onboard spending.

Is Holland America a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Holland America welcomes families and provides supervised youth activities, although its overall onboard style is generally more adult-focused than many large resort-style cruise lines.

Are any onboard activities included?

Complimentary activities include destination-focused Up Close presentations, live entertainment, trivia, game shows, arts and crafts, pickleball, pools and hot tubs, use of the fitness centre and selected wellness classes.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes. Holland America ships offer casinos with slot machines, table games and tournaments.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Additional charges apply for activities and services such as spa treatments, personal training and selected instructor-led fitness classes.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Holland America's ships?

Yes. Specialty restaurants include venues such as Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto and Tamarind, depending on the ship. Charges apply unless dining is included through an eligible package or fare.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes. Have It All includes between one and three specialty dining nights depending on cruise length, with availability varying by ship.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Selected basic beverages are included with meals, but soft drinks and specialty coffees generally cost extra. Beverage packages and Have It All can include a wider range of non-alcoholic drinks.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not generally included with standard fares. Have It All includes the Signature Beverage Package, while eligible Early Booking Bonus fares may include the upgraded Elite Beverage Package.

Do Holland America sell any beverage packages?

Yes. Signature, Elite and non-alcoholic Quench beverage packages are available, while Have It All bundles the Signature Beverage Package with other cruise amenities.

Do Holland America offer room service?

Yes. In-room dining is available, with some menu items and beverages attracting additional charges.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Greenhouse Spa & Salon services include massages, facials, hair and nail treatments and, on selected ships, thermal facilities. Charges apply.

Are there gyms onboard Holland America's ships?

Yes. All Holland America ships have a fitness centre with cardio equipment, strength equipment and free weights.

Are fitness classes available onboard Holland America's ships?

Yes. Classes can include yoga, Pilates, indoor cycling, stretching, meditation and circuit training. Some wellness classes are complimentary while selected instructor-led classes cost extra.

Do Holland America offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training is available for an additional charge.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

No. Holland America ships do not have self-service laundries.

Do Holland America offer a laundry service?

Yes. Laundry, pressing and dry-cleaning services are available for a fee, with laundry packages also available. Neptune and Pinnacle Suite guests receive complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning.