Holland America vs MSC Cruises

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.

Why should we cruise with MSC?

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

Our cruises are designed to enrich, delight and create unforgettable emotions that only the sea can create. We offer an enriching, immersive and safe cruise experience, where you can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, award-winning family programmes and the latest user-friendly technology on board.

What destinations are MSC exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

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

MSC Cruises stands out for value, a distinctly European onboard atmosphere, and premium-upgrade options like the MSC Yacht Club. Compared with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, and premium lines like Celebrity or Princess, MSC often delivers newer-ship experiences at sharper pricing while offering a more international feel - especially in the Mediterranean.

MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay, is positioned as a calmer, nature-forward beach day rather than a thrill-park destination, and the line’s status match makes it easy for loyal cruisers to switch. For travellers asking “is MSC Cruises a good cruise line?”, the answer is yes - particularly read more for clients who want strong value, modern ships, and a cosmopolitan vibe; the key is aligning expectations on dining and onboard style to the specific ship and itinerary.

Who cruises with MSC?

An international mix of couples, families and groups, with a particularly strong European following.

What are MSC known for?

Large contemporary ships, a strong European and international atmosphere, extensive family facilities and entertainment, and the MSC Yacht Club ship-within-a-ship luxury experience.

Are MSC's fares all-inclusive?

No, standard fares include accommodation, main dining and buffet meals, most entertainment, pools, gym access and kids clubs.

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

Drinks, WiFi, shore excursions, specialty dining and gratuities cost extra unless included through a fare, package or MSC Yacht Club.

Are gratuities included?

Australian and New Zealand fares include gratuities. For North American's, gratuities (or as MSC refer to them - Hotel Service Charges) are not inclued in your cruise fare, unless you have requested to prepay them.

Are shore excursions included?

No. Shore excursions are an additional cost and can be booked individually or through selected excursion packages.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. WiFi is available across the fleet for an additional charge, with different internet packages available. Internet is included with MSC Yacht Club and selected loyalty or promotional benefits.

Does MSC have a loyalty program?

Yes. MSC Voyagers Club has Welcome, Classic, Silver, Gold, Diamond and Blue Diamond levels, with benefits including cruise discounts, onboard discounts, events and additional privileges at higher tiers.

Is MSC a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. MSC is particularly family-friendly, with extensive kids clubs, family accommodation, pools, waterparks and activities designed for children and teenagers.

Are any onboard activities included?

Most theatre shows, pools, selected waterparks, sports facilities, the gym, dance classes, quizzes, games, karaoke, parties and other scheduled entertainment are included. Exact facilities vary considerably between ships.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes. Casinos are available across MSC's ocean-going fleet, with gaming charged to the guest's onboard account.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes, depending on the ship, additional charges can apply for attractions such as bowling, 4D cinema, F1 simulators, zip lines and selected premium entertainment activities.

Are there specialty restaurants on board MSC's ships?

Yes. MSC ships offer specialty restaurants in addition to the included main restaurants and buffet, with venues varying by ship. Specialty dining generally costs extra.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes. Guests can pre-purchase individual specialty dining experiences or packages covering up to four specialty restaurants, depending on the ship.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Only limited beverages are included with standard fares. Complimentary options are generally available in the buffet, while soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and other beverages normally cost extra unless covered by a drinks package or fare inclusion.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are generally additional with standard fares. Drinks may be included with promotional fares, MSC World Cruise dining inclusions or MSC Yacht Club.

Do MSC sell any beverage packages?

Yes. MSC offers Easy, Premium Extra, Alcohol-Free and Minors packages, with availability and inclusions varying by cruise.

Do MSC offer room service?

Yes. Fantastica and Aurea guests receive 24-hour room service with complimentary delivery, although individual food items may still be charged. Bella guests have more limited inclusions and may pay a delivery fee. MSC Yacht Club includes 24-hour room service.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. MSC Aurea Spa facilities are available across the fleet, with treatments, thermal areas and salon services generally attracting additional charges.

Are there gyms onboard MSC's ships?

Yes. MSC ships have onboard fitness facilities, with gym access included in the cruise fare.

Are fitness classes available onboard MSC's ships?

Yes. Fitness classes are offered, with some scheduled activities included and selected specialist fitness programmes attracting an additional charge.

Do MSC offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training sessions are available for an additional charge.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

No.

Do MSC offer a laundry service?

Yes. Paid laundry services and multi-item laundry packages are available.