Holland America vs Norwegian Cruise Line
+ Global JourneysCompare the ships, onboard inclusions, pricing, shore excursions and popularity of cruising with Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Line, to see which is the better fit for your next journey.
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.
Total No. Cruises
Departures
Avg. cruise length
Avg. price per day (by cabin type)
No. of Ships
All-Inclusive level
Onboard currencyThe 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.
Couples, solo travellers and families, with Holland America particularly appealing to adults who value destination-focused itineraries, traditional cruising, dining and enrichment.
Destination-focused cruising, longer itineraries, Alaska and worldwide voyages, live music, culinary experiences and a more traditional premium cruising style.
No, standard fares include accommodation, main dining, entertainment and many onboard activities.
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.
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.
No. Shore excursions cost extra. Have It All fares provide shore excursion credit, with the amount determined by cruise length.
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.
Yes. The Mariner Society has five membership levels, with benefits based on accumulated cruise-day credits and onboard spending.
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.
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.
Yes. Holland America ships offer casinos with slot machines, table games and tournaments.
Yes. Additional charges apply for activities and services such as spa treatments, personal training and selected instructor-led fitness classes.
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.
Yes. Have It All includes between one and three specialty dining nights depending on cruise length, with availability varying by ship.
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.
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.
Yes. Signature, Elite and non-alcoholic Quench beverage packages are available, while Have It All bundles the Signature Beverage Package with other cruise amenities.
Yes. In-room dining is available, with some menu items and beverages attracting additional charges.
Yes. Greenhouse Spa & Salon services include massages, facials, hair and nail treatments and, on selected ships, thermal facilities. Charges apply.
Yes. All Holland America ships have a fitness centre with cardio equipment, strength equipment and free weights.
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.
Yes. Personal training is available for an additional charge.
No. Holland America ships do not have self-service laundries.
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.
We asked NCL why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
No schedules. No stipulations. Just award-winning entertainment and diverse dining options from the only cruise line built for versatile vacationing. NCL's award-winning ships are designed for you to enjoy as you choose while cruising to beautiful destinations around the world. Add a wide range of superb dining options and spectacular entertainment and you'll experience your best holiday ever.
Total No. CruisesDeparturesAvg. cruise lengthAvg. price per day (by cabin type)No. of ShipsAll-Inclusive levelOnboard currencyThe low down on NCL from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) stands out for its relaxed “Freestyle Cruising” style - more flexibility, fewer formalities, and a resort-like onboard vibe. NCL’s Free at Sea inclusions can add strong value for travelers who want drinks, some specialty dining, Wi-Fi and shore credits bundled into their booking, helping to make their total trip costs easier to predict. If you want a cruise that feels casual, choice-rich and good-value, Norwegian is often an excellent option; if you want the most family attractions, a more traditional cruise atmosphere, or a more premium “quiet luxury” feel, competitors like Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America read more or Celebrity may be a better match.
Couples, solo travellers and families; freestyle cruisers who like to holiday on their own schedule.
Freestyle Cruising with no fixed dining times, award-winning entertainment and top-deck innovation including racetracks at sea.
No.
Guests need to pay for shore excursions, WiFi, specialty dining, spa and salon services, selected onboard activities, some entertainment and certain beverages and services.
Gratuities are included for Australian and New Zealand passengers. They are not included for North American passengers.
No.
Yes, charges apply or is included in NCL’s Free At Sea™ package.
No. Latitudes Rewards only.
Yes. NCL are a popular family option with family-friendly accommodation, comprehensive youth programs and family-friendly amenities.
Sports court games, outdoor pools and hot tubs, select onboard presentations, the ropes course and ziplining.
Yes, except on Pride of America.
Specialty onboard seminars, go-kart sessions, laser tag, video arcade games and bowling incur additional charges.
Yes. Specialty restaurants are available and charges apply. Upgrade to NCL’s Free At Sea™ to add premium beverages, specialty dining, shore excursion credit and Wi-Fi.
Yes. Upgrade to NCL’s Free At Sea™ to add specialty dining.
No.
No.
Yes. Upgrade to NCL’s Free At Sea™ to add premium beverages, specialty dining, shore excursion credit and Wi-Fi.
Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service is available; charges apply for alcohol orders.
Yes. Spa and salon services are available for an additional charge.
Yes.
Yes. Charges apply.
Yes. Charges apply.
No.
Yes. Charges apply.
Compare Cruise Lines
Global Journeys | Terms & Conditions
Global Journeys Pty Ltd. Accredited Member of The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). No. A11351.
