Oceania Cruises vs Holland America

Why should we cruise with Oceania?

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

You can sail to the far corners of the globe on Oceania's small, luxurious ships, but you’ll always feel like you’re coming home to family. From the moment you step on board, you’ll feel cared for and cared about because our dedication to service comes from the heart. Our ships radiate warmth and character among their true elegance. All boast exquisite appointments and details one would only expect to find in a luxurious, private estate. With up to six open-seating, gourmet restaurants to choose from, dining is a central highlight of the Oceania read more Cruises experience and guests may dine when, where and with whom they wish.

What destinations are Oceania exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

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

Oceania Cruises is best described as upper-premium cruising with a strong luxury edge - known for small-ship ambience, destination-rich itineraries and a cuisine-first onboard experience. Depending on which ship you select, they carry either arounf 680 to 1,200 guests, creating a calmer, more boutique feel than mainstream and many premium cruise lines. Oceania also bundles meaningful value through "Your World Included', with specialty dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi, non-alcoholic beverages, and laundry included, reducing surprise onboard costs. From 2026, Oceania becomes an adults-only (18+) cruise line, reinforcing its tranquil, sophisticated style.

Who cruises with Oceania?

Semi-retired or retired world travellers who appreciate good food and wine, culture, enrichment and cuisine; Oceania also has a high number of repeat travellers.

What are Oceania known for?

Longer stays in port and more overnights, the Finest Cuisine at Sea, and an elegant-casual dress code with no ties required.

Are Oceania's fares all-inclusive?

Not all-inclusive but almost. Includes specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, non-alcoholic drinks, selected laundry services, plus your choice of wine and beer or a shore excursion credit.

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

Addtional premium alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, spa and salon services, personal training, laundry service and some specialised classes or seminars also cost extra.

Are gratuities included?

Yes.

Are shore excursions included?

No, although you have the option with Ocenaia's Your World Inclusions to a choice of wine and beer or a shore excursion credit, based on the length of the cruise.

Is there WiFi on board?

Oceania Cruises provides complimentary, unlimited high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi fleetwide as part of your standard cruise fare. Enhanced WiFi packages are available.

Does Oceania have a loyalty program?

Yes, past guests received additional benefits on future bookings.
They also have a loyalty program at various levels for additional benefits on board.

Is Oceania a family friendly cruise-line?

Oceania is an adult only cruise line.

Are any onboard activities included?

Guest lectures, seminars, destination-focused activities, evening entertainment, complimentary dining and group fitness classes.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Specialty onboard seminars and Culinary Centre classes on select ships incur additional charges. Personal training, some specialised fitness programs, spa and salon services also cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Oceania's ships?

Yes. Specialty restaurants are complimentary, with a surcharge only for La Reserve and private dining in Privee.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Bottled water, soft drinks, fresh juices, specialty coffees and teas are included.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

As part of Your World Inclusions, you can opt to have included the House Beverage Package, which includes beer, wine and champagne anywhere on the ship during lunch and dinner.

Do Oceania sell any beverage packages?

Yes. The Prestige Select Beverage Package offers unlimited Champagne and wine by the glass, beers, spirits and cocktails, available at any onboard venue as well as through room service during bar operating hours. If you've selected complimentary wine & beer through Your World Inclusions, you are eligible to upgrade to the Prestige Select Beverage Package for 50% off. Normally $79.95 per person, per day (subject to change).

Do Oceania offer room service?

Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service is available.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Spa and salon services are available for an additional charge.

Are there gyms onboard Oceania's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard Oceania's ships?

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

Do Oceania offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training is available for an additional charge.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Complimentary self-service laundries are available.

Do Oceania offer a laundry service?

Yes. Laundry service is available for an additional charge and if guests are in a Concierge Veranda room category or above, laundry is included.

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.