Holland America vs Princess 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 Princess?

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

Why Princess? Because you want to tell better stories. To immerse yourself in destinations near and far. To try new foods and encounter new cultures. To refresh your spirit and reconnect with those you love. Choosing a cruise line can seem tough, but Princess makes it easy. Because you want more than the usual cruise experience…you want to come back new. Discover what makes each port unique through the insights of local experts and crew members who sail with us to over 330 destinations.

What destinations are Princess exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

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

Princess Cruises differentiates itself as a premium mainstream cruise line focused on elegant, destination-centred voyages, personalised service and innovative technology (MedallionClass). Compared with Carnival’s high-energy, budget style and Royal Caribbean’s action-packed ships, Princess offers a calmer, refinement-driven cruise experience ideal for couples, mature travellers and anyone who values service quality over onboard thrills. With broad global itineraries, excellent included dining and a top-rated loyalty program, Princess is a compelling choice for travellers seeking a comfortable, sophisticated cruise vacation that balances traditional read more cruising with modern amenities.

Who cruises with Princess?

A broad international mix of couples, solo travellers, families and multi-generational groups. Princess particularly appeals to mature travellers seeking a traditional premium cruise experience, while family programmes attract younger guests during school holidays.

What are Princess known for?

Premium cruising, destination-focused itineraries, Princess MedallionClass technology, Movies Under the Stars, strong Alaska programmes and a relaxed traditional cruise experience.

Are Princess' fares all-inclusive?

Princess Standard fares include accommodation, main dining and buffet meals, entertainment, pools and fitness centre access.

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

Standard-fare guests generally pay extra for alcoholic and most specialty beverages, WiFi, specialty and casual dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, laundry, selected fitness classes, room-service delivery and OceanNow delivery. Crew gratuities also apply on most cruises outside Australia unless included through a package.

Are gratuities included?

For cruises departing from and returning to Australia or operating with AUD onboard, crew gratuities are included in the fare. On most other Princess cruises, daily crew appreciation is automatically charged unless included through Princess Plus or Princess Premier.

Are shore excursions included?

No. Princess Premier includes a shore excursion credit of between $100 and $300 per guest on eligible cruises, depending on the length of the cruise.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. MedallionNet WiFi is available for an additional charge with Princess Standard. Princess Plus includes access for one device per guest and Princess Premier includes access for up to four devices per guest.

Does Princess have a loyalty program?

Yes. Princess Captain's Circle has Gold, Ruby, Platinum and Elite tiers, with benefits progressing from preferential offers and onboard events to WiFi discounts, priority benefits, spa and shore excursion discounts and complimentary laundry at Elite level.

Is Princess a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Princess caters well for families and multi-generational groups, with family accommodation, youth clubs, pools, sports, movies and organised activities.

Are any onboard activities included?

Production shows, live entertainment, Movies Under the Stars, pools, hot tubs, quizzes, games, sports facilities, enrichment activities and fitness centre access are included.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Casino gaming, bingo, selected fitness classes, specialty activities, spa facilities and treatments, and some ship-specific experiences attract additional charges.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Princess' ships?

Yes. Specialty and casual dining venues vary by ship and can include Crown Grill, Sabatini's, The Catch by Rudi, Alfredo's or Gigi's, Kai Sushi and experiential dining. Charges apply outside Princess Premier.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes. Princess Plus includes four casual dining meals, while Princess Premier includes unlimited casual and specialty dining. Inclusions vary for some ships and departure dates.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Some basic beverages such as water, tea, coffee and selected juices are included. Soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and other premium non-alcoholic drinks cost extra unless covered by a beverage package.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are additional on a Princess Standard fare. Princess Plus and Princess Premier include beverage packages covering drinks up to specified values.

Do Princess sell any beverage packages?

Yes. Beverage packages are available separately and are also bundled into Princess Plus and Princess Premier. Princess offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic package options.

Do Princess offer room service?

Yes. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Standard-fare guests generally pay a delivery charge, while delivery fees are waived with Princess Plus and Princess Premier.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Lotus Spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, acupuncture, hair, beauty and salon services for an additional charge. Facilities vary by ship.

Are there gyms onboard Princess' ships?

Yes. Princess ships have fitness centres with cardio and strength-training equipment, with general gym access included in the cruise fare.

Are fitness classes available onboard Princess' ships?

Yes. Group classes such as yoga, Pilates, cycling and other fitness programmes are offered. Some classes attract additional charges or may be included through selected packages.

Do Princess offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training is available for an additional charge.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Princess ships have self-service launderettes with washers, dryers and ironing facilities. A small charge generally applies.

Do Princess offer a laundry service?

Yes. Paid laundry, pressing and professional cleaning services are available. Full-suite guests and Elite Captain's Circle members receive complimentary standard laundry and cleaning benefits.