Holland America vs Viking 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 Viking?

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

A Viking ocean cruise is the discerning traveller’s dream. Whether you choose to visit Scandinavia, Asia, the Mediterranean or the Americas, our itineraries are designed to immerse you in the history and culture of each destination. With us, you could be exploring a local food market with our head chef one day and experiencing an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a world-famous museum the next.

Our state-of-the-art small ships take you right into the heart of each destination, and you won’t find any casinos or kids on board. Plus, our fares read more include just about everything you need - from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call. This unique combination of features has become affectionately known as ‘the Viking difference’.

Viking is the world’s leading small-ship cruise line, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board to discover the Viking difference for yourself.

What destinations are Viking exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

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

Purpose built and newly launched in 2017, Viking now boasts 16 mid-sized ships each accommodating between 930-998 guests, as well as 2 expedition ships (max 378 guests) that explore the world's most remote destinations. Already award winning, their itineraries are varied from worldwide journeys to smaller explorations of the Nordic region, Indian ocean, Asia, Oceania, Caribbean and the Med. Viking position these cruises as 'The Thinking Person’s Cruise', with included and optional shore excursions covering each destinations cultural and historic highlights. So if you are looking for water-slides, children's facilities and casino's, then perhaps read more another cruise company is more suited.

Who cruises with Viking?

Retired and semi-retired world travellers.

What are Viking known for?

Adults only cruising, Scandinavian design, destination-focused experiences and no casinos.

Are Viking's fares all-inclusive?

No. Premium beverages and some excursions cost extra. House beers and wine are included with meals and a courtesy shore excursion is offered at each port.

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

Premium beverages and selected shore excursions, plus some onboard experiences such as The Kitchen Table, cost extra.

Are gratuities included?

Yes, but only for Australian and New Zealand passengers.

Are shore excursions included?

Yes. One courtesy shore excursion is offered at each port on classic cruises; expedition cruises include at least one shore excursion per landing day.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary WiFi is available.

Does Viking have a loyalty program?

No. The Viking Explorer Society offers credit and referral rewards to past Viking passengers only.

Is Viking a family friendly cruise-line?

No. Children under 18 are not accepted.

Are any onboard activities included?

Enrichment lectures, film screenings, presentations, daily expedition briefings, scientific programs in The Laboratory, complimentary dining, evening entertainment and free WiFi.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

No.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Some experiences, such as The Kitchen Table, incur additional charges. Specialised fitness classes may also cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Viking's ships?

Yes. Viking offers seven complimentary restaurants on its mid-sized ships.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Purified water is provided in all staterooms; soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, and specialty coffees and assorted hot teas are available 24 hours a day.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Complimentary house wines and beers are served with lunch and dinner.

Do Viking sell any beverage packages?

Yes. For premium cocktails or wines and spirits, Viking offers the Silver Spirits beverage package.

Do Viking offer room service?

Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Spa access is complimentary and spa and salon services are available for a charge.

Are there gyms onboard Viking's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard Viking's ships?

Yes. Classes may include yoga, Zumba, TRX and Body Conditioning; specialised classes may attract a charge.

Do Viking offer personal training?

Yes and charges apply. Not available on expedition ships.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Complimentary self-service laundry.

Do Viking offer a laundry service?

Yes. Charges apply.