How to Choose the Best Cabin on a Holland America Cruise
One of the questions I get asked most often about cruising with Holland America Line is surprisingly simple.
“How do I choose the right cabin?”
The answer depends entirely on what kind of traveler you are.
Some people treat their cabin like a quiet retreat and spend a lot of time there reading, writing, relaxing, or watching the ocean drift by. Others only use the room to sleep and shower because they’re constantly exploring the ship or the destinations.
There isn’t one perfect answer. There’s only the cabin that works best for your cruise style.
And trust me, choosing the right cabin can absolutely shape your experience onboard.
Understanding Holland America Cabin Types
Holland America offers several cabin categories, each with pros, cons, and price points.
Before booking, think honestly about how much time you’ll actually spend in your room. That answer alone can save you a lot of money.
Inside Cabins on Holland America
Inside cabins do not have windows.
These are usually the least expensive rooms on the ship and honestly, they work perfectly well for many travelers.
If your cruise is packed with port days, excursions, entertainment, dining, and activities, you may barely spend any waking hours in your room anyway.
There is also something incredibly satisfying about taking a midday nap in a completely dark cabin while the ocean rocks you to sleep.
I’m not even joking. It’s vacation magic.
The downside is obvious. No natural light and no outside view. Some people love that. Others discover quickly that they miss seeing daylight or the weather outside.
Pro cruiser tip: If you choose an inside cabin, turn on the TV and switch it to the live bow or aft camera. It acts like an artificial window while you drink your coffee in the morning, and helps you feel a little more connected to the ocean outside.
Porthole Cabins and Ocean View Rooms
Porthole cabins offer a small round window that lets in sunlight but does not open.
I actually enjoyed these more than I expected. There’s something nice about waking up naturally to daylight and being able to peek outside to check the weather or ocean conditions before getting dressed.
Ocean View cabins step things up with a much larger window.
When booking these, pay attention to one important detail:
obstructed view
unobstructed view
An obstructed view usually means lifeboats or ship equipment partially block the scenery. You still get natural light, but not the sweeping ocean views people often imagine.
Unobstructed views give you exactly that. Open ocean, glaciers, fjords, port cities, or whatever beautiful destination happens to be outside your window that morning.
Neither option is wrong. It just depends on your priorities and budget.
Verandah Cabins and Private Balconies
Verandah cabins are among the most popular rooms on Holland America ships, for good reason.
These cabins include a private balcony with outdoor seating.
Depending on the cabin location and ship class, your balcony may have simple chairs and a table or larger loungers where you can stretch out and watch the sea roll by.
This is where cruising starts to feel especially peaceful.
Morning coffee on your balcony while sailing into Alaska or watching the sun disappear into the Mediterranean is hard to beat.
The fresh air also makes a huge difference. Being able to open the sliding door and hear the ocean changes the entire feel of the room.
That said, balconies significantly increase the cost of a cruise. If you rarely sit still on vacation, you may not use it enough to justify the added expense.
The Whaldo’s cruising on Holland America Cruise Line in 2026
Suite Cabins on Holland America
Suites are the largest and most luxurious cabin category onboard.
Depending on the ship and suite level, perks may include:
priority embarkation
complimentary laundry
concierge services
larger balconies
whirlpool tubs
access to the Neptune Lounge
Some travelers absolutely love the extra space and upgraded experience.
Others would rather spend that money on excursions, specialty dining, or simply taking another cruise sooner.
There’s no wrong answer here either.
Cruising is personal.
Specialty Cabins on Holland America Ships
Some Holland America ships also offer specialty cabins designed around specific experiences.
Spa Cabins
Spa cabins are located near the Spa and Salon area and are ideal for travelers planning to book massages, thermal suites, or wellness treatments throughout the cruise.
The location alone can make those early morning appointments much easier.
Lanai Cabins
Lanai cabins are unique to the Volendam.
These rooms open directly onto the Lower Promenade Deck and include reserved loungers outside your door.
If you enjoy walking the teak promenade deck or quietly sitting outside with a book while watching the ocean, these cabins have a loyal following for a reason.
Cabin Configurations for Families and Groups
Another thing people sometimes overlook is that cabins come in different configurations.
Some cabins:
sleep additional guests
include pull-out sofas
have extra upper bunks
or connect to adjoining cabins for larger families and groups
You can also request different bed arrangements.
Most cabins can be configured as:
one queen bed
or two twin beds
And if you change your mind after boarding, your cabin attendants will usually help rearrange things if possible.
Honestly, the room stewards on Holland America are some of the hardest-working people on the ship. Their ability to remember names, preferences, and schedules, and to somehow still appear smiling every day, remains impressive to me.
The Best Holland America Cabin Depends on You
People love asking which cabin is “best.”
But the truth is, the best cabin depends entirely on:
your budget
your travel style
your itinerary
your sleep habits
and how you personally like to cruise
A quiet inside cabin midship on a lower deck might be perfect for someone prone to seasickness.
A balcony cabin in Alaska might completely transform someone else’s experience.
A suite may feel worth every penny on a longer cruise.
Meanwhile, another traveler may happily choose the least expensive room possible because they only plan to sleep there.
None of those choices is wrong.
That’s part of the beauty of cruising. You get to shape the experience around yourself.
Next in the Holland America Series
In the next article, I’m going to share the things most cruise brochures don’t tell you.
We’ll talk about cabin location, noise, vibrations, motion sickness, elevator noise, and the small details that can quietly make or break your cruise experience.
-J.S. Whaldo
