Why We Keep Choosing Holland America Line for Every Cruise

There are so many different ways to travel. Mr. Whaldo and I have tried quite a few of them over the years. Trains, planes, and automobiles. Yes, that movie just popped into your head, and if it didn’t, it should. It’s a classic.

And then there’s cruising.

This is not a paid piece by Holland America Line. No perks, no upgrades, no behind-the-scenes access. Just experience. We’ve cruised with other lines, but we keep coming back to Holland America. Not out of habit, but because it consistently fits how we like to travel.

It comes down to three things. Price point, itineraries, and ship size.

I’ve shared stories from our cruises before. The destinations, the unexpected moments, the little things that stay with you long after you’re home. I’ve even shared tips on how to cruise without blowing your budget. But I realized something recently. I’ve never really talked about Holland America itself in a way that helps you decide if it’s right for you.

After fifteen cruises with them, it feels like it’s time.

Mr. and Mrs. Whaldo on our very first cruise 10 years ago. Photo by Whaldo Digital Content

What you need to know before booking a Holland America cruise

Over several articles, I’m going to walk you through everything we’ve learned after fifteen cruises with Holland America. Not just the glossy highlights, but the details that actually matter when you’re planning a trip.

We’ll talk about how to choose the right itinerary, what the different ships offer, how to pick the right cabin, what to expect once you’re onboard, and the little things no one tells you until you’ve already experienced them. The good, the bad, and the things that can make or break your trip.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Holland America is the right cruise line for you, this series will help you figure that out before you book.

Is Holland America right for you?

Because here’s the truth.

Holland America is not for everyone.

And that’s exactly why we like it.

The first thing to understand is the vibe.

Holland America has a reputation for attracting an older crowd. And yes, that’s true. We started cruising with them when I was in my mid-40s, and we noticed it right away. The average passenger tends to fall somewhere in the 55 to 75 range. Think almost-retired to fully retired, with a strong appreciation for travel.

That said, it’s not a floating retirement home. You’ll still see younger couples, families, and even kids. They have a Kids Club for a reason. But the overall tone of the ship line leans in a different direction.

It’s quieter. More relaxed. Less about late-night parties and water slides, and more about meaningful experiences.

People read. They attend talks about the destinations. They linger over dinner. They watch the ocean.

That doesn’t mean there’s no fun. I’ve danced my way into a New Year’s Eve I won’t forget, and I’ve squeezed into a piano bar packed with people singing at the top of their lungs. The energy is there when you want it. It’s just not constant.

Holland America feels more like classic cruising. Comfortable, a little understated, and focused on the journey as much as the destination.

And for us, that balance is what keeps pulling us back.

Next in the Holland America series

In the next article in this series, I’ll walk you through how to choose the right Holland America cruise. I’ll discuss when to go, where to go, and how to match the experience to the kind of trip you really want.

Because once you understand the vibe, the rest starts to fall into place.

- J.S. Whaldo