Cruising 101: What to Expect on Your Holland America Cruise Vacation
If you’re dreaming of your next great escape, consider this: A cruise ship vacation does more than just give you a place to stay — it’s a passport to bucket-list destinations and a seamless way to explore the world. Whether you’re new to cruising or just looking for a refresher, this guide will walk you through what to expect and why more than 30 million people take cruise vacations each year.
Cruise Vacations Let You See More Without Doing More
Cruise vacations offer a unique advantage: the ability to unpack once and visit multiple destinations — right from your doorstep — without the hassle of figuring out transit in between. You’ll wake up to a new view every day, all from the comfort of your stateroom or suite.
- Typical Cruise Lengths: Our cruises range from a 1-day Pacific Northwest jaunt to a 133-day Grand World Voyage with the average length falling between 7–14 days.
- See the World From Your Doorstep: Sail the storied South Pacific, cruise mysterious Easter Island, or explore Australia, Asia, and more — right from a U.S. departure port.
- Scenic Cruising Experiences: Enjoy the journey as much as the destination with scenic cruising experiences ranging from Antarctica’s otherworldly icebergs to the spellbinding Great Barrier Reef.
Ready to book your next cruise vacation? Find a Cruise
Comfort Comes Standard on a Cruise Ship Vacation
Forget coordinating hotel stays and transportation — on a cruise, everything you need travels with you, while our dedicated crew delivers genuine, award-winning service.
- Unpack Once: Settle into your stateroom and stay there — your accommodations move with you.
- Connect to the World & Each Other: From kids to grandparents, Holland America cruise ships are perfect for multi-generational travel. Spend time together at sea and explore independently on shore.
- Shared Experiences: Meet for dinner at a specialty restaurant or gather on deck to watch the sunset. Everything is easy when you’re all in one place.
Your Ship Is the Destination
We believe the journey is as important as the destination. When you’re not exploring on land, you’ll find just as much to enjoy on board. Holland America’s classically designed cruise ships, blend timeless elegance with modern amenities, offering something for every traveler.
- Perfectly Sized Ships: With the highest guest capacity in our fleet at 2,668, our classically designed ships strike the ideal balance between the smallest (799 guests or less) and largest (3,500+) vessels. Revel in an intimate atmosphere, along with a wealth of activities, dining, and entertainment.
- Dining Included: Enjoy a wide selection of dining experiences and 24-hour room service included with your fare.
- Activities Day & Night: From Tai Chi to flower arranging workshops, we offer activities for every mood. Lounge by the pool, catch a live show, or attend an expert-led presentation.
- Sports & Fitness: Stay active with pickleball courts, group fitness classes, and a fully equipped Fitness Center.
- Casino: From slot machines and roulette to poker, blackjack, and more, the Casino is your one-stop shop for games and events to suit every player’s preference.
- Ways to Unwind: Soothe tired muscles in our hot tub, curl up with a good book from the Library, play a game in the Crow’s Nest, enjoy afternoon tea, or recharge in peaceful seclusion at The Retreat.
- Award-Winning Service: With our high 1:2 crew-to-guest ratio, you’ll enjoy a level of genuine service found only with us.
- Shopping & Auctions: Find the perfect souvenir to commemorate your cruise or take part in a live art auction.
Ready to Book Your Holland America Cruise Ship Vacation?
Whether you’re drawn to the ease of unpacking once, the thrill of waking up in a new destination, or the comfort of having world-class dining and entertainment just steps away, a Holland America cruise ship vacation delivers it all. With a wide variety of cruise vacations to choose from — ranging from short getaways to once-in-a-lifetime journeys — there’s never been a better time to plan your next adventure at sea. Find your cruise vacation.
