Holland Amrica Cruises - Elegant, Old World Feel

by Shannon Kietzman, writer for Your Wedding Place.com

Holland America Cruise Line has more than 125 years of experience in the cruise industry. As such, it offers both an elegant and old world feel, combined with modern amenities.

Holland America Cruise Line Ships and Itinerary

Holland American Cruise Line is mostly made of smaller vessels, which provides a more intimate feel. It has just over dozen ships in its fleet, its smallest ships hold about 1,200 passengers. The largest ships, which include Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Noordam, and Westerdam, can accommodate over 1,800 passengers.

Holland American Cruise Line offers a wide variety of itineraries and ports all over the world. Florida ports can be found in Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. Ports can also be found in San Diego, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; New York, New York; and Anchorage, Alaska.

Holland American Cruise Line specializes in Alaska cruise itineraries, including a seven day trip through the Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Glacier Bay. You can also enjoy a New England cruise, an Antarctica cruise, a Hawaii cruise, a South America cruise, Mexico cruise, a south Pacific cruise, an Australia cruise, a variety of Caribbean cruises, and several transatlantic voyages. Most of the cruises are seven days or longer, with many lasting anywhere from ten to twenty-one days. You can even enjoy the 105 to 108 day Grand World Voyage, which visits four continents and over thirty ports.

Activities Aboard Holland America Cruise Ships

The majority of passengers aboard the Holland America Cruise Line are older. Therefore, the activities tend to be more sedentary with less glitz than some other popular cruise lines, including its sister cruise line, Carnival. Nonetheless, it still provides many great activities.

The main dining room offers traditional gourmet foods, as well as light and healthy meal selections and a vegetarian menu. Pacific-northwest cuisine can be enjoyed at the restaurant, The Pinnacle Grill, which is found on all of the ships. There is a cover charge for the restaurant and reservations are necessary.

For casual dining, you can visit one of the buffet-style restaurants. A taco bar, the Lindo grill, afternoon tea, and 24 hour room service also provide food throughout the day. Every trip also includes a one time Dessert Extravaganza, which includes piles of scrumptious treats.

Holland America Cruise Lines also offers live musicians performing classical, jazz, and pop. Recent movies can also be viewed in the theater, which includes free popcorn. Evening discos and passenger lip sync shows also add to the fun.

For a workout, you can go to the onboard gym and take advantage of the state-of-the-art weight machines and cardio equipment. Onboard sports equipment includes golf simulators, volleyball courts, basketball, ping-pong tables, aerobics rooms, and more. Afterward, you can relax at the spa with mud treatments, massage, hairstyling, and facials. In the newer ships, you can even take advantage of hydrotherapy pools and heat therapy rooms. For an intimate and romantic experience, you can ask for couples’ treatments.

You can also enjoy gambling at the upscale onboard casino, which comes complete with slot machines and table games. If you are not sure how to play, you can take advantage of the gaming lessons offered by casino staff. Other activities include photography classes, ballroom dance lessons, ship tours, and trivia games. You can also participate in guided tours of art collections and wine tastings. Or, you can participate in a water ballet contest or in the Fabulous Fifties sock hop.

The Holland America Cruise Line offers a classic cruise with modern amenities that offers a great escape from the over-the-top atmosphere found on many other cruise ships.

© 2006 Your Wedding Place.com