Holland America Line
Holland America--- a name which has long stood for
cruising excellence---is just one of the many options if you wish to
take a voyage or even work aboard a cruise ship. Still, having done
both myself, I find that Holland America stands out as a company
dedicated to elegant, exquisitely art rich and awe inspiring vessels
with professional and friendly staff, decadently delightful menus, fresh
flowers flirting at every turn and a wide variety of available
experiences and itineraries. Once thought of as a line available only
to the wealthier travelers, the line has retained its hallmarks of
excellent and all the extra, refined and tantalizing flourishes, but has
now become more affordable to cruisers in general and even friendlier to
families in particular (offering exclusive children and youth programs,
for example). If you are an experienced cruiser you have surely heard
of, if not traveled with Holland America (sometimes erroneously referred
to as Holland American), but what if you are just now considering your
first voyage? Here are some things to consider.
When it comes to cruise ships, my experience was
fortunate enough to have include working on both large and small vessels
and even one incredible experience as a passenger. Assuming it is the
amazing “live like royalty” large vessel luxury you are longing for, you
may be almost overwhelmed with options. Once you have figured out the
general area you would like to travel through (Alaska or the Caribbean,
for example), I would encourage you to do more than just price shop.
Also take into account the reputations of the cruise lines you are
considering. Some cater to a party atmosphere for young singles while
others (like the Holland American lines) tend more to an elegant
atmosphere for experienced voyagers while still incorporating a low-key
family friendly environment. Most travel agents can help you find a
good “fit” for the experience you are seeking, and most companies offer
voyages to certain locations (Mexico, the Caribbean, etc), though exact
itineraries will obviously differ. It is important, then, to consider
the exact ports included in different trips and how long a particular
itinerary gives you in each port as well as what shore excursions are
available. The shore excursions are important because they often give
you access to major local attractions that you may otherwise miss. Be
aware too that there are often huge differences in the individual
vessels that any given line uses. Be sure you know the details about
the particular vessel you are considering booking on and what it
specifically offers.
Furthermore, most people have heard that once they
“go to sea” nearly everything is included in the price they paid.
That’s true, all your onboard food and entertainment are covered.
However what should you plan for that may in fact NOT be included, and
may be an additional expense? Typically NOT included in your ticket
price are: alcoholic beverages, optional but expected tips for dinning
room wait staff and cabin steward and (if you have kids in the program)
youth program staff, shore excursions (which are pretty necessary in
some ports to really see the highlights), and any photos of yourself
taken by the onboard photographers which you wish to buy.
In any case, whether you are a first time voyager
or experienced cruiser, I hope your maritime experiences will be as
positive as mine have been. When I was working large vacation vessels,
the Holland America m.s. Westerdam was the newest of their line, full of
artwork and elegance, gourmet food at every hour and wonderful shows, a
self contained city relocating itself throughout the world. Since then,
Holland America’s vessels (and others too) have only gotten more
incredible, so what is there to wait for? Personally, I feel a Holland
America Cruise will ruin you for most others, but in any case the
journey is bound to be incredible. Bon voyage!