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The moment you book a Holland America Cruise deal, everything changes. You start to imagine the time you'll spend travelling Alaska, Canada, Europe, New Zealand or the South Pacific on one of the amazing ships in the Holland America Line.

You think of the exquisite dining options from the Pinnacle Grill to Le Cirque or even the Tamarind Restaurant. Holland America cruises feature great entertainment options like spectacular shows, live music and some of the most impressive casinos of any cruise line in the world. Research and compare Holland America cruise deals now and book the cruise of your dreams.

Featured Holland America Line Cruise Deals

• To celebrate Holland America's 151st Anniversary you get the gifts! Up To 45% off Cruise Only Fares Up to $300 Onboard Credit per stateroom 50% Reduced Deposit FREE Guests 3 & 4 on select cruises
• Elite Beverage Package Specialty Dining Shore Excursion Credit Premium Wi-Fi Crew Appreciation Low Price Guarantee, PLUS
• Up to $400 Discount per Booking on Purchase of a Yukon Meal Plan for Select 2025 Yukon Cruisetours

Best Holland America Line Cruise Deals by Destination

• Up to $1700 CASH BACK: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• Exclusive Savings for Members: on select sailings & categories
• Up to $50 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• Up to 45% OFF, Up to $300 Onboard Credit + Reduced Deposit: on select categories and sailings
• Amenities include a Cocktail Reception, Exclusive Shore Event + more
• Up to $50 Onboard Credit
• This Week's Top 10 Cruise Deals!
• Up to $75 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• Complimentary Chocolate Covered Strawberries
• Bon Voyage Sparkling Wine
• Enjoy specialty dining for two at Rudi’s Sel de Mer
• Complimentary Chocolate Covered Strawberries & Complimentary Bottle of Wine
• Up to $100 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• Up to $100 Onboard Credit
• Up to $1,000 Onboard Spending Credit: on select categories and sailings
• 2025 Grand World Voyages & Segments
• 2025 Grand World Voyage Segments

All offers are based on select sailings and categories and are subject to availability at time of booking. All rates are per person based on double occupancy.

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Holland America Line

At a glance

Tradition long has been a touchstone for this storied line, which dates to 1873 and is known for carefully crafted, globe-circling itineraries on midsize ships. But Holland America has been shaking things up in recent years with lively new venues such as B.B. King’s Blues Clubs and Billboard Onboard dueling piano bars. Couples and retirees are the market; families with kids might want to look elsewhere.

Holland America cruise planning articles

Holland America News

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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

I tried Holland America's 'Have It All' package. For just $55 a day, my cruise felt way more luxurious.

• I tried Holland America Line 's Have It All package on a recent cruise to Alaska.
• For $55 per person per day, we got complimentary drinks, special meals, and other perks.
• The price was so worth it we already booked this package for future cruises. 

Cruise bookings are predicted to reach record levels this year, and travelers are especially interested in luxurious sailings.

But as many of us know, luxury doesn't always equate to value, even when it comes to upgrades and special packages.

So, on our recent cruise to Alaska, my husband and I put one of many cruise packages to the test: Holland America Line's "Have It All" package, which costs $55 per person per day.

It includes perks like a beverage package, ship credit for shore excursions, onboard WiFi, and dinner at specialty restaurants.

Here's why we found it to be such a great value we're going to add it to future cruises.

The beverage package was great, and it included special drinks without alcohol

The biggest perk of the "Have It All" package was the ability to order drinks without worrying about the bill at the end of the cruise.

Our previous cruises had us drinking only tap water, drip coffee, tea, and an occasional glass of wine with dinner to avoid any sticker shock at the end of the trip. We felt restricted in enjoying our vacation.

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But this time, we had the freedom to enjoy ourselves. The "Have It All" package we booked came with 15 drinks a day under $11. If you want a drink over $11, you only pay the difference.

The beverage package also covers non-alcoholic drinks. It was perfect for when we wanted espresso drinks for cold Alaska days or a bottle of water for a shore excursion.

The shore-excursion credit helped push us to have more fun

We knew we had to do a whale-watching excursion in Alaska, but didn't consider booking other excursions due to price. Many of the ones we were interested in cost over $100 per person.

But with the package, we each got credits to use toward shore excursions during our cruise. The value of the credit varies depending on the duration of your cruise — ours was less than 10 days, so we each got a $100 credit.

The $200 worth of credits made us feel more comfortable booking an incredible excursion to kayak the wild waters of Sitka.

We probably would've hesitated to book an excursion and missed an incredible experience if we hadn't felt compelled to use the credits in the package.

Specialty dining helped us celebrate our anniversary

Our "Have it All" packages each included at least one dinner at one of the ship's specialty restaurants. If you're on a longer cruise, this package would get you access to more dinners.

We used our credits to eat at the Pinnacle Grill, known for its premium steaks and intimate dining experience. Our anniversary dinner was extra special because of the access to premium dishes unavailable in the main dining room, five-star service, and a luxurious setting.

WiFi kept us connected

The package included WiFi, which really came in handy as we shared photos with friends and family throughout our trip.

We were able to use the internet to search for whatever we needed and research the highlights to visit at the next port of call.

We've already booked the package for future cruises

For less than what a few drinks cost per day, the package helped us relax, have fun, and enjoy each port of call with a shore excursion. Plus, we got to indulge in the ship's specialty restaurants.

We loved it so much we've already purchased this same package for three future cruises.

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Holland America Line to Deploy All Three Pinnacle-Class Ships and Feature Longer Cruises in Robust Caribbean 2025-2026 Season

Nearly 30 different itineraries range up to 14 days and span the Caribbean region

Seattle, Washington, April 2, 2024 — Travelers looking to explore the sun-drenched shores of the Caribbean will have nearly 30 different Holland America Line itineraries to choose from between October 2025 and April 2026. New to the season is the addition of Miami, Florida, as a homeport, as well as the return of Koningsdam, putting all three Pinnacle-Class ships in the Caribbean.

Through the expansive variety of itineraries, cruisers can explore the eastern , western and southern regions of the Caribbean, as well as a partial Panama Canal transit. In addition to weeklong getaways, Holland America Line offers longer Caribbean cruises from nine to 14 days, featuring more islands on one itinerary. Select November sailings and special December cruises make it fun and easy to celebrate Thanksgiving and the winter holidays in the tropics.

“ This will be the first time all three of our Pinnacle-Class ships are in the Caribbean together, allowing for even more opportunities for guests to experience all we have to offer,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. “With demand for Caribbean cruises remaining strong, we’ve planned a robust season allowing guests to choose the islands they want to visit and the ideal length for their vacation.”

Caribbean 2025-2026 Highlights:

· All itineraries include Half Moon Cay , Holland America Line’s award-winning private island in the Bahamas boasting the finest beaches in the Caribbean, crystalline waters, an abundance of watersports, private cabanas and memorable shore excursions.

· On select itineraries, late-evening departures from Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire mean more time in port and the chance to experience the vibrant Caribbean nightlife.

· Cuisine on board highlights fresh, local flavors with regional favorites including yellowtail snapper, plantains, and other regional specialties sourced directly from port to plate.

· For travelers who like to get away for the winter holidays, 10 sailings in December will sail the waters of the Caribbean on cruises from seven to 14 days.

Eastern Caribbean :

· Roundtrip from both Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Miami.

· Ships: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Volendam and Zuiderdam.

· Seven-day cruises are a combination of ports: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Key West, Florida; and Nassau, Bimini and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

· An eight-day cruise on Koningsdam departs and calls at Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Half Moon Cay.

· Longer 11-day eastern Caribbean itineraries call at St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay, plus Martinique or Dominica.

· A 14-day holiday cruise on Volendam departs Dec. 21, 2025, and includes visits to Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, St. John, Dominica, St. Lucia, Antigua, Barbados, Grenada and Trinidad.

Western Caribbean:

· Roundtrip from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

· Ships: Eurodam, Nieuw Statendam and Zuiderdam.

· All western Caribbean cruises are seven days and call at Cozumel, Mexico; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman and Half Moon Cay.

Southern Caribbean:

·Roundtrip from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

·Ships: Koningsdam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam.

·The nine-day cruise makes its way to the ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao before visiting Half Moon Cay.

·The 10-day itinerary also includes Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and Half Moon Cay, and adds Grand Turk and Amber Cove.

· All Curaçao visits have a late-evening departure, and select cruises also have a late-evening departure from Bonaire or Aruba.

Partial Panama Canal:

· Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.

·Ships: Rotterdam and Zuiderdam.

·The 12-day “Panama Canal Discovery” itinerary makes it possible to visit the Panama Canal without a coast-to-coast transit.

·Explores the Panama Canal’s Gatun Lake and sails a partial transit of the Canal.

· Ports include Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Grand Cayman, Curaçao and Half Moon Cay.

Combine Back-to-Back Cruises for Longer Collectors’ Voyages Many of the cruises can be extended into Collectors’ Voyages to create the ultimate Caribbean exploration with more economical fares than booking the cruises individually. Ranging from 14 to 21 days, these longer journeys combine nonrepeating, back-to-back itineraries, allowing guests to span more than one Caribbean region and enjoy the ultimate island-hopping journey.

Early Booking Bonus Offers For a limited time, when guests book newly opening 2025-2026 Caribbean cruises with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid Crew Appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.

Beginning cruise-only fares for 2025-2026 Caribbean cruises start from $579 per person, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional. Visit hollandamerica.com for full details.

Home » Cruise » Holland America Line » What’s Included on a Holland America Line Cruise

What’s Included on a Holland America Line Cruise

To help cruisers planning a vacation with HAL, we have put together this list of what’s included on a Holland America Line cruise.

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For one set fare, a cruise vacation enables travelers to see multiple destinations while enjoying most of the onboard amenities. Although, what is included in each cruise line’s standard price can fluctuate. To help cruisers planning a vacation with Holland America Line, we have put together this guide outlining What’s Included on a Holland America Line Cruise.

What’s Included on a Holland America Line Cruise

Accommodations.

Your cruise fare on Holland America Line covers the cost of your stateroom for the duration of the trip, including daily service by a stateroom attendant. 

Like most cruise lines, Holland America offers a variety of stateroom categories. Your options will range from an interior cabin, to ocean view or verandah cabins , all the way up to a variety of suite options.

The type of cabin you choose will be the main driver of your total cruise costs. So, be sure to review all the options available on your particular ship to find the one that suits your travel party best.

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS: Get Deals on Holland America Cruises Now!

Food and Dining

On every Holland America Line ship guests can enjoy three meals a day included in the standard cruise fare.

The Dining Room is Holland America’s main dining room. For dinner, guests have the option of early or late traditional dining or the Dine Anytime option. Regardless of when you dine, the MDR offers a multi-course rotational menu that changes nightly.

The Dining Room is also open for breakfast daily and for lunch on select days. There’s even complimentary Afternoon Tea.

In addition to this upscale dining venue, Holland America offers several more casual dining spots that are also included in your cruise fare. Some of these options can include New York Pizza, Dive-In, Grand Dutch Café, and the Lido Market.

Whether you choose to dine at the poolside pizzeria or grill or the ship’s buffet, you can eat all you care to enjoy without any added costs.

Further, unlike many contemporary cruise lines, room service is also complimentary. While there are some up-charge items, guests can enjoy items like sandwiches, salads, soup, and cookies for no added cost.

Onboard Activities

Modern cruise ships are a hub of activities and events. There is always something to do on a Holland America ship that will not cost anything. So, whether you’d prefer to just lounge by the pool or partake in one of the many offerings, it’s completely up to you.

On your Holland America Line ship, there will be gym with plenty of strength and cardio equipment, as well as some complimentary classes like morning stretch. Of note, there are also for-fee classes like boot camp, Pilates, yoga, and more.

During the day, you can also participate in workshops and enrichment sessions, play some board games and trivia, or even jump in on a dance class. You can also join some fellow cruisers for a game of pickleball, basketball, or ping pong.

If that’s not enough, there are movies, cooking shows, and other itinerary specific talks as well.

If you are cruising with kids, Holland America Line has plenty of activities for them too. Club HAL is the youth activities program for children ages 3-17 years old, where they can engage in age-appropriate activities and make some new friends along the way.

Related Post: Top Things to Do on Holland America Line in Alaska

Nightly Entertainment

At night, your Holland America Line ship comes alive with plenty of entertainment options that are all included in your cruise fare. It wouldn’t be a cruise if there wasn’t nightly entertainment in the main theater. With production shows, comedians, and BBC Earth in Concert, there is certainly something everyone will enjoy.

Holland America Line ships also have several musically inspired venues. The B.B. King’s Blues Club brings the best of blues to the high seas. This intimate entertainment venue features soulful live music paired with great signature cocktails.

Additionally, there is Billboard Onboard. This popular entertainment space is home to live piano music. There is also the Lincoln Center Stage, featuring live orchestra performances.

Not to mention, new on the Pinnacle Class is the Rolling Stone Rock Room with a live rock band.

The best part is that all of these outstanding performances will not cost you anything to attend.

What’s Not Included in Your Cruise Fare

Gratuities/crew incentive.

Cruise gratuities are services charges that are not included in your standard cruise fare, similar to a hotel resort fee. These additional fees are a per person, per day dollar amount that are charged to all guests, usually automatically, across all stateroom categories.

These charges serve as a means to reward the hard-working crew for the excellent service provided during your cruise vacation.

On Holland America Line, this Crew Incentive is $15.50 per person, per day for non-suites and $17 for suites. This fee can be pre-paid, or it will be charged daily to your onboard account.

Of course, you can always tip special crew members above and beyond this required amount.

Shore Excursions

Holland America Line will transport you to several exciting ports of call. Unfortunately, shore excursions are not part of the cruise fare. You can book these tours and additional experiences through the cruise line or through third party retailers for additional costs.

Shore excursions can range from inexpensive walking tours to several hundreds of dollars for unique experiences. These prices are also very dependent on destination, with Caribbean and Bahamas tours usually being cheaper.

Alcoholic (and Some Non-Alcoholic) Beverages

Holland America Line does offer a variety of complimentary beverages. These include juice during breakfast, non-bottled water, iced tea, and brewed coffee.

However, all alcoholic drinks and some non-alcoholic drinks will cost extra. Non-alcoholic options like specialty coffees, smoothies, fresh juice, soft drinks, bottled water, and energy drinks are all an additional fee.

If you care to enjoy any of these beverages, you should consider purchasing a drink package to save some money. Holland America Line offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options depending on your drink preferences.

The most inclusive is the Elite Drink Package which includes all drinks priced $15 and under including Dale DeGroff’s Original Cocktails.

Specialty Dining

While there are many dining venues covered in the cruise fare, Holland America Line also offers up-charge dining venues.

With a culinary focus and renowned chef partnerships, the brand delivers exceptional specialty dining. HAL ships feature specialty restaurants including the Pinnacle Grill, Rudi’s Sel de Mer, Taramind, Canaletto, and Nami Sushi. Thus, we highly suggest you splurge on at least one of these dining experiences during your cruise.

If you do want to dine at one or more of these restaurants, reservations are highly recommended and can be made prior to your sailing on the Holland America website. Reservations can also be made on the ship, but space will be limited.

You will need to purchase an internet package if you want to stay in touch with family and friends, as WiFi is not part of the cruise fare. Holland America offers an unlimited surf and stream package for the duration of your voyage that provides a savings of at least 50% compared to the daily rate.

Spa Services

Spa services and access to the thermal suite are also an additional fee on Holland America Line.

The spas on HAL ships offer a variety of treatments including massages, nail services, teeth whitening, hair services, facials, nutrition consultations, and personal training.

There is also a thermal suite with heated chaise lounges, steam and sauna grottos, and a Thalassotherapy Pool. Thermal suite passes can be purchased per individual or for a couple at a reduced rate.

Other Add-Ons

Finally, other add-ons like birthday or anniversary packages and laundry services will also cost extra. Likewise, if you choose to gamble or shop during your cruise that will be out of pocket as well.

Of course, all pre/post cruise travel expenses are not tied to the cruise either. Thus, when determining your cruise budget , you will need to account for expenses like airfare, a pre-cruise or post-cruise hotel, and transportation to and from the cruise terminal.

BOOK NOW: Exclusive Rates on Holland America Line

Have It All Cruise Package

Now, Holland America does offer a more inclusive rate, the Have It All Cruise Package. This pricing offers additional services and amenities beyond the standard cruise fare.

For a 7-day cruise, this package provides 1 shore excursion up to $100, 1 specialty dining, a WiFi package, and the Signature Beverage Package. Each guest in a stateroom must book the “Have it All” cruise fare to receive the extras.

So, depending on your preferences, you may want to opt for a more inclusive cruise experience with Holland America Line by taking advantage of this exclusive rate.

Have you sailed on a HAL cruise ship? What are your thoughts about what’s included on a Holland America Line cruise (and what’s not)? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences cruising with this brand.

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Rather than a special dining allowance and shore excursion credit in your “have it all” package I would much prefer that the tips be covered instead.

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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[Expired] New Amex Offer: Save $300 on Holland America Cruises

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New Holland America Amex Offer

Final thoughts.

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Update: The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available.

There’s a new Amex Offer for $300 back after spending $1,000 on a Holland America cruise. If you’ve been thinking about booking a cruise vacation, now could be a good time to go for it.

Here are the details of this new Amex Offer.

There’s a new Amex Offer available for Holland America cruises. You can get $300 back after spending $1,000 or more in 1 or more purchases for reservations booked from October 2, 2023, through December 29, 2023.

The offer must be added to your American Express card before making a purchase to trigger the statement credit.

There are a few details you’ll want to keep in mind before using this offer:

• This offer must be added to your card before making a purchase.
• Reservations must be made online at hollandamerica.com, by calling 877-932-4259, or through a travel advisor.
• This offer is valid on reservations booked between October 2, 2023, and December 29, 2023.
• The discount is valid on the cruise fare and any of the following if added at the time of reservation: airfare booked through the cruise line, excursions, onboard celebrations, luggage valet services, baggage insurance, Flight Ease, travel insurance, and charters.
• This offer excludes The following charges: onboard purchases, gift services, Denali Square, McKinley Chalet Resort, Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services, cancellation protection plan, online shops, formalwear rentals, and charitable donations.

There’s a new Amex Offer for $300 back after spending $1,000 with Holland America. To keep up-to-date on new offers, refer to our guide on the best current Amex Offers .

Amex offers may show up on multiple American Express credit cards , but you can only redeem them on 1 card. If you do happen to have this offer on multiple cards, only add it to the card that will offer the most rewards on cruises.

Look out for it on the American Express ® Green Card , which earns 3 points per dollar on travel purchases (including cruises) . Another excellent option would be The Platinum Card ® from American Express , which earns 2 points per dollar on cruises booked through AmexTravel.com and includes access to the Cruise Privileges Program , which includes onboard extras and amenities.

If you have been thinking about booking a Holland America cruise, be sure to check to see if you were targeted for this new Amex Offer for $300 back after spending $1,000. This offer is good for cruises booked between October 2, 2023, and December 29, 2023.

The information regarding the American Express ® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Frugal Traveler

Standby Cruising: A New Option for Bargain Seekers

Are you a flexible traveler? Holland America’s standby cruises may be for you. The cost: $49 a day, excluding fees, taxes and extras. The catch: It might be a hair-raising, last-minute scramble.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

In February, Barb McGowan took a seven-day cruise on Holland America Line, visiting the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic for just $343, or $49 a day, excluding taxes, port fees and extras. By comparison, Holland America currently lists a seven-day Caribbean itinerary in October from about $700.

The catch: She had just 48 hours’ notice.

Ms. McGown, a 64-year-old from Naples, Fla., who runs a restaurant franchise, took one of the line’s new standby cruises , which are aimed at travelers who live near departure ports and intended to fill ship vacancies.

“I look for deals, and this was an especially good experience,” Ms. McGowan said, praising the food and entertainment. “I was impressed enough to put down a deposit on a future cruise.”

A way to keep ships full

Holland America introduced its standby program last August to maximize ship occupancy, knowing that cancellations are inevitable. So far, the rest of the cruise industry has not followed its lead.

“If cancellations are within a week or two of sailing, it’s difficult to resell that space in the open market,” said Dan Rough, the vice president of revenue management at Holland America.

In the same way that airlines oversell seats, cruise lines may compensate for cancellations by overselling staterooms. Filling in with standbys, however, reduces Holland America’s reliance on overselling, which runs the risk of bumping passengers to distant departures or potentially offering generous cash incentives to coax volunteers to cancel.

Though the company does not heavily promote the new practice, it has attracted a following among the thrifty by dangling a bargain rate — $49 a person, whether sharing a cabin or traveling solo, before taxes and fees — on a web page that lists available departure dates to attract flexible travelers. Standbys should expect an inside cabin, according to the company, though ocean-view and veranda cabins have been assigned. (The company declined to say how many standby cabins it has offered.)

“Forty-nine dollars per person, per day is pretty exceptional,” said Colleen McDaniel, the editor of CruiseCritic.com , a website that reviews cruises, noting that the price covers all meals and entertainment. “You can’t find a cheaper rate at a land resort for what’s included.” (In 2023, the average nightly rate for a hotel room in the United States was nearly $156, according to STR, a data analytics firm that monitors the hospitality industry.)

To participate, travelers choose an itinerary from the standby list on the website — current embarkation ports include Boston; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Montreal; Quebec City; San Diego; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Whittier, Alaska — and pay for the trip in advance by calling Holland America or booking through a travel adviser.

There are no refunds for standby cruisers who want to back out. However, if the gamble fails to pay off, and the cruise line cannot offer a cabin to someone on the standby list, it issues a refund.

The company says standby offerings are added on a rolling basis and usually lists itineraries within two to three months of departure. Current offerings include seven-day sailings in Alaska’s Inside Passage from April through September and seven-to-11-day trips cruising the coast of New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces between May and October.

Proximity is a bonus

Standby cruisers don’t learn of their acceptance or denial until a week to two days before departure, complicating transportation arrangements.

“Last-minute airfare could offset the savings on a cruise,” wrote Crystal Seaton, the owner of Road to Relaxation Travel , a travel agency based in Raleigh, N.C., in an email. Though she has not booked a client on a standby sailing yet, she surmised that it is intended for travelers who can drive to a port.

“We were lucky; we found out Tuesday we were going on a Friday 3 p.m. sailing,” said Sheila Valloney, 66, of Clermont, Fla., who with her husband spent nine days aboard a Holland America ship in the southern Caribbean in February by going standby.

Before being cleared, she reserved a parking spot near the ship dock in Fort Lauderdale, which would have set her back about $6 if she canceled. She also kept their vacation clothes ready to go at the last minute for the three-and-a-half-hour drive to port.

Booking a refundable airline ticket — or at least one that guarantees a credit in loyalty points or cash in the event of cancellation — is one way travelers who must fly can take advantage of the deal.

For her standby sailing, Ms. McGowan drove 90 minutes from her home to the ship in Fort Lauderdale. But her travel companion was coming from Indiana, so when she joined the standby list a few months before the departure date, she booked her friend a Southwest Airlines flight using frequent flier points that would be refunded if the last-minute cruise didn’t come through.

Avoiding extra charges

Once on board, charges for extras like cabin upgrades, Wi-Fi, alcohol and shore excursions can inflate the bill, though the thriftiest travelers try to avoid them.

Ms. McGowan sprang for the $17.50-a-day charge for an upgraded drink package (basic nonalcoholic drinks are included in the cruise) and took one shore excursion, focused on coffee growing, which she deemed a good value at $89.

On their Caribbean cruise, the Valloneys asked around for recommendations for good beaches, where they went to relax on port days, and waited until they were on land to check emails, in order to avoid paying for Wi-Fi on the ship.

“We didn’t miss it at all,” Ms. Valloney said. “For beverages, we would wait until happy hour, when it was buy one, get one free.”

Will other companies follow suit?

To date, no other cruise lines have adopted standby programs.

Princess Cruises said it did not plan to offer cabins on a standby basis, but noted that it already offers last-minute deals , which tend to run about $50 to $60 per passenger per day. For example, a seven-day Alaska sailing from Vancouver to Anchorage departing on May 8 is listed at $399 a person in a double-occupancy cabin.

Several other major cruise lines did not respond to inquiries about potentially adopting standby programs, though operators like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line also offer last-minute deals on their websites.

“We would be surprised to see many mainstream cruise lines begin to adopt a similar model” to the standby system, wrote Kimberly Coyne, the head of sales and content strategy for Cruiseline.com , a cruise review site, in an email. She said the standby fares might be financially unsustainable for cruise lines and cited the potential that travelers might become too accustomed to late-booking deals.

More ways to save

With the recent surge in cruise bookings, companies are discounting less, said Ms. McDaniel of CruiseCritic.com.

She identified more reliable ways to get a deal compared with going standby, such as booking during “ wave season ,” a sales period that generally runs January through March, or taking a repositioning cruise, in which a ship relocates from one region to another seasonally. A repositioning itinerary might sail in the fall from Alaska to the Caribbean via the Panama Canal.

“It’s not unusual to see a repositioning cruise at less than $75 per night,” Ms. McDaniel, said, noting that other expenses such as an airline itinerary into one city and returning from another may cost more than a standard round-trip ticket.

Repositioning cruises tend to stop at fewer ports and add more shipboard enrichment programs, such as lectures and activities like cake decorating classes and craft spirits tastings.

“For a lot of people the ship is the destination and this is the perfect activity for people who like to be on the ship,” she said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

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Love them or hate them, cruises can provide a unique perspective on travel..

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Th ree-Year Cruise, Unraveled:  The Life at Sea cruise was supposed to be the ultimate bucket-list experience : 382 port calls over 1,095 days. Here’s why  those who signed up are seeking fraud charges  instead.

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Alaska cruises have surged in popularity in recent years, and demand to see America's last unspoiled frontier continues to grow. If you decide to cruise Alaska you can see snowcapped peaks, mighty glaciers, steep fjords and such wildlife as whales, black bears, brown bears, bald eagles, sea otters and seals. You'll also find historic gold rush towns, Native American art and culture, Russian heritage and plenty of outdoor adventure. Because of this region's popularity and short season, the per-diem prices for Alaska cruises are among the highest in the cruise industry.

Alaska cruises are generally divided into two types, Inside Passage cruises and Gulf of Alaska cruises. The Inside Passage has been the traditional way to cruise Alaska, with most ships sailing round-trip from Vancouver or Seattle, through glacier country as far north as Skagway or Juneau. Gulf of Alaska cruises cover more territory as they travel from Vancouver through the Inside Passage and up to Seward/Anchorage (or the reverse). Airfare for a Gulf of Alaska cruise is generally more expensive because Anchorage is so far north.

• The Alaska cruise season lasts from May through September.
• Cruises to Alaska are 7 to 12 nights in length.
• You can find the most affordable Alaska cruise rates in May and September, the off-peak periods.
• Nearly half of all passengers add a land tour to their Alaska cruise. Denali National Park, the Yukon gold rush country and the Canadian Rockies are among options.
• Alaska experiences long hours of daylight during summer, lasting up to 23 hours a day in June.
• In addition to popular sightseeing tours via train and motorcoach, cruise lines have added more adventurous shore excursions to Alaska itineraries, such as sea kayaking, mountain hiking and salmon fishing.
• If you have frequent-flier miles, this may be a good time to use a free ticket to fly round trip to Vancouver, the main port of departure for Inside Passage cruises.
• Because in most cases you'll need to fly a long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance of your cruise. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.

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Flight Ease

By Canadaclyde , June 12, 2023 in Holland America Line

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Canadaclyde

I would like to know if there is any advantage to using Flight Ease, other than the possibility of getting a reduced rate and not having to pay until final payment. From reading previous posts, it sounds like numerous people have experienced lost bookings, so I am questioning how to proceed. If I book directly with an airline for approx the same price, am I missing out on something that Flight Ease offers? 

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CruiserBruce

Cheaper airfare and delayed final payment aren't fairly significant benefits?

That being said, we, like many others, prefer to have more control over our flight bookings, for a number of reasons. We haven't booked airfare through a cruise line in 30+ years. So if ou can get the same or similar price on your own, take it.

I haven't seen "numerous" comments about lost bookings. A couple, maybe. Things can, and do go wrong with booking direct as well.

We've used it and booked direct .. have had mixed results with both approaches. 

If there is any thought your cruise might be cancelled (or altered in some way), booking through Flightease is nice as you are not on the hook for cancelling the flight. 

For me, if the price is the same or better I still "kinda" prefer to go with cruise flight bookings (even though we have been burned with a horrible  flight change they made that we were unable to change, we have also been burned for Dec 2023 where the cruise was cancelled but our flight was independent.

We often fly in the day of cruise (gasp!)  but in those cases generally only with cruise airline booking. Of course as an exception last week we had a last minute cruise and booked our flights on our own through airline points, but we knew worse case we could drive the port in 6 hours. 

just_cruising_along

Whenever we book open jaw flights arriving and leaving from different cities, we find that FlightEase can get us a better price than we can booking via the airlines's website.  We also are able to pick the class and the seats in advance and not have to pay for the flight until final HAL payment. We have never had a "lost" flight. The only changes in flight are the changes made by the airlines themselves (which would happen if booked directly with them) and we have never had a problem getting to the destination or getting home. But like all things, when you do your research, you will pick the option best for you. Whatever you choose, have a great cruise.

We have gotten some fantastic deals but I do have one horror story regarding flight ease being stranded in London with the emergency number not working and having to make our own way to Amsterdam …. So I have a love/hate relationship with flightease.  

Native Floridian 26

We only use the cruiseline airfare when we need a one-way fare to or from Europe.  They are much cheaper than you can get by booking directly.  Also the great plus of locking into a rate and making changes as prices decrease up to that final payment is huge.  That said when you book far in advance you are subject to airline changes and possible cancelled bookings due to nonpayment by HAL which happened to us.  It was a pain to get that original fare honored despite their mistake, and I'm still battling with not being able to book through Flightease which I'm dealing with now.

17 minutes ago, Native Floridian 26 said: ...It was a pain to get that original fare honored despite their mistake, and I'm still battling with not being able to book through Flightease which I'm dealing with now.

can you explain what is meant by "not being able to book through Flightease" - are you locked out to nonpayment or a change or...? That's a scary thought.

Cheaper of course can be a significant benefit; however, if it's only a few dollars difference, then it doesn't really matter to me. Delaying payment makes sense if we want to leave our options open, or if we think we might have to cancel. I have to decide if that's a risk I am willing to take. It seemed like there were quite of few CC people who have had difficulties with Flight Ease -- their bookings were somehow dropped from the system, perhaps because of nonpayment by HAL. But as pointed out there are also horror stories of people who book directly with airlines. I reached out to CC because of the varied opinions and experiences of other cruises. I thought I might be missing something regarding the benefits of Flight Ease versus booking direct. Many thanks for all your responses. Now I just have to decide what we think will work out best for us. 

Another thing to consider is that if you book through FlightEase, that means HAL knows your flight itinerary, and if they can, will hold the ship if your inbound flight is running behind. The Koningsdam was something like 90+ minutes delayed in departing Vancouver on May 27, and the reason I heard later was that there had been bad weather in Denver, and several passengers were delayed arriving to the ship. If you book your own flights, you don’t get that kind of consideration.

23 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said: can you explain what is meant by "not being able to book through Flightease" - are you locked out to nonpayment or a change or...? That's a scary thought.

Trying to book my return from Amsterdam on 4/23/24.  I've been able to look at flight options since 330 days out on Flights Ease, but when I pick flights, answer all the disclaimers and such, then hit Accept and Purchase, I get an error.  I've called in to Flightease 3 or 4 times so far and they are not able to book for me either.  Today is 316 days prior to flight.  FE reps say flights aren't able to be booked yet, but others on my RC for the trip have made bookings for the same return date.  The only thing I can guess, is when they had to force my fare on the prior cruise flight that was cancelled by airline due to non-pay by HAL, Flightease always showed me with a balance due, even after final payment had been made on the cruise.  

27 minutes ago, erdufylla said: Another thing to consider is that if you book through FlightEase, that means HAL knows your flight itinerary, and if they can, will hold the ship if your inbound flight is running behind. The Koningsdam was something like 90+ minutes delayed in departing Vancouver on May 27, and the reason I heard later was that there had been bad weather in Denver, and several passengers were delayed arriving to the ship. If you book your own flights, you don’t get that kind of consideration.

The solution for this problem is not to fly in the day of sailing, not holding the ship!  😁

30 minutes ago, erdufylla said: Another thing to consider is that if you book through FlightEase, that means HAL knows your flight itinerary, and if they can, will hold the ship if your inbound flight is running behind. ...

Another good point! We are, however, flying three days before we sail. We are Canadians and our cruise is in winter. We're experienced with the havoc bad weather can create! I'm glad though that you mentioned it because you made me remember how helpful HAL was when we had to rearrange a flight to Vancouver because of a death in the family. We were to fly a week prior to the cruise, and ended up flying the day before. I don't know if the arrangements could have been made so smoothly with an airline. Perhaps FlightEase now has an edge!

42 minutes ago, erdufylla said: Another thing to consider is that if you book through FlightEase, that means HAL knows your flight itinerary, and if they can, will hold the ship if your inbound flight is running behind. The Koningsdam was something like 90+ minutes delayed in departing Vancouver on May 27, and the reason I heard later was that there had been bad weather in Denver, and several passengers were delayed arriving to the ship. If you book your own flights, you don’t get that kind of consideration.

Actually when you book independent, they still ask for your flight details although it is probably optional we always provide. Not really sure what they do with it, but one can also always hope someone else on the flight is booked with Flightease and on your cruise if delayed  🤞  

I've actually never flown in for a cruise day of without noticing at least a few others that are on our cruise.

1 hour ago, CruiserBruce said: The solution for this problem is not to fly in the day of sailing, not holding the ship!  😁

No arguments here! Travel always makes me stressed out enough. No need to add feeling rushed and panicked to the mix! 😂

Moonlight Beach

I booked through Flight Ease several months ago for a cruise in September. I check the fare occasionally and in checking this morning I noticed the fare went up $1000 a person. Payment is due on June 19. Should I go ahead and request early ticketing now or will the original fare be honored on final payment?

6 minutes ago, Moonlight Beach said: I booked through Flight Ease several months ago for a cruise in September. I check the fare occasionally and in checking this morning I noticed the fare went up $1000 a person. Payment is due on June 19. Should I go ahead and request early ticketing now or will the original fare be honored on final payment?

Same question - very interested in seeing the response.

For our March cruise, its actually cheaper to book direct. 

mrmoviezombie

20 hours ago, Native Floridian 26 said: I've been able to look at flight options since 330 days out on Flights Ease

Are you 330 days out from the return? For economy flights it's usually a wash vs booking direct... it's the higher classes that usually are cheaper than the airlines. If you use the cruise line protections/insurance, then you start the benefits from the first flight. specifically trip interruption kicks in. If you book your own flights, then you need separate coverage because as far as the cruise line is concerned you trip "starts" when you get on the ship.  

I went ahead and requested early ticketing and paid the original fare. I received a message to allow up to 3 business days for the ticket to be issued.

57 minutes ago, Moonlight Beach said: I booked through Flight Ease several months ago for a cruise in September. I check the fare occasionally and in checking this morning I noticed the fare went up $1000 a person. Payment is due on June 19. Should I go ahead and request early ticketing now or will the original fare be honored on final payment?

We've always (3 times) had the fare that we booked at honoured. We have also had success in re-faring when it dropped before final payment (1 time). 

I booked a one-way business class from Capetown through FlightEase.  HAL said Business class was not available out of London so they upgraded me to First Class.  I never heard of that before but checking American website shows it confirmed.

I went ahead and paid for the cruise and airfare to try and lock everything in.

Now to see if it really happens.

3 hours ago, Woofbite said: I booked a one-way business class from Capetown through FlightEase.  HAL said Business class was not available out of London so they upgraded me to First Class.  I never heard of that before but checking American website shows it confirmed. I went ahead and paid for the cruise and airfare to try and lock everything in. Now to see if it really happens.  

If you're seeing it in American's system, you should not have an issue.

Congrats and enjoy your cruise.

On 6/13/2023 at 1:10 PM, mrmoviezombie said: Are you 330 days out from the return?  

It's one way return only, and I'm 314 days out.

• 2 months later...

Arkansas cruisers

Please help me understand if my problem is a Flight Ease problem or an American Airlines problem.

I booked flights through Flight Ease in March. Since then, I have received 4 flight change notification emails from HAL, informing me that my flights have been changed so that I have what  I consider insufficient layover times. In August, after receiving a notification that my return flight was changed, leaving me with only a 47 minute connection time in DFW, I called Flight Ease and got a very nice representative who, after about one hour on the telephone, was able to change me back to my comfortable three hour layover. However, today I received notification that my flights had been switched back to the flights with the 47 minute connection time! In looking at the American Airlines website, there is still availability on my preferred flight.

Any ideas of what is going on?

Does Flight Ease only have access to certain AA flight segments? 

Unfortunately, it is past the full pay day, so I think it is too late for me to book my air independently. Thanks for your insight.

not looking forward to spending another hour on the phone with Flight Ease tomorrow…

1 hour ago, Arkansas cruisers said: Please help me understand if my problem is a Flight Ease problem or an American Airlines problem. I booked flights through Flight Ease in March. Since then, I have received 4 flight change notification emails from HAL, informing me that my flights have been changed so that I have what  I consider insufficient layover times... Any ideas of what is going on? Does Flight Ease only have access to certain AA flight segments?  Unfortunately, it is past the full pay day, so I think it is too late for me to book my air independently. Thanks for your insight. not looking forward to spending another hour on the phone with Flight Ease tomorrow…

Hey @Arkansas cruisers  first, I feel your pain on FE and getting change notifications that don't align w/airline website - sorry you're dealing with it.

FE gets blocks of seats, so they may not have access to all the flights you see on the airline website.

Yes, if you have FE flights and you're beyond final payment, you are really stuck w/o incurring additional fees. However, there is a very small window after final payment before you're locked; it's about 10 days. When you log into FE details the date will show in top right corner. If there's no date, you're locked in.

You should call again AND send and email to [email protected] requesting they change the flight.

I recently had an issue w/2 flights, similar to you, I kept getting flight change notices. FE would change the flights back, I could see them on the AA website then I'd get another change notice.

The last time I called in, I was told there was nothing they could do and there was no supervisor I could talk with; they told me to email [email protected]. Two days later, on a Saturday, I received a phone call from them. At the end of my call, I had an email confirming the original flights, I could see them in FE and by that night I was able to see them in AA website.

When I sent the email, I copied the Mariners desk for additional visibility. 

FE may not be able to get the original flights or something w/more realistic connection time, but it is worth both the call and email. Your concern about a very tight connection time is valid.

I'm pulling for you - please let us know how it works out.

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Reader's Digest

7 Most Affordable Cruise Lines That’ll Make Your Cruising Dreams Come True

Posted: October 2, 2023 | Last updated: October 2, 2023

The cheapest cruise lines

Cruising is often described as the ultimate relaxing vacation. You only unpack once, yet you wake up in a new country or island every morning. You also never have to worry about where to eat, there are nonstop activities onboard that keep everyone entertained—and most everything is included in the price. So you don't have to worry much about overspending once you're on board if you book on one of the most affordable cruise lines.

Of course, everything is more expensive these days, leaving some travelers to wonder if there are still affordable cruises available to meet their vacation budgets. Thankfully, that answer is yes, and there are several brands that still provide exceptional value aboard their floating cities. Many are among the best cruise lines , and some are even frequent cruisers' favorite cruises . In fact, you might be surprised to learn that living on a cruise ship can be cheaper than a mortgage , in case you decide you never want to return from your vacation.

So follow these cruise tips for how to save money on a cruise by booking the most affordable cruise lines. You may even be able to sneak in an extra vacation this year with all your savings. Here's what to pack for a cruise .

How much does a cheap cruise cost?

Cheap cruises usually range in price from $40 to $100 per night per person. To put that deal in perspective, imagine having your accommodations, food and entertainment covered for roughly $50 a day on a traditional land-based trip—you'd be hard-pressed to stay within that budget just for your meals. It's truly impressive that these all-inclusive cruises can charge so little.

But before you get too excited over these low prices, don't forget to factor in the cost of the extras when calculating your total expenses—that's one of the secrets cruise lines won't tell you . Things like drinks, shore excursions, gratuities, spa treatments, specialty dining, airfare, photos, taxes and port fees aren't included and can add up quickly.

Finally, keep in mind that the best deals will always be for an inside cabin, which means you won't have a porthole (let alone a balcony) for natural light. The good news? You'll sleep like a baby in total darkness, especially during an afternoon nap.

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When is the cheapest time to book a cruise?

It's important to pay attention to the cheapest times to book a cruise if you want to save even more. Wave season, which is from January to March, is a promotional time of year when cruise lines run their most competitive sales. These sales are designed to encourage bookings for later in the year. You can also keep an eye on sites like MSC's Cruise Deals to find great prices.

There are great deals at other times of the year too. Generally speaking, the further in advance you book, the better prices you'll find. But the opposite is also true, because cruise lines will happily sell unused inventory at a significantly reduced rate in the form of last-minute deals. You'll need a flexible schedule to pull this off, and you may find airfare is too costly at that point.

Beyond wave season, planning far in advance or nabbing last-minute cruise deals, it's also wise to consider booking your cruises for the off-season. For instance, for the Caribbean and Mexico, that would mean summer sailings or during shoulder season (the month before and after high season—for example, in the case of Alaska, this would be in May or September). Just know that you are taking a bit of a risk with the weather during these off-peak times.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers sailings out of the U.S. (New York, Miami and Orlando) to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, New England and Canada. It also offers sailings to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Egypt, Dubai, South Africa and more.

Cost: Cruises on MSC start as low as $129 per person.

Specials to watch for: MSC offers such limited-time specials as free drinks and Wi-Fi plus up to $200 onboard credit (which can be used to book extras like shore excursions or spa treatments).

Other savings to consider: You won't find an adults-only cruise here, however this cruise line does offer a Kids Sail Free program, which means that all children under 18 traveling in the same cabin as their parents travel free all year-round. Port taxes, registration costs, insurance, flights and transfers (where required) are excluded from the offer, but it still goes a long way toward making this one of the most affordable cruise lines.

Affordable cruises: We've seen a 6-night southern Caribbean cruise for as low as $219 total per person.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line —known as one of the most affordable cruise lines—was founded in 1972 and now carries millions of guests every year aboard its 24 ships. It sails to Alaska, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Greenland, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific.

Cost: Cruises on Carnival start as low as $169 per person.

Specials to watch for: Carnival celebrates dates like National Tourism Day with up to 40% off cruise rates, plus $50 onboard credits and reduced deposit rates from $50 per person. Other limited-time promotions include free cabin upgrades and "Early Saver" rates with price protection that provide peace of mind for early bookings.

Other savings to consider: One of the things that makes Carnival Cruise Lines even more affordable is that it has 14 home ports in the United States (Baltimore, Charleston, Galveston, Jacksonville, Long Beach, Miami, Mobile, New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle and Tampa), making it easier for Americans to drive to their ship and avoid booking pricey flights .

Affordable cruises: We've seen a 5-day Mexican Riviera cruise for as low as $234 per person.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers itineraries to 240 destinations in 61 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean's private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The innovative brand is known for many firsts at sea, including an ice-skating rink, bumper cars, zip-line, rock climbing wall, robotic bartenders and the Flowrider surf simulator. Its latest ship, the Icon of the Seas , which is set to begin sailing in January 2024, will be the world's largest cruise ship.

Cost: Cruises on Royal Caribbean start as low as $172 per person.

Specials to watch for: Royal Caribbean occasionally offers promotions like "30% Off Every Guest" (provides 30% savings off the cruise fare for all guests in the stateroom), flash deals like "Up to $550 Off" (provides instant savings of up to $550 USD per stateroom) and "Kids Sail Free" promos, during which the third and fourth guests who are 12 years or younger are eligible for free cruise fare.

Other savings to consider: Royal Caribbean offers exclusive access to pre-cruise savings and discounts that won't be available once you're onboard for things like shore excursions, beverage packages, food packages and Wi-Fi packages.

Affordable cruises: We've seen a 6-night Pacific Coast cruise for $250 per person.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is a premium cruise line with award-winning itineraries around the globe, sailing to Alaska, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, British Isles, South America, Japan, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii, the South Pacific and the California Coast. It's an excellent choice for a couples cruise (they host a lot of weddings and vow renewals), but it's also family-friendly.

Cost: Hundreds of sailings on Princess are priced under $100 per day; 60 sailings under $60 per day.

Specials to watch for: Princess regularly offers promotions, such as a 40% savings and low $100 deposit specials.

Other savings to consider: Upgrade to the Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages, which roll in the price of extras like Wi-Fi, drinks, gratuities and more for a savings of up to 66% vs. purchasing them separately.

Affordable cruises: Everyone dreams of booking the best Alaska cruise , and we've seen 7-night Alaska cruises for as low as $349 per person.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line 's fleet of 18 ships sails to 400 of the world's most desirable destinations—such as Asia, Africa, Alaska, Australia and New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, New England, Caribbean, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, Mexico, the Baltic, South America and more.

Cost: Cruises on Norwegian start as low as $249 per person.

Specials to watch for: NCL offers various deals throughout the year. One recent special was 70% off, plus free airfare for the second guest, plus the third and fourth guests sailed for free.

Other savings to consider: Part of what makes Norwegian one of the best and most affordable cruise lines is that all cruise offerings may be combined with the company's ongoing "Free at Sea" promotion, which includes unlimited open bar, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and excursions. (Want to find out more about hidden features on cruise ships  that you never knew existed?)

Affordable cruises: We've seen 7-day Alaska cruises for as low as $279 per person.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line has been cruising both popular and less-traveled ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Europe, South America, the Panama Canal, Australia, New Zealand and Asia for 150 years. It has a fleet of 11 classic ships and does more than 500 sailings a year, visiting all seven continents.

Cost: Cruises on Holland start as low as $89 per person.

Specials to watch for: Having recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, Holland America has been offering 45% off cruise fares, up to $300 in onboard credit and reduced deposits of only $150. The brand typically offers other specials throughout the year.

Other savings to consider: For family cruise travelers , Holland America Line provides a Kids Cruise Free offer, allowing guests ages 18 and under to travel free to Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean when booked as a third or fourth guest on select cruises. And when booked directly on Holland America Line's site, travelers can take advantage of the Have It All Cruise Package, which includes shore excursion credits, drink package, specialty dining and Wi-Fi.

Affordable cruises: We've seen 7-day Alaska cruises as low as $329 per person.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity has 15 award-winning ships that take guests to more than 300 destinations in 79 countries on all seven continents, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific, Galapagos and Canada.

Cost: Cruises on Celebrity start as low as $288 per person.

Specials to watch for: Celebrity offers various specials, like a spring sale that takes 75% off a second guest's fare and saves up to $800 per stateroom with up to $800 to spend on board. Also look for promotions like Alaska weekend flash sales (second guest sails for free plus $250 onboard credit) and 20% off Galapagos vacations (round-trip airfare included).

Other savings to consider: Choose the all-inclusive options of prepackaged drinks, Wi-Fi and tips to save up to 45% on these individual items.

Affordable cruises: We've seen 7-night Alaska cruises for as low as $299 per person.

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'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Cheers broke out on Holland America Line’s Koningsdam ship when the total solar eclipse began on Monday.

Off the coast of Mazatlan, Mexico, passengers were perched on loungers, reclining on beach towels and lining the railings of Deck 14 with cameras on tripods at the ready. When the sliver of fiery orange that remained of the sun disappeared, a black circle ringed by white light took its place. Passengers applauded the moment they'd been awaiting since the ship departed from San Diego on Friday.

The sunny, 72-degree weather – quintessential cruise weather – gave way to chilly wind and late morning’s best impression of sunset. The horizon line glowed orange in the dusky sky.

Cruise ships can help take guests to the path of totality for eclipses, allowing passengers to get a prime viewing spot and make a vacation of it.

What is a total solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the face of the sun as it moves between the sun and Earth.

While the sun is about 400 times bigger than the moon, the moon is roughly 400 times closer to Earth. “In the past, the moon was much closer, and in the future, the moon will be much further away,” said Adam Burgasser, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of California, San Diego, and director of the Cool Star Lab, who served as an onboard expert during the cruise. “And so we're in a special time, which, of course, lasts for billions of years, where it's set up just right to block out the sun.”

Total solar eclipses take place about every 18 months on average, but the last one visible from the U.S. was in 2017 .

The phenomenon creates a multi-sensory experience, with a cold front moving in ahead of the eclipse. “You block the sun, and it gets cold,” said Burgasser. “It’s actually just that simple. And it's slow enough that the atmosphere can react.”

Plants and animals respond, too: Birds often begin to chirp, plants may close up, and nocturnal will come out. “It’s kind of an all-around-you experience where it's not just the fact that the sun has been blocked that’s so fascinating, but just the effect it has on the entire environment.” Those effects weren’t easily discernible on Koningsdam, though, which was about 150 miles from shore.

Nicole Chaput, a 57-year-old passenger from Calgary in Canada, said partial and total eclipses are “totally different.”

“I heard someone describe it as being partly pregnant,” she said. “You can’t do it. There’s no comparison.”

What makes a cruise a good place to see an eclipse?

Bad weather can wreck even the best-laid viewing plans. If a city in the path of totality has overcast skies, it can be tough to quickly move to an alternate site.

“If you're on a cruise ship and a little bit farther to the east or a little bit farther to the west along the path, there's clear sky, the ship can move,” said Dan Jarrell, who was on the cruise with his wife, Kay, and friends. The Washington, D.C.-area resident has seen solar eclipses with friends during two other sailings, including on Holland America’s Veendam in 1998.

“If you're on land and there's not a road there, you’d better have a tank,” Jarrell said.

That’s where a cruise ship comes in handy. “Having the ability to map out based on what the current weather is where you can catch the eclipse, and having a range over the course of the ocean where you could chase that a little bit is certainly helpful,” Burgasser added.

Capt. Ane Smit, Master aboard Holland America’s Zaandam for the viewing, said the ship can move at a maximum of 20 knots, so the crew needs to scout out the conditions with enough time to move as needed.

“If it's not good enough, we really need to start finding another spot because we are not the quickest vehicle, of course, to be driving around, but we have the luxury of being able to go in any direction without any restriction,” he said. “It’s a pretty wide highway that we have.”

The view of the horizon also allows passengers to “see that shadow coming in and leaving more so than you can in a topographical area,” said Burgasser. Being in the ocean away from city lights is also helpful for seeing stars and other parts of the sky usually only visible at night.

The cruise line also made the practicalities of watching an eclipse easier: eclipse glasses were distributed to guests’ staterooms and Burgasser guided guests through the event via the ship’s speaker system, before and after totality.

More eclipse cruises on the horizon

If you missed your chance to see it this time or want another go, Holland America has more eclipse-viewing opportunities on the books.

“Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's Vice President of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, said in an email. Details have not yet been released.

Other cruise lines offer similar opportunities as well. Princess Cruises' Emerald Princess was near Koningsdam on Monday.

Chaput, the Canadian passenger, said she’s been “chasing” total solar eclipses since seeing her first one in 1991. Monday’s eclipse marked her seventh viewing and second on a cruise ship.

“I think it’s just such an amazing natural phenomenon,” she said. “It’s seeing science in action.”

Contributing: Josh Rivera, USA TODAY

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Holland America Line. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected]

Holland America: First Cruise Line to Receive International Seafood Certifications

• April 8, 2024

Holland America Line is becoming the first global cruise line to receive both Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifications.

According to the company, the two organizations serve as the most credible standards worldwide for certified seafood.

The certifications take Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program to the next level, the cruise line added in a press release, underscoring its commitment to serving guests the highest quality seafood that is sourced sustainably when wild-caught and raised responsibly when farmed according to the strictest global standards.

“Our guests care about the quality and sustainability of the fresh fish we serve, and so do we,” said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line.

“These certifications build on our commitment of bringing regionally inspired fresh seafood dishes from port to plate in 48 hours. We’re proud to partner with two organizations that share our dedication to protecting the vitality of the oceans we sail.”

The Marine Stewardship Council’s focus is on sustainable wild-caught seafood, while Aquaculture Stewardship Council works with responsibly farmed seafood, with both organizations seeking to minimize environmental impacts.

“As the first global cruise line to successfully complete the Marine Stewardship Council’s rigorous Chain of Custody audit, Holland America Line is extending our important work around sustainable, ocean-friendly fishing to a new category,” said Erika Feller, Americas Director, Marine Stewardship Council.

“Consumer interest in sustainable fish options is growing and, by achieving this commitment, Holland America Line is helping to support our goal of ensuring responsibly farmed seafood supplies for future generations,” said Chris Ninnes, CEO, Aquaculture Stewardship Council.

All 11 ships in the fleet are Chain of Custody certified to serve Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified and labeled seafood, with the full rollout starting across five Holland America Line ships in May 2024 at the beginning of Europe and Canada/New England season.

They include the Volendam in the Canada/New England region, and the Rotterdam, the Nieuw Statendam, the Zuiderdam and the Oosterdam in Europe.

Holland America Line’s six ships in Alaska serve 100 percent sustainable seafood under its Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification.

Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified seafood dishes in Holland America Line’s Main Dining Room, as well as in Lido Market and in specialty restaurants.

Certified seafood from nine regions worldwide will be incorporated into the company’s seafood  offerings: Asia, Australia, Canada/New England, Mexico, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and Hawaii.

The initiative is aligned with Holland America Line’s strategy for its onboard product, which includes focusing on three elements: fresh, regional and local .

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