Holland America cruises in 2026, the smart buyer’s guide

TL;DR:

Classic midsize ships with strong food and music.
Daily gratuities are $17, suites $19, per person.
Starlink Wi-Fi is on the full fleet.
Dress code is smart casual, with a few Dressy Nights.
2026 highlights include Alaska, Europe, and a 133-day world cruise.

Holland America Line, often called HAL, runs midsize ships with a calm vibe. Think live music, good service, and classic itineraries. If you like a quieter pool deck, solid dining, and long days in port, this line should be on your list.

This guide covers ships, cabins, dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, dress code, tipping, and the best routes to book in 2026.

Who HAL fits best

Couples, multigenerational families, and travelers who love history and culture. Kids programs exist, yet nightlife is lighter than on mega ships. Elevators are quick, crowds are rare, and public rooms are elegant.

The fleet in brief

HAL sails modern midsize vessels, including the three Pinnacle-class ships, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam. The line focuses on classic regions, Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, and long Grand Voyages. Holland America’s 2025–2026 plan puts all three Pinnacle-class ships in the Caribbean and adds Miami as a homeport, with nearly 30 itineraries up to 14 days. (Holland America newsroom, 2 April 2024.)

Cabins and suites

Standard rooms are well laid out, with strong storage. Many bathrooms use a glass shower, not a curtain. Suites add space, a larger balcony, and better breakfast options. If you care most about quiet sleep, pick a cabin between passenger decks and away from elevators.

Dining, bars, and shows

The main dining room is polished and unhurried. The Lido buffet runs long hours. You will also find specialty venues such as Pinnacle Grill and Tamarind on select ships. Evenings shine on HAL. Bills-branded blues, a rolling stone rock room, and a classical quartet are typical across the fleet.

Dress code

Daytime dress is casual. Most evenings are smart casual. Shorts, beachwear, distressed jeans, and men’s tank tops are not allowed in table service restaurants. Several nights per voyage are Dressy Nights, when slacks, skirts, dresses, collared shirts, and jackets are suggested. (Holland America FAQs.)

Drinks and the “Have It All” offer

You can sail cruise-only or buy Have It All, a value bundle with the Signature Beverage Package, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and a shore excursion credit on most voyages. The Signature Beverage Package allows up to 15 drinks per day, priced at 11 dollars or less per drink, with service rules that ban sharing. (Holland America offer pages.)

If you drink little alcohol, skip the bundle and buy coffee cards or a small water package instead. If two adults in a cabin each enjoy two to three drinks a day, plus plan one specialty dinner and need Wi-Fi, Have It All often saves money.

Quick comparison: cruise-only vs Have It All

Choice	What you get	Best for
Cruise-only	Cabin, meals, entertainment	Light drinkers, minimal extras
Have It All	Drinks package, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, excursion credit	Most couples who want a few drinks, one special dinner, and basic internet

Internet and the app

HAL says it uses Starlink across the fleet for faster, more stable internet. You buy a package per device or share by logging out on one and into another. Use the Navigator app for daily schedules, dining times, and chat.

Service charges and tipping

Holland America lists a daily Crew Appreciation of 17 dollars per guest in most cabins and 19 dollars in suites. It is added to your onboard account. You can ask Guest Services to adjust it before you settle your bill. A 18 percent service charge applies to bar tabs, specialty dining, and spa services. (Holland America FAQs.)

What to pack

Keep it simple. Smart casual outfits for most nights, one dressier outfit for Gala or Dressy Nights, a light jacket, and good non-slip shoes for deck walks. Bring a compact umbrella for Alaska and Northern Europe. Power strips must be cruise-safe and without surge protection.

2026 routes worth booking

Alaska

HAL is a leader in Alaska, with many Inside Passage and Glacier Bay sailings, plus land-and-sea cruisetours that reach Denali. The 2026 season includes voyages from Vancouver and Seattle, with calls like Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Valdez, Kodiak, and scenic days in Glacier Bay. (Holland America news release, 29 August 2024.)

Tip: Choose an itinerary that includes Glacier Bay, not all do. For wildlife, bring binoculars and layer clothing.

Europe

Demand for 2026 Europe cruises is strong, with itineraries across the Mediterranean, British Isles, Northern Europe, and the Canary Islands, and visits to many UNESCO sites. Expect a mix of marquee cities and smaller gems like Portofino and Valletta. (Company booking update via PR distribution, January 2026.)

Tip: Pick longer port calls. HAL often offers 10- to 14-day routes with fewer crowds at tender ports.

Caribbean

From late 2025 into spring 2026, HAL runs a robust Caribbean season, now including Miami along with Fort Lauderdale. All three Pinnacle-class ships rotate through the region. Look for Half Moon Cay days, calm sea days, and longer 10- to 14-day runs that reach the ABC islands. (Holland America newsroom, 2 April 2024.)

Grand Voyages

If you dream big, check the 2026 Grand World Voyage, a 133-day journey that circles the globe and even spends four days cruising near Antarctica. Shorter Grand Voyages focus on segments if you cannot take four months. (Holland America Grand Voyages page.)

Money, value, and extras

Beverages. If you buy drinks a la carte, most standard cocktails and wines by the glass fall under the Signature Beverage cap noted above. Higher-priced labels will cost the difference.
Wi-Fi. Email and messaging work well. Video calls are better than before, yet can still slow at peak times.
Shore excursions. HAL tours are well run and easy to cancel within the posted window. You can also book direct with local guides, yet verify meeting points and return times.
Laundry. Look for bundle deals mid-cruise. Suite guests often get discounted laundry.

Policies that matter

Cancellation. HAL posts a tiered schedule. Penalties rise as you get closer to sailing. You can buy an optional Cancellation Protection Plan to soften loss if you cancel for a covered reason. Check the exact grid for your region and fare code. (Holland America policy pages.)
Safety. Follow all muster and tender instructions. Keep balcony doors locked when you sleep. If you travel with kids, review railing rules before sail away.
Health. Carry needed meds in original containers, plus copies of scripts. Buy travel insurance that covers medical care at sea and evacuation.

Simple planning steps

Pick a region first, Alaska, Europe, or Caribbean.
Choose ship and cabin type, then check deck plans for location.
Decide cruise-only or Have It All. Use your own math.
Reserve dining times and specialty nights early.
Book at least one signature shore tour, keep the rest open.
Download the Navigator app and add your documents.
Arrive in the port city one day early.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Staying too far forward or aft. Pick a midship cabin for calmer rides.
Skipping Glacier Bay. On Alaska trips, confirm it is on the plan.
Underpacking layers. Europe and Alaska change fast. Bring a light rain shell.
Ignoring Dressy Nights. Pack one nicer outfit to avoid stress.
Forgetting to adjust tips early. Make any gratuity changes before the last night.

One-page checklist

Region and dates chosen.
Midship cabin picked, deck plan checked.
Cruise-only vs Have It All decided.
Flights in a day early, hotel booked.
Key excursions reserved, with cancellation windows noted.
One dressy outfit packed, plus layers and comfy shoes.
Wi-Fi plan set, app installed, cards loaded on file.
Gratuities reviewed, any changes planned at Guest Services.

Why it matters

HAL offers relaxing ships, strong service, and deeper routes. You get classic music lounges, better than average food, and long port days. With the right cabin, package, and route, you avoid surprise fees and enjoy a smoother trip.

Sources: