Norwegian VS Holland America: Choose The Best Cruise Line
When it comes to Norweigian vs Holland America, Holland America is a more classy and traditional cruise line suited for elderly and sedentary cruisers. Whereas, Norwegian Cruise is more modern and flashy that targets mostly young and active cruisers. While NCL is more affordable with entry-level and inside-cabin options, HAL is more expensive.
Norwegian Cruise VS Holland America: A Brief Comparison
| Factors | Norwegian Cruise | Holland America |
| Ships | 19 ships. | 11 ships. |
| Atmosphere | More modern, upscale, and flashy with a casual atmosphere. | More refined, upscale with a traditional atmosphere |
| Dining | Flexible dining time and place options with freestyle cruising. | Less dining time and place flexibility. |
| Entertainment | – Modern and flashy entertainment options. – Award-winning entertainment with live music, comedies, and Broadway shows. | – Different live music locations for dancing and enjoyment. |
| Accommodation | – Different cabin options from inside cabins to luxurious suites. – Studio-designed cabins for solo travelers. | – A variety of classy and timeless cabins.- Queen beds with split option and regular cabin accommodations.- A minibar in each cabin. |
| Price Range | $50 per person per night for inside cabins on average. | $57-$2000 per person per night for inside cabins on average. |
Itinerary and Destination Comparison
| Feature | Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) | Holland America Line (HAL) |
|---|---|---|
| Popular Destinations | Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Asia | Alaska, Mediterranean, Antarctica |
| Special Itineraries | Short cruises (3-5 days) | Longer cruises, including world and cultural voyages |
| Focus | Family-friendly and activity-packed routes | Immersive and culturally rich destinations |
Norwegian Cruise Line VS Holland America: Full Comparison
So, Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America are two giants in the cruise ship industry. While they have differences, the major difference is their atmosphere. Let’s see what they don’t have in common in this in-depth comparison.
Ships and Atmosphere
Norwegian Cruis Line is a much bigger line with 19 ships while Holland America has 11 ships. Also, NCL is more flashy and modern compared to the classy and traditional atmosphere of HAL.
Below is a comparative overview to assist in your decision-making process.
Holland America Line (HAL):
HAL operates a fleet of ships categorized into four primary classes:
- R Class: The oldest class, featuring smaller, more intimate ships.
- S Class: Mid-sized ships offering a balance between space and intimacy.
- Vista Class: Larger ships with enhanced amenities and facilities.
- Pinnacle Class: The newest and largest ships, featuring modern designs and expanded offerings.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL):
NCL’s fleet is divided into nine classes, each with distinct features:
- Sun Class: Smaller ships ideal for more intimate experiences.
- Dawn Class: Mid-sized ships with a variety of amenities.
- Jewel Class: Slightly larger ships offering additional facilities.
- Breakaway Class: Larger ships with enhanced entertainment options.
- Breakaway Plus Class: Even larger ships with expanded amenities.
- Prima Class: The newest class, featuring modern designs and innovative features.
| Feature | Holland America Line (HAL) | Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) |
|---|---|---|
| Ship Classes | R Class, S Class, Vista Class, Pinnacle Class | Sun Class, Dawn Class, Jewel Class, Breakaway Class, Breakaway Plus Class, Prima Class |
| Ship Sizes | R Class: Smaller; S Class: Mid-sized; Vista Class: Larger; Pinnacle Class: Largest | Sun Class: Smaller; Dawn Class: Mid-sized; Jewel Class: Larger; Breakaway Class: Larger; Breakaway Plus Class: Larger; Prima Class: Largest |
| Amenities | Traditional cruising experience with elegant décor and refined dining options. | Freestyle cruising with flexible dining, diverse entertainment, and innovative amenities. |
| Itineraries | Global destinations including Alaska, Europe, Caribbean, and more. | Diverse itineraries covering Alaska, Caribbean, Europe, and unique destinations like Hawaii. |
| Pricing | Premium pricing with all-inclusive packages available. | Competitive pricing with options for add-ons like beverage packages and shore excursions. |
| Best For | Travelers seeking a traditional, elegant cruising experience. | Guests desiring flexibility, modern amenities, and a variety of entertainment options. |
With its flashy and more attractive modern style, the NCL is most suitable for young and active cruisers.
On the other hand, HAL is more refined, classy, and traditional that is targeted at elderly and sedentary cruisers. If you want to know further and explore Westerdam vs Eurodam cruises of Holland America then read this.
Cabin and Suite OptionsNew Section
| Feature | Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) | Holland America Line (HAL) |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Cabins | Budget-friendly, compact | Spacious with classic decor |
| Suites | “The Haven” luxury enclave with exclusive amenities | Neptune Lounge access, concierge service |
| Family Cabins | Multi-room suites with kid-friendly designs | Family staterooms with extra space |
| Solo Cabins | Studio cabins for solo travelers | Limited solo options |
Dining Options at Norwegian Cruise Line VS Holland America
When comparing the dining experiences aboard Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Holland America Line, several key aspects come into play: dining venues, menu offerings, meal timings, and other essential details for travelers.
Dining Venues and Options
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL):
- Main Dining Rooms: NCL offers up to three main dining rooms, each featuring a variety of modern and classic dishes crafted with fresh ingredients. NCL
- Buffet: The buffet is a popular choice, available during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It includes stations like meat carving, made-to-order omelets, and pasta.
- Casual Eateries: Options such as O’Sheehan’s serve favorites like French toast, omelets, and house-made corned beef hash.
Holland America Line:
- Main Dining Room: The flagship dining experience offers a welcoming and sophisticated setting for breakfast, lunch, and multicourse dinners. Holland America Line
- Lido Market: A casual, modern marketplace offering a wide range of food options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks.
- Specialty Restaurants: Venues like Pinnacle Grill provide an upscale dining experience with a menu featuring prime steaks, seafood, and an extensive wine list.
Menu Offerings
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL):
- Main Dining Rooms: Menus feature a mix of modern and classic dishes, with options changing daily to provide variety.
- Buffet: The buffet offers a diverse selection, including international cuisines and made-to-order stations.
- Specialty Dining: NCL offers specialty dining venues with a variety of cuisines, including Italian, French, and Asian-inspired dishes.
Holland America Line:
- Main Dining Room: Menus include a variety of options, including vegetarian and regionally-inspired dishes, with five-course meals.
- Lido Market: Offers a range of options, including light and healthy items, continental and ethnic cuisines, and vegetarian dishes.
- Specialty Restaurants: Specialty venues like Pinnacle Grill offer upscale dining experiences with a focus on quality ingredients and culinary excellence.
Meal Timings
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL):
- Main Dining Rooms: Typically operate with flexible dining hours, allowing guests to dine at their convenience.
- Buffet: Open during designated hours for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Casual Eateries: Hours vary, with some venues offering 24-hour service.
Holland America Line:
- Main Dining Room: Offers “As You Wish Dining,” allowing guests to choose dining times between 5:15 pm and 9 pm, or opt for traditional dining with fixed seating times.
- Lido Market: Open during designated hours for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Specialty Restaurants: Operating hours vary; reservations are recommended.
Additional Considerations
- Dress Code: Both lines have dress codes for specialty restaurants, typically requiring smart casual attire.
- Special Dietary Needs: Both NCL and Holland America accommodate special dietary requests, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions. It’s advisable to inform the cruise line in advance.
- Additional Costs: Specialty dining venues on both lines may require an additional fee or cover charge.
Both cruise lines have chefs who are certified by the prestigious Confrerie de la Chaîne des Rotisseurs gourmet society.
With casual dining including burgers, fries, and gelato, you can enjoy HAL’s exceptional culinary cruises. Also, HAL is the only cruise line that offers Alaskan seafood certified by Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM).
On the other hand, NCL also offers a diverse range of dining options. It includes 28 specialty items and additional complimentary items. Their fleetwide Starbucks cafes and Kiskos are good places to chat with your travel partner and enjoy the time.
As a special item, NCL offers a specialty Italian dining taste with the Tuscan cuisine at Lacucina.
So, take your pick based on the dining options of both cruises. But for its more flexibility and no set time or place for dining, many cruisers choose NCL over HAL.
Entertainment Services
Both Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America offer award-winning musicals, comedies, and Broadway shows.
In NCL’s flashy atmosphere, you can enjoy award-winning Broadway shows such as Kinky Boots, Rock of Ages, etc. Also, there are breathtaking acrobatic shows of the Latin Rhythms of Burn the Floor and Cirque Dream. And the fleetwide live musicals and comedy shows never let you pass a dull moment.
On the other hand, Holland America also offers live musicals including Rock, R&B, Pop, etc. There are B.B. King’s Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room, etc. You can also enjoy refreshments at the shows of the World Stage with world-class dance performances.
One thing about NCL’s nightlife is that it’s never-ending and young-spirited whereas HAL’s nightlife is limited. Also, there’s spa facilities, bars, and lounges in NCL for you to spend time with your partner and enjoy.
| Age Group | Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) | Holland America Line (HAL) |
| Families | Water slides, go-kart tracks, VR arcades | Family programs focused on cultural learning |
| Young Adults | Nightclubs, vibrant bars, and Broadway-style shows | Live music (B.B. King’s Blues Club, Lincoln Center Stage) |
| Seniors | Relaxing lounges, casino games | Cooking demonstrations, cultural workshops |
Accommodations
If you’re a solo traveler, then NCL’s studio-designed solo cabin is for you. On the other hand, HAL offers classy and timeless cabins.
NCL offers you a home away from home with its wide variety of contemporary staterooms. NCL also offers a luxurious and exclusive enclave.
NCL’s The Haven is at the top of the ship with a mesmerizing view of the ocean. With its inside cabins, you can enjoy your travel in an entry-level price range. You can choose between the NCL suite and Haven and enjoy the time.
On the other hand, HAL also offers a wide range of accommodations for its guests. It offers queen-size beds for all cabins that splits into two. There are also, regular housekeeping services, TVs, and washrooms. And there’s a minibar in the cabins of HAL which is convenient.
As a competitive advantage, NCL caters to solo travelers for which the studio-designed single cabins are. You can enjoy it all with your alone time and lots of accommodations to enjoy in NCL.
Price Range
As of January 9, 2025, here’s a comparison of pricing for various cruise options offered by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Holland America Line (HAL). Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability, seasonality, and promotions. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to consult the official websites or contact the cruise lines directly.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL):
- Caribbean Cruises:
- 7-Day Western Caribbean from Miami: Starting at approximately $699 per person for an inside cabin.
- 10-Day Eastern Caribbean from New York: Starting at around $1,099 per person for an inside cabin.
- Alaska Cruises:
- 7-Day Alaska: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau from Seattle: Starting at approximately $899 per person for an inside cabin.
- 14-Day Authentic Alaska – Northbound Cruisetour: Starting at around $2,499 per person for an inside cabin.
- Europe Cruises:
- 9-Day Scandinavia, Russia & Baltic from Copenhagen: Starting at approximately $1,299 per person for an inside cabin.
- 12-Day Mediterranean from Barcelona: Starting at around $1,599 per person for an inside cabin.
Holland America Line (HAL):
- Caribbean Cruises:
- 7-Day Eastern Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale: Starting at approximately $749 per person for an inside cabin.
- 10-Day Southern Caribbean Seafarer from Fort Lauderdale: Starting at around $1,199 per person for an inside cabin.
- Alaska Cruises:
- 7-Day Alaska Inside Passage from Vancouver: Starting at approximately $999 per person for an inside cabin.
- 14-Day Great Alaskan Explorer from Seattle: Starting at around $2,299 per person for an inside cabin.
- Europe Cruises:
- 7-Day Norwegian Fjords from Amsterdam: Starting at approximately $1,199 per person for an inside cabin.
- 12-Day Mediterranean Romance from Rome: Starting at around $1,799 per person for an inside cabin.
Additional Considerations:
- Promotions and Packages: Both NCL and HAL frequently offer promotions that may include onboard credits, beverage packages, specialty dining, or shore excursion discounts. It’s beneficial to check for any current deals that could enhance the value of your cruise.
- Seasonality: Cruise prices can vary significantly depending on the time of year. Off-peak seasons may offer lower prices, while peak seasons, such as summer and holidays, typically have higher rates.
- Cabin Selection: Upgrading to oceanview, balcony, or suite accommodations will increase the price. However, these options provide additional space and amenities that may enhance your cruising experience.
For the most accurate and current pricing, please visit the official websites of Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America Line, or contact their customer service departments.
Loyalty Programs and Perks
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) – Latitudes Rewards
- Membership Levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Sapphire, and Ambassador. Benefits increase with each tier and include priority embarkation, onboard discounts, and free experiences.
- Joining: Automatically enrolled after your first cruise with NCL.
- Perks: Priority boarding, discounts on shore excursions, onboard credits, and access to exclusive events depending on your tier.
- Point Expiry: Points do not expire, allowing members to accumulate benefits over time.
- Special Note: NCL also offers a “CruiseNext” program, allowing guests to purchase future cruise credits. These credits typically expire in four years unless an extension is granted through promotions.
Holland America Line (HAL) – Mariner Society
- Membership Levels: Star Mariner, 2-Star Mariner, and up to 5-Star Mariner. Benefits include discounted fares, onboard gifts, and invitations to Mariner Society Brunch.
- Joining: Automatically enrolled after completing your first cruise with HAL.
- Perks: Discounts on cruise fares, early booking offers, special gifts, and access to exclusive onboard events.
- Point Expiry: Points do not expire, ensuring lifelong accumulation of benefits.
Can You Use Someone Else’s Membership?:
- Membership programs like Latitudes Rewards and Mariner Society are non-transferable. This means you cannot use someone else’s membership to claim benefits. Memberships are tied to the individual cruise history and personal account. However, family members traveling together might benefit indirectly from perks (e.g., priority boarding or dining reservations).
Norwegian Cruise Line And Holland America: Choose Your Pick
Now, it’s up to you to choose your pick between Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America Line. Both are top of their game. But if you’re a solo traveler and looking for more activities and excitement, NCL is the pick for you.
Alternatively, if you’re a traditional and classy cruiser and have money to spend, go for Holland America’s expensive cruises. Or, if you’re a young star, a modern, and active cruiser you should go for Norwegian Cruise Line.
Also, if you’re a yacht guy, you should compare NCL’s Haven and MSC’s Yacht Club. For a more relaxed and ship-wthin-a-ship experience, choose your pick.
FAQs
What Cruise Lines Are Similar to Holland America?
Carnival Cruise Line, AIDA Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are similar to the services of Holland America. All of these cruise lines have premium and luxurious vessels with all the accommodations as HAL and more.
What Is The Biggest Cruise Line in The World?
Carnival Cruise Line is the biggest cruise line in the world. The company has over 100 ships and 9 cruise lines across the globe. The company also offers more luxurious services than most cruise lines around the globe.
What Months Are Cruises Cheapest?
January, February, and March are traditionally the cheapest cruise months. This season is also known traditionally as “wave season.” You can also get special promotional offers and onboard credits in these cheapest cruise months.
Conclusion
So, that’s all there is to the comparison of Norwegian vs Holland America.
Compare all that you need between these two famous cruise lines in the world. Choose the one that goes with you. And don’t forget to book early for extra offers and promotional accommodations.
