Holland America Cruises: Traveling the Dutch Way
Marking its 130th anniversary in back in 2003, Holland America Cruises are virtually unlimited in terms of destination options. This distinguished company has a long list of itineraries that span the globe and satisfy every traveler's appetite for exploration. Over the course of the company's rich history as first a Dutch shipping and passenger line and subsequently a cruise line, Holland America's fleet has carried nearly 10 million passengers to new lives in the New World or to exotic locales for vacations of a lifetime.
A Holland America cruise comes with its parent company's sterling reputation. It has had a distinguished record of traditional cruises, world cruises, and transatlantic crossings for years and is noted for its focus on passenger comfort. Highlights of sailing with Holland America are unsurpassed service by Indonesian staffs, guest lecture and enrichment series, Gentleman Host programs for ladies traveling alone, and a somewhat confusing "tipping not required" policy (tipping is not forbidden, it is simply understated). More recent innovations are sports and fitness oriented activities and an emphasis on family cruising.
The Holland America Way
Despite its very modern accoutrements on board, Holland America has maintained some of its more delicious traditions from its Dutch and Indonesian roots. One such tradition is afternoon tea, a Dutch Chocolate Extravaganza, and the signature Holland America bread pudding. Trays of mints, dried fruits, and candied ginger can be found outside the dining room on the Rotterdam, the line's biggest ship. Holland America tends to be staffed by either Indonesian or Filipino crewmembers, and a highlight of a Holland America Cruise on the Rotterdam is the crew show, where performances spotlight songs and dances from their homelands.
A spa vacation is not out of the question on a Holland America cruise. Like Crystal Cruises, Holland America ships have an on-board spa. On the Rotterdam, it's the Ocean Spa, which features beauty and spa rituals by Steiner Leisure (by appointment of H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth II). Soak in the sauna or a bath fragrant with herbs; let aromatic massage oils work their magic; be treated like royalty. The all-natural products in every Rotterdam suite bathroom have been carefully evaluated and found to be healthy as well as good for the environment. The organic/vegetable-based bath products use no animal testing. The attention to detail and Old World touches help to make Holland America distinctive.
Read Next 5 Articles
Windstar Cruises
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises
ResidenSea
Seabourn Cruises
Clipper Cruise Lines