Holland America

Holland America is one of the better cruise lines owned by Carnival, similar to Princess or Cunard. I travelled with all three lines and I want to provide you with some comparison. Please note that I travelled on Holland America in a full suite, what I have never done on Cunard or Princess. I had booked a mini-suite for our 33rd anniversary and I received a great upgrade offer.

My wife and I went on the Zuiderdam for a 10-day cruise to the Panama Canal in February of 2009. We booked a nice suite with a wrap-around balcony and access to the Neptune Lounge, which was a great experience. The best cabin we ever had with a huge balcony.
Service was great.
Food was great. The portions were slightly smaller than on other ships in my opinion, but that had the advantage that I did not gain any weight, although I usually double-up on the meat.
Entertainment (shows) were really good.
Great string quartet that played in a bar (I love classical music, pop music and nearly everything else, but not rap)
Holland America is NOT a party ship like Carnival, it is quiter. If this is important for you, Princess or Cunard offer more musical/dance entertainment in bars or disco, but Cunard is much more formal after 6 pm.
The suite was the best I have ever had. I love the neptunes lounge with 24 hour specialty coffees, chocolate, Concierge to book land excursions or dinner times, and great receptions with ship officers where good wines and food was served. For the 10-day cruise they also offered a special lunch with the officers and great food - and the Captain came to every passenger invited to this event.
My wife and I travelled with Holland America to the Panama Canal and there were very informative lectures several days before reaching the canal about the topic and early in the morning he was available on deck providing more information when we went into the canal and before.

You can reach Cruise Planner Christian Bellingrath at 813-992-0502 or by e-mail at