holland america cruises internet

Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

I have good news for those of you who assume the only way to stay in touch with home from a cruise ship is via a message in a bottle: Cruise ships come equipped with internet, and cruise Wi-Fi connections have been getting faster at a rapid rate — and cheaper, too.

While checking emails and surfing the web on some vessels still requires the patience of Job, onboard technological improvements on many ships combined with new satellite and direct ship-to-shore systems is making cruise internet access much more like what you find on land.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

If you're a first-time cruiser, you're likely most concerned with the basics: Do cruise ships have Wi-Fi and how much does Wi-Fi cost on a cruise? Repeat cruisers who have paid the price for finicky service may be wondering the best way to access fast connection speeds across their devices while avoiding unnecessary charges.

I can guide you through the ins and outs of Wi-Fi on cruise ships. Here are five things to know about onboard internet before you set sail.

Wi-Fi on cruise ships will never be as fast (or reliable) as home

Yes, all cruise ships today offer an internet connection, but it might not be the seamless experience you've come to expect on land.

For most of the many years I've been writing about cruising, the typical internet connection at sea hasn't just been slow. It's been glacial. You'd click on a website only to experience many seconds of frustration. Maybe the page would come up. Maybe it wouldn't. Maybe the cruise would end while you were still sitting there.

Related: 16 mistakes cruise ship passengers make on disembarkation day

Why the slow speeds? To start, there is no Comcast cable wire running to your cruise ship. On cruise ships, every packet of data you are downloading onto your phone or computer, for the most part, is coming over a satellite, which is not a quick or inexpensive proposition.

The maritime communication companies that specialize in providing internet connections to ships have been trying to speed things up in recent years. Solutions have included adding more satellites and linking their systems to land-based towers that connect with ships as they near shore.

But, in the end, there are limits to just how well a satellite system can work. For starters, a ship needs a clear "line of sight" to a satellite to exchange data, something that isn't always the case. Cruise ships traveling through the famed Norwegian fjords, for instance, can lose their satellite signal due to the height of surrounding mountains.

And there are certain parts of the world where satellite coverage is too thin or nonexistent to allow for internet access on cruise ships. During a sailing in the Russian Arctic on a Hapag-Lloyd Cruises ship, I was forced to live without internet for a good part of a week due to a lack of satellite coverage in the area (something, I must say, was kind of wonderful).

So while onboard cruise Wi-Fi speeds are getting better, they'll never be as fast as at home, where a hard wire brings the signal straight to your router.

Onboard internet speed is getting much faster

On some cruise ships, the signal has become so much faster you now can stream Netflix from the comfort of your cabin — something that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.

New satellite systems, paired with multimillion-dollar investments in shipboard technology, really are making things better in a big way. A turning point came in 2014, when cruise giant Royal Caribbean partnered with satellite company O3b Networks to create a new onboard internet system that it claimed was six times faster than anything else at sea. Called Voom, the system tapped into new Medium Earth Orbit satellites operated by O3b that can shoot their beams directly at ships as they move.

When I ran a speed test of Voom on Adventure of the Seas, I found the line's fastest option, the Surf + Stream service, usually offered download speeds of just around 3 megabits per second. I never found download speeds exceeding 4 Mbps, but I did see it drop as low as 1.5 Mbps. While still significantly slower than many home connections, that's fast enough to enjoy Netflix and other streaming video services, though I did experience grainy video and buffering issues on occasion.

Royal Caribbean still claims Voom is the fastest and best Wi-Fi option on cruise ships today. But we're a bit skeptical – not because the Wi-Fi is slower than stated, but because other cruise lines, like Carnival Cruise Line , are quickly catching up.

Carnival cruise Wi-Fi is also fast enough to support Netflix streaming on some ships, the company says. The cruise line uses a hybrid system that combines faster satellite connections at sea with a network of less-expensive land-based towers that take over as its vessels near coastal areas.

On a sailing on one of the Carnival ships outfitted for faster internet, Carnival Sunrise , I did notice a significant improvement in cruise Wi-Fi speed. But the promised access to Netflix streaming wasn't quite as smooth as I had hoped. Clicking on a favorite show, I only could watch for a few minutes before the connection inevitably froze.

Some lines in just the last year or so have begun partnering with Elon Musk's Starlink system for speedy internet.

Related: How fast is the internet on a Celebrity cruise? We put it to the test

Cruise internet costs have gone down

Just a few years back, you had to pay a small fortune for the privilege of accessing the internet on a cruise ship. The base rate for onboard Wi-Fi for years started around 75 cents a minute. That's $45 for a single hour online!

The old pay-by-the-minute system, which could leave even modest internet users with sky-high bills, is now giving way to simpler and more affordable "all you can browse" plans on many lines.

How much does Wi-Fi cost on a cruise today? Well, the highest-speed version of Royal Caribbean's Voom connection currently costs $26.99 per day for one device. In the old days of 75 cents-a-minute pricing, that same amount of money would have gotten you just 36 minutes of web time.

Royal Caribbean also offers a slower-speed version of Voom that can't support streaming for $19.99 per day for one device. For both cruise internet packages, there are discounts for adding more devices and purchasing a package online before your sailing.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise

Another line bringing down internet costs dramatically is Carnival. At the very low end, it now offers a Social Wi-Fi plan that allows access to all the key social sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) as well as messaging services such as WhatsApp, for just $15.30 a day ($18 when purchased on board). A slightly more expensive Value Wi-Fi plan, at $19.55 per day when bought in advance ($23 per day when bought on board), adds access to email and most websites.

The line's top-tier Premium Wi-Fi plan, at $21.25 per day when bought in advance ($25 when bought onboard), triples the speed of the Value plan and adds access to VoIP calling on messaging apps and Skype (but not FaceTime). Note that you might be able to make Wi-Fi calls from an iPhone or via WhatsApp, even with the less expensive plan. Passengers who pay for a Carnival Cruise Wi-Fi plan in advance of sailing get a 15% discount.

But perhaps the biggest development in cruise internet costs in recent years is that many higher-end lines have begun offering internet access for — get this — free. Viking , Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises are among lines now including unlimited internet time in the base cost of a voyage. At some of these lines, such as Regent, you can pay extra for faster service.

Another way to get free or cheaper internet time on ships is to join cruise line loyalty programs . Many offer free cruise Wi-Fi or discounted package pricing to customers who hit mid- to upper-tier levels.

At Celebrity Cruises, for instance, the top Zenith tier in the line's Captain's Club loyalty program comes with unlimited free Premium-level internet (the fastest plan at the line). At Princess Cruises , customers can get 50 percent off MedallionNet internet packages after reaching the Platinum level in the line's Captain's Circle loyalty program (to qualify, you'll need to complete either five cruises, or 50 cruise days).

On Royal Caribbean, the path to free Internet on a cruise is through its high-end suites . Book a room in a Sky Class or Star Class suite (all suites above the junior suite level), and you'll receive free Voom.

Apps offer an alternative to paid cruise Wi-Fi

In recent years, a growing number of cruise lines have rolled out free apps for your phone that will let you make reservations for onboard restaurants, spa treatments and other services without ever leaving your pool deck lounge chair. On some ships operated by Carnival, you even can order beer and pizza to wherever you happen to be using an app.

Many of these apps also will show you a schedule of daily activities, offer ship deck plans and sometimes port maps to help you get around, and let you check your onboard account statement in real time. On Celebrity Edge and other Celebrity Cruises Edge-class ships, you can even use an app to remotely open your cabin door, change channels on the television and turn off the lights.

While all these apps work off cruise ship Wi-Fi, the good news is they don't require the purchase of a plan to use. Nor do they come with any other sort of fee — at least for most features.

At Carnival, you'll pay $5 per cruise to add a "chat" feature to the line's otherwise free HUB app that will let you communicate via text-like messages with other app-enabled passengers. Norwegian Cruise Line also requires passengers to pay a fee (currently $9.95 per cruise) to use a messaging and calling feature of its Cruise Norwegian app.

Cruise internet tip: Use airplane mode to avoid unwanted charges

Whether or not you're purchasing a Wi-Fi plan on a cruise ship, I have one very strong piece of advice: Put your phone in airplane mode the moment you step on board the vessel and leave it that way for the duration of the sailing.

This is the safest way to avoid unwanted data charges, which can be enormous. (Remember the story of a family that racked up $14,000 in data charges on a cruise?)

As many cruisers have found the hard way, international phone plans such as AT&T's $10-a-day International Day Pass do not apply to cruise ships at sea. If you let your AT&T phone roam while you're on a vessel, you'll pay $2.05 per megabyte of data — even if your base plan at home offers you unlimited data. You'll also pay $3 per minute to make a call, $0.50 per text and $1.30 to send a photo. All that adds up very quickly.

AT&T does offer a " Cruise Plus " plan for a flat fee of $100 that allows unlimited talk and text during sailings up to 30 days in duration. But it only comes with 1 gigabyte of data (which may seem like a lot until you start streaming movies), with any overage billing at a still-hefty $10 per 100 megabytes. It's also not available on every ship. More than 175 vessels are part of the program.

If you insist on leaving your cellular service on during a cruise, you should at least disable any apps running in the background (as they'll be eating up data, and running up your bill) and disable email auto-check.

Personally, I find it easier to just hit the airplane mode button. Once in airplane mode, I reactivate the Wi-Fi feature on my phone to access the cruise Wi-Fi, and sign up for a shipboard plan that will let me stay in touch by email or a VoIP service like WhatsApp.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

Holland America Completes Installation of Starlink Internet Fleetwide

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: December 19, 2023  - Last updated: December 20, 2023

All Holland America cruise ships are now equipped with high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi, improving internet connectivity across all eleven ships.

Holland America Line has announced that the cruise line completed the installation of SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet on each of the 11 ships in its fleet. Starlink is a leading provider of global high-speed internet using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology.

The news comes after parent company Carnival Corporation ‘s announcement in January 2023 that Starlink would be installed on all ships across its collection of cruise lines. Holland America announced in October that the satellite Wi-Fi had been installed aboard half of its fleet.

In April 2023, Holland America installed Starlink broadband on Koningsdam , the first cruise ship in the fleet to receive the upgrade. The cruise line claims that connectivity has greatly improved across the fleet, especially in areas where weather, geography, or port interference can lower bandwidth and quality.

During a drydock in mid-December, Nieuw Amsterdam was the final HAL ship equipped with the technology.

“Holland America Line’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies underscores our dedication to delivering an exceptional experience to our guests and team members,” said Gus Antorcha , president, of Holland America Line.

“The successful integration of Starlink represents a strategic move to embrace innovation and elevate connectivity and convenience while cruising,” Antorcha continued in a press release .

Holland America’s guests and crew report Starlink “better than expected”

According to the brand, guests and team members across Holland America’s fleet have noticed the improvement in connectivity. Since installing Starlink, HAL reports increased satisfaction scores along with stronger bandwidth in key regions.

“We’ve heard from guests the new Starlink high-speed internet is better than they expected while cruising,” said Kathleen Erickson , VP of technology for Holland America Line.

“For guests who are working remotely from our ships, it has been a game-changer. And for team members who rely on internet to stay connected with family back home, this is an important improvement.”

The switch to Starlink internet means that cruisers can expect a more dependable connection in all weather and location conditions. High-speed internet allows passengers on board to keep in touch with friends and family at home or even work remotely in places like Alaska, where traditional technology can be interfered with by weather and mountains. The ships’ connectivity has also improved in other difficult places, such as ocean crossings and sailings in the Amazon, Antarctica, and Chile.

Related: How to Text on a Cruise Ship for Free

More news about Holland America

Have you used Starlink internet on Holland America or another cruise line? I’d love to hear what you think about it in the comments below!

• Recent Posts

• Carnival Cruise Line Salutes Military Women During Inaugural Fleet Week in Miami - May 10, 2024
• Holland America’s Culinary Teams Will Be Alaska Seafood University Certified - May 9, 2024
• Carnival’s Celebration Key Construction Empowering Grand Bahamian Workforce - May 8, 2024

Related posts:

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Holland America Line: The Complete Cruise Guide

Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020. She previously wrote about travel and credit cards for The New York Times and its sibling site, Wirecutter.

Outside of work, she loves fitness, and she competes in both powerlifting and weightlifting (she can deadlift more than triple bodyweight). Naturally, her travels always involve a fitness component, including a week of cycling up the coastline of Vietnam and a camping trip to the Arctic Circle, where she biked over the sea ice. Other adventures have included hiking 25 miles in one day through Italy's Cinque Terre and climbing the 1,260 steps to Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi, Thailand.

She lives in San Francisco.

Giselle M. Cancio is an editor for the travel rewards team at NerdWallet. She has traveled to over 30 states and 20 countries, redeeming points and miles for almost a decade. She has over eight years of experience in journalism and content development across many topics.

She has juggled many roles in her career: writer, editor, social media manager, producer, on-camera host, videographer and photographer. She has been published in several media outlets and was selected to report from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

She frequents national parks and is on her way to checking all 30 Major League Baseball parks off her list. When she's not on a plane or planning her next trip, she's crafting, reading, playing board games, watching sports or trying new recipes.

She is based in Miami.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

Is a Holland America cruise right for you?

Holland america destinations, holland america ships, holland america: how much does it cost, is cruising with holland america worth it.

Holland America Line’s current fleet includes 11 ships, which are mostly midsize. They visit all seven continents, with stops in the Caribbean, Tahiti, the Mediterranean, Antarctica and more. Its Alaska presence is especially strong, and Holland America claims it has visited Glacier Bay National Park more than any other cruise operator.

Holland America’s parent company is Carnival Cruise Line , which acquired Holland America in 1989. But while Carnival touts offerings like the “first roller coaster at sea” on its flagship brand, Holland America is for folks with — let’s call it — more refined tastes.

Here’s your guide to Holland America, including amenities, costs and how you might save money on your next sailing.

Many ships feature a library. (Photo by Sally French)

Here are some types of people best suited for Holland America:

Travelers ready for relaxation rather than partying

Though open to travelers of any age (infants must be at least six months old to embark on most cruises), Holland America caters to the mature set.

Unlike Disney Cruises or Royal Caribbean ships, which are laden with waterslides, flashy designs and high-energy shows, Holland America is more subdued. Its most lively entertainment includes a casino, trivia nights and live music. Children or adult travelers seeking maximum stimulation might be less enthused.

But relaxed cruisers seeking peace might find it here.

Cruisers who prefer a ship that’s not too big yet not too small

The salon. (Photo by Sally French)

Every Holland America ship has a gym, portrait studio, sports courts, a spa, salon and multiple pools. On a short three-night cruise, you could eat three meals a day at a different restaurant and never hit them all. The largest ship has 10 restaurants, not including snack spots like the café and gelato shop.

Still, Holland America ships are relatively small. While Royal Caribbean’s behemoth Icon of the Seas ship has more than two dozen restaurants and a capacity for 5,610 guests, Holland America’s largest ship, Rotterdam, accommodates 2,668 guests.

Holland America covers almost 100 countries or territories and more than 470 ports, including stops in the Amazon and Antarctica.

For its 2025-26 cruise season, Holland America will operate in 11 countries in Asia alone. The primary focus is Japan, where it will dock in 24 ports around the country.

Mexico and Panama Canal cruises are also big. The 2025-26 cruise season adds a new stop at the port of Acajutla, El Salvador, on most Panama sailings. Meanwhile, two ships will offer Mexico itineraries with stops including Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.

(Photo courtesy of Holland America)

The 2025-26 season brings an iconic Pacific Northwest itinerary that hasn’t been offered in decades. Dubbed the “Great Bear Rainforest,” the seven-day itinerary departs from Seattle and includes stops in Ketchikan, Alaska. Expect to see whales, eagles and potentially bears.

Explore all the current Holland America destinations .

Here’s a breakdown of all 11 Holland America ships, sorted by largest to smallest guest capacity:

Suites feature whirlpool bathtubs. (Photo by Sally French)

The smallest, two-guest rooms are about 143 square feet, though suites are easily double that. The smallest suite, the Vista Suite, ranges from 260-356 square feet. For maximum space (and service), book the Pinnacle Suite, which fills roughly 1,290 square feet. High-end suites include frills like whirlpool bathtubs, vanities, dressing rooms, decks and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Holland America also caters to solo travelers by offering single-person staterooms that are as small as 127 square feet.

Whether you choose a lavish suite or an inside stateroom, expect fairly upscale accommodations.

Holland America food

Larger ships have a dozen or more eateries. Some restaurants operate on every ship, such as Canaletto (a casual Italian restaurant) and Lido Market (which serves meals in an all-you-can-eat, cafeteria-style setting).

All you can eat

Meals at The Dining Room are included with your cruise fare — a rare exception for fine dining restaurants on Holland America. (Photo by Sally French)

Most casual restaurants are complimentary and all-you-can-eat, included in your cruise fare.

While most restaurants cost extra, the exception is The Dining Room. Its multicourse dinners feature rotating, elevated menu items (such as lamb loin). As part of a partnership with Masaharu Morimoto, The Dining Room serves dishes similar to those in Morimoto’s restaurants.

No matter your cabin class, 24-hour room service is complimentary, delivering items such as salads and sandwiches.

With beverages, the free stuff is generally limited to the basics like water, tea and coffee. Sodas, specialty coffees, mocktails and alcohol cost extra.

What food costs extra?

Aside from The Dining Room, waiter-service restaurants cost extra. Some operate an à la carte model, such as Nami Sushi. There, entrees cost about $15, while sushi rolls run about $5 each.

Others charge fixed prices. For example, dinner at Pinnacle Grill, a steakhouse, costs an additional $46 per person. Certain items also have an additional charge (caviar costs an extra $50).

Though the additional charges might be annoying, they can be considered a deal relative to dining at a steakhouse on land.

In addition to fancy restaurants, some casual dining options (including the cafés and gelato shop) incur an extra fee.

For free ice cream, head to Lido Market, where you can DIY dessert at the ice cream station.

Holland America drink packages

On Holland America, you'll need to purchase a drink package to sip from these soda machines. (Photo by Sally French)

For beverages beyond the basics, buy them individually or through a drink package.

The soda-only package entails unlimited fountain drinks for $8 per person, per day.

The Quench package costs $17.95 per person, per day and includes sodas, premium coffee (like lattes), juice, mocktails and bottled water. It’s technically not unlimited, but there's plenty to go around with a 15-drink daily limit.

For packages with alcohol, you’ll owe at least $55 per person, per day (premium spirits cost more). Again, there’s a 15-drink daily cap.

Is the food any good?

Food quality varies. Lido Market is your run-of-the-mill buffet but other restaurants are generally excellent (just note the surcharge).

For example, dinner at Canaletto costs $25 extra per person and includes pasta and gelato — both made fresh on board.

Holland America also has some food options from famous chefs. The first Morimoto By Sea opened aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam, bringing the award-winning restaurant chain to sea.

A spread of items served at a Morimoto pop-up restaurant on the Koningsdam. (Photo by Sally French)

Holland America activities

The art gallery on the Koningsdam. (Photo by Sally French)

Holland America activities are pretty tame, such as live music and wine tasting.

A music venue. (Photo by Sally French)

Every ship features World Stage, a theater hosting entertainment like expert lecturer talks and dance performances. Ships also have at least one lounge or club, such as Rolling Stone Rock Room or B.B. King’s Blues Club.

A shuffleboard court on the Koningsdam. (Photo by Sally French)

Every ship has a casino, spa, fitness center and outdoor sport courts, including pickleball courts. After all, Holland America is the exclusive cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association.

Holland America Kids Club

Most cruises offer a kids club with crafts, video games and scavenger hunts.

Kid-friendly offerings are extremely limited (especially compared with competitors like Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line ) so don’t expect many kids onboard. Many cruisers consider the lack of kids one of Holland America’s best features.

Which Holland America ship is best?

Because amenities are so similar on every ship, it’s hard to pick one best ship. But here are some factors to consider:

If you want the most options: Rotterdam is the largest (and has the most restaurants).

If you want the newest ship: The Rotterdam is also the newest ship, which first set sail in 2021. Newer ships often (though not always) mean better layouts and up-to-date fixtures.

If you prioritize smaller ships: Volendam and Zaandam are the smallest.

If you want to live on a ship: Two ships, Volendam and Zuiderdam, carry out the Grand Voyages and World Cruises, which sail around the world for months. Zuiderdam is slightly larger than Volendam — offering more guest rooms and entertainment venues.

The Crow's Nest offers a lounge for relaxing and panoramic views. (Photo by Sally French)

According to a NerdWallet analysis of more than 100 Holland America cruise itineraries through 2024, the average seven-night, inside stateroom starts at $646 per person. That figure assumes double occupancy (so a couple sharing a room would owe about $1,300), but doesn’t account for extra fees, including taxes and gratuities, or optional add-ons like beverages or Wi-Fi.

Suites can easily cost double that (or far more). For example, the average Vista Suite (the lowest class of suites), averaged $1,322 per person for a seven-night trip. The fanciest of the suites, the Neptune Suite, averaged $2,766 per person.

An inside stateroom on the Koningsdam. (Photo by Sally French)

Prices can also vary widely by region. Here were the average prices per person for seven-night journeys (assuming inside staterooms with double occupancy), broken down by major regions:

California coast: $349.

Alaska: $413.

Caribbean: $609.

Mediterranean: $909.

Northern Europe: $972.

Other costs

The dessert spread at the Morimoto pop-up restaurant on the Koningsdam. (Photo by Sally French)

That’s the base fare, but anticipate other expenses, including:

Taxes, fees and port expenses: Holland America passes on fees and taxes imposed by governments or port operators. Expect a few hundred dollars added to your base rate. 

Gratuity/tip: An automatic $17 ‘Crew Appreciation’ charge is added per stateroom guest, per day. For guests in suites, it’s $19. Though automatically added, you can adjust the figure upon settling your bill at checkout.

Service charge: Add-ons like beverages, speciality meals and spa services incur an 18% service charge.

Ability to choose your stateroom: For those who want to sleep closest to the best deck on a cruise ship , there’s an additional fee to select your specific stateroom, though prices vary by cruise.

Some activities: Certain activities incur extra costs, such as spa treatments. 

Shore excursions: Upon docking, you’re free to exit the ship and roam around on your own, but Holland America sells curated shore excursions, too, that easily cost more than $100 per person. Prices vary by excursion. In Maui, you can tour a pineapple plantation for $190, while a behind-the-scenes tour of the Maui Ocean Center costs $560. Although you can book excursions through third parties, beware. Benefits of booking through Holland America include early departure and a guaranteed return.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi starts at roughly $22 per day depending on cruise length. More robust Wi-Fi (such as streaming capabilities) costs more than $30 per day.

Specialty dining and drinks: Specialty restaurants — as well as most beverages beyond basics such as coffee, tea and water — cost extra.

Is the Have It All premium cruise package worth it?

For the latter three items — shore excursions, Wi-Fi, speciality dining and drinks — the Have It All premium cruise package may be worth it.

Packages vary depending on the cruise length. Here’s what’s included:

NerdWallet analyzed dozens of Holland America cruise fares. On average, here’s how much money you would save, depending on the cruise length:

In every data point in NerdWallet’s analysis, the Have It All package ended up cheaper than buying all of those things a la carte. But consider what you really need. If you only drink one alcoholic beverage per day, the $55 beverage package probably isn’t worth it.

How to save on a Holland America cruise

Cruise last-minute: The Last Minute Cruise Deals page lists discounted sailings within the next 60-90 days. However, don’t overlook other costs such as potentially-expensive, last-minute airfare.

Scout out promotions: Holland America’s general deals page is the spot for Black Friday cruise deals or other seasonal promotions.

Refer a friend: Holland America regularly runs a referral program where you might get a cruise credit if your friend enters your name in the referral form.

Become an AARP member: AARP members can earn up to $200 in stateroom credits. Actual amounts depend on room type and cruise length. Considering AARP membership costs $16 annually (and potentially less if you commit to more than one year), joining pays for itself based on the cruise credit alone.

Should you purchase travel insurance for a Holland America cruise?

Holland America sells a cancellation protection plan, which allows you to cancel your cruise for any reason. It’s called the Holland America Line Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP). Unlike traditional insurance plans that require proof (e.g., a doctor’s note confirming illness) or have tons of fine print around reasons the insurer doesn’t have to pay out, CPP is convenient because it lets you cancel for truly any reason.

Plans start at $79, but can run higher depending on coverage and trip length.

The cheapest plan, Standard, requires you cancel at least 24 hours before departure. The Platinum Plan lets you cancel any time up to departure. Neither gets you a full refund though. The Standard Plan refunds up to 80% of your total cost, and Platinum refunds up to 90%.

The Platinum Plan also covers potential costs such as emergency medical and dental care, coverage for lost or delayed bags and trip delay insurance.

Be sure to compare prices with third-party insurance providers , and don’t overlook credit card coverage. Some credit cards offer travel insurance benefits on cruises purchased with that card. While credit cards likely won’t offer Cancel For Any Reason coverage, some plans are still quite comprehensive.

Is the Holland America credit card worth it?

The Holland America Line Rewards Visa® Card has a $0 annual fee, so it’s hard to knock it. It earns 2 points per $1 spent on Holland America purchases and 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else. There are also no foreign transaction fees.

Redemptions are somewhat complex and restricted to mostly Holland America purchases. That’s far more limiting than other credit cards which let you redeem points for cash back or for a wider range of travel .

Plus, most redemptions on the Holland America Line Rewards Visa® Card are worth just 1 cent per point. Considering some points on travel credit cards can be redeemed for more than 2 cents per dollar, you’re likely better off using another travel credit card.

on Chase's website

on Bank of America's website

on Citibank's application

• 10 points per $1 on Chase Dining, hotel stays and car rentals purchased through Chase.

• 5 points per $1 on air travel purchased through Chase.

• 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining not booked with Chase.

• 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

• 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center.

• 3 points per $1 on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending on Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

• 10 ThankYou® points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through the Citi Travel site.

• 3 points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases.

• 3 points per $1 on supermarkets.

• 3 points per $1 on gas stations and EV charging stations.

• 3 points per $1 on restaurants.

$300 annual travel credit .

$325 annual credit.

$100 in airline incidental statement credits.

This card does not offer a travel credit benefit.

The casino. (Photo by Sally French)

Holland America offers a traditional and elegant cruise experience. The emphasis on high-quality dining makes it good for foodies — just note that the best restaurants cost extra. Crowds are mature, which is a pro or a con depending on the level of entertainment, nightlife and energy you seek.

Families or people seeking high stimulation and constant entertainment should skip it. Additionally, budget travelers might find the additional charges aggravating (though additional charges are common across pretty much any cruise line).

In short, cruisers who value sophisticated service, delicious food, and exploration may love Holland America.

(Top photo courtesy of Holland America)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Carnival’s Weinstein: Starlink is a Game Changer

• June 28, 2024

Carnival Corporation is now using SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet on its entire fleet after completing the roll out across all ships in May.

According to the company’s president and CEO, Josh Weinstein, the service is a game-changer for the company’s onboard connectivity.

“We completed the rollout of Starlink this quarter, another revenue uplift opportunity and a real game-changer for our onboard connectivity experience, enabling us to deliver the same high-speed Wi-Fi service available on land throughout our fleet,” he said during the company’s second quarter earnings call.

“Not only does this technology provide our guests with more flexibility to stay connected, it enables our crew to stay in touch with friends and loved ones, and it enhances our onboard operational systems, a win-win-win,” he added.

Weinstein said that the enhanced connectivity is part of Carnival Corporation’s strategy for its onboard experience, which is leading the company to reinvest in bandwidth.

“We’re spending more on bandwidth than we ever have, and it’s generating outsized returns because people love the service. It’s land like and it’s something people are willing to pay for,” he explained.

“So, there’s examples up and down the P&L where we’re very happy to reinvest to drive the right behaviors to get the revenue that we’re looking for.”

Carnival Corporation began its fleetwide rollout of Starlink in December 2022 with Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises ships.

The company’s other brands, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises Australia, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises UK and Cunard, followed later.

According to the company, the Starlink service allows guests to use the high-speed, low-latency connectivity to stay connected while onboard, streaming content and working remotely.

Brands like Holland America Line announced a strong surge in guest satisfaction after the introduction of the service.

Seabourn also highlighted positive feedback about the service, which is also available in remote parts of the world onboard its two expedition ships.

Cruise Industry News Email Alerts

• Breaking News

Get the latest breaking  cruise news .  Sign up.

62 Ships | 142,732 Berths | $46.7 Billion | View

Highlights:

• Mkt. Overview
• Record Year
• Refit Schedule
• PDF Download
• Order Today

• 2033 Industry Outlook 
• All Operators
• Easy to Use
• Instant Access
• Advertising
• Cruise News
• Magazine Articles
• Quarterly Magazine
• Annual Report
• Email Newsletter
• Executive Guide
• Digital Reports

Privacy Overview

You can spend two months exploring Japan, more for $8K on this cruise

If Japan is on your travel bucket list, why not take the scenic route?

Holland America Line’s new Majestic Japan cruise will take guests there and back over nearly two months in 2024. During the 53-day cruise, one of the cruise line’s Legendary Voyages , passengers will also visit Alaska and Hawaii and Canada, and feature multiple overnight stays.

“This cruise allows us to offer Japan ‘from your doorstep’ with no more than a domestic air flight to Seattle,” Paul Grigsby, the line’s Vice President of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, said in a statement.

Here’s what travelers can expect.

When is Holland America Line’s Majestic Japan cruise?

The Majestic Japan cruise will sail round-trip from Seattle on Sept. 1, 2024, on the line’s 1,964-passenger Westerdam ship.

Where will the cruise sail?

The cruise will make its first stop in Vancouver. Passengers can then take in views of glaciers in Alaska’s Inside Passage and Stephens Passage, before visiting ports including Juneau and Sitka.

“Because we can linger on our way, we have chosen to visit some of the best ports in Alaska, including Kodiak and Dutch Harbor, before landing at Kushiro, Hokkaido as (the) first port of call in Japan,” Grigsby said. Other ports include Yokohama and Kobe, where the ship will stay overnight, Kochi and Hiroshima.

Bring the bikini, leave the kids: 4 things to know about sailing with Virgin Voyages

Guests can visit sites like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial , and Grigsby said travelers may also see leaves turning in the high country around Mount Tateyama.

The rest of the itinerary will include stops in Kanazawa and Nagasaki, views of Iwo Jima, an overnight stay in Honolulu and more.

How much does the cruise cost?

The sailing currently starts at $8,084 per person based on double occupancy, according to Holland America’s website .

The fares include the majority of food on board, drinks like regular coffee and tea and more.

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

Card Accounts

Business Accounts

Other Accounts and Payments

Tools and Support

Personal Cards

Business Credit Cards

Corporate Programs

Personal Savings

Personal Checking and Loans

Business Banking

Book And Manage Travel

Travel Inspiration

Business Travel

Services and Support

Benefits and Offers

Manage Membership

Business Services

Checking & Payment Products

Funding Products

Merchant Services

2025 Grand Voyages

Holland America Grand Voyages offer more ports, longer stays and luxurious overnights ashore. Call on favored and far-flung destinations, visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites and delve deeper into the culture and heritage of each extraordinary locale. On board you'll enjoy special events, expert-led activities and authentic regional cuisine. Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of ocean travel as you embark on the journey of a lifetime. With two amazing options for 2025 you can see the world on the 133-day Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole. Or enjoy an amazing westward route on the 124-day Grand World Voyage.

Insider Tip

Multi-Day 124+ days

With the Cruise Privileges Program, Platinum Card® Members who book an eligible sailing through American Express Travel® can enjoy valuable benefits, † including:

• Up to $300 onboard credit per stateroom
• One amenity unique to each cruise line per stateroom
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on eligible bookings 

† Ship and stateroom exclusions apply, please see full terms and conditions for details.

Enjoy special offers on select cruises and custom vacations when you book through American Express Travel® by 7/16/24. Terms apply.

Share a few details about your dream trip and we’ll contact you to plan the rest.

You might also be interested in:

Step into the MSC Yacht Club, your sanctuary at sea. Here, elegant suites, curated fine dining, and an elevated experience await you on a vacation that’s a step above.

*Terms and Conditions

Cruise Privileges Program Cruise Privileges Program (“CPP”) benefits are valid only for new CPP bookings made with participating cruise lines through American Express Travel. CPP benefits are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion ® Card Members (Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Card Members are not eligible). CPP bookings must be made using the eligible Card. CPP benefits are non-transferable. Participating cruise lines and program benefits are subject to change. The benefits of an onboard credit and amenity are valid for new CPP bookings of at least five nights and require double occupancy; the eligible Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked; the total cost of the CPP booking must be paid using an American Express ® Card in the eligible Card Member's name. Onboard credits and amenities cannot be combined with other offers unless indicated; blackout dates, category and fare restrictions may apply. Onboard credits and amenities may not be available to residents outside of the 50 United States. Onboard credits and amenities apply per stateroom, with a three-stateroom limit per eligible Card Member, per cruise. For new CPP bookings with Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit (in USD) of: $100 for inside and outside staterooms, $200 for balcony, verandah, and mini-suite staterooms, and/or $300 for suites. For new CPP bookings with Cunard, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit (in USD) of: $300 for all Queen Mary ocean-view staterooms category EF or higher, and/or Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth ocean-view staterooms category FA or higher. For new CPP bookings with Ama Waterways, Oceania, Regent, Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea, Uniworld, Windstar and Explora Journeys, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit of US$300 for all stateroom categories. For new CPP bookings, Centurion Members receive an additional US$200 onboard credit on Explora Journeys, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, and Silversea. Onboard credits will be applied at checkout upon completion of the cruise; credit amounts in local currency may vary due to foreign exchange rates; credits are subject to cruise line terms and policies; credits cannot be used for casino charges, gratuities, or other similar charges. Any unused portion of a credit is non-refundable and is not redeemable for cash. Other restrictions may apply. Onboard amenities vary by participating cruise line and are not available on Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos, and Silver Discoverer. Onboard credits and amenities are not available on Celebrity Cruises Galapagos sailings.

Extra Membership Rewards ® points: CPP-eligible Card Members that are Membership Rewards program-enrolled will receive one (1) extra Membership Reward ® point per eligible dollar spent on new CPP bookings made with participating cruise lines through American Express Travel; separate airfare and other charges associated with such bookings are not eligible. CPP bookings must be made using the eligible Card (described above). The extra points will be credited to the Card Member’s Membership Rewards account 8-12 weeks after completion of the CPP cruise. For more information visit membershiprewards.com/terms .

Platinum Destinations ® Vacations Platinum Destinations ® Vacations (“PDV”) benefits are valid only for new bookings made with participating suppliers through American Express Travel. Participating suppliers and PDV benefits are subject to change. Benefits cannot be combined with other offers unless indicated. Benefits are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion ® Card Members (Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Card Members are not eligible). PDV bookings must be made using the eligible Card and eligible Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. PDV-eligible Card Members that are Membership Rewards program-enrolled will receive one (1) extra Membership Reward ® point per eligible dollar spent on PDV bookings; separate airfare and other charges associated with PDV bookings are not eligible. Extra points will be credited to the Card Member’s Membership Rewards account within 8-12 weeks after completion of the PDV travel. For more information visit membershiprewards.com/terms.

Membership Rewards Program Terms and Conditions for the Membership Rewards ® program apply. Visit membershiprewards.com/terms for more information. Participating partners and available rewards are subject to change without notice.

The value of Membership Rewards points varies according to how you choose to use them. To learn more, go to www.membershiprewards.com/pointsinfo .

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. is acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. Certain suppliers pay us commission and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals and may provide incentives to our Travel Consultants. For more information visit www.americanexpress.com/travelterms .

California CST#1022318; Washington UBI#600-469-694

The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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

• Holland America Line

Hint - Switching Devices if you signed up for internet plan that only allows one device

By Smokeyham , August 16, 2021 in Holland America Line

Recommended Posts

Here is something that I learned about halfway through our cruise.  If you sign up for an internet plan on HAL that only allows for one device at a time then there are ways to switch which device is active.

1. If you are switching cell phones, or from your laptop to a cell phone - go to the Navigator app and go the internet connection page in the App.  When you attempt to connect it will ask if you want to disconnect the other device.  Tell it that you wish to do so and it will connect your new device.

2.  If you want to connect a laptop and were previously using another laptop or a cell phone.  First, connect to the on board wifi.  Then type in "navigator.hollandamerica.com" in your browser.  Similar to the above, this will take you to a page that will ask if you want to disconnect your prior connected device.  Staff at the customer services desk said that the preferred browser is Chrome. FYI....  Our experience, and that of many others on the cruises to Alaska has been very slow and sporadic internet service.   

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

50 minutes ago, Smokeyham said: Hi,   Here is something that I learned about halfway through our cruise.  If you sign up for an internet plan on HAL that only allows for one device at a time then there are ways to switch which device is active.   1. If you are switching cell phones, or from your laptop to a cell phone - go to the Navigator app and go the internet connection page in the App.  When you attempt to connect it will ask if you want to disconnect the other device.  Tell it that you wish to do so and it will connect your new device.   2.  If you want to connect a laptop and were previously using another laptop or a cell phone.  First, connect to the on board wifi.  Then type in "navigator.hollandamerica.com" in your browser.  Similar to the above, this will take you to a page that will ask if you want to disconnect your prior connected device.  Staff at the customer services desk said that the preferred browser is Chrome. FYI....  Our experience, and that of many others on the cruises to Alaska has been very slow and sporadic internet service.   

Thanks for the tip! I was wondering how I would switch from iphone to laptop.   

it is interesting that they say Chome is the preferred browser since connecting through the app takes you to Bing. 

3 hours ago, Boytjie said: Thanks for the tip! I was wondering how I would switch from iphone to laptop.    it is interesting that they say Chome is the preferred browser since connecting through the app takes you to Bing. 

Peter, that would depend on your device settings. Navigator does not know which browsers you have available and just uses the default

maryandmarge

6 hours ago, Smokeyham said: Hi,   Here is something that I learned about halfway through our cruise.  If you sign up for an internet plan on HAL that only allows for one device at a time then there are ways to switch which device is active.   1. If you are switching cell phones, or from your laptop to a cell phone - go to the Navigator app and go the internet connection page in the App.  When you attempt to connect it will ask if you want to disconnect the other device.  Tell it that you wish to do so and it will connect your new device.   2.  If you want to connect a laptop and were previously using another laptop or a cell phone.  First, connect to the on board wifi.  Then type in "navigator.hollandamerica.com" in your browser.  Similar to the above, this will take you to a page that will ask if you want to disconnect your prior connected device.  Staff at the customer services desk said that the preferred browser is Chrome. FYI....  Our experience, and that of many others on the cruises to Alaska has been very slow and sporadic internet service.   

Is it the same thing if I want to switch from my IPhone to my IPad?  

Couple of cruises ago DW & I 'shared' an internet plan.  I discovered very quickly to advise her if I intended to 'drop' her internet connection and connect my phone.    😱 😇

1 hour ago, VMax1700 said: Couple of cruises ago DW & I 'shared' an internet plan.  I discovered very quickly to advise her if I intended to 'drop' her internet connection and connect my phone.    😱 😇

We have always done that, too.  I usually buy the internet first, and if Pat wants to use it he has to log out of the Navigator as himself, and then log in again as me, and then he can bump my device off and get on the internet himself.  

• 2 months later...

On 8/16/2021 at 7:47 AM, Vict0riann said:   We have always done that, too.  I usually buy the internet first, and if Pat wants to use it he has to log out of the Navigator as himself, and then log in again as me, and then he can bump my device off and get on the internet himself.  

Thank  you so so much for the tip on how to switch between phones.  We were going crazy trying to figure how to do this.

On 8/16/2021 at 10:47 AM, Vict0riann said:   We have always done that, too.  I usually buy the internet first, and if Pat wants to use it he has to log out of the Navigator as himself, and then log in again as me, and then he can bump my device off and get on the internet himself.  

Ditto. We do the same unless we get it included (which is rare).

Previously we only purchased one internet plan between us and switched users, as mentioned above.

This time we both had internet as part of HIA, so I took my laptop.  I found that I was able to connect my laptop to my phone (Dell to Samsung) using an USB cable and selecting 'USB Tethering' in the phone's settings.  This meant that I didn't have to change users every time I wanted to use internet on the laptop.

I did test a voice call between DW and my phone (when using USB tethering) and it worked.  But thinking it through afterwards I realised that we had both been in the stateroom and using wifi calling so it may have just been the ship's wifi that allowed the phone call.

On 8/16/2021 at 1:53 AM, Boytjie said: it is interesting that they say Chome is the preferred browser since connecting through the app takes you to Bing. 

Chrome is the application (Internet Browser), Bing is the search engine - Apples & Oranges

• 1 year later...

Can I switch back and force between my cell phone and laptop? Thanks 

4 minutes ago, Wingsnut said: Can I switch back and force between my cell phone and laptop? Thanks 

Yes.  When they say one device, what's really meant is that you can only have one session open at a time on your internet account.

Coolcruise02

Thanks for the tip!

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• Special Event: Q&A with Laura Hodges Bethge, President Celebrity Cruises
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail on Sun Princess®
• Hurricane Zone 2024
• Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com June 2024
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 6 hours ago

LauraS · Started 12 hours ago

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 06:50 PM

LauraS · Started June 27

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...