Considered a leader in premium cruising experiences, Holland American Line secures the top spot once again thanks to winning eight Readers’ Choice Awards from Porthole Cruise Magazine in 2013.
The awards included three for best itinerary for Alaska, Canada/New England, and Central America Itineraries. The other awards include Best Shore Excursions, Best Medical Facilities, Best Facilities for Physically Challenged Passengers, Best Private Island for Half Moon Cay and Best Private Island Cabana for Half Moon Cay, the line’s exclusive island in the Bahamas.
The executives of the company, a division of Carnival Corporation, noted that these are the best awards because they are chosen by the passengers and seasoned cruise ship travelers who have seen it all and tried it all. Winning their vote reflects well on the cruise ship operator’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional cruise experiences across their 15 ships that offer more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories, or dependencies.
Some of the highlights that set Holland American Line apart from the other premium cruise line services include:
- Half Moon Cay: As the industry’s Best Private Island. Half Moon Cay is an incredible playground that offers a 700-acre lagoon, a Captain Morgan on the Rocks Island Bar, stingray encounter and nature and adventure excursions across the private island. Located here are also its stable of 15 exclusive beach-front cabanas and five two-story villas. The villas air-conditioning, a refrigerator, ceiling fan, deck chairs and a misting shower on the private terrace as well as a five-person hot tub on the upper level and private sun decks.
- Top Itineraries: The cruise line has unique and diverse itineraries that include Alaska’s
Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, and Alaska’s famed Inside Passage. New Land + Sea Journeys blend the best of both worlds, including a Holland America Line cruise and an overland tour to Denali National Park. Its Canada and New England itineraries include a wide range of historic seaport tours. Finally, its Central American itineraries include many tours of nature and the indigenous cultures as well as take the passengers through the Panama Canal. - State-of-the-Art Medical Facilities and Facilities for Physically Challenged Passengers: It has received awards for its accessibility and accommodation of guests with many special needs. The cruise ships also have state-of-the-art shipboard medical facilities and equipment.
In addition, Holland American Line is known for its culinary experiences, cooking classes and demonstrations, technology and digital offering, special clubs for kids and teens, and its new stateroom features, such as flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream Beds.
