What does a Holland America cruise actually cost?
Updated 2026-07 · 5 min read
Holland America is more port-intensive itineraries than most premium lines, with a strong onboard culinary program. Quieter and more traditional, skewing toward an older, more experienced cruiser demographic. Like every premium-tier line, the advertised fare is only the starting point — here's what the rest of the trip typically adds.
What's included vs. what's extra
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Gratuities | $19 / person / day |
| Drink package | $105 / adult / day |
| Wi-Fi | $20 / day |
| Specialty dining | $60 / adult / night (typically 2 nights) |
| Shore excursions | ~$110 / adult / port |
A worked example
Two adults, balcony cabin, 7 nights, 3 ports, with the drink package, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions turned on:
| Line item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cruise fare (sticker price) | $3,885 |
| Taxes & port fees | $336 |
| Gratuities | $259 |
| Drink package | $1,470 |
| Wi-Fi | $140 |
| Specialty dining | — |
| Shore excursions | $660 |
| Travel insurance | — |
Sticker price: $3,885. Real total: $6,750 (roughly $6,075–$7,425), or about $482 per person, per night, all-in.
For a family of four (2 adults, 2 kids) on the same itinerary, the real total comes to roughly $10,066 ($9,059–$11,073).
Adjust cabin, nights, or family size for Holland America →Where Holland America sails from
Common homeports include Fort Lauderdale, Seattle, San Diego. Positioning cruises and repositioning sailings (moving a ship between seasonal regions) can carry lower fares than round-trip itineraries from the same port — worth checking if your dates are flexible.
Our take
Holland America is the premium-tier line most worth booking for the itinerary rather than the ship — its port-heavy routes justify the fare in a way its onboard amenities alone wouldn't.
Frequently asked questions
What's included in Holland America's fare?
Holland America's advertised fare covers the cabin and standard dining and entertainment only. Gratuities ($19/person/day), drink packages, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and shore excursions are all sold separately.
How much is the Holland America drink package?
Roughly $105 per adult, per day, based on typical premium-tier pricing. For two adults on a 7-night cruise that's about $1,470.
Is Holland America a good value?
Holland America is the premium-tier line most worth booking for the itinerary rather than the ship — its port-heavy routes justify the fare in a way its onboard amenities alone wouldn't.
What will a Holland America cruise actually cost?
For two adults in a balcony cabin on a 7-night, 3-port itinerary with drinks, Wi-Fi, and excursions included, expect a real total around $6,750 (roughly $6,075–$7,425) against a sticker fare of $3,885. Run your own cabin and family size in the calculator for an exact estimate.