Holland America Vs. Princess: Which Cruise Line Is Better?

While Holland America and Princess both offer amazing cruise vacations, the way you experience life on board is very different. Holland America attracts travelers who enjoy a quieter, more traditional atmosphere, with fine dining and live music in the evenings. Princess tends to draw a more active crowd, including families and younger travelers, with lots of activities and tech-friendly features. Both lines have modern ships and global itineraries, so your choice comes down to the vibe you want and the way you like to spend your time at sea.

Holland America is perfect if you enjoy classic cruising with thoughtful dining and music performances. Princess adds extra energy with more activities and smart technology to make life on board easier. Both lines welcome different kinds of travelers, from couples to families, so the real question is which style fits your mood and travel plans best.

Choosing Holland America vs. Princess is more about taste than quality. One offers a calmer, refined experience, while the other keeps things lively and interactive. You can find quiet corners or join exciting events on either ship but knowing the kind of vacation you want makes the decision much easier and helps you enjoy every moment on board.

Size & Age Comparison: Princess Cruises vs. Holland America

Princess Cruises and Holland America belong to the same parent company, but their fleets are very different. Princess has 16 ships, with another, Star Princess, arriving in October 2025. Its newest ships carry up to 4,300 passengers, making them among the biggest in the premium category. Holland America, with 11 ships, sails smaller vessels that hold between 1,400 and 2,668 guests. The difference in ship size highlights Princess’s focus on variety and Holland America’s focus on a more intimate feel.

Holland America Line (11 Ships)

Princess Cruises (16 Ships + 1 on order)

Accommodations Comparison: Princess Cruises vs. Holland America

When it comes to cruise accommodations, both Princess Cruises and Holland America offer a wide variety of staterooms and suites to suit different travel styles. Princess tends to focus on a modern setup with tech-friendly perks, while Holland America emphasizes classic touches and more spacious layouts. Both lines provide everything from cozy interior cabins to expansive suites with balconies and extra perks, so guests can choose based on their comfort, budget, and travel needs.

Holland America Accommodations

Holland America also divides its staterooms into Interior, Oceanview, Verandah, and Suites. Interior cabins start at about 141 to 225 square feet, offering flexible layouts with sitting areas, flat-screen TVs, and signature Mariner’s Dream beds. While simple, they’re designed with a warm, classic style that feels more traditional than Princess’s modern look.

Verandah staterooms on Holland America ships range from 213 to 379 square feet, giving travelers a private balcony, sitting area, and more storage. These cabins include features like Elemis bath products and premium bedding, adding a touch of luxury even in mid-tier accommodations. They suit guests who like more space and upgraded amenities without moving up to a full suite.

Suites on Holland America ships are where the line stands out. The Pinnacle Suite offers nearly 1,290 square feet, with a king-sized bed, living and dining areas, a dressing room, and a whirlpool bath. Guests also get priority boarding, access to the Neptune Lounge, and concierge service. For travelers who want the most spacious and classic-style suites at sea, Holland America’s top-tier options are hard to match.

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Photo by Holland America Line

Princess Cruises Accommodations

Princess offers five main categories of staterooms: Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, Mini-Suites, and Suites. Interior rooms start around 158 to 162 square feet, while the largest suites measure up to 932 square feet. Guests can enjoy modern bedding, flat-screen TVs, plenty of storage, and the line’s MedallionClass technology that makes check-in, ordering, and onboard services smoother.

Balcony staterooms are a favorite on Princess ships, giving guests around 214 to 222 square feet plus a private outdoor space. These rooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors, a sitting area, a desk, and upgraded amenities. They’re designed for travelers who want fresh air and private views while keeping things affordable.

For those who want extra space, Princess Mini-Suites and Suites provide added perks. Mini-Suites measure about 323 square feet and include a larger sitting area and more storage. Full Suites can go up to 932 square feet with separate living and sleeping areas, priority services, and complimentary treats, making them the most premium choice onboard.

Price Comparison: Princess Cruises vs. Holland America

Price often plays a big role in choosing a cruise, and both Princess Cruises and Holland America offer different value points. Princess Cruises usually starts at a lower rate, while Holland America leans toward a slightly higher base price with more inclusive options. Looking at nightly rates and what’s offered helps highlight the difference between the two.

Holland America Pricing

Holland America’s fares begin from $499*, which averages to about $99.80* per night. The higher rate reflects the line’s more traditional cruising style, often with a focus on service, dining, and enrichment programs.

Standard fares cover meals, entertainment, and activities, while the “Have It All” package bundles drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions. This upfront cost can save money later since fewer extras are left to pay for onboard.

For luxury suites or longer itineraries, Holland America’s prices rise, but many travelers choose the line for its inclusive perks and quieter cruising style. The slightly higher cost often feels balanced by the overall onboard experience.

Princess Cruises Pricing

Princess Cruises has fares starting from $329*, which works out to about $82.25* per night. This lower starting rate makes it attractive for travelers who want an affordable cruise without sacrificing quality in food, entertainment, and staterooms.

Princess offers basic inclusions in its standard fare, while extras like drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities can be added with upgrade packages. Frequent promotions also give options to bundle services, helping guests manage costs more flexibly.

Longer cruises or upgraded staterooms can raise the overall price, but Princess ships often come with modern touches that add more value. Many travelers find the balance of lower entry fares and optional add-ons appealing.

Demographics Comparison: Princess Cruises vs. Holland America

Princess Cruises and Holland America attract very different types of travelers, and that’s easy to see once you look at who books with them. Princess appeals to a broad mix of ages, including families and multi-generational groups. Holland America, on the other hand, draws more mature travelers who prefer a slower pace and classic cruise traditions.

Holland America Demographics

Holland America’s average guest age ranges between 55 and 70, though it’s not unusual to see travelers from their 40s to their 80s. Most guests are couples, solo travelers, or small groups of friends looking for a calm setting.

Families are less common since the line focuses on parents traveling with kids rather than catering directly to children. The quieter atmosphere, enrichment programs, and elegant dining experiences make Holland America especially appealing to mature travelers.

Princess Cruises Demographics

Princess Cruises has a broad audience, with the average age of guests between 50 and 70 years. Families are also common, which brings a lively mix of ages on board. This blend makes it appealing to both seasoned travelers and younger guests.

Many families choose Princess for multi-generational holidays. Older travelers enjoy the traditional style of cruising, while kids and younger adults like the more modern activities. This balance makes Princess one of the most flexible choices for group travel.

Also Read: What destinations can I explore with Princess Cruises?

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Photo by Princess Cruises

Dining Comparison: Princess Cruises vs. Holland America

Dining is one of the highlights of any cruise, and both Princess Cruises and Holland America put a strong focus on food. Princess combines traditional dining with flexible options, while Holland America blends classic meals with menus created by top chefs. Both lines also feature specialty restaurants, themed evenings, and unique dining experiences that stand out.

Holland America Dining

Holland America also offers flexibility with its dining, giving guests the choice of traditional fixed seating or the As You Wish program, which lets them pick the time and table each evening. This setup works well for both structured and casual diners.

The line features up to four specialty restaurants on most ships, with larger ships like Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam offering even more. These venues range from steakhouse dining to Asian fusion, all available for a small fee.

Menus are crafted with input from the Culinary Council, which includes celebrated names like Masaharu Morimoto, Jacques Torres, Ethan Stowell, and Rudi Sodamin. This group helps bring variety and flair to the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants.

Guests can also expect formal nights during their voyage, usually one to three, depending on cruise length. These evenings bring a more refined feel, as travelers dress up and enjoy elevated menus and service in the dining rooms.

Also Read: Is Holland America a Luxury Cruise Line?

Princess Cruises Dining

Princess offers both traditional dining with set times and tables, along with Anytime Dining, where guests choose when they want to eat. This flexibility makes it easier for travelers to fit meals around shows, activities, and shore excursions without missing out.

The newer Princess ships, such as Royal Princess and Sun Princess, feature a wider selection of specialty restaurants. Sun Princess alone offers up to six different venues, including special options like The Catch by Rudi, developed by chef Rudi Sodamin.

Afternoon tea is another highlight on Princess, including the Royal Afternoon Tea served on Sun Princess. Created by royal chef Darren McGrady, it brings an elegant touch to sea days with fine tea service and classic treats.

Partnerships with celebrated chefs help shape the menus across the fleet. Guests can enjoy creative dishes inspired by global flavors, giving each dining room a mix of classic cruise favorites and modern culinary ideas.

Entertainment Comparison: Princess Cruises vs. Holland America

When the day winds down, both Princess Cruises and Holland America know how to keep their guests entertained. Each line offers a wide range of evening shows, live music, and unique performances. Princess leans more toward big stage productions and variety acts, while Holland America adds a strong focus on live music venues and intimate performances that keep the nights lively and memorable.

Holland America Entertainment

Holland America brings energy to its theaters with shows that feature dance groups and singers delivering polished performances. These productions may not be as grand as Broadway-style acts, but they have a strong following among guests who enjoy live stage entertainment.

Music is a huge part of evenings on Holland America ships. The Rolling Stone Lounge offers rock, pop, and country, while B.B. King’s Blues Club delivers powerful blues and soul performances that pack the venue each night.

The smaller venues give Holland America a more intimate feel. Guests can move from lounge to lounge, catching different styles of music and enjoying settings that feel more personal compared to large theaters.

Beyond music and theater, the line also hosts enrichment-style events in the evenings. These can include special talks, cultural showcases, or themed gatherings that give guests something different to look forward to after dinner.

Also Read: Why choose Holland America cruises?

Princess Cruises Entertainment 

Princess is well known for its Broadway-style productions that feel polished and professional. They even work with award-winning composers who’ve created shows as slick as anything you’d find in a major theater, giving guests an impressive experience right at sea.

Alongside theater, Princess offers live music scattered throughout bars and lounges. Guests can enjoy piano sessions, string quartets, or upbeat bands while sipping a drink, creating a lively atmosphere across different spaces on the ship each evening.

Comedy and magic shows are another highlight for Princess. These smaller-scale performances bring variety to the entertainment schedule and give passengers a chance to enjoy something lighthearted and fun away from the bigger productions.

Outdoor movie nights, often called Movies Under the Stars, are also popular on Princess ships. Passengers can grab a lounger, watch recent hits or classic favorites, and enjoy a cozy evening under the night sky.

Kids Facilities Comparison: Princess Cruises vs. Holland America

Planning a family trip? Then you’ll want to know what each cruise line offers for children. Princess Cruises leans toward being family-friendly with programs that appeal to kids of all ages, while Holland America provides options too, but the atmosphere often feels more suited to adults than younger travelers.

Holland America Kids’ Facilities

Holland America does offer kids’ clubs, with activities like scavenger hunts, themed parties, and sports. The staff create a welcoming space, though the clubs are generally smaller and simpler compared to those found on more family-focused lines.

Like Princess, Holland America splits its youth program into three groups, so teens don’t get stuck with toddlers. This setup allows each age range to enjoy activities that actually suit their stage, making it easier for kids to connect with peers.

Holland America isn’t heavily geared toward families. Outside school holiday times, there may be very few kids on board. For parents with children, that can mean less of a built-in playgroup atmosphere and fewer friends for the kids to meet.

Princess Cruises Kids’ Facilities

Princess has Camp Discovery clubs that split children into age groups, so younger kids, tweens, and teens each have their own space. Activities include everything from science experiments to arts and crafts, which keep everyone entertained while giving parents some time for themselves.

The cruise line partners with Discovery and Animal Planet, adding educational programs with a fun twist. Kids might learn about sharks, space, or animals through games and projects, so there’s always something engaging that blends learning with entertainment.

Princess also hosts pizza and ice cream parties, along with special dining events just for kids. These gatherings make children feel included in the cruise experience while giving parents a chance to enjoy a quiet dinner elsewhere on the ship.

Also Read: Top Reasons to Cruise with Princess Cruises

Onboard Activities Comparison: Princess Cruises vs. Holland America

Both Princess and Holland America give guests a range of ways to stay entertained during sea days. While neither line packs ships with flashy attractions, both provide plenty of classic options that suit travelers who enjoy a relaxed and traditional cruise experience.

Holland America Activities

Holland America keeps things classic with cooking classes, dance lessons, and spa treatments. You’ll also find a casino and fitness center, which cover both leisurely and active interests. Pickleball is a standout here since only a few cruise lines offer it.

Evenings or sea days often include organized activities like trivia games, enrichment talks, or live demonstrations. While the line doesn’t go over the top with attractions, guests who enjoy calmer and more familiar options usually find the selection more than enough.

Princess Activities

Princess offers a very similar lineup, with dance classes, art auctions, bingo, quizzes, and casino gaming all parts of the daily schedule. These options keep guests entertained but stay within the more traditional cruise activity style.

Princess did plan to roll out some new attractions on its latest Sphere-class ships, but those were scrapped before passengers ever got to try them. As a result, the focus remains on the classic cruise activities that many people already know and enjoy.

Key Differences Overall Vibe

• Holland America: Stately and dignified, Holland America is more about the traditional cruise activities such as the formal evenings and educational activities. The ships of the line are very elegant, with wooden interiors, paintings and sculptures, and a touch of classic luxury. Onboard, guests are able to listen to live music and watch cooking demonstrations and art tours.
• Princess Cruises: Modern and vibrant, Princess Cruises has a more extensive list of things to do on the ship and things to see and do. The atmosphere is less formal, there are many restaurants, active programs of shows and performances, and a rich night life. The ships are relatively new and sleek, and the target market is a bit more energetic and adventurous.

Target Audience & Amenities

• Holland America: Appeals to a somewhat older clientele, has large lobbies, large, comfortable cabins, and is more focused on recreation. Facilities include luxurious spas, fine restaurants, and a range of activities and entertainment, such as gourmet demonstrations and cultural presentations. The line also focuses on health and fitness, with large fitness centers and many health and fitness-related activities.
• Princess Cruises: Targets families and groups with children through offering special facilities for children, various activities, and numerous restaurants with fast food. The facilities are intended for the use of all age groups with features ranging from children’s playgrounds to exclusive spaces for adults. Princess also has unique features such as the OceanMedallion which is a wearable device that helps to improve the guests’ experience.

Destinations and Itineraries

Both lines provide a broad number of locations, but there are some differences.

• Holland America: They are characterized by longer trips and distant destinations. They have more flexible schedules with different and specific ports of call and longer times at each location for the guests to explore the destinations. Holland America also has more specific routes such as grand voyages and themed cruises which may attract experienced travelers.
• Princess Cruises: Although Princess Cruises has an extensive list of worldwide locations, it is most exceptional in Alaska. They are quite knowledgeable about this area and have a range of tours that will give you a true taste of the Alaskan wilderness. Princess also has unique land and sea vacations that include both cruise and land excursions for the ultimate experience.

Who’s the Winner?

Both Holland America and Princess Cruises bring a lot to the table, but they appeal in slightly different ways. Holland America leans toward a classic style with smaller ships, longer voyages, and a stronger focus on music and dining. Princess feels a little broader in its approach, offering more entertainment variety and plenty of shorter itineraries.

Choosing between them depends on what kind of trip you’re after. If you’re traveling with kids, Princess is the easier fit thanks to its family-friendly clubs and shows. For couples or solo travelers looking for a refined setting and fewer crowds, Holland America may be more appealing. Both lines deliver quality, so it really comes down to your travel style.

Conclusion

Holland America and Princess Cruises are two of the best cruise lines, and the best one for you will depend on your travel personality, companions, and preferred destinations. Holland America is suitable for people who want to have a traditional and luxurious cruise with an emphasis on education and leisure. Princess Cruises is ideal for families and those who prefer a modern, young environment with many options for entertainment. Taking into account these factors and applying the decision matrix, you will be able to select the cruise line that will be suitable for you and provide you with a wonderful vacation.

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