Is Holland America’s Have It All Package Worth the Price?

September 16, 2025

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Is Holland America’s Have It All Package Worth the Price

When I first heard about Holland America’s Have It All option, I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical.

Cruise lines love creating complicated add-ons—different drink packages, multiple WiFi tiers, dining credits with fine print—and it’s easy to get lost in the numbers.

But Holland America surprised me. Instead of giving guests a confusing menu of upgrades, they bundled the essentials into one neat, all-inclusive style package that actually makes sense.

The truth is, cruising should feel relaxing, not like you’re calculating costs every time you order a cocktail or decide to book an excursion.

That’s where Have It All shines. With just one upgrade, you unlock most of the extras people usually end up buying onboard anyway.

And the best part? The value is far better than I first expected.

What Exactly Is “Have It All”?

Think of Have It All as a simple fare upgrade. It’s not mandatory, but on most Holland America cruises (with only a few exceptions), you can add it at the time of booking.

Instead of juggling different packages, you get a bundle of the four most popular extras rolled into one:

Signature Beverage Package – covering a wide range of cocktails, wines, beers, coffee drinks, and more
Shore Excursion Credit – up to $300, depending on your cruise length
Specialty Dining Meals – between 1 and 3, again depending on your sailing
Surf WiFi Package – enough to stay connected for emails, browsing, and social media

And if you’re booking from the UK, you’ll also get Crew Appreciation (gratuities) included, which is a really nice touch that takes away one of those end-of-cruise “surprise” costs.

First Impressions

When I first started breaking down the inclusions, I realized this wasn’t just a “perk package”—it was more like Holland America had taken the average cruiser’s wish list and bundled it all together.

Drinks, WiFi, excursions, dining… these are the exact things most people end up buying anyway.

So the big question becomes: how much does it cost, and does it actually save you money compared to buying everything separately? That’s what we’ll explore next.

How Much Does “Have It All” Cost?

The pricing is where things get interesting—and also where geography plays a role. Depending on whether you’re booking from the UK or the US, the details are slightly different.

UK Guests: £60 per person, per night (when booked before the cruise). This price includes gratuities (Crew Appreciation).
US & Other Guests: $60 per person, per night (but gratuities are not included). If you wait until you’re already onboard, the price jumps to $70 per person, per night, and again, gratuities are extra.

Now, gratuities may not sound like much, but they add up. On Holland America, Crew Appreciation is around $17 per night for standard staterooms and $19 per night for suites.

So for a week-long sailing, that’s another $119–$133 per person. This means UK travelers are getting the better deal, since the £60 daily fee already covers gratuities.

For US guests, the math works out slightly differently—you’ll need to compare whether paying the package fee plus gratuities makes sense versus buying items separately.

Breaking Down What You Actually Get

When I looked closely at the package, I realized the value wasn’t hidden in flashy perks—it was in the essentials.

Here’s a closer look at what’s bundled in:

1. Shore Excursion Credit

This is one of those perks that feels like “found money.”

Depending on your cruise length, you get:

$100 per person (6–9 nights)
$200 per person (10–20 nights)
$300 per person (21+ nights)

It can only be used on excursions, and it’s non-refundable if you don’t use it—but honestly, most guests do at least one.

Whether it’s snorkeling in the Caribbean or a cultural tour in Europe, that credit goes a long way toward offsetting the cost.

2. Signature Beverage Package

This is the centerpiece of Have It All. Drinks up to $11 each are included—cocktails, wine, beer, sodas, specialty coffees, mocktails, and even bottled water.

You also avoid the 18% service charge that normally gets tacked on to every bar tab.

A few details to note:

Limit of 15 drinks per day (alcoholic and non-alcoholic combined).
Drinks from the minibar, room service, or Half Moon Cay (the private island) aren’t covered.
If you order a drink that costs more than $11, you simply pay the difference plus the service charge on that difference.

On its own, this beverage package normally costs $51 per person, per day. Already, that covers most of the Have It All fee.

3. Specialty Dining Meals

Dining is a big part of cruising, and Holland America is known for its specialty restaurants.

4. WiFi Surf Package

This isn’t the fastest internet Holland America offers, but it’s enough for emails, browsing, and social media.

If you need Zoom calls or streaming, you can upgrade to the Premium package for about $36 per day.

Even though Surf WiFi isn’t sold separately, having it bundled in means you don’t need to think about internet charges throughout your trip.

Why the Math Works Out

Here’s the thing: if you were already planning to buy the drinks package, then Have It All is almost always worth it.

You’re essentially getting WiFi, shore excursion credit, and specialty dining for little or no extra cost.

For UK guests, gratuities being included is the cherry on top—it takes away that awkward end-of-cruise bill shock.

For US guests, the value is still strong, but you’ll want to compare based on how many drinks you usually have, and whether you’d book excursions or specialty dining anyway.

A Closer Look at the Inclusions

When I first looked at the Have It All package, I thought, “Okay, drinks, dining, WiFi, and excursions—sounds good.”

But it wasn’t until I broke down each part that the real value became clear. Let’s dive into what each perk actually feels like when you’re onboard.

Shore Excursion Credit – Making Memories Ashore

One of my favorite parts of cruising is exploring ports of call, and Holland America has some incredible shore excursions. But let’s be honest—excursions aren’t cheap.

That’s why the built-in excursion credit is such a nice perk. On a week-long cruise, you get $100 per person, which is enough to cover at least one smaller tour or go toward a bigger adventure.

I’ve seen families use their credit for things like:

Signature Beverage Package – More Than Just Cocktails

On my last Holland America cruise, I noticed how quickly little drink purchases can add up. A morning latte from the café? $6.

A glass of wine with dinner? $9. A piña colada by the pool? $11. By the end of the day, you’ve easily spent $40–$50 per person without realizing it.

That’s where the Signature Beverage Package really shines. With Have It All, you don’t have to think twice about ordering a drink.

Everything up to $11 is included, and with 15 drinks per day allowed, you’ll never hit the limit unless you’re really determined.

What I love most is that the 18% service charge is already included. Normally, cruise lines sneak that onto every bar tab, but here you can sip freely without doing mental math each time you order.

Specialty Dining – A Night to Remember

Holland America’s main dining rooms are excellent, but specialty dining is where things get extra special.

With Have It All, you’re guaranteed at least one night at a specialty venue (more if your cruise is longer).

Here are some standouts:

Pinnacle Grill – a true steakhouse experience, with premium cuts and an elegant atmosphere.
Canaletto – Italian classics served family-style, great for sharing dishes around the table.
Tamarind – an Asian-inspired venue offering sushi, satay, and Thai curries (my personal favorite).
Rudi’s Sel de Mer – seafood lovers, this one’s for you; everything from lobster to bouillabaisse.

Without the package, a dinner here can cost $40–$50 per person. Having it included feels like a treat—you get to try different cuisines without stressing over the bill.

Surf WiFi – Staying Connected Without Breaking the Bank

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t completely switch off when I’m cruising. I like to post photos, check emails, and stay in touch with family.

WiFi packages on ships can be pricey, but the Have It All Surf WiFi package covers the basics.

It’s not lightning-fast, so don’t expect to stream Netflix or join Zoom calls without frustration.

But for day-to-day browsing, WhatsApp, and sharing photos on Instagram, it does the job.

And if you do need faster speeds, you can always upgrade to the Premium WiFi at a daily rate.

The key thing is that you’re not nickel-and-dimed. You don’t have to stand at the front desk on day one deciding if you should shell out $200–$300 for internet. It’s already included.

The True Value – Why It Feels Worth It

When you add it all up—the drinks, dining, WiFi, excursion credit, and gratuities (if you’re booking from the UK)—the Have It All package really does live up to its name.

It simplifies the entire experience. Instead of second-guessing every order or worrying about how much you’ll owe at the end of the week, you can just relax and enjoy.

And honestly, that peace of mind is one of the most underrated perks of all.

Early Booking Bonus – An Even Better Deal

One of the smartest ways to maximize value with Holland America’s Have It All is by keeping an eye out for the Early Booking Bonus.

I’ve seen this promotion pop up a few times, and it really does sweeten the deal without raising the cost.

When the bonus is active, you pay the same daily rate for Have It All, but your perks are upgraded:

Premium WiFi instead of Surf WiFi, giving you faster speeds and smoother browsing.
Elite Beverage Package, which covers drinks up to $15 instead of $11. This means you can enjoy premium cocktails, higher-end wines, and craft beers that would normally fall outside the standard package.
Best Price Guarantee – if the cruise fare drops after you’ve booked, Holland America will adjust your rate so you’re never overpaying.

I like this because it rewards planners. If you’re someone who likes to book early and lock in your vacation plans, the bonus makes the decision a no-brainer.

Why the Caribbean is Perfect for Have It All

While you can book the package on itineraries worldwide, I personally think the Caribbean is where it shines the most.

Here’s why:

1. The Private Island Experience – Half Moon Cay™

Almost every Caribbean itinerary includes a stop at Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s award-winning private island.

If you’ve never been, imagine powdery white sand, turquoise water, horseback riding along the beach, and shady palm trees just waiting for your hammock.

The best part? With your Have It All shore excursion credit, you can splurge on activities like renting a private cabana or joining a guided kayak tour—without dipping into your own pocket.

2. A Wide Range of Itineraries

Holland America offers everything from quick 3- to 4-night getaways to longer 9+ day voyages, which is actually more than many competing cruise lines.

That flexibility means you can choose a sailing that fits your schedule without missing out on perks.

3. Relaxed, Elegant Ships Suited for Island-Hopping

Unlike mega-ships with rollercoasters and waterparks, Holland America’s ships are elegant, mid-sized, and perfect for a more refined experience.

You’ll find plenty of space to relax on deck with a cocktail (covered by your drinks package, of course) while watching the Caribbean sunset.

4. Exciting Excursions Across the Islands

From snorkeling between St. Lucia’s Pitons to sipping rum in Barbados or exploring Mayan ruins in Mexico, the Caribbean is packed with experiences.

And with Have It All, you already have money set aside to enjoy them.

Final Word – Is It Worth It?

At the end of the day, Holland America’s Have It All package really does live up to its name.

For one fixed daily rate, you’re covering drinks, dining, WiFi, shore excursions, and even gratuities if you’re sailing from the UK.

To me, the biggest perk isn’t just the savings—it’s the simplicity. You don’t have to do mental math every time you order a drink, or debate whether WiFi is “worth it.” You just enjoy the cruise.

If you were already planning to buy a drinks package, Have It All is almost always the smarter choice.

And if you’re sailing the Caribbean, where excursions and private island stops add extra magic, it becomes even more valuable.

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