When two cruise lines share the same parent company — in this case, Carnival Corporation — you might expect them to feel very similar.
But after sailing with both Holland America Line (HAL) and Princess Cruises, I can tell you they offer very different experiences, even if they target a similar market.
Holland America is known for its more intimate ships, refined atmosphere, and traditional cruising style, while Princess tends to mix classic elegance with modern touches and bigger ships.
Both offer premium experiences, but the right choice for you depends on what you value most — quiet luxury or variety with a livelier atmosphere.
In this guide, I’ll compare every major aspect of these two cruise lines — from ships and staterooms to destinations, food, entertainment, and pricing.
By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which line is your best fit.
1. Comparing the Ships
When it comes to fleet size, Princess Cruises clearly has the upper hand with 16 ships (and more on the way), while Holland America operates a smaller fleet of 11.
Princess ships also tend to be larger and livelier, offering more dining venues, entertainment spaces, and modern features.
Holland America’s ships, by contrast, are smaller and more intimate, which creates a calmer, more refined atmosphere that many cruisers love.
Holland America Line: Small but Elegant
Holland America operates 11 ships across four classes:
- Pinnacle Class: Flagships of the fleet, with three ships carrying around 2,650 guests each.
- Signature Class: Two ships, each carrying around 2,100 guests.
- Vista Class: Four ships, mid-sized with about 1,900 passengers.
- Rotterdam (R) Class: The oldest two ships, each carrying about 1,400 guests.
- Oldest ship: MS Volendam (launched in 1999).
- Newest ship: MS Rotterdam (launched in 2021).
The beauty of Holland America ships is that even the largest feels relatively intimate compared to today’s mega-ships.
They’re spacious without being overwhelming, designed for relaxation rather than thrill-seeking.
Princess Cruises: Larger and More Modern
Princess currently has 16 ships across four classes, with another new Sphere-class ship on the way:
- Sphere Class: The newest and largest, accommodating about 4,300 guests.
- Royal Class: Six ships, each carrying 3,560–3,660 passengers.
- Grand Class: Eight ships, with capacity for 2,600–3,140 guests.
- Coral Class: Two older ships, catering to about 2,000–2,220 guests.
- Oldest ship: Grand Princess (1998).
- Newest ship: Sun Princess (2024).
Princess ships are noticeably larger, designed with more space for specialty dining, entertainment venues, and activities.
They feel livelier and are often more family-friendly, while still maintaining a premium edge.
My Verdict on Ships
If you love smaller, quieter ships with classic elegance, Holland America will feel perfect.
But if you want larger vessels with more options for dining, shows, and activities, Princess Cruises is the better fit.
2. Destinations and Itineraries
One of the biggest advantages of both lines is their global reach.
Unlike Carnival (mostly Caribbean) or MSC (largely Europe), both HAL and Princess spread their fleets across the world, offering diverse itineraries.
Holland America Line Itineraries
Holland America is especially strong in:
- Alaska: With over 111 sailings, they’re one of the leading lines in this region. Their itineraries are also more varied, offering unique embarkation points and longer routes.
- Pacific Coast: With 22 itineraries, they offer more West Coast sailings than Princess.
- Canada & New England: 35 itineraries, giving plenty of choice during the fall foliage season.
- Embarkation Ports: 35 worldwide, including Dover in the UK and multiple in the Netherlands (Amsterdam, Ijmuiden, Rotterdam).
Princess Cruises Itineraries
Princess excels in other regions:
- Australia & New Zealand: With 96 sailings, Princess dominates this part of the world.
- World Cruises: 46 different options — far more than HAL’s 14.
- South Pacific & Transatlantic: Princess has dozens of options, while HAL offers none in some categories.
- Embarkation Ports: 30 worldwide, with Southampton (UK) as their biggest hub.
Here’s a breakdown of the different itineraries available on both cruise lines:
| Destinations | Holland America Line | Princess Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 111 | 23 |
| Australia & New Zealand | 17 | 96 |
| Canada & New England | 35 | 19 |
| Caribbean & Bahamas | 145 | 54 |
| East Asia | 64 | 20 |
| Europe | 242 | 147 |
| Hawaii | 21 | 8 |
| Mexico & Latin America | 21 | 7 |
| Pacific Coast | 22 | 0 |
| Panama Canal | 39 | 22 |
| South America | 27 | 19 |
| South Pacific | 0 | 37 |
| Transatlantic | 0 | 37 |
| World | 14 | 46 |
My Verdict on Destinations
HAL is the better choice for Alaska, Canada/New England, and Pacific Coast cruises, while Princess wins when it comes to Australia, New Zealand, and World Cruises.
Both have an even global spread, so you’re unlikely to feel limited with either.
3. Typical Cruiser Demographics
Holland America Line generally attracts an older crowd, with the average guest age ranging between 55 and 70 years old.
Princess Cruises, meanwhile, caters to a wider range of ages.
While the majority of guests are still in their 50s to 70s, you’ll also see more families and multigenerational groups onboard.
Holland America Line
When you sail with Holland America, you’ll notice right away that the atmosphere is a little more mature and traditional compared to many mainstream lines.
The average guest falls in the 55–70 age range, though you’ll certainly find younger cruisers in their 40s and plenty of well-traveled guests in their 70s and 80s, too.
Most passengers are couples, solo travelers, or groups of friends who enjoy the quieter pace of life onboard.
Families are rare, except during peak holiday times, because HAL isn’t heavily geared toward children.
Even though the kids’ clubs are solid, the overall vibe of the line appeals more to adults who want culture, relaxation, and refined service rather than constant entertainment.
From my own experience, I’ve always found the crowd on HAL to be curious, well-traveled, and very social in a thoughtful way.
Conversations often turn toward favorite ports, past adventures, and bucket-list destinations. It’s a great line if you enjoy connecting with other like-minded travelers.
Princess Cruises
Princess, on the other hand, attracts a broader demographic. The average age is still similar — most guests are between 50–70 years old — but you’ll also find more families and multigenerational groups sailing with Princess.
This is what makes Princess such a flexible choice. The older guests appreciate the traditional cruise elements, while younger passengers and families enjoy the more contemporary offerings, such as Movies Under the Stars, Discovery at SEA programs, and lively evening entertainment.
If you’re cruising with grandparents, parents, and kids all together, Princess often strikes the right balance to keep everyone happy.
It feels more mainstream without losing that touch of elegance.
4. Dining on Holland America vs Princess
Food is one of the highlights of any cruise, and both of these lines put a lot of emphasis on culinary quality.
Holland America Dining
Dining on HAL ships feels elevated and refined, yet still approachable.
- HAL hosts culinary cruises with celebrity chefs, creating memorable dining experiences beyond the everyday menus.
- In 2023, the line launched its Global Fresh Fish Program, which sources fresh fish from ports around the world, ensuring that seafood is as local as possible. This makes dishes feel authentic to the region you’re sailing in — like enjoying freshly caught halibut in Alaska or snapper in the Caribbean.
- The main dining rooms and specialty venues are consistently praised for their quality, using fine ingredients and focusing on elegant presentation.
Dining with Holland America always felt like sitting down at a high-end restaurant on land. Service is polished, and the menus often lean toward sophisticated flavors and presentation.
Princess Cruises Dining
Princess, on the other hand, is all about variety and accessibility.
- The line is famous for its pizza, which many cruisers (myself included) argue is some of the best at sea. Sometimes, a casual slice of pizza by the pool hits the spot more than a fine-dining experience, and Princess makes sure that option is always available.
- Specialty dining covers a wide range of cuisines, with menus curated to reflect the regions where the ship is sailing. This focus on authentic flavors makes meals feel tied to your itinerary.
- Beyond the specialty venues, the World Fresh Marketplace buffet and casual eateries ensure you’ll never go hungry, no matter the time of day.
When I cruised with Princess, I loved the balance — I could enjoy a laid-back lunch of pizza and ice cream one day, and then dress up for a formal dinner at Crown Grill the next.
My Verdict on Dining
If you prioritize culinary quality with a fine-dining edge, Holland America is your match.
But if you prefer variety and flexible dining options — from casual bites to high-end meals — Princess Cruises gives you more to play with.
5. Comparing Staterooms and Suites
When choosing a cruise, your stateroom plays a big role in shaping your overall experience.
Both Holland America and Princess Cruises offer the classic cabin categories — Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, and Suites — but each line has its own unique twists that can make a difference depending on your style of travel.
Holland America Staterooms and Suites
Holland America’s ships lean into a sense of classic comfort with a premium touch.
- Pinnacle Suites – These are the crème de la crème of HAL accommodations. Not only do you get a spacious suite with luxurious furnishings, but your verandah also comes with its own whirlpool bath. Imagine soaking under the stars with a glass of wine, the sea breeze in your hair — that’s the level of indulgence HAL aims for here.
- Spa Rooms – Available in Inside, Oceanview, Verandah, and Neptune Spa Suite categories, these cabins are located close to the ship’s spa. They feature calming décor, spa-themed amenities, and even a premium massage showerhead. They’re perfect if you want your stateroom to feel like an extension of the wellness experience.
- Solo Cabins – A rarity in the industry, HAL offers solo traveler cabins on MS Koningsdam. For solo cruisers like me, who’ve often had to pay double for a double stateroom, this is a thoughtful addition that avoids that dreaded “single supplement.”
Overall, HAL’s accommodations feel designed for travelers who want understated luxury, with a touch of old-world cruise charm.
Princess Cruises Staterooms and Suites
Princess leans toward variety and exclusivity, especially with its newer classes of ships.
- Sky Suites – Available only on Royal- and Sphere-class ships, these are Princess’s most luxurious suites. The highlight is the balcony — over 1,000 square feet with nearly 360-degree views. It’s not just a balcony; it’s practically an outdoor living space where you can host friends or simply relax privately with panoramic sunsets.
- Reserve Collection – Found on newer ships like the Sun Princess, these Mini-Suites and Cabanas come with exclusive access to a private Reserve dining room. It’s a nice perk, since specialty dining exclusivity is usually tied to full suites.
- Signature Collection – Another new introduction on Sphere-class ships, this collection includes the very best suites onboard. Guests enjoy private spaces like the Signature Lounge and Sun Deck, elevating the sense of exclusivity.
Princess cabins feel modern, varied, and flexible, with options for both budget-conscious cruisers and those looking to splurge.
My Verdict on Staterooms
If you’re a fan of spa experiences, HAL’s Spa Rooms are hard to beat. If you want the largest balconies at sea, Princess’s Sky Suites win hands down.
Both cruise lines offer plenty of options, but HAL leans into traditional luxury while Princess balances exclusivity with modern style.
6. Onboard Activities
When you compare onboard activities, Princess Cruises leans toward variety and a bit more energy, while Holland America keeps things classic and relaxed.
On Princess, you’ll find dance lessons, trivia, art auctions, cooking demos, and lively poolside events that create a more social vibe.
Holland America, on the other hand, focuses on enrichment — think pickleball, cultural talks, art classes, and wellness sessions — perfect for guests who prefer a slower pace.
Holland America Line
Life onboard a Holland America ship has a classic, traditional cruise feel.
Activities are designed to appeal to travelers who appreciate cultural enrichment and relaxation rather than adrenaline-packed thrills.
Expect to see:
- Art classes where you can unleash your creative side.
- Dancing lessons, perfect for those who enjoy ballroom-style evenings.
- Cooking demonstrations and wine tastings, which tie nicely into HAL’s focus on fine dining.
- Pickleball courts, a growing trend at sea, and a fun bonus for guests who like to stay active.
When I cruised with HAL, I loved the balance between relaxation and enrichment.
It didn’t feel overwhelming with too much going on at once, but there was always something interesting to dip into when I wasn’t lounging with a book by the pool.
Princess Cruises
Princess offers a slightly more energetic onboard vibe. Like HAL, you’ll find art auctions, dance classes, spa treatments, and casinos, but the daily schedule is a little more packed with variety.
On top of the classics, you’ll see:
- Trivia contests and game shows add a lighthearted, social feel.
- Discovery at SEA programs, created in partnership with Discovery and Animal Planet, offer themed activities tied to nature and science.
- Movies Under the Stars, one of my personal favorites. Watching a film on a giant outdoor screen while wrapped in a blanket, with popcorn and sea breezes, feels magical.
If you’re someone who enjoys having lots of different activities to choose from, Princess generally edges ahead of Holland America here.
Evening Entertainment
When the sun goes down, both cruise lines deliver strong but very different evening atmospheres.
Holland America leans toward intimate live music and cultural vibes, while Princess aims to wow with big-stage productions and a broader entertainment mix.
Holland America Line
Nights onboard Holland America are about live music and cultural performances.
- The B.B. King’s Blues Club is a highlight, where live bands get the crowd moving with blues, jazz, and soul.
- The Rolling Stone Rock Room brings a mix of classic rock, country, and pop covers.
- The main theatre hosts professional dance and music performances, leaning into cultural shows rather than Broadway-style productions.
When I spent an evening at B.B. King’s Blues Club, it felt intimate and electric, almost like being at a live venue in New Orleans — but with the sea rolling by outside.
Princess Cruises
Princess’s entertainment is flashier and more Broadway-inspired.
- Their main theatre shows feature slick productions, sometimes created by well-known composers behind hit musicals like Wicked.
- Expect a mix of magic shows, comedy acts, and live bands across different lounges, so there’s something for everyone.
- On newer ships, Princess puts an emphasis on immersive shows with modern staging and technology.
If you’re a fan of Broadway or West End musicals, you’ll likely prefer Princess.
Holland America leans toward live music enthusiasts, while Princess delivers more polished, theatre-style entertainment.
Kids’ Facilities
Both Holland America and Princess Cruises provide kids’ clubs, but the experience can feel quite different depending on which line you choose.
Holland America Line
HAL isn’t primarily a family cruise line, but it does have decent kids’ clubs.
- Programs are divided into three age groups so kids can enjoy activities tailored to their level.
- Options include scavenger hunts, sports, team games, and even themed parties.
- On newer ships, the teen lounges are fantastic — and after 6 pm, they even open up to all ages, so families can enjoy the space together.
That said, outside of school holidays, children are rare on HAL. On my summer cruise, I barely saw any, which could be either a pro or a con depending on whether you’re traveling with kids or hoping for a quieter atmosphere.
Princess Cruises
Princess leans much more toward being family-friendly.
- Camp Discovery, created with Discovery and Animal Planet, is a big draw. Kids get to enjoy hands-on science projects, animal encounters, and nature-based activities.
- Special events like pizza and ice cream parties or kids-only dining nights make children feel like they’re getting their own holiday.
- Teen clubs are lively, and there’s a good chance your kids will make new friends, since Princess attracts more families overall.
If you’re planning a multigenerational family holiday, Princess is definitely the stronger choice here.
Holland America works better if you’re traveling as a couple or with older family members who don’t need much kid-focused entertainment.
My Verdict on Onboard Life
Holland America excels at creating a laid-back, culturally rich onboard experience — perfect for guests who want to unwind, enjoy live music, and dip into enriching activities without being overwhelmed.
Princess offers a broader, more energetic onboard life with more variety, more family programming, and a stronger focus on theatre-style entertainment.
If you want your days filled with options and your nights packed with shows, Princess has the edge.
7. Pricing
When it comes to pricing, Holland America and Princess Cruises sit in the same mid-premium bracket, but there are some noticeable differences once you dig into the details.
Holland America tends to position itself slightly higher with its more traditional, service-driven experience, while Princess often appeals to travelers looking for a balance of modern amenities and good value.
Your final cost will depend heavily on the itinerary, time of year, ship class, and cabin type, so it’s worth comparing carefully before you book.
Holland America Line
HAL positions itself as a premium cruise line, and the prices reflect that.
You shouldn’t expect “bargain basement” deals, though the line does offer solid value considering the service and quality of food.
For a 7-night Caribbean cruise, an inside stateroom will typically run between £160/$200 and £210/$266 per person, per night.
Older ships may cost slightly less, but because the fleet is relatively small, there isn’t a huge gap between ships in terms of pricing.
It’s also worth noting that with HAL, you’re paying for an elevated onboard experience — smaller ships, better staff-to-guest ratios, and a premium culinary focus. If those things matter to you, the price difference feels justified.
Princess Cruises
Princess sits a notch lower on the price ladder, though it’s still not a budget line.
Think of it as an affordable premium — you’ll get a slightly elevated experience compared to mass-market lines like Carnival or MSC, but usually at a lower cost than Holland America.
For a 7-night Caribbean cruise on Sky Princess, you can find inside staterooms starting at around £95/$120 per person, per night.
Prices climb depending on the ship and sailing season, but on average, Princess will cost less than HAL.
Things do get a little trickier with Princess because of their Plus and Premier fares.
These upgraded fares bundle drinks, WiFi, and specialty dining into the price, which can sometimes close the gap between Princess and Holland America pricing.
It’s worth comparing carefully to see which works out better for your travel style.
My Final Verdict
So, Holland America vs Princess — who comes out on top?
- If you’re a couple or solo traveler who values tradition, smaller ships, and a quieter, more luxurious atmosphere, then Holland America Line is a fantastic choice. It’s a little pricier, but the food quality, service, and cultural vibe make it worth it.
- If you’re traveling with family or prefer a livelier cruise that balances tradition with modern fun, Princess Cruises edges ahead. It’s more flexible for all ages, has a wider variety of entertainment, and usually comes with a slightly lower price tag.
For me personally, if I were planning a trip with my parents or grandparents, I’d book Princess because it keeps everyone entertained.
But if I were traveling with just my partner and wanted something slower-paced, Holland America would win hands down.
In the end, there’s no true “winner” here — just the cruise line that fits best with your travel style.
