Holland America Line vs Princess Cruises

The core difference

Holland America Line and Princess Cruises are as close a comparison as exists in premium cruising. Both sit under the Carnival Corporation umbrella. Both target well-travelled couples who want quality dining, destination-rich itineraries, and a refined atmosphere without the formality of traditional luxury. Both are Alaska specialists with decades of heritage. Both deploy ships to Australian waters each summer. And both price within striking distance of each other across virtually every cabin category.

Yet the onboard experience is genuinely different, and understanding that difference is the key to choosing correctly.

Holland America positions itself as the classic enrichment line. Founded in 1873 as the Netherlands-America Steamship Company, it carried over two million immigrants across the Atlantic before pivoting fully to cruising in 1971. That heritage shows. The fleet of 11 mid-size ships — the largest carrying just 2,668 passengers — feels more intimate and traditionally refined than most modern premium lines. The Music Walk concept delivers some of the best live music at sea, with B.B. King’s Blues Club, the Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Billboard Onboard filling evenings with genuine blues, rock, and pop. America’s Test Kitchen cooking shows, BBC Earth In Concert screenings, EXC destination talks, and guest lecturers create an enrichment programme that rewards intellectual curiosity. The atmosphere is polished without being stuffy — Gala Nights are observed but nobody demands a tuxedo.

Princess positions itself as the modern, tech-forward premium line. Founded in 1965 and made famous by The Love Boat television series, Princess has evolved into a mainstream-premium brand that balances tradition with innovation. The fleet of 17 ships — including the new 175,500-tonne Sphere-class vessels carrying 4,310 guests — is significantly larger and more technologically advanced. MedallionClass wearable technology enables touchless boarding, keyless cabin entry, on-demand food delivery anywhere on the ship, and real-time location tracking of travel companions. Movies Under the Stars, The Dome on Sphere-class ships, and Broadway-style productions create entertainment variety that Holland America does not attempt. The Dine My Way flexible dining programme and Princess Plus/Premier packaging give guests control over their experience in ways that feel contemporary and customisable.

For Australian travellers, the practical distinction often comes down to two factors: Princess has a substantially larger Australian deployment with more departure ports, and Holland America offers longer, more enrichment-focused itineraries that suit experienced cruisers seeking depth. Both are strong lines. The question is which atmosphere and approach suits you better.

What is actually included

The inclusion models are different enough to affect your total spend materially, so it is worth understanding them clearly.

Holland America’s base fare includes: three meals daily in the main Dining Room with rotating multi-course menus; the Lido Market buffet for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks; casual dining at Dive-In (poolside burgers and hot dogs), New York Pizza and Deli, and the Grand Dutch Cafe (Dutch pastries, coffee, and light bites); afternoon tea; 24-hour room service with a complimentary basic menu — notably, Holland America is one of the last non-luxury lines to maintain free room service; self-service launderette on most ships; fitness centre access; main pool and hot tubs; World Stage productions; live music across Music Walk venues; enrichment lectures; EXC destination talks; and BBC Earth In Concert screenings.

Holland America’s Have It All package costs from approximately US$55 per person per day and adds: a Signature Beverage Package covering wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails up to US$11 per drink with a 15-drink daily limit; one speciality dining dinner per six to nine night cruise, two on 10 to 20 night cruises, and three on 21-plus nights; a Wi-Fi Surf Package for web browsing on one device; and a shore excursion credit of US$100 per person on six to nine night cruises or US$200 on 10 to 20 night cruises. The periodic Have It All Early Booking Bonus upgrades this to include up to US$300 shore excursion credit, up to three nights speciality dining, Elite Beverage and Premium Wi-Fi upgrades, and — critically — free prepaid Crew Appreciation, which covers gratuities.

Princess’s base fare includes: stateroom accommodation; Main Dining Room meals; the World Fresh Marketplace buffet (The Eatery on Sphere-class ships); casual dining at the International Cafe, Alfredo’s Pizzeria, and poolside venues; entertainment and production shows; Movies Under the Stars; OceanMedallion wearable technology; fitness centre access; and pool and hot tub access. Room service carries a US$5 delivery fee unless waived by a package.

Princess Plus costs from US$65 per person per day (US$70 on Sphere-class ships) and adds: a Plus Beverage Package with drinks up to US$15 each; unlimited speciality coffees and teas; Wi-Fi for one device; four casual dining meals per voyage; room service delivery fee waived; and daily Crew Appreciation (gratuities) included.

Princess Premier costs from US$100 per person per day (US$105 on Sphere-class ships) and adds: an unlimited Premier Beverage Package with drinks up to US$20 each; unlimited speciality and casual dining; Wi-Fi for four devices; room service delivery fee waived; unlimited digital professional photos; reserved seating for production shows; daily Crew Appreciation included; and a shore excursion credit of US$100 for six to nine night cruises, US$200 for 10 to 20 nights, or US$300 for 21-plus nights.

The practical comparison: Holland America’s Have It All at US$55 per day is the cheapest premium package from either line, but it does not include gratuities unless you secure the Early Booking Bonus. Princess Plus at US$65 per day and Princess Premier at US$100 per day both include gratuities — which run US$17 to US$19 per person per day on both lines. When you add gratuities to Holland America’s Have It All cost, the gap between it and Princess Plus narrows to roughly US$7 per day. Princess Premier remains the most expensive option but delivers the most comprehensive inclusions, particularly unlimited speciality dining — something Holland America’s package does not offer.

For Australian travellers accustomed to tipping-free pricing, the inclusion of gratuities in both Princess packages removes an unfamiliar expense. Holland America’s Have It All offers better base value for travellers who want to control their spend, while Princess Premier delivers a more genuinely all-inclusive experience at a higher price point.

Dining and culinary experience

Both lines serve quality food that sits clearly above mainstream cruise lines, but the culinary philosophies and pricing structures differ in ways that shape the daily experience.

Holland America’s dining is rooted in tradition and culinary heritage. The Dining Room offers a traditional multi-course experience with rotating menus, open seating or fixed-time options, and a standard of preparation that consistently earns praise. The Lido Market is a modern buffet marketplace with themed stations. The Grand Dutch Cafe celebrates Dutch heritage with Stroopwafel, savory snacks, and Dutch coffee — a charming touch that connects to the line’s Netherlands roots. Dive-In serves gourmet poolside burgers and hot dogs.

Holland America’s speciality dining is where the line’s culinary ambition shows. The Pinnacle Grill is the flagship steakhouse at US$46 for dinner. Rudi’s Sel de Mer — the Mediterranean bistro created by Culinary Council member Rudi Sodamin — charges US$55 and has recently been refreshed with a more relaxed bistro concept on the Pinnacle-class ships. Tamarind serves pan-Asian cuisine for US$35. Nami Sushi, a Japanese omakase experience praised by Conde Nast Traveler, costs US$55. Canaletto offers Italian trattoria dining for US$29. All speciality venues add an 18 per cent service fee.

The Culinary Council is Holland America’s genuine differentiator for food enthusiasts. Led by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, the council includes Jonnie Boer (three-Michelin-star De Librije in the Netherlands), David Burke, Elizabeth Falkner, Andy Matsuda (sushi master behind Nami Sushi), Ethan Stowell, and Jacques Torres (master chocolatier). Select “Culinary Cruises” feature council members aboard for demonstrations, special dinners, and meet-and-greets — an experience that food-motivated travellers will not find on Princess.

Princess’s dining offers substantially more variety, especially on newer ships. The Main Dining Room operates the Dine My Way programme — guests choose between fixed seating, reservable flexible dining, or walk-in dining each evening, with no rigid first or second seating required. On Sphere-class ships, this becomes a three-storey dining complex with the Soleil, Eclipse, and Sanctuary dining rooms. The World Fresh Marketplace buffet, International Cafe, Alfredo’s Pizzeria, and poolside grills round out the complimentary options.

Princess’s speciality dining is where the fleet diverges dramatically by ship class. On standard fleet ships, the Crown Grill steakhouse charges US$55 (US$60 on Sphere-class), Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria matches that price, and Share by Curtis Stone — the celebrity chef partnership bringing contemporary Australian-inspired cuisine — is available on Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess, and Sun Princess. On Sphere-class ships, the choice expands to include Umai Teppanyaki and Hot Pot, Makoto Ocean sushi bar, Love by Britto (pop art-themed fine dining), and The Butcher’s Block by Dario. Sun Princess and Star Princess each offer approximately 29 distinct dining and bar venues — nearly double what you will find on the older Grand-class ships.

The Chef’s Table and Chef’s Table Lumiere experiences at US$95 to US$115 per person deliver a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairing that represents Princess’s premium culinary offering.

In my experience, Holland America’s dining is more consistent across the fleet — the Pinnacle Grill on the Noordam delivers a similar experience to the Pinnacle Grill on the Rotterdam. Princess’s dining peaks higher on Sphere-class ships but varies more significantly between ship classes. Holland America’s speciality dining is generally US$10 to US$20 cheaper per cover than Princess’s equivalent venues. The Culinary Council gives Holland America an edge with food enthusiasts, while Princess’s Curtis Stone partnership and sheer dining variety on newer ships suit travellers who want options.

Suites and accommodation

Both lines offer a range of stateroom categories from inside cabins through to flagship suites, but the suite experiences at the top end take meaningfully different approaches.

Holland America’s stateroom categories run from Inside Staterooms at 143 to 225 square feet through Ocean View, Verandah (228 to 405 square feet including verandah), Spa Verandah (near the Greenhouse Spa with yoga mat and upgraded bath amenities), and the unique Lanai Staterooms on Pinnacle-class ships offering direct Promenade Deck access. Vista Suites provide 260 to 356 square feet with a private verandah and whirlpool bath. Neptune Suites step up to 465 to 502 square feet with dual-sink bathrooms and separate living areas. The Pinnacle Suite — one of the most generous at sea in the premium segment — delivers approximately 1,290 square feet with a large living room, dining area, king bed, dressing room, and a private verandah with whirlpool.

Holland America’s suite programme centres on the Neptune Lounge — an exclusive lounge for Neptune and Pinnacle suite guests with a library, refreshments throughout the day, and a dedicated concierge who handles bookings, dining, and excursions. Suite guests also receive Club Orange dining access on Pinnacle-class ships (a dedicated restaurant for breakfast and dinner), priority check-in and disembarkation, priority tender boarding, complimentary laundry and pressing, and an enhanced room service breakfast menu featuring items like steak and eggs and smoked salmon Benedict.

Princess’s stateroom categories run from Interior at 150 to 190 square feet through Oceanview, Balcony (222 square feet total on Royal and Sphere-class), Mini-Suite (299 to 329 square feet), and the new Cabana Mini-Suite on Sphere-class ships with a private indoor-outdoor cabana area. Reserve Collection Mini-Suites (formerly Club Class) offer the best-located midship mini-suites with a dedicated dining section, priority boarding, and upgraded amenities. Full Suites reach approximately 800 square feet including balcony, with living room, bedroom, walk-in closet, and soaking tub. Suite benefits include a dedicated Suite Experience Manager, priority embarkation, complimentary mini-bar setup, and deluxe bathroom amenities.

Princess’s flagship accommodation is the Sky Suite — available on Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess, Discovery Princess, Sun Princess, and Star Princess. On Royal-class ships, the Sky Suite delivers 1,792 square feet total with two bedrooms, a living area, separate dining area, and a stunning 1,000-square-foot wraparound balcony with 270-degree views, an outdoor large-screen television, and lounge chairs. On Sphere-class ships, the Signature Sky Suite offers 1,262 square feet. The Sanctuary Collection on Sun and Star Princess takes this further as a top-tier accommodation concept with a dedicated Sanctuary Restaurant, exclusive adults-only pool deck, and curated amenities.

The key differences: Holland America’s Neptune Lounge provides a more traditional exclusive lounge experience with dedicated concierge service that repeat guests find genuinely personal. Princess’s Sky Suites offer more dramatic physical spaces — that 1,000-square-foot wraparound balcony with a private view of Movies Under the Stars is extraordinary. Holland America’s Club Orange dining programme (available as a paid add-on at US$15 to US$25 per person per day, complimentary for suite guests) provides a dedicated restaurant with an enhanced menu that Princess does not quite match outside the Sanctuary Collection. Both lines deliver strong suite experiences, but Holland America feels more classically refined where Princess feels more architecturally ambitious.

Pricing and value

Holland America and Princess are two of the most similarly priced premium cruise lines in the industry, and the difference often comes down to specific itinerary, ship, and timing rather than any systematic pricing gap.

Directional pricing for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise (2026, per person per night): Holland America inside cabins run approximately US$115 to US$150; verandah approximately US$175 to US$230. Princess inside cabins run approximately US$120 to US$170; balcony approximately US$180 to US$280. At the entry level, the lines overlap almost entirely. On 14-night sailings, both lines drop to the US$100 to US$160 range for inside cabins.

Princess’s Sphere-class ships (Sun Princess and Star Princess) command a premium of approximately 10 to 20 per cent over Royal and Grand-class ships for comparable itineraries, which can push Princess pricing above Holland America on specific sailings. Holland America has no equivalent new-build premium — the newest ship, Rotterdam, launched in 2021.

The package comparison matters more than the base fare. Holland America’s Have It All at approximately US$55 per day is the entry point. Princess Plus at US$65 per day and Princess Premier at US$100 per day represent different value tiers. The fairest comparison is Holland America’s Have It All plus gratuities (approximately US$72 per day total) against Princess Plus at US$65 per day (gratuities included). At this level, Princess Plus actually represents slightly better value per day with gratuities baked in, though Holland America’s shore excursion credit and the periodic Early Booking Bonus that includes free gratuities can tip the balance back.

For suite bookings, Holland America generally offers more competitive pricing at the Neptune and Pinnacle levels. Princess’s Sky Suites on Sphere-class ships command a significant premium.

For Australian travellers, the most practical advice is to compare total costs for your specific sailing rather than relying on general per-diem assumptions. Both lines price in Australian dollars through their dedicated local websites and both run seasonal promotions through the Australian travel agency network. Holland America’s Australian market pricing starts from approximately AUD$82 per day. Princess offers “Come Aboard Sale” wave season promotions and earlybird pricing for the Australian season released approximately 18 months in advance.

Spa and wellness

Both lines offer quality spa facilities operated by professional wellness partners, with broadly similar treatment menus and pricing.

Holland America’s Greenhouse Spa and Salon operates on all 11 ships with a natural, earth-inspired wellness philosophy using botanically sourced products. The thermal suite includes a hydrotherapy pool with speciality jets, heated ceramic lounge chairs, steam room, aromatherapy steam room, dry sauna, rain showers, and full-length ocean-view windows. The thermal suite is not included with treatments — a separate day pass runs approximately US$49, with a seven-day voyage pass from US$149 to US$299 per stateroom. Five-Star Mariners receive one complimentary thermal suite day pass per cruise. The fitness centre offers complimentary cardio, weights, and basic stretch classes, with speciality classes like spinning, yoga, Pilates, and boot camp at additional cost. Spa Staterooms and Suites are positioned near the Greenhouse Spa with wellness amenities including yoga mats and upgraded bath products — a thoughtful touch for wellness-focused travellers.

Princess’s Lotus Spa is operated by OneSpaWorld across all 17 ships. The Enclave thermal suite features a hydrotherapy pool, cascading rain showers, heated stone and water beds, aroma infusions, steam rooms, and saunas. On Royal Princess, the Enclave includes a Hammam, Caldarium, and Laconium — a more varied therapeutic offering. On Sphere-class ships, the Lotus Spa is triple the size of any previous Princess spa, with approximately 25 treatment rooms. The Sanctuary — an adults-only premium relaxation area on open deck with plush lounge furniture, cabanas, and dedicated Serenity Stewards — is a Princess signature that Holland America does not match. The Sanctuary costs US$20 for a half day or US$40 for a full day. On Sphere-class ships, the Sanctuary Collection is an entire accommodation category, not just a deck area.

Fitness centres on both lines provide standard cardio and weight equipment. Princess formerly included group fitness classes with its packages but removed this benefit from 2026 sailings, bringing it in line with Holland America’s surcharge model for speciality classes.

Both lines offer comparable spa treatment pricing — massages from approximately US$140 to US$200 for a 50-minute session. Neither line includes thermal suite access in the base fare. The main distinction is Princess’s Sanctuary — that dedicated outdoor relaxation space with personal service is a genuinely popular feature that Holland America does not replicate. Holland America’s Spa Staterooms offer a wellness-forward accommodation concept that Princess does not have.

Entertainment and enrichment

This is where the two lines diverge most clearly, and where personal preference matters more than any objective quality measure.

Holland America invests in live music and cultural enrichment. The Music Walk concept is the line’s crown jewel — three adjacent live music venues on Pinnacle-class ships that deliver some of the finest live music at sea. B.B. King’s Blues Club features an eight-piece blues band performing authentic Memphis blues on five ships. The Rolling Stone Rock Room covers classic rock from the Rolling Stones to Led Zeppelin to David Bowie with a live band vetted by Rolling Stone magazine, available on the three Pinnacle-class ships. Billboard Onboard is an interactive piano bar featuring chart-topping hits, available on nine of 11 ships. The Rolling Stone Lounge on Vista-class and Signature-class ships features a seven-piece band covering an expanded repertoire of R&B, rock, and pop six nights per week — and this venue was recently expanded to Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam.

The World Stage hosts full-length musical productions and variety shows — on Pinnacle-class ships, the theatre seats over 700 with 270-degree floor-to-ceiling LED screens. BBC Earth In Concert screenings pair wildlife footage with orchestral soundtracks. Lincoln Center Stage has evolved from a dedicated classical quartet into a travelling ensemble performing across the fleet. The 2025 regional soloist programme adds culturally inspired performances matched to each itinerary — folk guitar in Alaska, steel pan in the Caribbean, mariachi in Mexico.

Holland America’s enrichment programming includes EXC (Explorations Central) with trained destination experts, EXC Talks and Encounters, America’s Test Kitchen cooking shows, and guest lecturers on history, science, and culture. This is a line that treats the daytime hours as opportunities for intellectual engagement, not just pool time.

Princess invests in spectacle, technology, and versatile entertainment venues. Movies Under the Stars is the line’s beloved signature — a 300-square-foot poolside LED screen with a 69,000-watt sound system, complimentary popcorn and blankets, showing feature films, concerts, and live sporting events. The Princess Theatre hosts Broadway-style productions, including original musicals by Stephen Schwartz (the composer of Wicked and Pippin). Princess Live! is a dedicated comedy, music, and game show venue.

On Sphere-class ships, the entertainment ambition escalates dramatically. The Dome is a geodesic glass-covered venue inspired by Santorini terraces that transforms from a daytime lounge into an evening entertainment arena with live DJ sets, immersive light shows, and themed parties. The Princess Arena is a 980-seat theatre with three configurations — in-the-round, 270-degree keyhole, or traditional proscenium — creating highly interactive performance experiences. Good Morning Princess is a live morning show exclusive to Sphere-class vessels.

Princess’s Discovery at Sea partnership with Discovery Communications brings stargazing programmes, Shark Week events, MythBusters exhibitions, and nature programming. The ScholarShip@Sea lecture programme covers destination topics, though it does not run as deep as Holland America’s EXC programme.

The divide is genuine. Holland America’s Music Walk is the best live music programme at sea — if blues, rock, and pop performed by genuine musicians matters to you, no other line in this price range comes close. Princess offers more breadth and more visual spectacle — The Dome alone is unlike anything in the Holland America fleet. Holland America suits travellers who want their evenings anchored by live music and enrichment. Princess suits travellers who want variety, choice, and wow factor. Both are excellent; the choice is entirely personal.

Fleet and destination coverage

The fleet comparison reveals different strategies and different stages of investment.

Holland America operates 11 ships across four classes spanning 27 years of shipbuilding. The three Pinnacle-class vessels (Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Koningsdam, built 2016 to 2021) at 99,500 gross tonnes each are the flagship product. Two Signature-class ships (2008 and 2010) at 86,700 gross tonnes, four Vista-class ships (2002 to 2006) at approximately 82,000 gross tonnes, and two R-class ships (1999 and 2000) at approximately 61,000 gross tonnes complete the fleet. Critically, Holland America has no new ships on order — the last delivery was Rotterdam in July 2021. Recent dry dock refurbishments in 2025 have refreshed the Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, and Zaandam, but the fleet will continue to age unless new orders are placed. The mid-size character is deliberate — even the largest ships carry just 2,668 guests, creating a more intimate feel in narrow passages and at tender ports.

Princess operates 17 ships across four classes with significantly newer tonnage at the top end. The two Sphere-class vessels (Sun Princess 2024, Star Princess 2025) at 175,500 gross tonnes are the newest mega-ships in the premium segment — LNG-powered, 21 decks, 4,310 guests, with 29 distinct dining and bar venues. Six Royal-class ships (2013 to 2022) at 142,000 to 145,000 gross tonnes form the fleet backbone. Seven Grand-class ships (1998 to 2008) at 107,000 to 116,000 gross tonnes are the workhorses. Two Coral-class ships (2003) at approximately 92,000 gross tonnes are the smallest, suited to Panama Canal transits and intimate ports. Sun Princess was named number one mega cruise ship by Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025).

Both lines are Alaska specialists of the highest order. Holland America has sailed Alaska since 1947 — before it was a US state — making 2027 the line’s 80th anniversary in the region. The 2026 season deploys six ships from Seattle, Vancouver, and Whittier, with itineraries from seven-day Inside Passage cruises to the exceptional 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice voyage. Holland America holds more Glacier Bay permits per ship than any competitor.

Princess has been named Best Cruise Line in Alaska by Travel Weekly for 21 consecutive years. The 2026 season deploys eight ships with 180 departures from five homeports — the largest Alaska programme in the industry. Princess uniquely owns four wilderness lodges in Alaska and operates combined cruise-rail-land packages visiting up to four national parks (Glacier Bay, Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Klondike Gold Rush). The Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service with glass-domed railcars is unmatched.

Both lines offer world cruises. Holland America’s 2026 Grand World Voyage on Volendam covers 133 days, 51 ports, 23 countries, and five continents including Antarctica. The 2027 world cruise on Volendam runs 129 days. Princess’s 2026 Circle Pacific covers 115 to 131 days depending on departure point, with 60 destinations across 19 countries. Critically for Australian travellers, Princess departs on a world cruise from Sydney — Crown Princess sailed a 114-day world cruise from Sydney in May 2026 — while Holland America’s world cruises depart from Fort Lauderdale.

Destination coverage overlaps substantially across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, the Caribbean, and South America. Princess offers a particularly strong Japan programme with specialist cherry blossom season itineraries on Diamond Princess. Holland America’s Legendary Voyages programme includes extended 28 to 45-day sailings that appeal to travellers with more flexible schedules.

Where each line excels

Holland America excels in:

• Live music at sea. The Music Walk concept — B.B. King’s Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room, Billboard Onboard, and Rolling Stone Lounge — is unmatched in the premium segment. If live blues, rock, and pop matter to you, no other line at this price delivers anything comparable.
• Enrichment programming. EXC destination talks, BBC Earth In Concert, America’s Test Kitchen cooking shows, guest lecturers, and the regional soloist programme create an intellectually stimulating daytime experience that goes deeper than Princess’s ScholarShip@Sea.
• Mid-size ship intimacy. A maximum of 2,668 guests creates a calmer atmosphere, shorter queues, and a more personal relationship with crew. In Alaska’s narrow passages and at tender ports, the smaller ships feel more connected to the landscape.
• Culinary heritage. The Culinary Council featuring Jonnie Boer, Rudi Sodamin, Andy Matsuda, and other internationally recognised chefs brings genuine culinary credibility. Culinary Cruises with council members aboard are unique to Holland America.
• Complimentary room service. One of the last non-luxury lines to offer free 24-hour room service (basic menu items), while Princess charges a US$5 delivery fee without a package.
• Longer itinerary depth. Legendary Voyages from 28 to 133 days, Collectors’ Voyages combining multiple itineraries, and the 35-day Australia Circumnavigation suit travellers who want extended, immersive journeys.

Princess excels in:

• Technology. MedallionClass is the most advanced guest experience technology in the cruise industry — touchless boarding, keyless cabin entry, GPS food delivery, location tracking, and personalised recommendations. For tech-savvy travellers, it genuinely transforms the cruise experience.
• Entertainment variety. Movies Under the Stars, The Dome, Princess Arena, Broadway productions by Stephen Schwartz, Princess Live!, and Discovery at Sea programming offer more breadth and visual spectacle than Holland America’s lineup.
• Ship innovation. The Sphere-class vessels (Sun Princess and Star Princess) are the most advanced ships in the premium segment — LNG-powered, 29 dining venues, The Dome geodesic glass venue, and the flexible Princess Arena. Holland America’s fleet, while well-maintained, has no equivalent new-build innovation.
• Alaska land extensions. Four Princess-owned wilderness lodges, glass-domed railcars, and cruisetour packages visiting up to four national parks make Princess the only line offering a comprehensive Alaska cruise-and-land experience.
• Flexible dining. Dine My Way lets guests choose between fixed seating, reservable flexible dining, or walk-in dining each evening — a more customisable approach than Holland America’s open seating or fixed-time options.
• Australian deployment scale. Two to three ships from up to five departure ports, world cruises departing from Sydney, and a Fremantle homeport for 2027-28 give Princess substantially more local presence.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Holland America

35-Day Legendary Australia Circumnavigation (Noordam, departing November 2026). A full loop of the Australian continent with four ports in Papua New Guinea, overnights in Fremantle and Hobart, and late-night stops in Adelaide, Phillip Island, and Melbourne. This is the kind of extended, immersive itinerary that Holland America does better than anyone in the premium segment — and it departs from Sydney.

28-Day Legendary Arctic Circle Solstice (Noordam, departing June 2026 from Seattle). Thirteen ports across Alaska and British Columbia, two days of scenic Inside Passage cruising, remote ports including Nome and Dutch Harbor, an overnight in Anchorage, and Great Bear Rainforest cruising. At 28 days, this is the most extensive Alaska itinerary from any premium line and suits Australians willing to fly to Seattle for a once-in-a-lifetime voyage.

133-Day Grand World Voyage (Volendam, departing January 2026 from Fort Lauderdale). Fifty-one ports, 23 countries, five continents including a four-day Antarctica experience, the Great Barrier Reef, Singapore, Maldives, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe. Bookable in 21 to 55-day segments for those unable to commit to the full voyage. From US$30,354 per person.

14-Day Australia and New Zealand (Noordam, multiple departures January to March 2027). Open-jaw cruises between Sydney and Auckland with scenic cruising through Milford Sound and Fiordland — the core Holland America Australian season itinerary on a well-maintained Vista-class ship.

Princess

114-Day Circle Pacific World Cruise (Crown Princess, departing Sydney May 2026). A proper world cruise departing from Australian shores — 29,000 nautical miles, 19 countries, 60 destinations, 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For Australian travellers who do not want to fly to Fort Lauderdale to start a world cruise, this is a significant advantage that Holland America cannot match.

79-Night Circle Pacific Voyage (Grand Princess, 2026-27 season). Embarkation from Sydney, Brisbane, or Auckland — three Australian gateway options on a single world cruise itinerary. Princess’s willingness to offer flexible Australian embarkation points on extended voyages reflects its deeper commitment to the local market.

28-Night Round Australia (Crown Princess, 2026-27 season). A full circumnavigation from an Australian homeport on a 113,000-tonne Grand-class ship with Dine My Way dining, MedallionClass technology, and Crown Grill speciality dining. Complements Holland America’s Noordam circumnavigation as an alternative.

7-Night Voyage of the Glaciers plus Cruisetour (Star Princess, 2026 Alaska season). Seven nights on Princess’s newest Sphere-class ship from Vancouver or Whittier, followed by three to seven nights at Princess-owned wilderness lodges, Denali National Park, and glass-domed railcar journeys. The combined cruise-and-land Alaska experience is Princess’s strongest proposition for Australian travellers making a once-in-a-lifetime Alaska trip.

10-11 Night Japan Spring Flowers (Diamond Princess, March-April 2026). Following the cherry blossom season south to north across all four main Japanese islands — Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Osaka, Tokyo, and regional ports. Princess’s specialist Japan programme has no Holland America equivalent at this depth.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Holland America

Rotterdam — The best introduction to Holland America for travellers who have not sailed the line. As the flagship Pinnacle-class vessel (2021, 99,500 GT), Rotterdam features the full Music Walk with B.B. King’s Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Billboard Onboard, plus the World Stage theatre with 270-degree LED screens, a standalone Rudi’s Sel de Mer, and Club Orange dining. If you want to understand what Holland America does at its best, this is the ship.

Koningsdam — The top-rated ship in the fleet according to Cruise Critic reviews, with particular praise for service, food quality, and entertainment. Same Pinnacle-class configuration as Rotterdam. Deployed to Alaska from Seattle and Vancouver for the 2026 season.

Nieuw Statendam — The middle Pinnacle-class ship (2018), deployed to Northern Europe from Rotterdam and Dover. A strong choice for Mediterranean and Baltic itineraries. Same Music Walk venues and dining options as Rotterdam.

Noordam — The primary ship for Australian and New Zealand seasons. A well-maintained Vista-class vessel (2006, 82,318 GT) that has received refurbishment attention. Some reviewers note signs of aging compared to the Pinnacle class, but the ship handles the Australia-New Zealand circuit reliably. For the 2026-27 season, Noordam offers the 35-day Australia Circumnavigation and 14-day Australia/New Zealand itineraries.

Westerdam — Joining the Australian deployment for 2026-27, doubling Holland America’s regional capacity. A Vista-class ship (2004) returning to Alaska from Vancouver in 2026 for the first time in five years before heading south. Also features the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard.

Volendam and Zaandam — The two oldest ships in the fleet (1999 and 2000). Volendam handles the world cruise programme and Zaandam sails Alaska. Both have received refurbishments but show their age compared to newer tonnage. Book these for itinerary rather than hardware — the 133-day world cruise on Volendam is extraordinary, even if the ship is not the newest.

Princess

Sun Princess or Star Princess — The best introduction to modern Princess. These Sphere-class ships (2024 and 2025, 175,500 GT) represent everything Princess is investing in — The Dome, Princess Arena, 29 dining venues, MedallionClass at its most refined, and the Sanctuary Collection accommodation. Star Princess debuts in Alaska for 2026. If you want to understand where Princess is heading, sail a Sphere-class ship.

Discovery Princess — The newest Royal-class vessel (2022, 145,000 GT), deployed as the largest Princess ship ever to sail Australian waters for the 2025-26 Sydney season. Features the SeaWalk glass walkway and a comprehensive entertainment lineup. A strong choice for Australian departures.

Royal Princess — Sydney-based for the 2026-27 Australian season. The original Royal-class ship (2013) that established the design template for Princess’s modern fleet, including the flagship Crown Grill and SeaWalk-era innovation.

Diamond Princess — The specialist Japan ship with cherry blossom season itineraries. At 115,875 gross tonnes, it is smaller than the Royal and Sphere classes but well suited to Japanese ports. If Japan is your priority, Diamond Princess is the ship.

Grand Princess — The oldest in the fleet (1998, 107,517 GT) but deployed to Brisbane for the 2026-27 Australian season and offering a 79-night Circle Pacific voyage with Sydney, Brisbane, or Auckland embarkation. Book for the itinerary flexibility rather than the newest hardware.

Coral Princess and Island Princess — The smallest Princess ships (approximately 92,000 GT, 2,000 to 2,210 guests). Better suited for Panama Canal transits and smaller ports. Island Princess handles the 2026 world cruise. Their more intimate size is an advantage in some itineraries where larger ships cannot go.

For Australian travellers specifically

Princess has a substantially larger Australian footprint, and this matters more than any other single comparison point for most Australian travellers.

Princess’s Australian deployment for 2025-26 includes Discovery Princess and Crown Princess homeported in Sydney, with 75 itinerary options and departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle, Adelaide, Hobart, and Auckland — seven ports. The 2026-27 season steps up to three ships (Royal Princess, Grand Princess, Crown Princess) with 42 itineraries, 62 departures from five departure cities, and a season running October 2026 through August 2027. For 2027-28, three ships return including Sapphire Princess homeported in Fremantle — making Princess the only large premium cruise line to homeport in Western Australia. Princess offers EZair flight programmes from all major Australian gateways with flight delay guarantees, Cruise Plus Hotel Packages with transfers, and Australian dollar pricing through the dedicated princess.com/en-au website.

Holland America’s Australian deployment for 2025-26 centres on the Noordam as the sole ship, sailing between Sydney and Auckland from November 2025 through March 2026. The 2026-27 season doubles capacity with Noordam and Westerdam offering 26 itineraries ranging from 13 to 35 days across September 2026 to April 2027. Sydney is the primary departure port, with Auckland serving as a secondary port for one-way Australia/New Zealand itineraries. Fremantle features as a port of call on the circumnavigation but not as a homeport. Holland America offers Fly/Cruise packages through its Australian office, with Los Angeles and Vancouver as common transit points for international itineraries. The line operates through the Carnival Australia umbrella, sharing sales infrastructure with Princess and Cunard.

The scale difference is significant. Princess offers roughly three times the itinerary variety, twice the number of departure ports, and consistently more ships in Australian waters. For Australians who want to cruise locally without flying internationally, Princess provides substantially more options. Holland America’s strength lies in longer itineraries — the 35-day Australia Circumnavigation and 28-day New Zealand and South Australia Discovery are the kinds of extended voyages that Princess matches but does not exceed in depth.

For Alaska from Australia, both lines require a flight to North America. Princess offers more homeport options (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Whittier) and the unique wilderness lodge and rail tour extensions. Holland America sails from Seattle, Vancouver, and Whittier with a deeper enrichment programme. Both offer Glacier Bay access. Princess’s cruisetour packages — combining a seven-night cruise with three to seven nights of land touring — are particularly appealing for Australians making a dedicated Alaska trip and wanting maximum value from the long-haul flight.

Both lines are bookable through Australian travel agents, with Princess using the OneSource portal and Holland America using the POLAR Online booking engine. Both price in Australian dollars for domestic bookings.

The onboard atmosphere

The atmosphere on these two lines differs in ways that transcend amenities and pricing — and in my experience, atmosphere is the factor that determines whether a client rebooks.

Holland America’s atmosphere is classic, refined, and anchored by live music. The mid-size ships create a sense of community that larger vessels struggle to replicate. You notice it first in the Music Walk venues — B.B. King’s Blues Club fills with the same faces each evening, conversations start between tables, and by the third night the eight-piece blues band feels like your personal ensemble. The Grand Dutch Cafe has the warmth of a neighbourhood coffee house. The Dining Room maintains open seating or fixed-time options, but the service pace and attention to detail recall an era when dining was an event rather than a pit stop. Gala Nights are observed — one on cruises up to six nights, two on up to 13 days, three on up to 20 days — with women in cocktail dresses and men in suits and ties. The casual alternative at the Lido Market means nobody is excluded, but the majority of guests embrace the occasion.

The passenger demographic skews 55 to 75, with 80 per cent of Alaska guests over 50 and approximately 40 per cent over 65. Conversations tend toward destinations, history, and the morning’s EXC talk rather than onboard activities. The repeat guest rate is very high — many passengers are three-Star Mariners or above, and the line’s dedicated followers have a genuine affection for the brand. Some reviewers describe the atmosphere as an “old people’s cruise line,” and there is truth to the demographic observation, but it misses the point. Holland America delivers a measured, comfortable sophistication that its passengers specifically seek. The absence of casino-floor energy, water slides, and high-decibel poolside DJs is not a shortcoming — it is the product.

Princess’s atmosphere is contemporary, tech-enabled, and gently energetic. The MedallionClass technology creates an immediate sense of modernity — doors unlock as you approach, drinks appear at your GPS location, and the app handles everything from dinner reservations to show tickets. The Piazza atrium buzzes with live music. Movies Under the Stars creates communal evenings on the pool deck. On Sphere-class ships, The Dome transitions from a serene daytime lounge into an immersive evening entertainment space that feels unlike anything else in the premium segment.

The passenger demographic is broader — averaging 50 to 55 with more younger couples on shorter Caribbean sailings and an older contingent on world cruises and exotic itineraries. Two formal nights on a seven-night cruise are observed in the Main Dining Room and speciality restaurants, with casual alternatives at the buffet. The atmosphere is described as “premium without the snob factor” — positioned above mainstream lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean but more relaxed than Holland America’s traditional polish. Camp Discovery provides children’s programmes for ages three to 17, making Princess the more family-accessible option, though the primary demographic remains couples.

The polarising factor is technology. Travellers who embrace MedallionClass find it liberating — no fumbling with cabin keys, no queueing at the bar, no wondering where your partner has gone. Travellers who prefer a simpler, less screen-dependent experience may find the app-centric approach more than they want from a holiday. Holland America’s traditional cruise card and basic navigator app require less engagement, which some guests specifically prefer.

The bottom line

Holland America and Princess are corporate siblings competing for the same premium traveller, and the quality gap between them is negligible. Both serve excellent food. Both offer well-maintained ships. Both employ attentive crew. Both are Alaska specialists with legitimate heritage. Both deploy ships to Australian waters. And both price within striking distance of each other across every cabin category.

The choice is about atmosphere and priorities.

Choose Holland America if you want a classic enrichment cruise where live music, culinary heritage, and intellectual programming define the experience. Choose it for mid-size ships at a maximum of 2,668 guests that create genuine intimacy. Choose it for the Music Walk — if blues, rock, and pop performed by real musicians matter to you, no other premium line comes close. Choose it for the Culinary Council, for the 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice voyage, for the 35-day Australia Circumnavigation, and for the kind of measured sophistication that does not need a screen to deliver it. Accept that the fleet has no new builds on order, that the oldest ships show their age, that entertainment outside Music Walk can feel limited, and that the technology is deliberately traditional.

Choose Princess if you want a modern, tech-forward premium cruise where MedallionClass convenience, entertainment variety, and innovative ship design define the experience. Choose it for Sphere-class ships that represent the cutting edge of premium shipbuilding. Choose it for Movies Under the Stars, The Dome, and Broadway productions by Stephen Schwartz. Choose it for Alaska with wilderness lodge extensions and glass-domed railcar journeys. Choose it for the larger Australian deployment — more ships, more ports, more itinerary variety, and world cruises departing from Sydney. Accept that add-on packages push the daily cost higher than Holland America’s base offering, that the larger ships mean more guests competing for pool loungers and tender tickets, that Sphere-class pricing carries a premium, and that recent package restructures have removed some benefits while raising prices.

For most Australian couples seeking a premium cruise, the deciding factor will be local convenience versus enrichment depth. Princess offers more ways to cruise from more Australian ports with more flexibility. Holland America offers a deeper, more culturally immersive experience on more intimate ships. Both are strong recommendations. The question is not which line is better — it is which line is better for you.