Choosing between Holland America Line and Celebrity Cruises might feel like picking between two five-star heavyweights – both premium, both polished, and both promising an unforgettable holiday at sea.
But look a little closer and there are some real differences…
As the flagship premium brands of the Carnival Group and Royal Caribbean Group, Holland America and Celebrity are often mentioned in the same breath.
Many travellers assume they’re more alike than not, yet their styles, atmospheres and onboard priorities contrast in ways that can make one far better suited to you than the other.
I’ve cruised with both Holland America and Celebrity, and each offers something genuinely special. In this guide, I’ll take you through exactly how they compare – from ships and dining to entertainment and destinations – so you can discover which line truly matches your holiday style.
Ships
Holland America and Celebrity Cruises both offer a solid mix of modern and mid-sized ships, but neither operates at the enormous scale of the mega-fleet brands like Royal Caribbean, Carnival or MSC Cruises.
Holland America currently sails with 11 ships, ranging from elegant midsize vessels to the newer, slightly larger Pinnacle-class. As it stands, there are no additional ships on order.
Celebrity Cruises has a broader fleet, with 15 ships in service across its Millennium, Solstice and cutting-edge Edge classes. Two more ships are also due to join the fleet in the coming years, further expanding Celebrity’s modern, design-led offering.
Holland America Ships
There are four classes of ships in the Holland America fleet:
- Pinnacle Class – the flagships of the fleet, three ships accommodating 2,650 guests
- Signature Class – two ships accommodating 2,100 guests
- Vista Class – four ships accommodating 1,900 guests
- Rotterdam Class – two ships accommodating 1,400 guests
The newest ship sailing for Holland America is the MS Rotterdam, which launched in 2021 and is part of the newest Pinnacle Class.
In terms of the oldest, that’d be the MS Volendam – launched in 1999 as part of the Rotterdam/R Class.
Read more: Holland America Ships By Size & Age
Celebrity Cruises Ships
There are four classes of ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet:
- Edge Class – five ships that accommodate 2,900 to 3,200 guests
- Solstice Class – five ships that accommodate 2,800 to 3,000 guests
- Millennium Class – four ships that accommodate 2,200 guests
- Galapagos Class – one expedition ship accommodating 100 guests
Read more: Celebrity Ships By Age, Size and Class
How to Choose
When it comes to ship size, Celebrity generally offers the larger and more modern fleet, especially with its innovative Edge-class ships. These vessels are packed with contemporary design touches, impressive entertainment spaces and a wider variety of dining venues.
Holland America’s ships are smaller on average and lean towards a more traditional, elegant style. They feel calmer and less crowded, with a focus on spacious decks, refined interiors and a more relaxed pace of life onboard.
So your choice really depends on the atmosphere you prefer. If you enjoy cutting-edge design, bold architecture and a ship with more venues to explore, Celebrity is likely the better fit.
But if a quieter, classically styled ship with fewer passengers sounds more appealing, Holland America’s fleet will feel much more like home.
Destinations
Both Holland America Line and Celebrity Cruises offer an impressive spread of destinations across the globe. While Europe and the Caribbean are naturally the most popular regions for each line, they both sail far beyond the classic routes if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous.
Unlike cruise lines with a clear regional focus – such as Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean-heavy programme or MSC’s strong European presence – neither Holland America nor Celebrity really has a single “home” destination. Their fleets are spread widely, and both brands pride themselves on offering varied, globally focused itineraries.
Here’s a breakdown of the itineraries you can expect to find with each line:
| Holland America | Celebrity Cruises | |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 111 | 82 |
| Australia & New Zealand | 17 | 35 |
| Canada & New England | 35 | 4 |
| Caribbean & Bahamas | 145 | 31 |
| East Asia | 64 | 35 |
| Europe | 242 | 136 |
| Galapagos | 0 | 14 |
| Hawaii | 21 | 9 |
| Mexico & Latin America | 21 | 0 |
| Pacific Coast | 22 | 3 |
| Panama Canal | 39 | 8 |
| South America | 25 | 2 |
| South Pacific | 0 | 1 |
| Transatlantic | 22 | 20 |
| Transpacific | 5 | 10 |
| World/Grand | 11 | 0 |
Holland America Destinations
Holland America offers an impressive spread of itineraries across the globe, with a network of 30 embarkation ports that makes it surprisingly flexible for a premium cruise line.
These ports are well distributed too, rather than heavily concentrated in one region, giving you a genuinely worldwide selection of starting points.
The line has a particularly strong presence in Alaska, where it’s long been considered one of the stand-out cruise operators.
You’ll – understandably – find two embarkation options in the Netherlands, namely Amsterdam and Rotterdam, which makes European sailings especially convenient. And for UK travellers, Holland America does operate seasonal departures from Dover.
Whether you’re looking for classic European routes, scenic voyages along the Pacific, or longer, more culturally focused itineraries, Holland America’s destination offering leans heavily towards variety and depth.
I recently took a Holland America cruise to Iceland – here’s the vlog, if you’d like to see what that was like…
Celebrity Cruises Destinations
Celebrity Cruises also provides a broad global programme, with 34 embarkation ports to choose from. While there is a slightly stronger concentration in North America and the Caribbean – accounting for 12 ports – the line still maintains a well-balanced selection across Europe, Asia and beyond.
Celebrity’s destination offering is particularly notable in South America, where two embarkation ports support both classic itineraries and more adventurous sailings. This includes routes tailored towards exploration-focused experiences, especially when combined with the line’s expedition ships.
From stylish Mediterranean journeys to tropical escapes and remote wildlife-rich routes, Celebrity’s itineraries blend mainstream favourites with the option for something more unconventional, giving guests plenty of choice depending on how far they want to venture.
Read more: The 5 Destinations That Deserve The Celebrity Cruises Treatment
How to Choose
When it comes to mainstream destinations, there’s very little to separate Holland America and Celebrity. Both offer wide-ranging global itineraries without anchoring themselves to one specific region, so whether you’re planning a European city break, a Caribbean escape or a longer worldwide adventure, you’ll find strong options with either line.
The distinction appears once you look at their specialist routes.
Holland America excels in Alaska and the Pacific Coast, with more depth, variety and seasonal choice than most cruise lines. If those regions are high on your list, HAL has a clear edge.
Celebrity, meanwhile, pulls ahead in more remote and expedition-style destinations, particularly the Galápagos, where its dedicated ships offer a completely different kind of experience.
So your decision really depends on what you want from your itinerary. For scenic, classic cruising and stand-out Alaska routes, Holland America is hard to beat. For something more adventurous or off the beaten track, Celebrity is the more compelling choice.
Staterooms and Suites
Accommodation on both Holland America Line and Celebrity Cruises covers the familiar range of Inside, Oceanview, Balcony and Suite categories, so your choice will often depend more on the specific ship than on the brand itself.
Each line offers its own take on premium comfort, but the basics remain reassuringly similar.
Inside cabins give you the lowest price point, while Oceanview and Balcony staterooms add more space and natural light. Suites on both lines come with an enhanced level of service and a bundle of extra perks, though the exact benefits vary by ship and suite class, making it worth checking what’s included before you book.
Solo travellers will find selective dedicated options. Holland America has single staterooms on a handful of its newer ships, and Celebrity also offers solo cabins on several vessels – particularly within the Edge Class.
On ships without these rooms, single guests may still face high supplements, so it’s worth choosing your ship carefully if travelling alone.
Holland America Staterooms and Suites
Holland America’s accommodation leans towards classic, refined styling, with an emphasis on comfort and calm rather than bold design. While the layout varies across the fleet, there are a couple of standout options worth knowing about.
Pinnacle Suites
These are the largest and most luxurious suites in the Holland America fleet. They offer a generously sized living and dining area, a spacious bedroom and a bathroom with an oversized whirlpool bath.
You’ll even find a second whirlpool on your verandah, so you can relax indoors or outside depending on your mood and the weather. The suites also come with upgraded amenities and access to exclusive areas reserved for suite guests.
Read more: Holland America Line Suite Perks Explained
Spa Rooms
Available as Inside, Ocean View, Verandah or as a Neptune Spa Suite, these staterooms are located close to the ship’s spa and are designed to feel more tranquil.
Expect spa-themed amenities, a soothing décor scheme and features such as a premium massage showerhead. They’re ideal if you want your entire cruise experience to feel restorative rather than busy.
Celebrity Cruises Staterooms and Suites
Celebrity takes a more contemporary, design-led approach to accommodation, with some features that you won’t find anywhere else at sea. The variety is wider on the newest Edge-class ships, though fleet-wide you’ll still find plenty of upgraded options.
Infinite Veranda Edge Staterooms
Exclusive to the Edge-class ships, these innovative balcony staterooms blur the line between indoor and outdoor space.
At the touch of a button, the top half of the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to create an open-air veranda. It’s a striking, modern design that gives you more usable space and a closer connection to the sea.
Read more: 15 Celebrity Cruises Cabins You’ll Want to Avoid
Concierge Class
Available across most of the fleet, Concierge Class staterooms offer a more premium experience without stepping into full suite territory. You’ll enjoy improved furnishings, priority services and the support of an onboard concierge team to help with reservations, recommendations and any special requests.
Read more: Celebrity Cruises Concierge Class Benefits: Worth It or Not?
AquaClass
AquaClass staterooms and suites are ideal for guests who want a wellness-inspired cruise.
They include enhanced room features, access to select spa facilities and priority booking for treatments. AquaClass guests also receive additional wellness amenities and a more serene onboard experience overall.
Read more: Celebrity Cruises Aqua Class Benefits: Actually Worth It Or Not?
The Retreat
Celebrity’s suite-only complex, The Retreat, offers the most exclusive accommodations on the ship. Alongside spacious, luxurious suites, guests have access to private lounges, sun decks and restaurants not open to the rest of the ship.
It’s effectively a ship-within-a-ship experience, offering a quieter, more personal environment for those who want to escape the crowds.
Read more: Celebrity Cruises Retreat Package: Is It Really Worth It?
How to Choose
If you prefer classic décor, a cosy atmosphere and well-designed but traditionally styled rooms, Holland America’s accommodation is likely to appeal more. The line’s Pinnacle Suites also offer a level of old-school luxury that feels indulgent without being flashy.
Celebrity, on the other hand, is the better choice if you enjoy modern design and want something a little different. The Infinite Veranda staterooms are a real highlight of the Edge-class ships, while The Retreat offers one of the strongest suite experiences of any mainstream cruise line.
For wellness-focused travellers, both lines have spa categories, but Celebrity’s AquaClass tends to offer a more complete, integrated experience. Solo travellers will find limited dedicated options on both brands, so it’s largely down to the individual ship.
Ultimately, if you want classic comfort and a touch of traditional elegance, choose Holland America. If contemporary design, innovative layouts and a more upscale, resort-style feel matter more, Celebrity is the better fit.
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Food
Holland America Line’s Food
Holland America offers an appealing mix of dining venues across its fleet, ranging from relaxed cafés and poolside bites to refined, multi-course meals in the more formal restaurants.
The emphasis is firmly on quality, with menus built around fresh, carefully sourced ingredients and dishes that feel noticeably more elevated than the typical mainstream cruise fare.
The line’s long-standing commitment to culinary excellence really comes through in its special programming. Holland America frequently hosts culinary-themed sailings featuring guest chefs, cooking demonstrations and intimate dining events. And thanks to its fresh fish initiative introduced in 2023, you’ll often find seafood sourced directly from the ports you visit, adding a genuine regional flavour to many dishes.
Dining on a Holland America ship tends to feel calm, polished and consistently well executed – perfect if you appreciate classic, well-crafted cuisine.
Read more: Why Holland America is Europe’s Best-Kept Cruise Secret
Celebrity Cruises Food
Celebrity doesn’t offer the vast number of venues you’d find on a mega-ship line, but what it does provide is exceptional quality across the board. Every restaurant feels thoughtfully designed, and menus are crafted with a premium, restaurant-forward approach that sets Celebrity firmly in the upper tier of the major cruise brands.
The dining rooms themselves are stylish without being overly formal, leaning into a contemporary, upmarket feel.
You’ll find everything from modern French dining at Murano to the exclusive dishes available in Luminae, the suite-only restaurant created with input from Michelin-starred chefs. Whether it’s a simple lunch or a multi-course evening meal, dining on a Celebrity ship tends to feel like an occasion.
While the selection may be smaller than some competitors, the culinary standard on Celebrity is consistently high – arguably one of the brand’s strongest selling points.
Read more: The 7 Things Celebrity Cruises Does Better Than Other Lines
How to Choose
If you enjoy refined dining with a touch of tradition, Holland America’s culinary style will likely appeal more, particularly with its focus on fresh ingredients and chef-led experiences. The atmosphere here is elegant, steady and rooted in classic cruise dining.
Celebrity, on the other hand, is the better fit if you prefer contemporary cuisine, modern restaurant design and a dining experience that leans more towards high-end city dining than traditional cruise fare. The suite-exclusive options also give Celebrity an edge for guests seeking a more luxurious, private dining environment.
In short, Holland America excels at polished, classic dining with regional touches, while Celebrity shines with modern, creative cuisine served in sleek, stylish settings.
Activities & Entertainment
Holland America Activities & Entertainment
Holland America focuses on traditional cruise activities, delivered with a refined and modern feel.
Expect a programme filled with art workshops, dance classes, cookery demonstrations, spa treatments and destination-themed enrichment, alongside staples such as the fitness centre and casino. Pickleball is also available across the fleet, which is still relatively rare in the wider cruise industry.
Evenings tend to be vibrant but not overwhelming. Theatre productions feature high-quality singers and dancers, while select ships offer live music in dedicated venues such as the Rolling Stone Lounge or the ever-popular B.B. King’s Blues Club.
It’s a line that leans into live performance and intimate venues rather than big spectacle, creating an atmospheric and sophisticated night-time experience.
Celebrity Cruises Activities & Entertainment
Celebrity’s onboard activities lean towards relaxation and enrichment, making the ships ideal for guests who enjoy quieter days at sea.
You’ll find a selection of wellness classes, golf simulators, pickleball, hot glass demonstrations on select ships and calm pool spaces designed for unwinding rather than high-energy action. Movies under the stars add to the relaxed, resort-style atmosphere.
When it comes to entertainment, Celebrity offers a strong mix of original productions created specifically for its theatres. These shows take inspiration from classic Broadway and West End hits, but reimagined with cutting-edge staging and visuals. The result is polished, contemporary evening entertainment that feels immersive without relying on big-name licensed productions.
How to Choose
Holland America suits travellers who enjoy a mix of classic cruise activities and high-quality live music in intimate venues. Its entertainment feels refined yet warm, making it ideal for guests who prefer a more traditional, culturally focused approach to evenings at sea.
Celebrity, on the other hand, is perfect for those who enjoy a modern resort vibe, with a stronger emphasis on wellness, design-led spaces and stylish, tech-enhanced performances. If you like sophisticated but relaxed days paired with sleek, contemporary shows, Celebrity will likely feel more your style.
Overall, the choice comes down to atmosphere: Holland America offers a gentler, music-driven programme, while Celebrity leans into modern, elegant and visually impressive entertainment.
Kids’ Facilities
Holland America Kids’ Facilities
Holland America does offer dedicated kids’ clubs across the fleet, with a programme designed to be fun, creative and well structured. Activities typically include scavenger hunts, team challenges, themed parties, arts and crafts, sports sessions and plenty more to keep younger guests entertained.
The clubs are split into three age groups, so children and teens can enjoy activities suited to them without being mixed into one large group. On the newest ships, the teen club in particular is seriously impressive – and after 6pm it actually becomes a family space, open to all ages, giving everyone a chance to relax and play together.
It’s important to remember, though, that Holland America isn’t primarily a family-focused cruise line. Outside of peak holiday periods there may be very few children on board, and on some sailings families can be a real minority.
Celebrity Cruises Kids’ Facilities
A Celebrity cruise is often described as one where kids cruise with you, rather than for the kids – and that’s largely true. The ships are designed first and foremost for adults, with a refined, stylish atmosphere that younger travellers need to be comfortable in.
Even so, the Camp at Sea programme is excellent, and on par with the quality you’d expect from Celebrity’s parent company, Royal Caribbean. Children can enjoy a broad range of games, movie nights and themed events, along with optional educational activities that stay fun and engaging rather than feeling like schoolwork. Teens also have their own dedicated space and activities, giving them freedom and independence on sea days.
Celebrity isn’t trying to compete with the big family-focused brands, but the youth facilities it does offer are thoughtful, modern and more than enough to keep children entertained.
How to Choose
If you’re travelling with children but still want a calmer, more adult-oriented cruise, both Holland America and Celebrity can work well. Neither brand is aimed squarely at families, so you won’t find the crowds of kids or the huge waterparks seen on more mainstream lines.
Holland America tends to attract very few younger passengers outside school holidays, so it’s better suited to children who are happy with quieter days and a more relaxed atmosphere. The family access to the teen club on newer ships is a real bonus, though, offering a fun shared space in the evenings.
Celebrity has the stronger kids’ club overall, with a more structured and varied programme that will suit most children and teens. It still retains an adult feel throughout the ship, but the youth facilities are slightly more polished and consistent.
Ultimately, if the grown-up vibe is your priority and the kids are easy-going, both lines will serve you well. If you want a bit more for them to do – especially on sea days – Celebrity has the edge.
Demographics
Holland America Demographics
Holland America generally attracts an older crowd, with most guests falling somewhere between their mid-50s and early-70s. You’ll still see people in their 40s and well into their 80s on many sailings, but the overall atmosphere leans towards a more mature, slow-paced style of cruising.
The line is especially popular with solo travellers, couples and friendship groups who appreciate a quieter ship and a more traditional take on cruising.
Families do sail with Holland America, but they’re far less common, largely because the onboard experience isn’t geared towards children. Even with good kids’ clubs, the ships are designed primarily for adults, with the focus on relaxed days, refined dining and cultural enrichment rather than high-energy thrills.
Celebrity Cruises Demographics
Celebrity Cruises appeals to a younger premium market, with most guests typically in their 30s, 40s and 50s. It’s a favourite among couples, solo travellers and groups of friends who enjoy its blend of stylish design, modern dining and a more contemporary onboard vibe.
Families do sail with Celebrity, but not in the same numbers you’d find on Royal Caribbean. Instead, the line tends to attract adults who appreciate an elevated cruise experience without the formality of some traditional lines. You’ll also find plenty of guests in their 50s and 60s who prefer Celebrity’s chic, modern aesthetic over more classic styles elsewhere in the premium market.
How to Choose
If you’re looking for a quieter, more mature atmosphere with fewer families onboard, Holland America is the clear winner. Its ships lend themselves to leisurely days, cultural activities and a relaxed pace that suits older travellers and those who want a more classic cruise environment.
If you prefer a younger mix of guests, a more contemporary vibe and a generally livelier atmosphere – without crossing into the full-on energy of a family mega-ship – then Celebrity is the better match. It balances sophistication with modern flair, offering a premium feel that appeals to adults across a broad age range.
Ultimately, your choice comes down to the style of cruise you want: traditional and serene with Holland America, or modern and cosmopolitan with Celebrity.
Price
Holland America Prices
Holland America sits firmly in the premium bracket, so you shouldn’t expect bargain-basement fares. The line positions itself as offering a five-star experience, and that’s reflected in the price you’ll typically pay. Older ships may come in slightly cheaper, but with a relatively small and consistent fleet, the price difference isn’t usually dramatic.
For a seven-night Caribbean sailing on one of the newer ships, you can generally expect to pay between £160 / $200 and £210 / $266 per person, per night for an Inside cabin.
Celebrity Cruises Prices
Celebrity Cruises is also a premium cruise line, and its fares tend to be a little higher than those of Royal Caribbean, even though the overall inclusions aren’t drastically different. Positioned as five-star rather than ultra-luxury, Celebrity sits comfortably above the mainstream market, and prices rise accordingly.
You can sometimes find sailings on the newer ships priced similarly to Royal Caribbean, but for a Caribbean itinerary on a modern vessel, fares typically reach around £150 / $190 per person, per night for an entry-level stateroom.
My Final Verdict
Holland America and Celebrity Cruises both sit firmly within the premium cruise market, yet they deliver that experience in notably different ways.
Holland America leans towards a more traditional, refined style of cruising, with smaller ships, elegant décor and a strong emphasis on destination depth and culinary quality. It’s calm, sophisticated and ideal for travellers who prefer an unhurried, classic approach to life at sea.
Meanwhile, Celebrity offers a more contemporary interpretation of premium cruising. Its ships feel modern and design-led, with stylish dining venues, impressive entertainment spaces and a subtly more lively atmosphere.
Their cruises attract a slightly younger mix of guests and provides a broader balance between relaxation, chic spaces and cutting-edge features, particularly on the Edge-class ships.
If you’re travelling as a family or with younger adults who enjoy a modern environment, Celebrity may feel like the more natural fit. But if you’re sailing solo, as a couple, or simply prefer a quieter, more traditionally luxurious experience, Holland America’s charm is hard to resist.
Both lines deliver excellent service and premium touches – your choice simply depends on which style of “premium” appeals most.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest Celebrity Cruises offers…
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