Celebrity Cruises vs Holland America Line

The core difference

Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line are both premium lines owned by cruise industry giants — Celebrity sits within the Royal Caribbean Group alongside Royal Caribbean International and Silversea, while Holland America operates under the Carnival Corporation umbrella with Princess, Cunard, and Carnival. Both charge similar fares, serve overlapping destinations, and attract travellers seeking quality above the mainstream without the formality of traditional luxury. On paper, they compete directly.

In practice, they are building two very different experiences.

Celebrity is the contemporary premium line. Its Edge-class ships — the newest delivered as recently as November 2025 — represent some of the most architecturally ambitious vessels afloat. The Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that moves between decks serving as bar, restaurant, and tender station, has no equivalent in the industry. The Infinite Veranda concept transforms stateroom walls into open-air balcony spaces at the push of a button. Eden, a three-storey glass-wrapped venue that transitions from lounge to performance space as the day progresses, is unlike anything Holland America offers. Celebrity wants you to feel chic, modern, and slightly dazzled by design innovation. The atmosphere trends social — there is a casino, a nightclub that gets going after midnight, and an evening energy that rewards guests who want things to do after dinner.

Holland America is the heritage premium line. Founded in 1873 as a transatlantic shipping company between the Netherlands and North America, Holland America has been sailing for over 150 years — and that history shapes everything from the Delft china in the dining room to the museum-quality art collections that line every corridor. The design language is warm rather than sleek: brass elements, classic woodwork, and sculptural references to Dutch maritime tradition. Where Celebrity invests in architectural spectacle, Holland America invests in cultural substance — the Music Walk entertainment precinct featuring B.B. King’s Blues Club, the Billboard Onboard piano bar, and the Rolling Stone Rock Room is widely regarded as the finest live music programme at sea. America’s Test Kitchen cooking shows, BBC Earth In Concert screenings, and the Explorations Central destination programme deliver structured enrichment that rewards intellectual curiosity. Holland America wants you to feel well-travelled, cultured, and quietly looked after.

As a Cruise Critic editorial neatly summarised: “Celebrity caters to a younger, trendier demographic with edgy shows and gimmicky (but thoughtful and tasty) restaurants, while Holland America embraces an older crowd by providing a slower onboard pace set to fantastic live music.” That captures the divide precisely.

What is actually included

Understanding what each fare covers is essential to a fair comparison, because the headline price tells only part of the story.

Celebrity’s base Cruise-Only fare includes: stateroom accommodation, main dining room meals and buffet dining, basic entertainment and production shows, pool and fitness centre access, and room service (with a US$9.95 delivery fee plus 20 per cent gratuity per delivery). This is a stripped-back starting point that excludes beverages, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, shore excursions, and gratuities.

Celebrity’s All Included fare adds: a Classic Beverage Package and basic Wi-Fi at approximately US$70–$85 per person per day above the base fare. This is the package most Australian travellers will book, but it still excludes shore excursions, specialty dining surcharges, thermal spa access (unless booked in AquaClass), and daily gratuities at US$18–$23 per person depending on cabin category. The removal of gratuities from the All Included package in October 2023 effectively increased the daily cost and remains a point of discussion among loyal Celebrity cruisers.

Celebrity’s The Retreat suite fare includes: Premium Beverage Package, Premium Wi-Fi, unlimited specialty dining, complimentary stocked minibar replenished daily, butler service, Luminae private restaurant, Retreat Lounge and Sundeck access, and priority embarkation. This is Celebrity’s genuinely all-inclusive tier, but it requires booking a suite — entry starts at the Sky Suite from approximately 395 square feet.

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 poolside dining at Dive-In and New York Pizza; the Grand Dutch Cafe for complimentary Dutch snacks, stroopwafels, and pastries; afternoon tea service; 24-hour room service with a complimentary basic menu; self-service launderettes on most ships; fitness centre access; World Stage productions and live music; enrichment lectures; America’s Test Kitchen cooking shows; and BBC Earth In Concert screenings. Holland America is one of the last non-luxury lines to maintain complimentary 24-hour room service with a substantive menu — a detail that matters to many experienced cruisers.

Holland America’s base fare does not include: daily Crew Appreciation (gratuities) at US$17 per person for non-suite guests or US$19 for suite guests; specialty dining cover charges; alcoholic beverages; spa treatments and thermal suite passes; Wi-Fi; shore excursions; and specialty fitness classes.

Holland America’s Have It All package adds: a Signature Beverage Package covering wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails up to US$11 per drink with a 15-drink daily limit; one to three specialty dining evenings depending on cruise length; a Wi-Fi Surf Package for one device; and a shore excursion credit of US$100–$200 per person. The package is priced from approximately US$55 per person per day when purchased pre-cruise, rising to US$70 per day if bought onboard. The periodic Have It All Early Booking Bonus upgrades this to include an Elite Beverage Package, Premium Wi-Fi, additional excursion credit, and free prepaid Crew Appreciation — genuine value when available.

Holland America’s Club Orange add-on (US$15–$25 per person per day depending on cruise length) provides access to a dedicated restaurant on Pinnacle-class ships, an enhanced room service breakfast menu, priority check-in, and a dedicated concierge. Neptune and Pinnacle suite guests receive Club Orange benefits complimentarily. Unlike Celebrity’s Retreat, which creates an exclusive ship-within-a-ship, Holland America deliberately made Club Orange accessible to any cabin grade — a more egalitarian approach that some travellers prefer.

The practical takeaway: Holland America includes more in its base fare — particularly room service, casual dining options, and enrichment programming — while Celebrity’s base fare is leaner but offers a clear upsell pathway to the genuinely all-inclusive Retreat suite experience. When comparing like-for-like bundled packages, Holland America’s Have It All typically delivers more inclusions per dollar than Celebrity’s All Included, particularly through the shore excursion credit that Celebrity does not offer outside suite-level fares.

Dining and culinary experience

Both lines take food seriously, but the philosophy and pricing model differ in ways that shape daily life onboard.

Celebrity’s culinary programme is led by Daniel Boulud, the Michelin-starred French chef who serves as Global Culinary Brand Ambassador. His signature restaurant, Le Voyage, is available on Celebrity Beyond, Ascent, and Xcel — a travel-inspired menu with global flavours and modern French technique at US$125 per person for dinner or US$200 for the tasting menu. Reviewers consistently describe it as one of the finest dining experiences afloat. Boulud also designs menus for Luminae, the suite-exclusive restaurant available to all Retreat guests at no additional charge.

Celebrity’s complimentary dining includes the main dining room — on Edge-class ships divided into four themed restaurants (Normandie, Tuscan, Cosmopolitan, Cyprus) sharing the same menu but each with distinct decor — the Oceanview Cafe buffet, poolside grills, and Blu, a health-conscious restaurant exclusive to AquaClass guests. Specialty dining venues carry surcharges: Fine Cut Steakhouse at approximately US$55; Eden Restaurant at approximately US$75; Le Petit Chef immersive animated dining at approximately US$60; Raw on 5 sushi bar a la carte; Murano French fine dining on Solstice-class ships at approximately US$40; and Sushi on Five and Bistro on Five on select vessels. A 20 per cent gratuity applies to all specialty dining bills.

Holland America’s culinary programme is guided by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin and a Culinary Council that includes Jonnie Boer (3-Michelin-star De Librije), Andy Matsuda (sushi master), Jacques Torres (master chocolatier), David Burke, Elizabeth Falkner, and Ethan Stowell. The Culinary Council approach spreads authority across multiple specialists rather than concentrating on a single partnership — each chef contributes to specific venues and menus, and on select Culinary Cruises, council members sail aboard for demonstrations and meet-and-greets.

Holland America’s complimentary dining centres on the main Dining Room, which forum contributors consistently rate among the strongest in the premium segment. One Cruise Critic reviewer noted it as “one of the few cruise lines where the free dining is impressive enough to be placed nearly on the same level as the for-fee dining.” Delft china tableware adds a touch of heritage refinement. The Lido Market is a modern two-storey buffet marketplace with themed stations. The Grand Dutch Cafe — stroopwafels, Dutch lager, and light bites — is a uniquely Holland America offering. Dive-In poolside burgers are frequently described as “the best burgers at sea.”

Holland America’s specialty restaurants carry more moderate surcharges than Celebrity’s top-tier venues: Pinnacle Grill premium steakhouse at US$46 for dinner; Rudi’s Sel de Mer Mediterranean bistro at US$55; Canaletto Italian trattoria at US$29; Tamarind pan-Asian at US$35; and Nami Sushi omakase at US$55. An 18 per cent service fee applies. The Pinnacle Grill consistently earns the highest ratings from passengers — one back-to-back reviewer of Celebrity Beyond and Nieuw Statendam rated the Pinnacle Grill meal as “the best meal we had on either ship.”

Holland America also runs America’s Test Kitchen — live cooking shows and hands-on workshops available complimentarily on all ships. This is a distinctive enrichment-meets-culinary programme that Celebrity does not match. The Fresh Fish Program delivers fresh, never-frozen fish at ports along the route, adding genuinely local ingredients to the onboard menus.

In my experience, the culinary comparison comes down to priorities. Celebrity peaks higher — Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud and Eden are genuinely special-occasion dining. Holland America is more consistently strong at the included level, where the main Dining Room and casual venues deliver quality that reduces the pressure to pay for specialty restaurants. A couple on Holland America can eat exceptionally well for an entire voyage without spending a dollar beyond the fare. The same couple on Celebrity will likely want at least one or two specialty restaurant experiences, adding US$100–$300 to the total cost. Both approaches have merit; the question is whether you prefer culinary theatre at a premium or reliable excellence at no extra charge.

Suites and accommodation

The accommodation strategies reveal fundamentally different brand philosophies.

Celebrity offers the widest cabin range in the premium segment. On Edge-class ships, interior cabins start from 181 square feet; oceanview from 170 square feet; veranda staterooms with the Infinite Veranda from approximately 188–228 square feet of interior space plus veranda; Concierge Class at approximately 243 square feet; and AquaClass spa-focused staterooms with complimentary thermal suite access and exclusive Blu restaurant. The Infinite Veranda — a glass wall that opens to create an open-air balcony space — is Celebrity’s signature cabin innovation. It divides opinion: some guests love the bright, modern feel while others miss a traditional outdoor balcony with fresh air and railing.

Celebrity’s suite programme, The Retreat, operates as a ship-within-a-ship. The entry-level Sky Suite provides approximately 395–451 square feet total with all Retreat benefits: butler service, Luminae restaurant, Retreat Lounge and Sundeck, Premium Beverage and Wi-Fi packages, unlimited specialty dining, and a complimentary minibar. The top-tier Iconic Suite — only two per Edge-class ship — offers 2,580 square feet with two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a private veranda hot tub, and panoramic forward-facing views. Every Retreat suite includes dedicated butler service covering packing and unpacking, spa and dining reservations, in-suite breakfast, daily canape service, and Butler Chat messaging from anywhere onboard.

Holland America’s cabin range is more traditional but delivers solid comfort. Inside staterooms span 143–225 square feet; ocean view 175–282 square feet; verandah staterooms 228–405 square feet including the verandah. Spa Verandah staterooms near the Greenhouse Spa include yoga mats and upgraded bath amenities. The unique Lanai Staterooms on Pinnacle-class ships offer direct Promenade Deck access — a category no other premium line offers.

Holland America’s suite categories include the Vista Suite at 260–356 square feet with a private verandah, sitting area, and whirlpool bath; the Neptune Suite at 465–502 square feet with a dual-sink bathroom and separate living area; and the Pinnacle Suite at approximately 1,290 square feet with a large living room, dining area, private verandah with whirlpool, and dressing room. Neptune and Pinnacle suite guests access the Neptune Lounge — an exclusive space with a concierge, refreshments, a library, and a cocktail party — along with Club Orange dining, priority services, and complimentary laundry and pressing.

The key difference between the suite experiences is butler service. Celebrity provides dedicated butlers to all Retreat suites. Holland America does not offer butler service in any category — the Neptune Lounge concierge handles bookings and special requests, but there is no personal butler for packing, unpacking, or in-suite dining. Holland America has also deliberately avoided the ship-within-a-ship model: Club Orange dining, its closest equivalent to Retreat exclusivity, is accessible to any cabin grade for an add-on fee. This is less opulent than Celebrity’s Retreat but more inclusive in philosophy.

For design innovation, Celebrity leads decisively. The Infinite Veranda, the Retreat concept, and the overall aesthetic of Edge-class staterooms — designed by Kelly Hoppen — feel measurably more contemporary than Holland America’s traditional cabin finishes. Holland America’s recent dry dock refurbishments on Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, and Zaandam have refreshed carpeting and finishes, but the fundamental cabin design across much of the fleet reflects ships built between 1999 and 2021 without Celebrity’s design-forward ambition.

Pricing and value

Comparing fares between Celebrity and Holland America requires looking beyond the headline number, though the headline number does favour Holland America.

Holland America’s directional per-diem pricing for a 7-night Mediterranean cruise runs approximately US$115–$150 per person per night for an inside cabin, US$140–$175 for ocean view, and US$175–$230 for a verandah stateroom. For 14-night Mediterranean voyages, per-diems drop to approximately US$100–$135 inside and US$160–$210 verandah. Holland America’s standby programme offers fares from US$99 per person per night for inside or ocean view cabins when available close to departure. The Australian market has seen pricing from approximately AU$82 per day.

Celebrity’s directional per-diem pricing for a 7-night Mediterranean cruise on Edge-class ships runs approximately US$150–$220 per person per night for an interior and US$200–$350 for a balcony cabin. For Australian sailings, Celebrity Solstice promotional fares have started from approximately AU$155 per night, with Edge-class from approximately AU$200 per night.

The base fare gap is real — Holland America generally runs 15 to 25 per cent cheaper than Celebrity for comparable itineraries and cabin categories. The exception is Alaska, where Holland America commands near-parity pricing and occasionally a premium as the dominant Alaska line.

However, the gap narrows significantly once you add packages. Celebrity’s All Included fare adds approximately US$70–$85 per person per day for a Classic Beverage Package and basic Wi-Fi. Holland America’s Have It All package adds approximately US$55–$70 per person per day for beverages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and a shore excursion credit. Holland America’s package arguably delivers more inclusions per dollar — the excursion credit alone is worth US$100–$200 per person per voyage. Celebrity’s package does not include excursion credits, specialty dining, or thermal spa access outside the Retreat tier.

A back-to-back review of Celebrity Beyond and Nieuw Statendam priced the comparison at approximately $245 CAD per person per day on Celebrity (including drinks, pre-paid gratuities, and basic internet) versus approximately $215 CAD per person per day on Holland America (including drinks, a specialty dining meal, internet for two devices, and an excursion credit). The reviewer concluded that Holland America’s package offered more value per dollar.

For Australian travellers, I always recommend comparing total cost for the specific sailing rather than relying on per-diem generalisations. Both lines run substantial promotional campaigns — Celebrity offers up to 75 per cent off the second guest, onboard credit, and specialty dining bundles, while Holland America runs Have It All Early Booking Bonus promotions that can include free prepaid gratuities and upgraded beverage packages. The smartest booking strategy is to identify the itinerary first, then work with a specialist agent to model the total cost with every extra you plan to use.

Spa and wellness

Both lines operate quality spa facilities, though the brands and inclusion models differ.

Celebrity’s spa is operated by Canyon Ranch — a long-standing partnership with the American wellness brand. On Edge-class ships, The Spa features the SEA Thermal Suite with eight distinct therapeutic spaces: a Turkish hammam with body polish service, simulated rain showers ranging warm to cool, a Crystal Room, Salt Room, Infrared Sauna, and Float Room with zero-gravity loungers. This is an extensive thermal facility — more varied than Holland America’s equivalent. However, the SEA Thermal Suite is complimentary only for AquaClass guests. All other guests pay for a day pass, and voyage-long passes are additional. Solstice-class ships feature the Persian Garden with heated stone loungers, steam room, and aromatic showers, also restricted to AquaClass.

The fitness centre and group fitness classes — yoga, Pilates, cycling, and Mind/Body Connection sessions — are complimentary for all Celebrity guests. The jogging track, pools, and hot tubs are included. All spa treatments carry surcharges, with the Canyon Ranch menu spanning massage therapies, facials, acupuncture, chiropractic therapy, and speciality tables including Iyashi Dome and WellMassage 4D. Personal training sessions are at additional cost.

Holland America’s Greenhouse Spa & Salon operates on all ships with a philosophy rooted in botanical and naturally sourced wellness products. The Thermal Suite features a hydrotherapy pool with specialty jets, heated ceramic lounge chairs, a steam room and aromatherapy steam room, a dry sauna, rain showers, and full-length ocean-view windows. Like Celebrity’s thermal suite, this is not included for most guests — a day pass runs approximately US$49, and voyage passes range from approximately US$149 to US$299 per stateroom. Five-Star Mariners receive one complimentary thermal suite day pass per cruise as a loyalty benefit.

The fitness centre and basic stretch and abs classes are complimentary. Specialty fitness classes — spinning, boot camp, Pilates, and yoga — carry surcharges, which is a notable difference from Celebrity where yoga and Pilates are included. Spa treatments use premium naturally sourced ingredients, with massages from approximately US$159 for 50 minutes and facials from approximately US$149. Holland America also offers Spa Staterooms and Suites located near the Greenhouse Spa with wellness amenities including yoga mats and upgraded bath products.

The spa comparison is relatively even. Celebrity’s SEA Thermal Suite on Edge-class ships is the more impressive facility with greater variety of therapeutic spaces. Holland America’s Greenhouse Spa is solid but less architecturally ambitious. Neither line includes thermal suite access in standard cabin fares — Celebrity restricts it to AquaClass, Holland America sells passes. For travellers who want daily thermal suite access without upgrading to a spa-specific cabin, both lines require additional spend. Celebrity has a slight advantage in complimentary fitness class variety, while Holland America’s botanical wellness philosophy resonates with guests who prefer naturally sourced treatments.

Entertainment and enrichment

This is the comparison category where the two lines diverge most dramatically — and where personal preference should drive the decision.

Celebrity delivers production entertainment. The Theatre on Edge-class ships hosts Broadway-calibre shows featuring acrobatics, singing, and dance with technically polished production values. Shows like Arte — electrifying dance, high-flying acrobatics, and visual effects choreographed by London West End talent — and Cosmopolitan — a cultural journey through world music — are described as “fab” and “second to none” by regular cruisers. Celebrity Xcel, delivered in November 2025, debuted the line’s biggest entertainment lineup yet with immersive shows, live music experiences, interactive games, and dance parties. Eden on Edge, Apex, Beyond, and Ascent transforms from a daytime lounge to a “sinful” evening performance venue with acrobats performing while you dine. Multiple bars feature live pianists and ensembles. The Martini Bar is a Celebrity institution — flair bartenders create cocktails as performance art. The casino operates nightly. Themed deck parties, wine tastings, and mixology classes fill the programming. For travellers who want a full menu of after-dinner options, Celebrity delivers range that Holland America does not attempt.

Holland America delivers live music and enrichment. Music Walk is Holland America’s signature entertainment concept and is widely regarded as the finest live music programme at sea. B.B. King’s Blues Club features an eight-piece band performing authentic Memphis blues six nights per week — available on five ships including all three Pinnacle-class vessels. Billboard Onboard is an interactive piano bar with duelling pianists playing chart-topping hits across audience requests. The Rolling Stone Rock Room serves classic rock, R&B, and pop favourites. The Rolling Stone Lounge, a seven-piece band alternative, has expanded fleet-wide including recent additions to Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam. Lincoln Center Stage provides classical chamber music through a partnership with Lincoln Center, though it is worth noting this programme has been reduced from a dedicated quartet to a travelling ensemble — a loss that classical enthusiasts feel deeply.

Beyond music, Holland America invests in structured enrichment that shapes the daily experience. Explorations Central (EXC) provides trained destination experts, in-depth port presentations, and local cultural representatives who board the ship before port calls — steel drum performers before Caribbean islands, tai chi instructors before Asian ports, language lessons before European stops. America’s Test Kitchen delivers live cooking shows and hands-on workshops complimentarily on every ship. BBC Earth In Concert pairs wildlife footage with orchestral soundtrack on the World Stage. Guest lecturers cover history, science, and culture tailored to the itinerary. A new Regional Soloist Programme brings culturally specific live performances to each destination — folk guitar in Alaska, steel pan in the Caribbean, mariachi in Mexico.

The evening atmosphere comparison is the sharpest practical difference between these lines. Celebrity’s bars, casino, and social venues stay active past midnight — there is genuine nightlife energy. Holland America’s entertainment wraps up around midnight, with Music Walk lounges and the Crow’s Nest observation lounge providing the evening focus. One reviewer captured the divide perfectly: Celebrity offers “edgy shows and gimmicky (but thoughtful and tasty) restaurants” while Holland America provides “a slower onboard pace set to fantastic live music.” Neither is superior — they serve fundamentally different evening preferences.

Fleet and destination coverage

The fleet comparison reveals different growth trajectories and different strategies for fleet management.

Celebrity operates 16 ocean ships across three distinct classes. The five Edge-class ships (Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, Ascent, and Xcel, built 2018–2025) represent the flagship product at 130,818 to 141,420 gross tonnes carrying 2,918 to 3,260 guests in double occupancy. A sixth Edge-class ship, Celebrity Xcite, commenced construction in January 2025 for expected 2028 delivery. Five Solstice-class ships (2008–2012) at 122,000–126,000 gross tonnes carry approximately 2,852–3,046 guests. Four Millennium-class ships (2000–2002) at 90,940 gross tonnes carry 2,170–2,218 guests and received major refurbishments around 2019, with Celebrity Summit refreshed again in 2025. Celebrity Flora, a 100-guest purpose-built Galapagos expedition vessel, completes the fleet. Celebrity is also building a river fleet — 20 ships planned by 2031, with the first two due in 2027 on European rivers.

Holland America operates 11 ships across four classes, with no new builds currently on order. Three Pinnacle-class ships (Koningsdam 2016, Nieuw Statendam 2018, Rotterdam 2021) at approximately 99,500 gross tonnes carry 2,650 guests and represent the line’s best product. Two Signature-class ships (Eurodam 2008, Nieuw Amsterdam 2010) at 86,700 gross tonnes carry approximately 2,106 guests. Four Vista-class ships (Oosterdam 2003, Westerdam 2004, Noordam 2006, Zuiderdam 2002) at approximately 82,000 gross tonnes carry 1,964–1,972 guests. Two R-class ships (Volendam 1999, Zaandam 2000) at approximately 61,000 gross tonnes carry 1,432 guests — the oldest ships in the fleet but still in active service after refurbishments. The absence of new ships on order is notable — the last delivery was Rotterdam in July 2021, and Carnival Corporation has not announced any new Holland America vessels.

Destination coverage overlaps substantially. Both lines serve the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, Australia/New Zealand, Asia, and South America.

Alaska is Holland America territory. The line has sailed Alaska for over 75 years — since 1947 — and deploys six ships each season, more than any other cruise line. Itineraries range from 7-day Inside Passage voyages to the 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice. Holland America holds coveted Glacier Bay National Park permits and embarks park rangers for enrichment lectures. Celebrity deploys three ships to Alaska with a strong programme, but Holland America’s depth of expertise, volume of departures, and Alaska-specific cultural programming make it the specialist choice.

The Caribbean favours Celebrity, which deploys up to nine ships from Florida ports year-round. Celebrity Xcel and Beyond sail year-round from Fort Lauderdale. Holland America offers Caribbean itineraries from three Pinnacle-class ships plus others, but the deployment is smaller.

World cruises and grand voyages are Holland America’s exclusive strength from this pairing. The 2026 Grand World Voyage covers 133 days on Volendam visiting 51 ports across 23 countries on five continents — including an Antarctica experience. The Legendary Voyages programme includes 28-day, 35-day, and 45-day extended itineraries, and world cruises are bookable in segments from 21 to 55 days. Celebrity does not typically offer world cruises or multi-month voyages — the 110-night Grand Voyage on Celebrity Solstice is a rare exception rather than a hallmark of the programme.

For Australian waters, Celebrity sends its flagship Edge-class ships, while Holland America deploys the mid-tier Noordam (Vista-class) for 2025/26, adding Westerdam for 2026/27. This means Australian travellers get Celebrity’s best product but Holland America’s mid-range vessels — a meaningful distinction for the onboard experience.

Where each line excels

Celebrity excels in:

• Ship design innovation. The Edge-class vessels are among the most architecturally ambitious ships afloat. The Magic Carpet, Infinite Verandas, Eden, and The Bazaar have no equivalents in Holland America’s fleet. These ships feel like floating contemporary resorts.
• The Retreat suite experience. Butler service, Luminae restaurant with Daniel Boulud menus, a private sundeck and lounge, and full all-inclusive benefits create a ship-within-a-ship that delivers near-luxury-line value at premium pricing.
• Australian deployment. Edge-class ships sailing from Sydney, expanding to four ships for 2027/28, means Australian travellers access Celebrity’s most innovative product without flying to Europe or North America.
• Cross-brand loyalty. Captain’s Club status transfers across Royal Caribbean and Silversea through Points Choice — a massive advantage for Australians who cruise Royal Caribbean domestically.
• Evening atmosphere. Production shows, casino gaming, late-night bars, and a livelier social scene give Celebrity genuine after-dinner energy that Holland America does not pursue.
• Smoke-free casinos. Celebrity’s indoor smoking ban aligns with Australian expectations and is a genuine differentiator for casino-going guests.
• Specialty dining ambition. Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud represents the highest culinary peak between the two lines, and the variety of specialty venues across the fleet rewards adventurous diners.

Holland America excels in:

• Live music programming. Music Walk — B.B. King’s Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Rock Room — is the finest live music programme at sea. No other premium line approaches this quality and variety of nightly live entertainment.
• Enrichment and destination immersion. Explorations Central, America’s Test Kitchen, BBC Earth In Concert, guest lecturers, and the Regional Soloist Programme create a structured cultural education that Celebrity does not match.
• Alaska expertise. Over 75 years of Alaska operations, six ships deployed seasonally, Glacier Bay permits, and park ranger programming make Holland America the go-to line for this destination.
• World cruises and grand voyages. The 133-day Grand World Voyage and Legendary Voyages programme of 28 to 45-day extended itineraries occupy territory Celebrity simply does not compete in.
• Main dining room quality. Holland America’s complimentary dining is consistently rated at a level that reduces the need for specialty restaurants — a genuine value advantage for travellers who prefer to dine well without surcharges.
• Value pricing. Base fares running 15 to 25 per cent below Celebrity’s, combined with the Have It All package that includes excursion credits, make Holland America the quieter value proposition in the premium segment.
• Mid-size ship intimacy. At 1,432 to 2,650 guests versus Celebrity’s 2,170 to 3,260, Holland America ships feel less crowded, with shorter queues, more personal crew attention, and a traditional promenade deck experience.
• Complimentary room service. Holland America is one of the last non-luxury lines to maintain free 24-hour room service with a substantive menu, including complimentary MDR items when the dining room is open.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Celebrity Cruises

13-Night New Zealand Holiday Cruise (Celebrity Edge, roundtrip Sydney, December). Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, and seven New Zealand port stops on Celebrity’s flagship in Australian waters. An Edge-class ship through the fjords combines innovative design with spectacular scenery. Direct departure from Sydney requires no connecting flights.

11-Night Great Barrier Reef (Celebrity Edge or Solstice, from Sydney). A dedicated reef-focused itinerary from the primary Australian homeport — one of Celebrity’s most popular domestic sailings. Overnight stays in Cairns on 2026/27 departures add time for reef excursions.

9-Night Australia Wine Journey (Celebrity Edge or Solstice, from Sydney). Hobart, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, and Melbourne — a food-and-wine-focused coastal itinerary that plays to Celebrity’s culinary strengths. Overnight stays in Adelaide deepen the experience.

18/19-Night Tahitian Treasures (Celebrity Edge, Sydney or Auckland to Tahiti). South Pacific island-hopping on an Edge-class ship, with departures in October 2025 and April and September 2026. Covers ground few premium ships reach from Australian homeports.

110-Night Grand Voyage — Alaska to Asia (Celebrity Solstice, departing 13 September 2026). Fifty-five unique destinations across 15 countries and 65 days ashore, routing from Alaska through the Pacific to Australia/New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and East Asia, finishing in Hong Kong on New Year’s Eve. Overnights in Phuket, Halong Bay, and Auckland. An exceptional extended voyage for the time-rich traveller.

Holland America Line

35-Day Legendary Australia Circumnavigation (Noordam, departing 15 November 2026). A full circumnavigation of Australia visiting four ports in Papua New Guinea, with overnights in Fremantle and Hobart, and late-night stops in Adelaide, Phillip Island, and Melbourne. This is a uniquely Holland America offering — no other premium line offers a dedicated Australia circumnavigation of this depth.

14-Day Australia/New Zealand (Noordam or Westerdam, Sydney to Auckland or reverse, January–March 2027). The core Australian season itinerary connecting both countries with ports including Melbourne, Hobart, and New Zealand highlights. Have It All excursion credits provide guided experiences at key stops.

28-Day Legendary Arctic Circle Solstice (Noordam, departing 7 June 2026, Seattle roundtrip). Thirteen ports across Alaska and British Columbia including remote Nome and Dutch Harbor, overnight Anchorage, Great Bear Rainforest cruising, and two days through the scenic Inside Passage. Australians fly to Seattle — direct flights from Sydney run daily. Holland America’s deepest Alaska exploration itinerary.

133-Day Grand World Voyage (Volendam, departing 4 January 2026, Fort Lauderdale roundtrip). Fifty-one ports across 23 countries on five continents including a four-day Antarctica experience, the Great Barrier Reef, Singapore, the Maldives, and Northern Europe. Bookable in segments from 21 to 55 days for those who cannot commit to the full voyage. From US$30,354 per person for an inside cabin at time of writing.

14-Day Great Alaska Explorer (Noordam, Seattle roundtrip, new for 2026). An extended Alaska itinerary with deeper port calls than the standard 7-day Inside Passage, available from both Seattle and Vancouver. Australia’s Alaska enthusiasts will find this itinerary delivers substantially more depth than most premium alternatives.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Celebrity Cruises

For your first Celebrity sailing from Australia: Celebrity Edge. Three consecutive Australian seasons from Sydney have established this ship as the line’s Australian flagship. The Magic Carpet, Infinite Verandas, four-restaurant main dining concept, and Eden venue deliver the full Edge-class design experience. Itineraries span 4-night getaways to 14-night New Zealand explorations. No connecting flights required.

For the newest experience: Celebrity Xcel (November 2025, Fort Lauderdale). The Bazaar — a three-storey multi-sensory space replacing Eden with rotating destination-inspired festivals — is the line’s most ambitious public venue yet. The biggest entertainment lineup in the fleet. Currently Caribbean-only, so Australians need to fly to Florida.

For a Mediterranean or Caribbean sailing: Celebrity Ascent or Celebrity Beyond. Both are the larger Edge-class design (327 metres, 141,000+ gross tonnes) with Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud and the 75-foot lap pool. Note that Celebrity Beyond has experienced adjusted itineraries through at least July 2026 due to speed issues — check current schedules before booking.

For budget-conscious Australians: Celebrity Solstice. Deployed to Australian waters alongside Edge, Solstice is a more traditional Celebrity experience at 122,000 gross tonnes with lower pricing than Edge-class. Some long-time Celebrity loyalists actually prefer the Solstice-class aesthetic and atmosphere.

For the Galapagos: Celebrity Flora. A 100-guest, all-suites expedition vessel with 11 certified naturalist guides, a dynamic positioning system that protects the seabed, and Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star recognition. Requires connecting flights from Australia to Quito, but the product is exceptional and unlike anything in the mainline fleet.

Ships to approach with caution for first-time Celebrity guests: The four Millennium-class ships (Millennium, Infinity, Summit, Constellation). Built 2000–2002, they are significantly dated compared to Edge-class despite refurbishment. Celebrity Infinity had a sailing cancelled in February 2026 due to a power failure requiring extended repairs. If you are comparing Celebrity to Holland America, sail an Edge-class ship for a fair comparison of what the line offers at its best.

Holland America Line

For the best Holland America experience: Koningsdam or Rotterdam. The Pinnacle-class ships deliver the line’s finest product — Music Walk with B.B. King’s Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Billboard Onboard; the World Stage theatre; Rudi’s Sel de Mer as a standalone venue; and Club Orange dedicated restaurant. Koningsdam is the top-rated ship on Cruise Critic for service, food, and entertainment.

For Australian waters (2025/26): Noordam. The sole ship deployed to Australia for this season, offering 14-day Australia/NZ itineraries and extended collector’s voyages. Noordam is a Vista-class ship from 2006 — reviewers note signs of ageing, so set expectations for an older vessel rather than a Pinnacle-class experience.

For Australian waters (2026/27): Noordam or Westerdam. The addition of Westerdam doubles capacity and provides a second Vista-class option. The 35-day Australia Circumnavigation on Noordam is the standout itinerary. Both ships offer the full Holland America entertainment and enrichment programme.

For Alaska: Any of the six ships deployed seasonally, but Koningsdam or Eurodam deliver the strongest combination of Music Walk entertainment and Alaska-specific enrichment. The 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice on Noordam from Seattle is the deepest Alaska itinerary available.

For world cruises and grand voyages: Volendam. The 133-day Grand World Voyage and 45-day Ultimate Mediterranean itinerary are both on this R-class ship. At 1,432 guests, Volendam is the smallest ship in the fleet — intimate, traditional, and suited to the longer voyage demographic. Accept that this is a 1999 vessel with classic rather than contemporary finishes.

For Australian travellers specifically

Both lines have committed to the Australian market, but their strategies and scale differ.

Celebrity’s Australian investment is larger and growing faster. Celebrity Edge has sailed three consecutive seasons from Sydney, and Celebrity Solstice joined for 2025/26. For 2027/28, Celebrity has announced its largest-ever Australian guest capacity with a four-ship deployment. The critical advantage for Australian travellers is that Celebrity sends its flagship product — Edge-class ships — to local waters. You do not need to fly to Europe or North America to experience the best Celebrity has to offer. Seventeen sailings each season from Sydney and Auckland range from 4-night getaways to 14-night explorations, with Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Australian coastal itineraries available. The dedicated Australian website (celebritycruises.com/au) prices in AUD.

Holland America’s Australian presence is growing but from a smaller base. Noordam is the sole ship for 2025/26, with Westerdam joining for 2026/27 to deliver 26 itineraries across the season. The programme for 2027/28 has been announced with a Great Barrier Reef to Fiji focus. Holland America’s Australian advantage is itinerary length — voyages range from 13 to 42 days from Sydney, including the 35-day Australia Circumnavigation and 34-day Legendary South Pacific Crossing from Seattle to Sydney. For Australians with the time for extended exploration, Holland America offers depth that Celebrity’s shorter Australian programme does not match. The Australian office operates through Carnival Australia with a dedicated sales team and the POLAR Online booking engine for travel agents.

The loyalty pathway matters for Australian cruisers. Celebrity’s Captain’s Club status transfers across Royal Caribbean International and Silversea Cruises through the Points Choice programme launched in January 2026. Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise lines in Australian waters, with multiple ships homeporting from Sydney. An Australian who builds Crown & Anchor status on Royal Caribbean automatically carries that recognition to Celebrity — and eventually to Silversea for ultra-luxury. This creates a clear loyalty escalator from mainstream through premium to luxury, all within one group. Holland America’s Mariner Society stands entirely alone. Despite Carnival Corporation owning Holland America, Princess, Cunard, and Carnival, there is no cross-brand loyalty recognition. Your Holland America status does not transfer to any sister brand. This is a genuine competitive disadvantage, particularly for Australian travellers who may also sail Princess — another popular line in local waters.

Flights and embarkation logistics shape the decision for international itineraries. Neither line includes flights as standard from Australian gateways, though both offer fly-cruise packages periodically. For Alaska, both lines sail from Seattle and Vancouver — Sydney to Seattle is a direct daily flight on Qantas. For Mediterranean sailings, Celebrity homeports from Barcelona, Rome, and Athens; Holland America from Lisbon, Barcelona, Rome, Athens, and Trieste. For Caribbean, both sail primarily from Fort Lauderdale and surrounding Florida ports. The practical advice is identical for either line: book the cruise first, then arrange flights through an agent who can coordinate timing and build in insurance against delays.

The casino smoking question is worth raising for Australian travellers. Indoor smoking has been banned across Australia for decades, and most Australian cruisers find casino smoking jarring. Celebrity’s casinos are smoke-free in all indoor areas. Holland America allows smoking for active players in the main casino, with a limited non-smoking section. For smoke-sensitive Australians who enjoy casino gaming, Celebrity’s policy is a meaningful advantage.

The onboard atmosphere

The atmosphere on these two lines is genuinely different, and this is often the deciding factor for experienced cruisers choosing between them.

Celebrity’s atmosphere is modern, social, and gently glamorous. The Edge-class ships feel like contemporary design hotels — sculptural spaces, natural materials, lots of glass, and public areas that reward wandering and discovery. The Grand Plaza atrium with the Martini Bar at its centre creates a social hub where the evening begins. Eden transitions from peaceful mornings to immersive performances by night. The pool deck is lively without being raucous. Evening Chic nights — one to three per cruise, depending on length — create a sense of occasion without demanding black tie. Real tablecloths at every dinner service, not just formal nights, is a point of pride among Celebrity loyalists.

The passenger demographic is more diverse than Holland America’s — couples in their 50s and 60s form the core, with a smaller contingent of younger travellers and families on shorter sailings and Edge-class ships. Longer repositioning voyages skew more mature. The atmosphere accommodates multiple moods: quiet contemplation at the Rooftop Garden, social energy at the bars, and a casino that keeps things moving past midnight. Service is consistently praised, with crew described as making every effort to personalise the experience. Celebrity is upscale without being stuffy — a phrase its loyalists use almost universally.

Holland America’s atmosphere is refined, music-driven, and unhurried. The design language is warmer than Celebrity’s — brass and wood rather than glass and chrome, classic art rather than contemporary sculpture, and a three-storey musical atrium on Pinnacle-class ships featuring stainless-steel string quartet sculptures that make you feel “surrounded by a musical instrument.” The Crow’s Nest forward observation lounge — a panoramic space with cocktails and quiet conversation — sets the tone for evenings aboard. The Explorations Cafe, a library-meets-coffee-bar with ocean views, invites reading and reflection.

Approximately 75 per cent of guests are aged 55 and over, and a reviewer on a 12-day Mediterranean sailing noted the average age was around 70. This is the most mature passenger demographic in the premium segment. The atmosphere is genteel — guests dress conservatively on Gala Nights, conversation centres on destinations and enrichment lectures, and the ship quietens by midnight. Music Walk lounges are where the evening social energy concentrates — the quality of the live music keeps guests engaged without the volume or energy of Celebrity’s production entertainment. Dinner in the main Dining Room unfolds at a measured pace, sometimes extending beyond two hours on busier sailings.

The dress code expectations are similar but tonally different. Celebrity’s Smart Casual most evenings with Evening Chic nights attracts a fashion-forward crowd — you will see guests making a style statement. Holland America’s Smart Casual with Gala Nights is more traditional — collared shirts and blazers for men, elegant tops and trousers for women, with roughly half the male guests wearing jackets and ties on formal evenings. Neither line requires tuxedos, though both welcome them. For Australians who prefer relaxed elegance without formal-wear pressure, both lines are approachable.

The fundamental divide comes down to evening energy. Celebrity has things happening after 10pm — the casino, the nightclub, Eden performances, social bars. Holland America offers exceptional live music until midnight and then peace. One appeals to travellers who want options; the other appeals to travellers who want tranquillity. Neither is objectively better — they simply serve different versions of the premium cruise evening.

The bottom line

Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line are genuine premium-segment competitors that attract experienced, quality-conscious travellers — but they reward different priorities, and choosing between them is less about which is “better” and more about which is better for you.

Choose Celebrity when you want innovative ship design that pushes boundaries, a livelier atmosphere with production entertainment and late-night options, a smoke-free casino, the cross-brand loyalty pathway to Royal Caribbean and Silversea, and the convenience of sailing the line’s flagship Edge-class ships directly from Sydney. The Retreat suite experience — with butler service, Luminae restaurant, and full all-inclusive benefits — delivers luxury-line value at premium pricing. Celebrity’s expanding four-ship Australian deployment for 2027/28 signals a long-term commitment to the local market. Accept that add-ons accumulate on non-suite fares, that gratuities sit outside the All Included package, and that the fleet experience varies significantly between the newest Edge-class ships and the 24-year-old Millennium class.

Choose Holland America when you want world-class live music every evening, structured enrichment programming that deepens your connection to the destination, the finest Alaska expertise in the industry, and access to world cruises and grand voyages that Celebrity does not offer. Choose it for main dining room quality that reduces the need for specialty surcharges, for mid-size ships with a more intimate feel, and for the 15 to 25 per cent base fare advantage over Celebrity on most itineraries. Holland America’s Have It All package and Club Orange add-on provide genuine value without requiring a suite booking. Accept that the fleet is ageing with no new ships on order, that the passenger demographic skews older, that the loyalty programme has no cross-brand recognition, and that the ships deployed to Australia are mid-tier rather than flagship class.

For Australian travellers specifically, the decision often comes down to two questions. How long do you want to cruise, and how modern do you want the ship to be? Celebrity excels at shorter voyages on newer ships from Sydney. Holland America excels at longer explorations on established vessels with deeper itinerary coverage. Many experienced cruisers sail both lines — choosing Celebrity for Caribbean and Australian getaways, and Holland America for Alaska deep dives and world voyages. In my experience, that dual-loyalty approach is the smartest strategy of all.