Cruising through Alaska’s pristine waters, witnessing its majestic glaciers, and exploring its diverse wildlife is a dream for many travelers. Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are the two most prominent cruise lines renowned for their Alaska itineraries. Both cruise lines excel in delivering unforgettable Alaskan experiences. Here is a comparison of the Alaskan itineraries offered by Princess and Holland America. We highlight the unique features, destinations, excursions, and overall experiences. I hope this helps you determine which Alaska cruise line is best for you!
Itineraries
Both Princess Cruises and Holland America Line offer Alaska cruise itineraries covering popular ports, providing passengers with the opportunity to explore key Alaskan attractions. Each cruise line includes cruising through renowned natural wonders, ensuring passengers witness the breathtaking glaciers and fjords that define Alaska’s beauty.
Princess Cruises is often celebrated for its extensive Alaskan itineraries. They provide a blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and onboard luxury. Princess Cruises’ Alaskan itineraries typically encompass renowned Alaskan ports such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and the capital city of Alaska, Anchorage. The itineraries often include cruising through the breathtaking Glacier Bay National Park or Tracy Arm Fjord, allowing passengers to witness magnificent glaciers and stunning fjords.
Holland America Line is renowned for its premium cruising experience and in-depth exploration of the Alaskan wilderness. Holland America’s Alaskan itineraries typically cover ports like Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Sitka. These cruises often feature scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, or Tracy Arm Fjord, providing passengers with exceptional views of glaciers and fjords.
Excursions
Both cruise lines provide a wide range of shore excursions. Whether one seeks adventure, cultural experiences, or wildlife encounters, both Princess and Holland America offer a diverse selection of excursions to choose from.
Princess Cruises offers a plethora of shore excursions tailored to the Alaskan experience. Passengers can opt for helicopter tours over glaciers, dog sledding adventures, whale-watching tours, fishing expeditions, and nature hikes.
Holland America offers a wide array of shore excursions in Alaska, allowing passengers to explore the region’s natural beauty. Excursions may include wildlife viewing, salmon fishing, zip-lining adventures, scenic train rides, and visits to historical sites.
Onboard Experience
Princess Cruises brings Alaska to life with enrichment programs featuring naturalists and cultural experts. They provide talks and presentations about the Alaskan ecosystem, native cultures, and history. The cruise line also hosts themed parties and events, immersing passengers in the Alaskan spirit.
Holland America’s onboard experience reflects elegance and sophistication, featuring live music, entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and educational programs. The cruise line collaborates with BBC Earth to offer enriching nature documentaries and related activities. These enhance passengers’ understanding of the Alaskan environment.
The onboard experience differs in style but meets the needs and expectations of their respective target audiences. Princess Cruises infuses a festive and engaging atmosphere, incorporating themed parties and enrichment programs to immerse passengers in the Alaskan culture. On the other hand, Holland America offers an elegant and sophisticated onboard ambiance, focusing on enrichment through educational programs and live entertainment.
Accommodations
Both cruise lines offer a variety of accommodations, ensuring passengers can select the stateroom that best suits their preferences and budget. From cozy interiors to luxurious suites with private balconies, passengers have ample options for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Educational Programs
Educational programs on Alaskan cruises are designed to enhance passengers’ understanding and appreciation of the unique environment, wildlife, culture, and history of Alaska. Both Princess Cruises and Holland America Line offer specialized educational programs for their Alaskan cruises, providing enriching experiences. Let’s compare the educational programs specific to Alaskan cruises offered by these cruise lines.
Princess Cruises Educational Programs
Princess Cruises offers a unique “North to Alaska” program on their Alaskan cruises. This program brings Alaska’s culture, cuisine, and traditions to life through a series of onboard activities and events. Passengers can engage with local Alaskans, enjoy Alaska-themed menus, participate in lumberjack shows, and attend presentations by naturalists and cultural heritage guides.
As part of their collaboration with Discovery, Princess Cruises provides passengers with a range of educational activities through the “Discovery at SEA” program. These activities include stargazing, interactive science experiments, and destination-themed programs that focus on the unique natural aspects of Alaska.
Princess Cruises often hosts National Park Rangers and naturalists on board during Alaskan cruises. These experts conduct presentations, lectures, and guided tours, providing passengers with valuable insights into the local ecosystems, wildlife, and national parks they will visit during the cruise.
Holland America Educational Programs
Explorations Central (EXC): Holland America Line’s EXC program is particularly tailored to their Alaskan cruises. The program includes engaging talks by naturalists, local cultural representatives, and historians. These experts provide in-depth information about Alaska’s wildlife, indigenous cultures, and historical context.
Holland America’s Alaska In-Depth program offers passengers an opportunity to engage with Alaskan authors, naturalists, and cultural interpreters. The program includes interactive workshops, lectures, and presentations that focus on the unique features of Alaska, such as its wildlife, glaciers, and indigenous cultures.
As part of their partnership with BBC Earth, Holland America Line offers passengers a chance to enjoy exclusive BBC Earth documentaries focused on Alaska’s natural beauty. These documentaries are often accompanied by insightful presentations and Q&A sessions with onboard naturalists.
Entertainment
Entertainment on Alaskan cruises is tailored to showcase the beauty and unique aspects of the Alaskan wilderness while providing a range of engaging activities and performances for passengers. Both Princess Cruises and Holland America Line offer entertainment that enhances the cruise experience in Alaska. But honestly, can any entertainment compare to the natural beauty just outside the ship? Let’s compare the entertainment options specific to Alaskan cruises offered by these cruise lines.
Princess Cruises Entertainment
Princess Cruises infuses Alaskan-themed entertainment throughout the cruise. This includes deck parties, themed dining events, and enrichment programs that bring the spirit of Alaska on board. Passengers can enjoy events like “Puppies in the Piazza,” where sled dog puppies are brought on board for interaction and photo opportunities.
Princess Cruises often hosts naturalists on board to give presentations and lectures about the Alaskan wildlife, environment, and culture. These educational sessions provide valuable insights into the region and its ecosystems, allowing passengers to connect more deeply with the destinations they will visit.
While on the ship, passengers can enjoy Broadway-style production shows in the ship’s theaters. These shows often feature stunning sets, costumes, and performances, allowing passengers to experience high-quality entertainment while at sea.
Princess Cruises’ “Movies Under the Stars” allows passengers to watch movies on a large outdoor screen, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Alaska. Snacks and blankets are provided for a cozy viewing experience.
Holland America Entertainment
Explorations Central (EXC) offers EXC Talks where passengers can learn about the history, wildlife, and cultures of Alaska through engaging presentations by experts.
Holland America’s partnership with BBC Earth brings a unique form of entertainment to their Alaskan cruises. Passengers can enjoy exclusive BBC Earth documentaries about Alaska’s natural world, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the region.
Holland America often hosts culinary demonstrations and workshops as part of their entertainment offering. Passengers can watch skilled chefs prepare various dishes, providing an entertaining and educational experience related to food and cuisine.
Holland America features live music and performances throughout the cruise, ranging from classical recitals to contemporary music and dance. These performances contribute to a lively and engaging atmosphere on the ship.
Overall Experience
The overall experience with both cruise lines is exceptional, showcasing the beauty of Alaska while providing diverse activities and enriching experiences. Princess Cruises offers a vibrant and festive Alaskan adventure. They appeal to a broader demographic, while Holland America focuses on a premium and immersive Alaskan exploration, attracting those seeking a sophisticated and educational voyage.
Princess Target Audience
Princess Cruises typically attracts a diverse demographic of passengers, encompassing families, couples, solo travelers, and older adults. Here’s a breakdown of their average customer:
Princess Cruises appeals to families, including multi-generational groups, seeking a wide range of activities and entertainment suitable for both children and adults. They offer family-friendly facilities and activities to cater to children of different ages.
Princess Cruises is popular among couples, including honeymooners, those celebrating anniversaries, or simply looking for a romantic getaway. The cruise line offers a variety of dining options and intimate settings for couples to enjoy.
Princess Cruises often attracts an older demographic, including retirees and senior travelers. The cruise line’s refined ambiance, enrichment programs, and more laid-back atmosphere appeal to those seeking relaxation and cultural experiences.
While not as heavily marketed towards solo travelers, Princess Cruises does accommodate solo cruisers by offering dedicated activities and events for singles, making it an option for those traveling alone.
Holland America Target Audience
Holland America is known for attracting a more mature and discerning clientele seeking a premium and enriching cruise experience. Here’s a breakdown of their average customer:
Holland America Line is popular among older adults, typically in their 50s and older. The cruise line is known for its refined ambiance, elegant décor, and sophisticated onboard experience, appealing to a mature audience.
Couples, particularly those seeking a luxurious and elegant cruise experience, are a significant portion of Holland America’s customer base. The cruise line offers romantic settings and experiences, making it ideal for couples looking for a sophisticated getaway.
Holland America often attracts experienced travelers who appreciate cultural enrichment, educational programs, and in-depth exploration. Passengers seeking a deeper understanding of destinations and a focus on the arts, history, and cuisine is common on Holland America cruises.
Holland America appeals to travelers who appreciate a refined lifestyle, including gourmet dining, art galleries, live music, and theater. The cruise line’s attention to quality and elegance resonates with those with a discerning taste.
Have You Decided Which Alaska Cruise Line is Right for You?
While both Princess Cruises and Holland America cater to a variety of passengers, Princess tends to attract a broader range of demographics, including families and younger travelers. Holland America has a more mature and experienced traveler base, often seeking a premium and enriching Alaska cruise experience. Ultimately, the choice of cruise line will depend on individual preferences and the type of cruise experience one is seeking.
Just a note – Princess and Holland America are not the only cruise lines to choose from. Other cruise lines, such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian, offer wonderful Alaska itineraries. But the two front-runners for Alaska are Princess and Holland America. Check out my Comparison of Ocean Cruise Lines to get details on other lines. You should also check out When is the Best Time to Book Your Dream Vacation to ensure you start planning your Alaskan cruise in time to get the best rates and stateroom selection! Once booked, you will find my post on What to Pack for an Amazing Alaskan Cruise to be just what you need to prepare for your trip!
Plan your trip! Shoot me an email or give me a ring to start planning your next cruise vacation. As an Ocean Cruising Specialist, I am able to help you book the perfect cruise on any of the major lines. Tell me what you are looking for! Plan to book online? Give me a try. I promise it won’t cost you a penny extra and it may even save you a bit!
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