Holland America Line Hidden Costs

The Hidden Costs of Cruising with Holland America Line

So, you’ve snagged yourself a cruise deal with Holland America Line, and you’re already dreaming about sipping cocktails on deck and dancing the night away. But hold onto your sunhat, because what you see on the ticket isn’t always what you get. Here’s a rundown on the sneaky, surprise charges that could inflate your vacation budget faster than you can say “Bon Voyage.”

Automatic Gratuities: The Gift That Keeps on Taking

Let’s get real: nothing is free, including the smiles of your hard-working crew. Holland America slaps you with an automatic gratuity of $16 per person, per day for standard cabins. If you’re feeling fancy in a suite, it jumps up to $17.50. Want to remove these charges? Good luck wrestling a polar bear. You’ll have to visit the front desk and prepare for some serious stink-eye.

Drink Package Markups: Water, Water Everywhere, and an Expensive Drop to Drink

Holland America’s drink packages could make a pirate blush. The Signature Beverage Package costs about $54.95 per person, per day, and that doesn’t even include an additional 18% service charge. And if you think this means unlimited drinks, think again. You’re limited to 15 drinks per day. For more info on what you’re getting for your money, check out the full details.

Specialty Dining: The Price of a Fancy Meal at Sea

Hankering for a steak? Get ready to loosen your wallet. Dining at Holland America’s specialty restaurants like Pinnacle Grill will set you back anywhere from $29 to $49 per person. Want to go all out with the Chef’s Table or Rudi’s Sel de Mer? Prepare to fork over $89 or more. Why eat for free when you can pay a premium for the same ocean view?

Excursions: To Book or Not to Book with the Cruise Line

Holland America’s excursions are carefully curated—and overpriced. Expect to pay $100-$300 for snorkeling that might cost half on a third-party site. Save those extra dollars for the casino. Do your research and check our Outbreak Tracker to make sure your destination isn’t a hotbed of germs before you decide to go rogue.

WiFi Packages: The Internet? At This Price, You Can Keep It

In an age where WiFi is basically a human right, Holland America still thinks it’s 2005. Basic WiFi starts at $14.99 per day, while their “Premium” package, promising faster speeds, costs $29.99 daily. You’re better off sending a message in a bottle.

Spa Surcharges: Relaxation with a Side of Bankruptcy

Need some R&R? Prepare to pay R&R&R—Relaxation, Rip-off, and Regret. A massage can cost you $149 for 50 minutes, and that’s before they upsell you essential oils or add-ons. Just stick to the hot tub; it’s chlorinated, and it’s free.

Port Fees and Taxes: The Unofficial Stowaways

Don’t forget port fees and taxes, which are conveniently excluded from your initial booking price. These can range from $100 to $350 or more per person, depending on the itinerary. They’re the hidden gemstones in your treasure chest of cruise expenses.

Resort and Service Fees: Because Why Not?

You know the drill: extra fees for using facilities you thought were included. Resort fees could bump your bill by $12 to $15 per person, per day. It’s like buying a concert ticket and then being charged for the sound system.

Photography Packages: Perfect Shots, Priceless Memories, and Pricey Bills

Sure, the ship’s photographer will take your picture, but owning it will cost you. Expect to pay $20-$40 per photo, or more for a package. That’s a lot of clams for a memory you can capture on your smartphone for free.

Casino: The House Always Wins

Feeling lucky? Don’t. The casino is a money trap where the odds are as favorable as a tropical storm at sea. Set a budget and stick to it unless you want to fund Holland America’s next new liner.

Additional Hidden Costs: Because We Weren’t Done Yet

From laundry services that charge by the piece (try $2 for a pair of socks) to the minibar that’s more expensive than your drink package, Holland America has a knack for turning the “all-inclusive” cruise experience into a cash cow.