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Holland America Line just pulled off something no other cruise line has done: four straight wins for “Best Service” in Cruise Critic’s annual Best in Cruise Awards. This is not a small achievement because Cruise Critic’s service award is one of the hardest to earn, based on both editorial judgment and real traveler reviews.
Chris Gray Faust, executive editor at Cruise Critic, put it plainly. This is not a marketing slogan. Holland America’s service is the real deal. Thousands of crew members across the fleet consistently deliver the warm, thoughtful, old-school hospitality the brand is known for. The fact that so many team members stay with the company for decades speaks volumes.
If you have sailed with Holland America, you already know what this looks like. Being greeted with a genuine smile at the Grand Dutch Café. Being surprised with a hot cup of pea soup on a chilly Alaska sea day. Getting swept up into a raucous good time during the line’s Bar Hop. These moments are part of a culture built on tradition, care and an obsession with making guests feel at home.
Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line’s president, said the crew is the heart of the brand and takes pride in delivering the kind of personalized service that stays with guests long after disembarkation.
The awards did not stop there. Cruise Critic also named Holland America as having the “Best Itineraries” for 2025. The editors highlighted the line’s balance between variety and depth, pointing to itineraries that feel curated rather than copied. Europe is a standout, with departures from Rotterdam, Dover and Lisbon. Specialty sailings such as Oktoberfest cruises, Culinary Ambassador voyages and trips created with the History Channel add even more appeal.
Alaska remains one of the line’s strongest regions. Exclusive Glacier Bay access, Yukon cruisetours and rare routes that reach the Aleutian Islands make Holland America a top choice for travelers who want the most from their Alaska experience.
Cruise Critic, which hosts more than 50 million reviews, opinions and photos, understands what travelers value. This year, they made it official once again. Holland America Line continues to prove that genuine service and thoughtful itinerary planning still matter.
Based on my own sailings with the brand, they earned every bit of this recognition.
