Service and tipping

HAL stands apart from other Premium lines with its gracious, accommodating service.

This is one of the few cruise lines in this size category where you will consistently be greeted with a warm smile, and often addressed by name.

The officers are primarily Dutch. We cannot say if it is a feature of Dutch or Holland America Line culture, but most officers are uncommonly responsible, results-oriented, and fastidious. These are not officers who will spend a lot of time drinking with guests; they are generally more focused on their work. Most HAL officers seem to take it as a point of honor to consistently deliver a high quality product.

The crew are primarily Indonesian (housekeeping and dining room) and Filipino (bar staff, front desk and cooks), and are consistently warm, friendly and hospitable, going out of their way to make people each guest feel special.

Gratuity policy: As on most lines today, set gratuities are added to your onboard account. On HAL, $10 per person, per day is added. This can be adjusted up or down by going to the Front Desk (any additional funds are distributed to crewmembers in the same proportion as the base amount). In recent years, crewmembers were not allowed to accept additional cash gratuities, but this rule has since been relaxed. Most CruiseSavvy editors tip a little extra to crewmembers who have gone out of their way.