It’s March 2024 and cruise season is in full swing. You may be wondering what are Holland America cruises like?

Think that this cruise line is only for the senior citizen crowd? Nope! There are some great things about Holland America cruises for adult travelers of all ages, especially if you are looking for a little more luxury on a budget.

Here are 5 Reasons to Love the State Rooms on Holland America.

Holland America Cruises – # 1 Beds

The most important thing about your stateroom is really the bed. When it is time to head off to dream land is the time when this wanderluster usually misses home the most.

Exhausted from exploring all day, all I really want is my comfy bed back home, cuddled up next to my Daisy doodle. Who wouldn’t miss that sweet face?! ❤️

The beds on cruise ships really are more like cots, but I have to say the Mariner’s Dream beds on Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam were the comfiest I’ve slept on during any cruise.

I usually have two twin beds in my room because I’m traveling with my cruising bestie, Kate. However, you can easily have the room steward convert them into one full size bed.

Ask your room steward to bring you some extra pillows. Holland America’s convenient Navigator App allows you to make service requests right from your phone!

I ordered an extra pillow one afternoon and it was there when I got back to my room. The bed also has a fluffy and soft duvet to snuggle up in.

Each bed also has their own tiny bedside table and drawer, so you can keep your book, glasses and medicine handy.

Need to wind down before you go to bed? There is a nice reading lamp on your headboard, so you don’t have to disturb your traveling companion too much.

Holland America Cruises – # 2 Bathroom

I stayed in a verandah stateroom which usually has a slightly bigger bathroom. Who wouldn’t appreciate that?

I seem to always bump my elbows in the shower the first morning of every cruise and either end up with a bruise, knocking the shampoo dispenser off the wall or both! I did that on my very first cruise. Oops! Don’t worry, I was able to put it back up.

However, my shower on the Nieuw Statendam was the biggest shower I’ve seen so far. It was laid out along the right wall instead of tucked in a corner like they usually are on cruise ships. I had plenty of room and no bruised elbows!

It also had a lovely massaging shower head, pumps with shampoo and body wash and a clothes line in case I need to dry my wet swimsuits or wash some delicates. (Personally, I found laying my wet swimsuit on my deck chair was the fastest way to dry it. Just be careful it’s not too windy, so it doesn’t blow away!)

The bathroom has plenty of shelves to store all your toiletries. Here’s a tip from your best friend. Get a hanging toiletry case. They are great for cruising! You can hang it on the bathroom hook and all your toiletries are at eye level when you are getting ready. Your travel buddy will be happy to have their pick of the extra shelves.

A hanging toiletry case is one of my favorite travel accessories! They save so much space and keep everything neat and organized.

Here’s a picture of the one I use below. If you’d like to read about my other essential travel gear check out my post on my three essential travel bags and packing light must haves to avoid baggage fees.

# 3 Towel Animals!

Most cruise lines will make you towel animals each night, but what made Holland America Cruises special with the tasty signature chocolates they used for the eyes.

During my cruise last year nightly turndown service was only available by request due to COVID-19 precautions.

Take advantage of this classy experience! They will also refresh your ice bucket, tidy up your room and make you your very own artful towel animal equipped with Holland America’s signature chocolates.

I had such fun looking forward to what animal I would have each night as well as my tasty treat. Aren’t we all really kids at heart?

# 4 Organization

My state room on Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam was sleek and elegant looking. There were closets and drawers tucked neatly against the wall.

Every cruise line and ship seems to configure things a bit differently. I liked that Holland America Cruises had the closets and drawers right across from the bathroom. It was so easy to get dressed in the morning!

Other cruise lines often have the closet next to the bed. If your traveling companion likes to sleep in this is less than ideal. You’re feeling around in the dark trying to find your clothes.

Whenever I see my room for the first time I’m always a little shocked at how much smaller it is then I remember. If you are new to cruising you may have this experience as well.

Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam room was no different for me at first. However, don’t be fooled. They are so well designed that you will find room for everything.

There is so much hidden storage you can easily keep your room tidy and organized. If you’re a slob though you may struggle, but your best friend will help you out. 😄 I have a touch of OCD, so it’s not problem for me. Okay, maybe more than a touch…

Here’s a tip from your best friend. When I’m staying somewhere for a little longer I unpack everything and put it away on day one. My clothes have a chance to smooth out their wrinkles and I can easily see what I have to wear.

Then each night, I take the clothes I’m done with and pack them away in my packing cube or suitcase. It only takes a few minutes, but by the end of the trip I’m almost done packing.

No late night cram session trying to get everything back in my suitcase! I can relax and savor my last night of vacation.

# 5 Balcony/Verandah

Now that I’m classier (at least I think so 😂), I prefer to get a balcony stateroom. Holland America Cruises calls theirs a Veranda. You get a bit more room and your own quiet spot to relax and watch the waves go by.

It’s the perfect place to relax with your glass of wine or Pina Colada and read that juicy novel you’ve been meaning to get to.

There is also a nice couch where you can read, lounge or watch TV. Inside and Ocean view state rooms don’t have a sitting area or balcony.

I’ve stayed in inside and ocean view rooms in the past. If you are on a tight budget an inside stateroom is perfectly fine. The cabin is a lot smaller, but you don’t have to spend much time in your room with so many fun things to do on the ship. Go check out Holland America’s entertainment instead.

I always got a great night’s sleep in an inside room because my room was nice and dark. Just be sure to set an alarm in the morning as you can easily sleep the day away without the sun to wake you up!

An ocean view room can be a nice compromise if the veranda is too pricey. You can watch the sun rise and set and it definitely helps with your sleep cycle. I’m all about my circadian rhythms these days!

I highly recommend upgrading to a balcony/verandah room though. You won’t be disappointed! Your stateroom comes equipped with room darkening shades, so you will get a great nights sleep and have your own private space to relax away from the crowds.

If you’d like to learn more about Holland America’s, Nieuw Statendam click here. If you’d like to read more about my Nieuw Statendam experience check out my other posts on their amazing food and beverages. Happy cruising!

Like this post? Leave me a comment and don’t forget to enter your email to subscribe below, so you are the first to be notified of future posts.