Holland America Amsterdam Review: Is It Worth It? (A Completely Different Kind of Cruise)

Some cruises are about the ship.

Others are about the destination.

This Holland America Amsterdam review is about something even deeper than that.

Before anything else, I want to be completely transparent—this sailing took place in 2018, after a two-year break from cruising. Life had gotten in the way, and for the first time in a while, my mom and I finally found ourselves back at sea.

But this wasn’t just another cruise.

This was our first cruise outside of the Caribbean.

And that alone changed everything.

We weren’t sailing for beaches this time.
We weren’t sailing for the ship.

We were sailing for Alaska.

And from the moment we stepped onboard, it felt different.

This wasn’t a massive, high-energy mega ship. This was something quieter. Smaller. More intentional. We chose the Amsterdam specifically because we wanted access to places the bigger ships couldn’t go—and that decision completely shaped the experience.

And honestly?

It ended up being the best cruise we’ve ever taken.

Quick Verdict

Overall Score: 84/100

Pros

✓ Incredible Alaska itinerary and scenery
✓ Small ship with minimal crowds
✓ Spacious, comfortable cabins
✓ Excellent service throughout the ship
✓ Unique access to the bow of the ship
✓ Relaxed, intimate atmosphere

Cons

✕ Internet speeds were very slow
✕ Limited onboard entertainment compared to larger ships
✕ No true adult-only retreat area (do we need one?)
✕ Food was good, but not standout across all venues

The Experience: Why This Cruise Felt Different

This cruise wasn’t about checking off features.

It was about being present.

We saw orcas cutting through the water.
Seals resting along the shoreline.
Glaciers stretching across the horizon.

Ports like Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan felt completely different from anything we had experienced before. These weren’t just stops—they were part of the story.

And then there was the food on land.

Fresh Alaskan crab that honestly stands out as one of the best meals I’ve had anywhere.

We even explored historic areas like the original red-light district, adding a layer of history and character to the trip that you just don’t get on Caribbean itineraries.

This wasn’t just a cruise.

It was an experience.

Food Review – 8/10

Food aboard the Amsterdam was solid and reliable, though not particularly groundbreaking.

The Main Dining Room delivered meals comparable to other cruise lines, though I did notice the soups relied heavily on starch for thickening. Not a dealbreaker, but noticeable.

The buffet worked well overall, especially in the mornings where items were made to order. The tradeoff is that during peak times, it could feel busy.

One standout for me?

The casual options.

The burger grill quickly became a favorite, and right next to it was a taco and nacho station that stayed open longer hours. That spot became a go-to for late snacking and was genuinely one of the most enjoyable food options onboard.

We didn’t try specialty dining, so I can’t speak to that—but overall, the food experience was consistently good.

Cabin Review – 9/10

The cabin was a surprise—in the best way.

For an oceanview room, it felt huge.

Recently updated, clean, and incredibly comfortable, it offered plenty of space to move around and actually feel at home. The bathroom stood out with strong water pressure and a massive shower, which is rare on ships.

There are small quirks.

The toilet angle is… strange. After a week, you notice it.
And yes—dropping anything on that tile floor is not recommended.

But overall?

One of the most comfortable cabins I’ve had.

Internet & technology– 7/10

The internet was slow—there’s no way around that.

Think older, dial-up style speeds at times. But for the price (just under $100 for the week), it was reasonable, and it got the job done for basic communication. My mom was still able to send photos, make calls, and stay connected.

The TV system was decent but limited. A couple of news channels, a few movie options, and not much else.

One issue was the navigation channel—it had poor contrast and was difficult to read.

A strong positive, though, was the ability to use your phone onboard for:

• Activities
• Reservations
• Account tracking
• Messaging

That added a lot of convenience.

Pools, Jacuzzis & Atmosphere – 9/10

On paper, this ship doesn’t impress here.

Two pools. Two jacuzzis. No adult-only area.

But in reality?

It didn’t matter.

Because of the ship size and low passenger count, everything felt accessible. There were no crowds, no stress, and no need to fight for space.

And on an Alaska cruise…

You’re not there for the pool deck.

Activities, Show & Entertainment – 8/10

This is a category that depends heavily on expectations.

If you’re looking for nonstop activities like on a mega ship, this isn’t it.

But for Alaska?

It worked.

A lot of the experience centered around wildlife viewing and scenery, which honestly became the main activity itself.

Beyond that, there were cooking demonstrations, tastings, and standard cruise offerings.

Could there have been more?

Yes.

Did it matter?

Not really.

I didn’t attend the shows personally—this one comes from my mom.

And she liked them.

Short, about 30 minutes each, which is actually refreshing compared to longer productions. She felt they were engaging without dragging on.

And honestly, that sounds about right.

Bars & Lounges – 8/10

The ship had a good selection of bars, all solid but not particularly memorable.

To be fair, I didn’t spend much time in them—I had my own setup in the cabin most of the time.

From what I experienced, everything worked as expected. No complaints, but nothing that stood out either.

Ship Design & Atmosphere – 8/10

This is where the Amsterdam really shines.

The ship feels intimate.

That was the entire reason we booked it—and it delivered exactly what we were looking for.

After so many large ships, this felt like stepping back into a more classic era of cruising. Not outdated—but more personal. More relaxed.

It’s the closest I’ve come to a boutique-style cruise without paying luxury prices.

Unique Experience – 10/10

Two things made this cruise unforgettable.

First—the bow of the ship.

Being able to stand there, with nothing in front of you but Alaska… that’s something I’ll never forget.

Second—the lack of crowds.

It changed everything.

The entire ship felt open, calm, and accessible. No lines. No stress. Just space.

That alone made the experience feel completely different from anything I had done before.

Service – 10/10

Flawless.

From the buffet to the Main Dining Room to housekeeping, everything felt smooth, friendly, and efficient.

No waits at guest services.
Attentive staff throughout the ship.
An excellent room steward.

This is where Holland America Line really stood out.

Final Verdict: Is Holland America Amsterdam Worth It?

Yes—but only if you understand what you’re booking.

This Holland America Amsterdam review isn’t about the biggest ship or the most features.

It’s about choosing the right experience.

If you want:

• Big attractions
• Nonstop energy
• Mega ship amenities

This isn’t your ship.

But if you want:

• Space
• Nature
• A more personal experience

Then this is exactly what you’re looking for.

Bottom Line

This wasn’t just another cruise for us.

It was our return to cruising after two years.
Our first time outside the Caribbean.
A completely different way to experience the ocean.

And somehow…

It became the best cruise we’ve ever taken.

Because sometimes the best cruises aren’t about doing more.

They’re about experiencing something new.

And this one delivered that in a way I’ll never forget.