Princess Cruises vs Holland America
Princess and Holland America are both premium cruise lines owned by Carnival Corporation. Both offer a more refined experience than mainstream lines, but with different personalities.
Last updated: January 8, 2026
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | 👸 Princess Cruises | 🌷 Holland America |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price (7-night) | $900-$1,800/person✓ | $1,000-$2,000/person |
| Target Demographic | Broad, slightly younger | Older, experienced cruisers |
| Fleet Size | 15 ships✓ | 11 ships |
| MedallionClass Technology | Yes - industry leading✓ | No |
| Food Quality | Very good | Excellent, Culinary Council✓ |
| Entertainment | Movies Under the Stars, shows | BBC Earth, Lincoln Center✓ |
| Alaska Expertise | Excellent, many itineraries | Excellent, long history |
| Dress Code | Smart casual, formal nights | More formal, elegant |
| Loyalty Program | Captain's Circle | Mariner Society |
| Enrichment Programs | Good, discovery tours | Excellent, partnership focus✓ |
👸Choose Princess Cruises if you...
- •Tech-savvy travelers (MedallionClass)
- •Those wanting newer ships
- •Slightly younger premium cruisers
- •Movies Under the Stars fans
🌷Choose Holland America if you...
- •Food-focused travelers
- •Those seeking cultural enrichment
- •Classic cruise experience seekers
- •Older travelers preferring tradition
💡 The Bottom Line
Choose Princess for modern technology (MedallionClass), a slightly younger vibe, and innovative features. Choose Holland America for superior dining, cultural enrichment, and a more traditional cruise experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Princess or Holland America cheaper?
Princess is slightly cheaper on average, with 7-night fares starting around $900 per person compared to Holland America's $1,000. Both lines are owned by Carnival Corporation and sit in the premium tier, so the price gap is modest once you factor in the overall experience.
Which has better food, Princess or Holland America?
Holland America is widely regarded as having the better dining programme. Their Culinary Council, featuring world-renowned chefs, elevates the cuisine across the fleet. Princess offers very good food with solid variety, but Holland America's dining is a consistent standout in the premium category.
Is Princess or Holland America better for Alaska cruises?
Both lines are excellent for Alaska and offer extensive itineraries in the region. Princess has a larger fleet of 15 ships with more Alaska departures, while Holland America has a long-standing heritage sailing the Inside Passage. You genuinely cannot go wrong with either line for an Alaska cruise.
What is MedallionClass on Princess?
MedallionClass is Princess Cruises' wearable technology system, considered industry-leading. The OceanMedallion enables touchless cabin entry, on-demand food delivery to any location on the ship, and personalised experiences. Holland America does not offer an equivalent technology platform.
Which cruise line is better for older travellers, Princess or Holland America?
Holland America tends to attract a slightly older, more experienced cruiser demographic who value tradition, enrichment partnerships like BBC Earth and Lincoln Center, and a more elegant dress code. Princess skews a bit younger and broader in appeal. Both are comfortable choices for mature travellers.