Princess Cruises is generally cheaper than Holland America, with 7-night Caribbean cruises starting around $699–$899 per person vs. Holland America's $799–$1,099 — but the true cost gap depends heavily on which extras each line bundles or charges separately.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
Princess and Holland America are both owned by Carnival Corporation, appeal to a similar older, experienced traveler demographic, and compete fiercely for the same bookings. Yet their pricing models are meaningfully different — and which one actually costs you less depends on how you cruise, not just what you pay at checkout.
The Bottom Line: Which Is Cheaper?
For bare cabin fares, Princess is typically $100–$300 per person cheaper on comparable 7-night itineraries. Holland America's positioning leans slightly more upscale, and that shows in the base price. But Princess's Plus and Premier packages add costs fast, while Holland America's Have It All package can deliver genuine value for drinkers and spa-goers.
Here's the realistic all-in cost comparison for a 7-night Caribbean cruise, per person, double occupancy in 2025–2026:
| Tier | Princess Cruises | Holland America |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (interior cabin, no package) | $699–$899 | $799–$1,099 |
| Mid-Range (balcony + drink package) | $1,400–$1,900 | $1,500–$2,100 |
| Splurge (suite + premium package) | $3,500–$6,000+ | $4,000–$7,000+ |
| Daily gratuities (added to all) | ~$18/person/day | ~$17.50/person/day |
| Drink package (if not bundled) | $60–$85/person/day | $65–$99/person/day |
| Wi-Fi (standalone) | $25–$35/day | $20–$30/day |
Bottom line by tier: Princess wins at budget and mid-range. At the suite/splurge level, pricing is roughly equivalent — and Holland America's suite experience edges ahead in quality.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
Key Factors That Drive the Cost Difference
1. Package Bundling Strategy Princess pushes its Princess Plus ($60/person/day) and Princess Premier ($80/person/day) packages aggressively — these bundle drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. If you drink regularly and need internet, Plus often makes mathematical sense. Holland America's Have It All package bundles specialty dining, a drink package, shore excursion credit, and Wi-Fi — typically valued at $150–$200/person/day for around $99/person/day when on sale. For the right traveler, HAL's bundle beats Princess's.
2. Itinerary Selection Holland America commands a premium on Alaska, Pacific Northwest, and longer voyages (14+ nights) where it has a stronger reputation. Princess is more competitive on Caribbean and Mexican Riviera routes. If Alaska is your goal, expect to pay 10–20% more with HAL — but many say it's worth it.
3. Ship Age and Fleet Holland America's fleet skews older on average, but the newer Pinnacle-class ships (Rotterdam, Rotterdam) are genuinely premium. Princess's newer ships (Sun Princess, Star Princess) are larger and flashier. Older HAL ships sometimes carry lower base fares that undercut Princess.
4. Specialty Dining Holland America's Pinnacle Grill runs $45–$55/person. Princess's Crown Grill is $39–$49/person. Both lines nickel-and-dime with specialty restaurants, but Princess is marginally cheaper here too.
5. Shore Excursions Both lines charge comparable rates through their official programs — $80–$250/person for popular tours. Neither line is a bargain here; booking independently saves 30–50% on both.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
Practical Tips to Save Money on Either Line
- Book early or last-minute — nothing in between. Both lines offer Early Saver fares (180+ days out) and last-minute deals (under 30 days). The middle window is the most expensive.
- Stack the promotions. Holland America's Have It All often runs as a free add-on during sales. Princess Plus is sometimes bundled at no extra charge on select sailings. Watch for these — they represent $400–$700 in real savings per couple.
- Skip the onboard drink package if you drink less than 5–6 drinks/day. The math only works in your favor if you're consistent consumers. Otherwise, pay as you go.
- Avoid the official shore excursion desk for popular ports. Both lines mark up third-party tours significantly. Independent operators in Cozumel, Juneau, or Dubrovnik charge 30–50% less for the same experience.
- Travel in shoulder season. Both lines drop prices significantly in late April–May and October–November for Caribbean sailings, and early May or late August for Alaska.
- Use a travel agent for HAL specifically. Holland America has a strong agent loyalty program, and agents often have access to group rates or amenity packages not available direct.
Which Line Is Better for Which Traveler?
| Traveler Type | Better Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-conscious first-timer | Princess | Lower base fares, more departure options |
| Alaska cruiser | Holland America | Superior reputation, itinerary depth |
| Older couple, quieter atmosphere | Holland America | Calmer vibe, classical music, less party atmosphere |
| Families (with older adults) | Princess | More onboard activity options, newer ships |
| Solo traveler | Princess | More solo cabin options on newer fleet |
| Foodies | Holland America | Pinnacle Grill and Tamarind (Asian fusion) are genuinely excellent |
| Longer voyages (14–28 nights) | Holland America | Purpose-built for longer formats, better enrichment programming |
| Caribbean value seeker | Princess | More routes, lower entry fares, Princess Plus math works here |
If you're a frequent drinker doing a 7-night Caribbean cruise and want the lowest all-in price, Princess is your answer. If you're doing Alaska, prefer a quieter ship, or value culinary quality over price, Holland America justifies the premium.
Run the numbers for your specific sailing — itinerary, cabin type, and whether you'll use a drink package — before assuming one is cheaper. Use CruiseMutiny to compare real costs side-by-side and find out which line actually saves you money on your specific dates and ports.