Holland America Cruise Review: Casino Status Match & Deals
My December 2023 Holland America Cruise is one of the many I got free from doing a Casino status match. My friend Mary lives in Ft Lauderdale and is the one who got me into cruising. When I saw I could get a free Holland America cruise, I knew she had to go with me.
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Holland America Casino Status Match Offer:
Complimentary interior cabin + 100 freeplay with drinks for 2 in the casino. We had to pay the taxes and fees for the cruise. (This is pretty standard on these type of deals).
Cruise Itinerary: Half Moon Cay, Jamaica, Cayman Islands & Cozumel
We picked a 7-day cruise out of Ft Lauderdale that went to Half Moon Cay, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Cozumel. I am claustrophobic, so Mary and I paid to upgrade to an obstructed ocean view for a minimum upcharge. When it said obstructed, it wasn’t joking, but the little sunlight that came into our room was much appreciated. Our total for both of us with the upgrade was around $300 each.
I have since tried interior cabins and actually love them. Check this post out to learn more -> Cruise Interior Cabins travel hack
Flight & Hotel Strategy Using Points
I flew to Ft Lauderdale on Southwest Points; my out-of-pocket was $11.20 for that. I then crashed at Mary’s house so I didn’t have to get a hotel room but there are many Hyatt’s down there so I could have stayed for free on points if she wasn’t such a fabulous host.
Check out my favorite hotels to stay pre-cruise -> Pre-Cruise Hotels
Mary and I had heard from numerous people that Holland America was an old person’s cruise line. I started getting nervous that it wouldn’t be for us. However, with such a small investment, I thought we would get our money’s worth, so I tried not to stress so much about this aspect. Thankfully, everyone who told me it was a nursing home at sea was WRONG! Yes, it is an older crowd, but one of my favorite people I met on the boat was a 93-year-old woman who had Bloody Marys for lunch every day. Also, with the older crowd, the boat was maintained beautifully. We met so many fun people on this ship! We even got a cannonball contest going in one of the pools.
My Caribbean cruise mut have’s -> Must Haves for Cruises (caribbean)
Mary and I loved the Holland America cruise. We have been actively trying to find a deal to go back on another one. This has already been booked thanks to a great deal we found!
Final Thoughts: Why I’d Cruise Holland America Again
Cruising with Holland America surprised me in the best way. The casino status match made this trip possible, but the overall experience convinced me I’d happily sail with them again. The atmosphere onboard felt relaxed yet refined, with entertainment and dining options that appealed to both seasoned cruisers and newcomers. The Caribbean itinerary — from Half Moon Cay’s private island charm to the vibrant ports in Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel — offered a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
For travelers looking to maximize points, miles, or casino offers, Holland America delivers solid value without sacrificing quality. Their ships strike a balance between lively activities and quiet spaces, making them ideal for families, couples, or solo adventurers. If you’re curious about trying a new cruise line or want to stretch your travel budget further, Holland America is worth considering — and I’ll definitely be watching for my next opportunity to sail with them.
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