Holland America
Penthouse Verandahs

Holland America's style has always been traditional, with formal nights, assigned seating at meals, and bouillon and blankets provided deck-side on chilly days. Lately, the line has started loosening up in a bid to attract younger cruisers, but the best suites onboard still rely heavily on the classics, and to great effect. The Penthouse Verandahs' decor includes wallpaper, wood paneling, and deep leather couches. Actually, it feels pretty luxurious in an Old World sense, with an emphasis on service and details. These include free clothes pressing and shoe shines, corsages and boutonnieres for the first formal night, silver baskets of fruit, and personalized stationery. Who knows, you just might get used to all the rather dignified protocols.

Best detail: Guests get their own indoor public space, called the Neptune Lounge, which is reminiscent of a Club floor at a Ritz-Carlton. Best afternoon tea on the high seas.

Set sail: Summer, Alaska, Canada/New England, and transatlantic, and other voyages; winter, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Australia/New Zealand, South America, and Hawaii

Holland America
Tel: 877 724 5425
Penthouse Verandah Suites from $550 per person per night, based on double occupancy

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