Happy Sunday! It is April 26, 2026, and if you are sitting there with your morning coffee thinking about where you want to be six months from now, you are in the right place. I’m James Bowers, and here at ITS Travel Services, LLC, we’ve been tracking the 2026 cruise trends like hawks.
Let’s be real for a second: searching for "cruise deals" online can feel like trying to fold a fitted sheet. It’s messy, confusing, and usually ends with you wanting to give up. You see a price that looks like a steal, but by the time you click through five pages of "taxes, fees, and port expenses," that "deal" has doubled in price.
And honestly? I’ve been there. I remember the first time I tried to book a big family trip before I started this agency. I felt like I needed a law degree just to understand the "fine print" on beverage packages. That’s exactly why we do what we do. We want to take that stress off your plate so you can focus on the "wow moments" (and maybe which swimsuit to pack).
Today, we’re breaking down the heavy hitters for 2026: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Holland America Line. These two are currently locked in a battle for your vacation days, and the offers they’re putting out are… well, they’re interesting. Let’s dive in and see which one is actually "your jam."
The State of Cruise Deals in 2026 (The "Insider" View)
As we move deeper into 2026, the industry has shifted. Gone are the days of the "last-minute fire sale" being the only way to save. Nowadays, the best vacation packages are found by those who book early or those who know how to play the "value-added" game.
Whether you are looking at our online booking tool or calling us directly, you’ll notice that NCL and Holland America are taking very different approaches to winning you over.
Norwegian Cruise Line: The "Freestyle" King (Secret: It’s All About the Add-Ons)
Norwegian (NCL) has always been the poster child for "Freestyle Cruising." No set dinner times, no formal nights (unless you want to dress up), and a lot of high-energy entertainment. In 2026, they are leaning hard into their "More at Sea" promotion (which replaced the old "Free at Sea" we all knew for years).
What’s the Deal?
Typically, NCL is offering deals that include:
- Open Bar (Unlimited spirits, cocktails, and wines).
- Specialty Dining credits (This is huge because their specialty food is fantastic).
- Wi-Fi minutes (Usually enough to check email, but maybe not stream Netflix 24/7).
- Shore Excursion credits (A $50 credit per tour).
Is it right for you?
Here’s the thing: NCL is perfect if you hate being told what to do. If you want to eat at a different restaurant every night, from a high-end steakhouse to a teppanyaki grill, NCL wins. However, let me be straight with you: those "free" perks usually come with "service charges" or "gratuities" that you pay upfront. It’s still a great deal, but don't let the word "Free" make you think your credit card won't see any action.
If you’ve followed our blog for a while, you might remember our look at cruising on the Carnival Conquest. NCL is a step up in terms of modern amenities and "bells and whistles" compared to the older classic ships. If you want go-karts on the top deck and Broadway-style shows, NCL 2026 itineraries are calling your name.
Holland America Line: The "Sophisticated" Choice (Spoiler: The Food is Better)
Now, let’s talk about Holland America. If NCL is the vibrant theme park at sea, Holland America is the polished, boutique hotel with a five-star kitchen.
What’s the Deal?
Their "Have It All" premium package is the trending offer for 2026. It’s designed to be a more inclusive experience from the jump. You get:
- Shore Excursion credits (usually based on the length of the cruise).
- A Signature Beverage Package.
- Specialty Dining (usually 1–3 nights depending on the cruise length).
- The Wi-Fi Surf Package.
Is it right for you?
Holland America is for the traveler who wants to actually relax. You won't find water slides here. Instead, you’ll find the "Music Walk" with incredible live blues and classical music.
Pro Tip: If you are looking at Alaska for 2026, Holland America is almost always the winner. They have been in Alaska longer than almost anyone else, and their access to Glacier Bay is unparalleled. We often tell our clients that if you want to see the "real" Alaska, you go with the line that has the best "boots-on-the-ground" experience.
Myth-Busting: "Isn't Holland America just for 'Older' People?"
I hear this question all the time. "James, isn't that my grandmother's cruise line?"
Listen, that’s a myth we need to bust right now. While the average age might be slightly higher than a Disney cruise, Holland America has done a massive pivot. They are focusing on "Explorers", people of any age who care about culture, incredible food, and deep-dive destinations. If you are 35 and you love a good glass of Malbec and a quiet corner to read while looking at the Mediterranean, you will love Holland America.
Comparing the Costs: The "Apples to Oranges" Problem
When you’re looking for the best cruise deals 2026 has to offer, comparing NCL to Holland America by base price is a mistake.
- NCL Base Price: Often looks lower, but once you add the "More at Sea" gratuities and the fact that you'll likely want to pay for some of the extra activities, the price climbs.
- Holland America Base Price: Usually a bit higher upfront, but the "Have It All" package is very transparent.
Let's look at a hypothetical 7-day Caribbean run.
- NCL: You might see a balcony for $1,200. After the "Free" perks and port fees, you’re at $1,800.
- Holland America: That same balcony might be $1,400. After "Have It All" and fees, you’re at $1,900.
For that extra $100, you are getting a significantly higher level of service and much better "included" food in the main dining room. But, you lose the go-karts and the 24/7 party vibe. Which one sounds like your dream vacation?
What About Princess Cruises?
I’d be remiss if I didn't mention Princess Cruises, especially since they are a staple in our 2026 vacation packages. Princess sits right in the middle of NCL and Holland America. Their "Princess Plus" and "Princess Premier" packages are some of the most popular we sell at ITS Travel Services, LLC. They offer the "Medallion" technology, which is a little wearable device that lets you order a drink to wherever you are standing on the ship. (Talk about spoiled!)
If you're interested in how Princess compares, definitely check out our page on shore excursions to see the kind of adventures we can hook you up with regardless of the line you choose.
How to Spot a "Fake" Deal
Before you pull the trigger on a "Super Low 2026 Deal" you found on a massive discount site, check these three things:
- The Cabin Location: Is it "Guarantee"? That's travel-agent-speak for "we’ll put you in whatever cabin is left over," which usually means you're right under the noisy nightclub or directly above the anchor.
- The Inclusions: Does it include "Non-Commissionable Fares" (NCF)? These are hidden port fees that big websites often hide until the very last screen.
- The "Why": Why is it cheap? Is it a "repositioning cruise" where you spend 10 days at sea with no ports? (Those can be great, but only if that's what you actually want!)
Instead of guessing, you can always check out our about us page to see how we work. We don't just find the lowest price; we find the best value. There’s a big difference.
Your 2026 Cruise Checklist
If you're ready to start planning, here’s a quick "boots-on-the-ground" guide to making the right choice:
- Step 1: Define your "Vibe." Do you want a high-energy party (NCL) or a refined culinary journey (Holland America)?
- Step 2: Calculate the "Real" Cost. Don't look at the $499 teaser price. Look at the total with drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips.
- Step 3: Look at the Ports. Sometimes the ship matters less than where it’s going. Are you dreaming of Nassau and Blue Lagoon? Or maybe the quiet beauty of Fort Lauderdale before you set sail?
- Step 4: Book with a human. (And no, I'm not just saying that because it’s my job!) A real person can call the cruise line and fix things when a website glitch ruins your dinner reservations.
Let’s Chat
I know choosing a cruise is a big decision. It’s your hard-earned money and your precious time off. Whether you’re looking at the latest Norwegian Cruise Line tech-fest or a classic Holland America voyage, we’re here to help you navigate the 2026 waters.
If you have questions about a specific itinerary or just want to know if "More at Sea" is actually worth the upgrade, don't be a stranger. You can contact us here or just give us a shout. No pressure, no "sales-y" pitches: just a conversation about where you want to go next.
Where are you thinking of heading in 2026? The Caribbean? The Mediterranean? Let us know, and let’s get you out there!
( James Bowers
Owner, ITS Travel Services, LLC)
