By Brian Dohrn | Dohrn Travels | Holland America Have It All Package
If you’re cruising with Holland America Line, you’ve probably seen the Holland America Have It All package offered during booking.
It sounds simple: shore excursions, drink package, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi — bundled for one daily price.
But here’s the real question most people are asking:
Is Holland America Have It All worth it?
I’ve cruised with Holland America several times — from ABC Islands sailings to other Caribbean itineraries — and we’ve added Have It All on more than one trip. What follows isn’t marketing copy. It’s firsthand experience, practical cost breakdowns, and what the package actually looks like once you’re living with it onboard.
Here’s what you need to know.
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Table of Contents
- Firsthand Experience Using Holland America Have It All
- What’s Included in Holland America Have It All Package?
- Real Cost of Holland America Have It All vs Booking Separately
- Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy Holland America Have It All Package?
- How to Get the Most Value From Holland America Have It All
- Is Holland America Have It All Package Worth It?
- Quick Summary: Is Holland America Have It All Worth It?
- Holland America Have It All FAQs
- Final Thoughts on Holland America Have It All Package
Firsthand Experience Using Holland America Have It All
On our recent sailings, including our Holland America ABC Islands Cruise, we booked Have It All pre-cruise at $60 per person per day. Once onboard, it jumps to $70 per day — so booking early matters.
Here’s what we’ve learned from actually using it on multiple Holland America sailings — not just reading the brochure, but living with it day to day onboard:
- It changes how you cruise.
- It removes decision fatigue.
- It can be a no-brainer — but only if your habits match the value.
When you’re not thinking about whether that latte, cocktail, or bottled water is “worth it,” you cruise differently. You relax more. You lean into the experience. But if your onboard habits don’t line up with what’s included, the numbers can flip quickly — which is why you really have to look at how you personally cruise.
We’re not heavy party drinkers, but we do enjoy specialty coffee in the morning, a beer or tropical drink by the pool, wine or whiskey with dinner, a cocktail at night, canned water for port days, and at least one specialty dining experience like Tamarind or Pinnacle Grill.
When you stack that with shore excursions and Wi-Fi, the numbers start to shift fast.
What’s Included in Holland America Have It All Package?
The Holland America Have It All package includes four core amenities bundled into one daily price. Here’s what you’re actually getting:
Shore Excursion Credit
- 6–9 day cruises: $100 per person
- 10–20 day cruises: $200 per person
- 21+ day cruises: $300 per person
The credit is per person, not per cabin, and applies toward Holland America–booked shore excursions. It’s not automatic cash — you’ll need to apply it when reserving your excursions.
On longer itineraries, this becomes more meaningful. On shorter cruises, it typically covers most of the cost of one solid excursion.
Signature Beverage Package
This is the biggest value driver inside the Holland America Have It All package. If you’re going to get your money’s worth, this is usually where it happens.
The Signature Beverage Package includes:
- Wine, beer, cocktails, and spirits
- Specialty coffees (lattes, cappuccinos, espresso drinks)
- Soda
- Mocktails
- Canned water
- Juices
- Energy drinks
It’s not just alcohol — and that matters. Daily coffee runs, bottled water for port days, and sodas throughout the day all count toward the value.
Important Details to Know:
- 15 beverage daily limit
- Drinks priced up to $12 included
- 18% gratuity included
- No sharing permitted
- Must order one drink at a time
- Both first and second guests in the stateroom must purchase it
That last rule is important.
If one person in the cabin wants Have It All, the first two guests are required to purchase it — even if one doesn’t drink alcohol. If you’re traveling with a non-drinker or a minor, that can shift the math quickly.
Also worth noting: the 15-drink limit includes non-alcoholic beverages. So specialty coffees, soda, and canned water count toward that total.
For many cruisers, this package alone is close to the cost of Have It All — which is why the bundle can make sense. But if you’re a light drinker, this is the section you really need to evaluate carefully.
Specialty Dining Credit
This is one of the most underrated parts of the Holland America Have It All package. If you already plan to book at least one specialty restaurant, this perk adds real value.
Here’s what you receive based on cruise length:
- 6–9 day cruises: 1 night
- 10–20 day cruises: 2 nights
- 21+ day cruises: 3 nights
The dining credit can be used at:
- Pinnacle Grill
- Sel de Mer
- Canaletto
- Tamarind
Restaurant availability depends on the ship, so not every venue is available fleetwide. Check your specific ship before planning your reservations.
If you want to maximize value, book one of the higher-priced venues. Pinnacle Grill and Sel de Mer typically offer the strongest return compared to the base credit amount.
We’ve used our credits at Pinnacle Grill and Sel de Mer on past cruises, and both were absolutely worth it. The experience feels noticeably elevated compared to the main dining room — quieter atmosphere, more attentive service, and higher-end menu options.
One important note: specialty dining events like Morimoto Pop-Up Dinner are not included in the standard Have It All credit. That requires separate booking. I break that down here: Morimoto Pop Up Dinner on Holland America (Full Breakdown).
If you already enjoy specialty dining on cruises, this perk alone can justify a significant portion of the package cost.
Wi-Fi Surf Package
The Holland America Have It All package includes the Wi-Fi Surf Package, which covers basic connectivity while you’re onboard.
Here’s what that means in practical terms:
- One device connected at a time
- Email, web browsing, and social media access
- No streaming or high-bandwidth use
It’s designed for staying connected — not working remotely or watching Netflix.
Personally, we share one login and take turns. If one of us needs to check email or upload a photo, the other logs off. It actually helps us unplug a bit and be more intentional with screen time. I don’t mind not being constantly connected while cruising — that’s part of the reset.
If you skip the Holland America Have It All package and decide you want internet later, your options are the Premium or Stream packages, which cost more. So, if you know you’ll want even basic Wi-Fi access, this perk adds real value to the bundle.
For many cruisers, Wi-Fi isn’t the main reason to buy Have It All — but it’s often the tipping point when comparing total cost.
Real Cost of Holland America Have It All vs Booking Separately
This is where the decision really gets made.
The Holland America Have It All cost is typically:
- $60 per person per day when booked pre-cruise
- $70 per person per day if added onboard
Booking before departure saves $10 per person per day — and over a 7-day cruise, that adds up quickly.
Here’s the key insight:
The Have It All price is usually about the same as purchasing the Signature Beverage Package by itself.
That’s what makes this package compelling.
If you were already planning to buy the drink package, you’re essentially getting:
- Shore excursion credit
- Specialty dining
- Wi-Fi
For roughly the same total cost.
That’s why, for many cruise travelers, the Have It All package feels like a no-brainer.
But this only works if your habits match the bundle.
If you:
- Don’t drink daily
- Prefer exploring ports independently
- Skip specialty dining
- Don’t need internet access
Then the numbers may not justify it.
If you want to run your own numbers, you can download the exact spreadsheet I use to compare Have It All versus paying à la carte. Just plug in your drink habits, dining plans, excursion costs, and cruise length — and it will show you the estimated savings (or not) based on your actual usage.
This takes the guesswork out of it and gives you a clear answer for your specific cruise.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy Holland America Have It All Package?
The Holland America Have It All package isn’t universally right or wrong — it depends entirely on how you cruise.
Best For:
- Couples where both guests drink daily
- Cruise travelers who regularly book shore excursions
- Guests who enjoy at least one specialty dining experience
- Travelers who prefer predictable, bundled cruise costs
- Sailings of 7 days or longer, where the benefits compound
If you already know you’ll order specialty coffee, wine with dinner, cocktails in the evening, and at least one excursion, this package aligns naturally with your cruise style.
Not Ideal For:
- Light or occasional drinkers
- Travelers who explore independently in port
- Guests who skip specialty dining entirely
- Cabins where one adult doesn’t drink at all
And this is important: If one person in the stateroom purchases Have It All, both of the first two guests in the stateroom are required to purchase it (even if one doesn’t drink alcohol).
That single rule can completely change the equation.
If you’re traveling with a non-drinker, minor, or someone who doesn’t care about the included perks, you need to look closely at the total cost before committing.
At the end of the day, this package rewards cruisers who actively use what’s included. If you’re more minimalist in how you cruise, you may be better off paying as you go or purchasing the Quench drink Package.
How to Get the Most Value From Holland America Have It All
If you decide to purchase the Holland America Have It All package, here’s how to make sure you actually get the value you’re paying for.
Book Pre-Cruise to Save
Upgrade before departure.
The Have It All package typically costs $60 per person per day pre-cruise and jumps to $70 per person per day onboard. That $10 per day difference adds up quickly over a 7–10 day sailing.
If you already know you’re leaning toward it, book it early.
Use the 15-Drink Limit Strategically
The Signature Beverage Package includes up to 15 beverages per day. Most people won’t hit that number with alcohol alone — and you don’t need to.
At the end of the day, I grab canned water and bring it back to the cabin. There’s space in the mini fridge (separate from the minibar items, which aren’t included).
That water becomes valuable for:
- Early mornings
- Port days
- Excursion hydration
It’s a simple habit that increases the real-world return of the package.
Should You Upgrade to Elite?
You can upgrade from the Signature Beverage Package to Elite for about $6 more per person per day.
Unless you consistently order high-end liquor priced above the $12–$16 range, it’s difficult to justify. We occasionally order a higher-end spirit and simply pay the $1–$2 difference instead.
To break even on Elite, you’d need roughly 3–6 premium drinks per person per day. For most cruisers, that doesn’t happen consistently.
Tipping Strategy for Better Service
The 18% service charge is already included in the beverage package price.
But bringing small bills to tip bartenders you frequent can make a noticeable difference. You don’t need to tip at every bar or on every drink. Find your regular spots, build rapport, and treat those bartenders well. Better service usually follows.
Is Holland America Have It All Package Worth It?
For us — yes.
But not because it sounds good on paper. It works because our cruise habits line up with what’s included.
Here’s why it makes sense for our travel style:
- We drink daily (specialty coffee in the morning, drink with dinner, a cocktail at night)
- We regularly book shore excursions
- We plan at least one specialty dining night
- We want basic Wi-Fi access onboard
When you stack those together, the numbers justify themselves.
If you were already planning to purchase the Signature drink package, the Have It All package becomes especially compelling. You’re essentially adding shore excursion credit, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi for roughly the same total cost.
If you’re not buying the drink package — or if you rarely use the included perks — then you need to run your numbers carefully.
There’s no universal answer — only the answer that fits how you cruise. Match the package to your habits — not someone else’s.
🚢 Ready to Cruise with Holland America?
Thinking about booking a Holland America sailing? Compare current itineraries, pricing, and departure ports to find the cruise that fits your style.
Quick Summary: Is Holland America Have It All Worth It?
If you plan to drink daily, book shore excursions, and enjoy at least one specialty dining night, the Holland America Have It All package typically delivers strong value.
If you’re a light drinker, skip excursions, or prefer exploring independently in port, it may not justify the added cost.
The key is simple: match the package to how you actually cruise — and run the numbers before you book.
Holland America Have It All FAQs
What Is Included in Holland America Have It All Package?
The Holland America Have It All package includes shore excursion credit, the Signature Beverage Package, specialty dining, and the Wi-Fi Surf Package.
How Much Does Holland America Have It All Cost?
Typically $60 per person per day when booked pre-cruise and $70 per person per day if added onboard. Pricing can vary slightly by promotion, but those are the standard rates.
Is Holland America Have It All Worth It?
It depends on how you cruise. If you drink daily, book shore excursions, and plan to dine specialty at least once, it often delivers strong value. If you’re a light drinker or skip excursions and specialty dining, it may not justify the cost.
Are Gratuities Included in the Beverage Package?
Yes. An 18% service charge is already included in the beverage package price.
Can You Upgrade to the Elite Beverage Package?
Yes, for about $6 more per person per day. It’s generally only worth it if you consistently order higher-end liquor above the included price threshold.
🛡️ Going on a Cruise Soon? Don’t Forget Travel Medical Insurance.
With a full day exploring, travel medical insurance can provide peace of mind in case of an unexpected injury or medical emergency while cruising.
Final Thoughts on Holland America Have It All Package
The Holland America Have It All package works best for cruise travelers who plan to actively enjoy what the ship offers — drinks, specialty dining, shore excursions, and basic Wi-Fi — without worrying about surprise charges along the way.
If you prefer predictable cruise budgeting and like the idea of ordering that morning latte or sunset cocktail without second-guessing it, this package fits naturally into that style of travel. The effort to evaluate it upfront is small compared to the convenience it can provide onboard.
At the end of the day, match the package to how you actually cruise. Run the numbers, set realistic expectations, and choose what aligns with your habits — not just what sounds good in a promotion.
Adventure Awaits. Book It!
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