ACTIVITIES





Each New Day, a Wealth of Cruise Activity and Indulgences

Every day aboard a Holland America cruise ship brings a wealth of cruise activities and indulgences, along with the freedom to partake in as many — or as few — as you please. It's an opportunity to try something new that surprises you, every day. Dabble, discover, daydream — do everything, or do nothing at all.

Whether you want to workout in the Fitness Center, learn yoga, pamper yourself with a massage and spa treatment, or listen to music and check your email in the Explorations Café, there's a perfect onboard activity for everyone.

In every cruise port, make your cruise vacation even more memorable with our extensive Shore Excursions program of activities. See, explore, discover: arts and cultural activities, athletic expeditions, city tours, shopping and more on our cruises.


ACTIVITIES


Culinary Arts Center - An Experience to Savor

The Culinary Arts Center program, presented by Food & Wine magazine, is a groundbreaking program that integrates guests' love for fine food and wine with a unique and entertaining experience. Immerse yourself in the unique traditions and tastes of the ports of call you will visit. Sample fine wines from around the world or learn to make a new gourmet dish in a hands-on cooking class taught by our own Master Chefs or culinary guests.

Click here to view Kids & Teens Culinary Arts Center Program

The Culinary Arts Center also features:

  • An innovative theatre-style venue with a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen
  • Multiple large plasma video screens so you don't miss the fine details (or you can watch the broadcast from the comfort of your own stateroom)
  • Cooking demonstrations and hands-on cooking classes by our own award-winning chefs and their culinary staff
  • Wine and cheese experts hosting special wine tastings and food pairing seminars
  • Special guest chefs, wine experts and leading cookbook authors who appear in the pages of Food & Wine magazine
  • Book signings, Q&A sessions, market tours in selected ports of call

Demonstrations and Seminars from Top Chefs

The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine, provides guests on select Holland America cruises the opportunity to experience demonstrations and hands-on classes conducted by top chefs, wine experts, and leading cookbook authors from the pages of Food & Wine Magazine. Onboard all sailings, you will learn tricks-of-the-trade from top professionals, try your hand at preparing dishes and taste wines representative of the specific ports-of-call you will visit. Guests on selected cruises will also receive Food & Wine recipe cards and wine tasting notes that you may take home along with copies of the magazine. Other opportunities might include book signings, question and answer sessions, specially designed dinner menus and more. Previous guest chefs include:

  • Jacques Torres - Chocolatier Extraordinaire.
  • Max McCalman - Maître Fromager,
    Artisanal Premium Cheese.
  • Marcus Samuellson - Chef of Aquavit and Ringo, NYC.
  • Susan Sokol Blosser - President and wine visionary, Sokol Blosser Winery, Dundee, OR.

Scheduled culinary experts are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

Scheduling of classes can be done on board only and cannot be pre-reserved prior to sailing.


ACTIVITIES


Daisy Martinez
Celebrated Chef, Author And Food Network Personality, Viva Daisy!

Brooklyn native Daisy Maria Martinez graduated from the French Culinary Institute in 1998, winning first prize for her final project, The Passionate Palate. After graduation, she was a prep-kitchen chef on the set of PBS' Lidia's Italian-American Kitchen, and started a small catering business, also called The Passionate Palate. In 2005 she launched Daisy Cooks! on PBS and published a cookbook: Daisy Cooks! Latin Flavors that Will Rock Your World. Viva Daisy!, debuted on the Food Network in 2009 with a focus on celebrating life and family through food, and the broad spectrum of Latin cuisine.


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Holland America Cruises - Chef Linda Harrell

Linda Harrell

Linda Harrell
Cibo E Beve, Executive Chef and Partner, Atlanta GA

When she was the executive chef at Trattoria Toscana in Baltimore, Linda Harrell made virtually every product by hand, including the fresh pastas, breads, and desserts. Her passion for Tuscan-influenced cuisine blossomed and Harrell knew that this was the direction she wanted her culinary career to take. It was a pivotal time in a two-decade that's taken her to the James Beard House in New York City, ABC's "Eat and Greet," and too many magazine profiles to mention. Today, she's the executive chef at Cibo E Breve, outside Atlanta, spending her time attending to each plate before it leave the kitchen, especially her signature rigatoni gorgonzola with pistachio cream.


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Holland America Cruises - Chef Travis Watson

Travis Watson

Travis Watson
Executive Sous Chef, T. Cook's, Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Phoenix

He loves to shoot. He knows jujitsu. He played football at the University of Arizona. And he makes a heavenly tangerine-orange panna cotta. Travis Watson got nudged into the kitchen by his first football coach, who was also an executive chef. He worked two jobs through high school to be able to attend the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, then went on to complete an externship with chef Jacques Paccard in Paris. A peripatetic life brought him back to the award-winning Avalon. Today, as executive sous chef at Royal Palms Resort, he brings to the kitchen the attributes that helped him succeed on the field: a love of controlled chaos and a passion for perfection.


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Chef Hugh Acheson

Hugh Acheson

Hugh Acheson
Chef and Partner of Five & Ten and The National, Athens, GA

Hugh Acheson is chef/partner of Five & Ten and The National in Athens, GA and Atlanta’s Empire State South. The Ottawa, Canada native studied French cuisine under Chef Rob MacDonald, wine and etiquette at Ottawa’s renowned Henri Burger restaurant, and his cookbook A New Turn in the South: Southern Flavors Reinvented for Your Kitchen, hits the bookshelves on October 18th, 2011. Food & Wine’s Best New Chef in 2002, he earned the Atlanta Journal Constitution Restaurant of the Year, five James Beard nominations for Best Chef Southeast and was named Rising Star from StarChefs.com in 2007.


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Matt Gennuso

Matt Gennuso

Matt Gennuso
Chef / Owner Chez Pascal, Providence Rhode Island

Matthew Gennuso is chef/owner of Chez Pascal, a French-American bistro in Providence, Rhode Island. Trained at the Culinary Institute of America, he’s cooked at some of the best restaurants on either coast, including Oliveto in Oakland, California, Gramercy Tavern in New York, and Hamersley's Bistro in Boston. After a stint at Prezza in Boston's North End, Gennuso and his wife, Kristin, took over Chez Pascal in 2003 to rave reviews. The Providence Journal wrote that Gennuso was the chef she'd want cooking for her in heaven, explaining, "…Any chef worth his salt can work wonders with ingredients like lobster or foie gras, but the real mark of talent is the ability to elevate something as basic and ubiquitous as a hot dog…”


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Holland America Cruises - Chef Lee Hillson

Lee Hillson

Lee Hillson
Executive Chef of Royal Palms Resort and Spa

At 16, Lee Hillson enrolled in culinary school at Bournemouth and Poole College in his native England. After graduation he worked at the Hyatt in Austin, Texas, London's Roux Patisserie, the Michelin star Le Poussin in Hampshire, England and Hintlesham Hall in Ipswich. He served as Executive Sous Chef at Vanderbilt Hall in Newport, Rhode Island, and Sous Chef at T. Cook's at Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix, later becoming Executive Chef.


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  • ms Nieuw Amsterdam
  • 12-DAY MEDITERRANEAN EMPIRES
  • Jun 05, 2012
Ken Oringer
Executive Chef / Co-Owner Kenneth Oringer – Clio - Boston

New Jersey native Ken Oringer began his career washing dishes in a local restaurant. Something resonated. He caught the kitchen bug, and went on to receive a degree from the Culinary Institute of America. He made his way to restaurants in New York City, Providence, and San Francisco before returning to open Clio in 1997. The restaurant was a smash, and Oringer went on to win The James Beard Foundation's Best Chef – Northeast Award in 2001. In recent years he's opened several Boston-area restaurants, including Uni, an intimate sashimi bar; Toro, a Barcelona-inspired tapas bar; and La Verdad, an authentic Mexican restaurant adjacent to Fenway Park.


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Holland America Cruises - Chef Anthony Lamas

Anthony Lamas

  • ms Maasdam
  • 7-DAY CANADA AND NEW ENGLAND DISCOVERY
  • Jun 09, 2012
Anthony Lamas
Executive Chef Seviche – Louisville, KY

Louisville long held a reputation as a great place for fried chicken, Kentucky hot brown sandwiches, and other classic Southern fare. Then chef Anthony Lamas arrived. Lamas found his passion for food early, with his mother's heirloom recipes sparking his interest in the cuisine of his Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage. After training in the San Diego Culinary Apprenticeship Program, Lamas discovered Louisville as an emerging culinary destination. His style of cooking was unique to the area, and in 2005 he opened Seviche. Since then, the restaurant has gained consistent national recognition and changed the culinary topography of the city. Welcome to Louisville: capital of Latin American cuisine.


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  • ms Statendam
  • 7-DAY GLACIER DISCOVERY - SOUTHBOUND
  • Jun 24, 2012
Paul Grieco
Paul Grieco – Wine Expert, Terroir Wine Bars and Hearth Restaurant, NYC

Among Paul Grieco's first childhood memories are hours spent polishing silverware and dusting lampshades at his family's landmark Toronto restaurant, La Scala. But when it was time to choose a career, he kept his distance from the family business. For a while. A two-month trip to Italy to study wine did him in. When he returned, it was to a hospitality career, first at La Scala and later at a number of New York restaurants, including Gramercy Tavern. During Grieco's tenure, that restaurant won James Beard awards for outstanding service and outstanding wine service.


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Chef Dean Max

Dean James Max

Dean James Max
Executive Chef 3030 Ocean

Dean James Max earned a B.S. in Marketing, with a minor in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Florida State University. After study in Italy at the Florence Study Center, he went on to positions with Brasserie Savoy in San Francisco, the Ritz Carlton Dining Room in Pentagon City, VA, Gerard's Place in downtown Washington, D.C. & the Ritz-Carlton in Atlanta, GA. Dean was delighted to create and design his own restaurant and dining concept at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in Ft. Lauderdale called 3030 Ocean.


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Chef Kevin Sbraga

Kevin Sbraga

Kevin Sbraga
Chef / Owner, Spraga and Bravo Top Chef winner – Philiadelphia

New Jersey native Chef Kevin Sbraga is set to open Sbraga, his first restaurant. Featuring modern American dishes in an intimate, 65-seat setting on Philadelphia’s iconic Avenue of the Arts, Sbraga will also offer desserts from the chef’s wife, Jesmary. Chef Sbraga won TV’s Top Chef (on Bravo) in season seven and has created globally-influenced menus grounded in classical technique for celebrated restaurateurs Stephen Starr (Washington Square), and Iron Chef Jose Garces (Tinto, Chifa, Distrito). He’s a graduate of the prestigious College of Culinary Arts.


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Chef Denise Vivaldo

Denise Vivaldo

Denise Vivaldo
Founder of Food Fanatics

Denise Vivaldo has catered more that 10,000 parties, including Suzanne Somers' 55th birthday party at her Palm Springs home, has cooked for President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, Bette Midler, Cher and Prince Charles. Trained at the Ritz Escoffier and La Verenne in Paris and a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, she is the author of How to Start a Home-Based Catering Business published by Globe Pequot in 1993, which has sold more than 100,000 copies.


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Holland America Cruises - Chef Sonia Hunt

Sonia Hunt

Sonia Hunt
Entrepreneur and Creator of a Lifestyle brand focused on helping people to "Stay Safe, Live Healthy and Eat Well".

Sonia Hunt has seen the zeitgeist, and she can tell you what flavor it is. She's international – a student of cooking around the world. She's technological – a digital media entrepreneur. She's culinary, a host to food and wine events around the country. And she's allergic. It's those more than 30 food allergies that forced her to learn to cook early and fueled her desire to help others stay safe, live healthy, and eat well. Today she shares her passion via her lifestyle entertainment show "Stirring it Up," regular appearances on the "Art of Living" radio program, and her company, Noie Productions.


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Chef George Geary

George Geary

  • ms Rotterdam
  • 7-DAY NORWEGIAN FJORDS - SOUTHERN
  • Aug 04, 2012
George Geary
Former Pastry Chef, Disney Corp. Culinary Journalist, Author and Educator Corona, CA

Certified Culinary Professional George Geary has been teaching culinary classes for over 24 years. George Geary Tours have conducted tours for over 20 years domestically and internationally. George's sixth book was published in 2009. He has previously contributed to the American Heart Association publications, "Low-Fat and Luscious Desserts" and "Meals in Minutes.” He has culinary instruction credits with over 110 schools in 41 states, Mexico and Canada, and has made many television appearances.


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  • ms Prinsendam
  • 14-DAY NORWAY AND BRITISH ISLES
  • Aug 08, 2012
Angelo Sosa
Angelo Sosa – Bravo Top Chef Finalist, Executive Chef / Co-owner Social Eatz, NYC

He’s Dominican and Italian by heritage, grew up in Connecticut, and has adopted Asian cuisine as his own. Growing up, Angelo Sosa's family took their meals seriously, and mealtime was the perfect laboratory for Sosa’s budding culinary curiosity. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America with honors and jumped headlong into two of Connecticut’s top-rated kitchens, including the four-diamond Stonehenge Inn and Restaurant. In 1999, Sosa moved to New York to work at Jean Georges—the starting point of his obsession with Asian ingredients and techniques. His latest project, a fast-casual Asian sandwich shop called Xie Xie, recently debuted in New York and is already gaining acclaim.


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Chef Paul Carter

Paul Carter

Paul Carter
Executive Chef The Phoenician, Phoenix

London Native Paul Carter supervises nine kitchen operations throughout The Phoenician, including Il Terrazzo, the 19th Hole, Oasis and Canyon Grills. He graduated from Colchester Institute of Culinary Arts in Essex and served as Commis de Cuisine at the Hotel Sonnenhügel in Bad Kissingen, Germany and Chateau de Montreuil in France. He held posts in all kitchen operations at the venerable Connaught Hotel in London, was named "The Most Enterprising Young Chef in the U.K. in 1991," and in 2002 was awarded the Maitrise Culinaire Diplome by Palmes Culinaire.


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  • ms Maasdam
  • 7-DAY CANADA AND NEW ENGLAND DISCOVERY
  • Aug 18, 2012
Ray Bear
Exec Chef and Culinary Educator, Gio - Halifx Nova Scotia


Holland America Cruises - Chef Jonathon Sawyer

Jonathon Sawyer

  • ms Zaandam
  • 7-DAY GLACIER DISCOVERY - NORTHBOUND
  • Aug 19, 2012
Jonathon Sawyer
Exec Chef and Owner The Greenhouse Tavern, Cleveland

In addition to being named one of Food & Wine magazine's best new chefs, Jonathon Sawyer is a green-movement trailblazer, a pop-up restaurant innovator, and a force for social change. A Cleveland native, he helped open Cleveland's Lolita and New York's Parea before returning to Cleveland to open Bar Cento. The roman enoteca won him the rising star chef award from both Restaurant Hospitality and GAYOT. His Greenhouse Tavern is Ohio’s first green restaurant and was one of Bon Appetit's top ten best new restaurants for 2010. He's also behind the first pop-up restaurant group in Cleveland and is a tireless supporter of the green movement, local agriculture, and sustainable businesses.


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Chefs Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough

Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough

  • ms Amsterdam
  • 75-DAY GRAND ASIA AND AUSTRALIA
  • Sep 21, 2012
  • Dates onboard: Nov 17 – Nov 27
Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough
Authors, "Ultimate" cookbook series

Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough have written fourteen cookbooks, are Contributing Editors to Eating Well magazine, and are featured columnists in Today's Health and Wellness, Relish Magazine, and on weightwatchers.com. They are the co-creators of the best-selling "Ultimate" cookbook series, which features ten single-subject ultimates, from ice cream to party drinks, potatoes to shrimp and more. Bruce and Mark have also written Cooking for Two and Great Grilling. They write regularly for Cooking Light, Wine Spectator, Cooking Pleasures, Gourmet, and The New York Times.


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Holland America Cruises - Chef Kelly Liken

Kelly Liken

  • ms Amsterdam
  • 75-DAY GRAND ASIA AND AUSTRALIA
  • Sep 21, 2012
  • Dates onboard: Oct. 9 - Oct. 20
Kelly Liken
Exec Chef / Owner, Restaurant Kelly Liken – Vail, CO

One of Colorado’s most promising and influential young chefs, Kelly Liken graduated first in her class at Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. After graduation, Kelly headed west to work at Splendido at the Château in Beaver Creek, Colorado. At age 27, she took over a dilapidated Chinese eatery at the entrance to Vail Village and transformed it into Restaurant Kelly Liken, one of the state’s most sophisticated dining destinations, featuring progressive American cuisine. She’s appeared on TV’s Iron Chef America, and Season 7 of Top Chef D.C.


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Jeff McInnis
Jeff McInnis Executive Chef & Partner, Yardbird Southern Table and Bar, Miami

Jeff McInnis grew up in the Florida Panhandle town of Niceville with the ocean as his playground. You could almost always find him on a fishing boat reeling, cleaning and cutting redfish, shrimp and whatever else was caught that day. In the summer, he would join his grandparents on their Alabama farm, where they ate what they raised. At 18, McInnis began a series of culinary adventures that took him to Charleston, the Virgin Islands, San Francisco, North Africa and Europe. These days, McInnis is doing what he’s been working toward for years: bringing his eclectic and inventive style to the tastes of the classic Southern cuisine he grew up with.


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Chef Giuliano Hazan

Giuliano Hazan

Giuliano Hazan
Author And IACP Cooking Teacher Of The Year – Cooking Italian With Giuliano

Giuliano Hazan is an author, teacher, entrepreneur, and one of the foremost authorities on Italian cooking. He began cooking at 17 and is author of the 1993 international bestseller The Classic Pasta Cookbook. He received the Cooking Teacher of the Year Award from the International Association of Culinary Professionals in 2007. He earned his B.A. at Swarthmore College and, with his wife, Lael, has launched A & H Selections to identify and import "made-in-Italy" food specialties.


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Chef Timon Balloo

Timon Balloo

Timon Balloo
Executive Chef Timon Balloo, SUGARCANE raw bar grill, Miami

After a brief stint working for a credit card processing company, Timon Balloo decided to follow his passion into the kitchen. Starting as a line cook in a Florida cafe, he soon enrolled in a culinary arts program. He refined his craft at Chef Allen’s, a pioneer in "Floribbean" New World cuisine, the Hotel Metropole in Brussels, and the Miami restaurants AZUL and La Brioche. Today, he continues to push the boundaries of South American and Caribbean cuisine as executive chef at Miami's SUGARCANE raw bar grill, where the Eater Awards named him Best Chef, Miami, in 2010.


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Chef Jason Franey

Jason Franey

Jason Franey
Exec Chef Canlis, Seattle

A spur-of-the-moment road trip took Jason Franey from South Florida to San Francisco -- and wound up changing the culinary landscape of Seattle. A native of Palm Beach, Jason was looking for a new challenge at 24 and ended up at San Francisco's Campton Place. After helping the restaurant earn rave reviews, he followed executive chef Daniel Humm to Manhattan, where the two set about remaking Eleven Madison Park. After six years, Jason left the post of executive sous chef to become the executive chef of Seattle’s landmark Canlis Restaurant, where he was named one of Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chefs 2011 and The People’s Best New Chef Northwest.


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Michael Kloeti

  • ms Amsterdam
  • 41-DAY GRAND ASIA AND AUSTRALIA VOYAGE
  • Oct 26, 2012
  • Dates onboard: October 27 - November 11
Michael Kloeti
Exec Chef, Michaels on the Hill, Stowe, Vermont

Switzerland native Michael Kloeti has worked in New York City's 4-star Lespinasse and the award winning Lodge at Koele in Lanaii, Hawaii. He offers innovative European cuisine using local, organic products, and is passionate about teaching children & their parents the personal & global benefits of sustainable agriculture. Michael has a regular cooking segment on Vermont news television and has been invited as a guest chef in locations from Disney World to Boston.


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Holland America Cruises - Chef Michael Selby

Michael Selby

Michael Selby
Executive Chef of Product Development, Lunds and Byerly’s, Minneapolis

Chef Michael Selby is an artist who riffs off Italian and French cooking. He worked under chef Daniel Boulud in Palm Beach and honed his craft in Monaco, the South of France, and Italy. His artistry and vision flourished, however, at Minnesota's Eichten’s Market and Bistro. Eichten's is a combination bison ranch, cheesemaker, and intimate bistro. Here, he created a variety of prix-fixe menus featuring bison, elk, and produce grown entirely on site. Today, he is executive chef of product development for the gourmet retailer Lunds and Byerly’s.


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Chef Leslie Sbrocco

Leslie Sbrocco

Leslie Sbrocco
An award-winning author, writer, speaker, wine consultant and television host

Sure, Leslie Sbrocco can teach you a whole new way to experience wine. But to speak of her as a wine educator is a bit limiting, since you'll likely come away from one of her classes empowered. She's authored two books on wine, hosted the PBS series "Check Please!" and founded both WineToday.com and the women's wine-and-networking group Thirsty Girl. But her greatest gift may be her ability to get you to rethink what's possible in your own life. That, and she'll crack you up. Sbrocco is currently the wine consultant for the Kimpton Hotel Group and Virgin America Airlines.


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Jeffrey Elliot

Jeffrey Elliot

Jeffrey Elliot
Director of Culinary Relations for Zwilling JA Henckels, Demeyere, and Staub

Jeffrey Elliot earned a degree from the Culinary Institute of America and cooked at prestigious restaurants like Le Cirque and Le Bernardin in New York. Since leaving the kitchen, he’s gotten an MBA and worked for Share Our Strength, a not-for-profit dedicated to eradicating childhood hunger in America, organizing Taste of the Nation events in 15 cities across North America. Jeffrey’s now Director of Culinary Relations for Zwilling JA Henckels, Demeyere, and Staub, and Executive Chef of Zwilling JA Henckels USA, as well as author of that company’s Complete Book of Knife Skills.


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ACTIVITIES


Demonstrations & Classes


Hosted by the on-board party planner, classes take place in the Culinary Arts Center, a first-class “show kitchen at sea,” or in one of the many bars and lounges. The line schedules classes throughout the day on both sea and port days to fulfill the demand for the culinary program.

Ranging from seasonal cuisine to fruit and vegetable art, the flavorful and fun classes enable guests to learn from Holland America Line’s own professional culinary staff and discover the finer art of entertaining during their cruise. Itinerary themed) cooking demonstrations focus on the ship’s sailing region and bring the local flavors on board. When in Alaska, the program offers “Flavors of the Northwest” and “Fresh Ketch.” Guests sailing on Caribbean itineraries may learn how to make jerk chicken or shrimp scampi, while those on Mediterranean cruises could prepare pasta with chorizo sauce or a warm crostini with classic caponata and mozzarella.


ACTIVITIES


Signature Cooking Classes and Demonstrations


Each Culinary Art Center features a theater-style venue, with two large plasma video screens and a large cooking display counter where guests can learn from Holland America Line’s own professional culinary staff. Offered on all sailings and ranging from itinerary based cuisine to fruit and vegetable art, the flavorful and fun classes enable guests to discover the finer art of entertaining during their cruise. Sign up for an intimate hands on cooking class or attend one of the very popular cooking demonstrations in the theater.

Chefs demonstrating a culinary class

ACTIVITIES


Wine Tasting and Mixology

In conjunction with the Holland America Line Beverage team the Culinary Art Center offers a Signature Cocktail program where guests can learn how to prepare world class cocktails from one of the ship’s bartenders. Wine tastings hosted by the Cellar Master and Party Planner are also available on every cruise. You can enjoy two different tasting levels – Navigator Wine Tasting or Premium Wine Tasting.


ACTIVITIES


Alaska Seafood Demonstrations by Fresh Ketch


Onboard all our Alaska sailings attend our “Alaska Fresh Ketch” cooking demonstration and hands-on cooking class to remove the mystery of preparing a Wild Alaskan seafood dinner. Learn about the different species, the fisherman, straightforward wine pairing and easy techniques to create an authentic meal. These special Alaska presentations prepare you to share Alaska's seafood secrets with the ones you love back home.

Fresh Ketch

Fresh Ketch

Ketchikan-based Alaska Fresh Ketch serves up the ultimate in Alaskan souvenirs — wild Alaskan king salmon, halibut, smoked salmon and king crab. With two variations, the feast for six to eight people comes wrapped in a keepsake box decorated with local artwork and filled with menus, recipes, cooking tips, special cooking tools, place cards for your table and secret sauces. A souvenir memory book includes descriptions about the seafood, the local Alaskan fishing fleet and other facts about Alaska.

Available for purchase on ships in Alaska this year, it is also available online year-round at a website developed especially for Holland America Line: Fresh Ketch.

Explore Alaska Cruises


ACTIVITIES


Party Planner Presentations


To complete the culinary experience the Culinary Art Center features demonstrations on the Fine Art of Flower Arranging, Ice Carving, Cake Decorating, Plate Presentation and Garnishing, Easy Entertaining and more. All hosted by the onboard Party Planner and demonstrated by our Holland America Line culinary experts, florists, and carvers.

Chef demonstrating party planning

ACTIVITIES


Learn Digital Photography, Video Editing, and Web Skills While Cruising


Guests on Holland America Line cruises can learn how to display and share their vacation memories through the Digital Workshop powered by Windows®. This enrichment program, which is now available on all ships, offers free, informative sessions that are led by a Microsoft-trained techspert on a variety of relevant topics such as:

  • How to take, edit and enhance better photos
  • How to post your photos to the web or email them to friends and family back home
  • How to create blog entries, videos, scrapbooks and more

Click on the name of a ship in the list on the right to see that ship's custom Digital Workshop page.

The Digital Workshop offers many free, easy-to-use photo sharing tips and tools, so it's not necessary to be an expert photographer or an experienced computer user to benefit from the program. The workshops showcase state-of-the-art technology provided and maintained by Microsoft -- including Windows7 computers, printers, scanners and a wireless network -- and conveniently have their own dedicated space on each ship. Flat-screen TVs in each session allow for easy viewing of videos and "techspert" demonstrations.

The jargon-free interactive classes include:

  • Edit your cruise photos
  • Turn your cruise photos and videos into a slide show
  • Getting your photos out of the camera and into the computer
  • Advanced editing of your cruise photos
  • Sharing your cruise photos via email and the Internet
  • PC safety and maintenance
  • Learn fun ways of staying connected with instant messaging and webcams
  • Learn the basics of staying connected through social networking
  • Understanding the basics of your digital camera
  • Learn what PC is right for your lifestyle and how to find the best offers
  • See how Windows 7 can simplify your PC and your life

Guests can choose to attend all or just some of these 60-minute workshops, each of which will be offered at various times and days throughout each cruise. Multiple workshops will be held every day. In addition, one-on-one coaching called "Techspert Time" will also be available every day.

Scheduling of classes can be done on board only and cannot be pre-reserved prior to sailing.


ACTIVITIES


Refresh, Relax and Rejuvenate


Of all the fascinating places you can visit on a Holland America cruise ship, none rejuvenates and relaxes like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, featuring heavenly beauty and wellness rituals. Choose the blissful pampering of a facial therapy or let the trained fingers of a massage therapist soothe your muscles while working fragrant oils into your skin. Enjoy therapeutic water treatments as you steam in a thermal suite or bathe in herbs, all the while cruising to exotic destinations and enjoying the indulgences that are a signature feature of luxurious Holland America Line cruises.

Relaxing treatment rooms also offer breathtaking views where guests can enjoy exotic skin, body and hair treatments ranging from hot stone massages and pedicures to hair styling and facials. Facilities include:

  • A hydrotherapy pool bubbling with warm, therapeutic sea water. Available on select ships only.
  • Heated ceramic lounge reminiscent of an opulent Turkish bath except ms Prinsendam.
  • Private treatment rooms, including couple's massage rooms.
  • Massage therapy inspired by an exotic blend of cultures — from Hawaiian Lomi Lomi to Chinese Tui Na.
  • The latest exotic skin, body, hair and nail treatments.
  • Knowledgeable, professional therapists trained to guide you through your spa experience.

For rejuvenation through exercise, Holland America Line spas offer fitness classes to help you achieve optimum health and vitality. Yoga, Pilates, Indoor Cycling and cardio circuit training are available for participants at all levels. Take advantage of treadmills, stationary bikes, stairsteppers, rowing machines, weights and weight machines. Staffed with professionals, the tranquil Greenhouse Spa & Salon invites guests to embrace sensory indulgence on a luxurious cruise vacation to remember.

Because the Greenhouse Spa & Salon is such a popular destination, we encourage you to book spa appointments in advance from your My Account page. After you sign in to your account, click "My Reservations," then "View My Itinerary" to browse available spa treatments and services. You can also book appointments once on board. To order Greenhouse Spa products online, visit www.timetospa.com.


Spa Suites & Staterooms

 Nieuw Amsterdam Spa Ocean-view stateroom

Stay in a Spa Suite or stateroom and enjoy exclusive spa amenities throughout your cruise vacation. These suites and staterooms feature modern spa amenities such as yoga mats, an iPod® docking station, and a countertop water feature in-room. Also available are exclusive spa treatments from the Greenhouse Spa and Salon. Learn More




ACTIVITIES


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Recreation and Fitness
  • Fully equipped Fitness Center
  • Classes in low-impact aerobics, yoga and Pilates
  • Basketball, ping pong, tennis, volleyball, walk-a-mile
  • Golf putting greens on the ms Prinsendam
  • Golf shore excursions in selected ports

Fitness Center and Onboard Recreations

Holland America Line makes it easy for you to stay fit and trim while on your journey with fully equipped fitness centers (minimum age for guests using the fitness center is 16 years old) and sports courts. Fitness centers aboard each ship include exercise and weight training equipment, and sports courts may include tennis, volleyball or basketball. Our broad, generously proportioned teak decks are perfect for walkers and joggers, and when you are finished exercising, cool off in one of our pools. To maintain or achieve optimum health, work with one of our qualified personal trainers or take one of our fitness classes lead by knowledgeable instructors. Fitness classes may include:

  • Pathway to Yoga: Yoga is an ancient Hindu practice that offers a pathway to enlightenment through specific postures and breathing techniques. We offer a variety of Yoga styles in classes for students of all levels.
  • Mat Pilates: Developed in the 1920s by the legendary personal trainer Joseph Pilates, the Pilates method is an exercise system that combines posture and controlled moves. Our class is mat based and appropriate for students of
    all levels.
  • Cardio Ki-Bo Circuit Training: A great combination of Chi-releasing moves including boxercise, kickboxing and aerobic conditioning. We place emphasis on technique and help push you to your cardiovascular limit.
  • Aquarobics: This program features a low-impact water workout. You will effortlessly strengthen tone and energize mind and body.
  • Pilates Reformer: The Pilates method is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility and strength for the total body without building bulk. The Pilates method is not just exercise; it is a series of controlled movements engaging your body and mind, performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus and supervised by trained fitness directors.


ACTIVITIES


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Explorations Café

The Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times offers a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, view a wide array of audio and video programming, or simply read the morning paper. Guests can also enjoy fresh pastries and their favorite espresso drink provided by Torrefazione Italia. Additional highlights include:

  • Internet stations featuring news and email, with free access to The New York Times online edition (wireless hot spots also available for those traveling with laptops)
  • Destination-related content provided by The New York Times, as well as unique travel-related New York Times crossword puzzles
  • Large jigsaw puzzle tables
  • The Explorations Speaker Series on longer voyages, feature guest lecturers and discussions on varied topics related to the history, culture and cuisine of ports of call


ACTIVITIES


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES



Art Tours

Holland America Line is known for the extensive art collections onboard each ship. Now, fine art goes high tech when you sail with Holland America Line. We invite you to enjoy the self-guided walking tour for each ship which highlights the art onboard an eclectic collection that is valued at tens of millions of dollars.

Narrated by well-known radio hosts Paul Lasley and Elizabeth Harryman, the 30- to 40-minute tours include walking directions, interviews with artists, background music and thumbnails of some of the artwork. Download the ship-specific art tour onto your personal iPod®, MP3 or portable media player before you embark on your Holland America Line cruise. Pre-loaded art tours are also available on board.

Trouble downloading to a Mac? Please contact your computer's customer support.
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ms Amsterdam

Amsterdam Art Sample A significant collection of maritime paintings and ship models can be found onboard ms Amsterdam, offering an insight into maritime history. You will discover two striking fabric murals by textile artist, Barbara Bruckman, Ming Dynasty figures from 17th-century China and a magnificent Astrolab clock in the atrium. Also, a beautiful inlaid marble table crafted by artisans in the town of Pietrasanta, Italy. Sports fans will be delighted by the display of signed baseballs including a ball signed by legendary Yankees outfielder Joltin' Joe DiMaggio!


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ms Eurodam

Eurodam Art Sample Following in the Holland America Line tradition, the ms Eurodam features an exquisite art collection based on the theme, "The Dutch Golden Age - An Inexhaustible Tradition". Highlighting works by Dutch masters and contemporary artists, some of the pieces featured will include 17th-century watercolor maps by famed cartographer Johannes Vingboons, photo-realistic oil paintings by artist Jan van 't Hoff and The Nightwatch, Two Minutes Later, a contemporary reinterpretation of Rembrandt's famous painting.


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ms Maasdam

Maasdam Art Sample The wooden figurehead in the Lido restaurant is a stunning example of maritime art that can be found throughout ms Maasdam. Other intriguing art featured on the self-guided art tour are two abstract murals painted especially for the Rotterdam Dining Room, display cases filled with a collection of seven iron teapots and a charcoal brazier from Japan, which date from the end of Edo period. Also of interest is the set of marvelously detailed gilt and lacquered chests and an 18th-century ebony cabinet from England with reversed painting behind glass.


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ms Nieuw Amsterdam

Nieuw Amsterdam Art Sample An important collection of antique and contemporary art celebrating the historic connections between New York and Amsterdam through the centuries can be found onboard ms Nieuw Amsterdam. You'll find a magnificent mural called "Nieuw Amsterdam" by Harald Vlugt showing the historical ties between Nieuw Amsterdam and New York. There are major works by Andy Warhol, Richard Estes and Roy Lichstenstein as well as iconic photographs of the famous from Elvis to Paul Newman by paparazzo Ron Galella. Elsewhere there are examples of contemporary Dutch art and two intricate, inlaid marble tables crafted by artisans in the town of Pietrasanta, Italy. The atrium centerpiece is "Skyline Reflections", a massive abstract sculpture New York's iconic profile.


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ms Noordam

Noordam Art Sample Onboard ms Noordam you will discover museum-quality paintings such as an oil painting of the city of Utrecht painted in 1842, as well as contemporary art like the series of photographs of music greats Dizzy Gillespie and BB King. One of the most valuable pieces of furniture onboard the ship is a remarkable inlaid chest flanked by carved wooden 17th-century Baroque columns. Made in Germany in 1885, the chest is inlaid with ebony and precious stones.


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ms Oosterdam

Oosterdam Art Sample The stunning Waterford(R) crystal world globe in the Atrium on board ms Oosterdam is seven feet in diameter and was created using mouth blown and hand-cut lead crystal. Art pieces also include works by contemporary artists and nautical antiques. A rigging master's wooden ship model dating from 1810 and the dry card compass from the Galatea, the British yacht that competed in the 7th America's Cup yacht race, grace the Crow's Nest. At the Pinnacle Grill entrance is a jewel encrusted nautilus shell by Rodolfo Sanz and in the Lido Restaurant, an enormous painting by Robert Kushner.


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ms Prinsendam

Prinsendam Art Sample Art onboard ms Prinsendam includes a remarkable abstract marble sculpture of a Viking ship by contemporary Norwegian artist Nicholas Widerberg. The sculpture actually moves slightly with the movement of the ship. Also featured in the art tour are a series of paintings by impressionist painter Neil Pinkett, one of Cornwall's most prominent artists, an outstanding collection of Roman Amphorae from 50 - 150 AD and murals of striking angel portraits silk screened with gold leaf and accented with bold colors.


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ms Rotterdam

Rotterdam Art Sample On board ms Rotterdam you will find exact replicas of the huge clay army discovered buried in Xian, China. Other art pieces include remarkable clocks and time pieces, contemporary art by recognized artists, and antiques that represent the rich seafaring heritage of Holland America Line. A highlight of the tour is a beautiful 18th-century ship model carved from bone, which according to Frits Lowmeijer, Executive Director of the Maritime Museum in Rotterdam, "would be nice to put it in our collection."


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ms Ryndam

Ryndam Art Sample A muzzle-loading canon from the 17th Century, found on the floor of the North Sea is one of the more unusual pieces of art onboard ms Ryndam. Other pieces of note include Lebigre and Roger's unique fountain showing fanciful dolphins and sea creatures, two murals inspired by global exploration by famed Dutch artist Gerti Bierenbroodsport and treasures such as the display of a quill pen, ink well and portable writing desk dating back to 1595.


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ms Statendam

Statendam Art Sample Highlights of the ms Statendam art tour include a pair of gilded bronze monkeys stationed outside the Piano Bar, a rare carved wooden figurehead of the Goddess Juno, the whimsical, yet functional ceramic lounges, Venetian glass flowers and antique styled lamps. Maritime art includes interesting maps and charts as well as a series of large marine oil paintings of Holland America ships painted by one of the world's leading marine painters, Captain Stephen J. Card.


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ms Veendam

Veendam Art Sample A floral theme is expressed through the art and decor onboard ms Veendam, from classic paintings of still life flowers to the stylized flowers in the small panels on the ceiling of the Piano Bar. During the art tour you will also discover a large collection of museum quality ship models, including valuable prisoner of war models made from bone. Other art pieces of interest are the round ceiling murals by Irish artist Wout Muller and rare tosei gusoku samurai armor from late 17th-century Japan.


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ms Volendam

Volendam Art Sample Art tour highlights onboard ms Volendam include a huge painting of a tulip by Tim Maguire, which has a wonderful luminous quality. You will also find an exquisite water color painting by Albert Herbert and a glass sculpture by Luciano Vistosi, who is known for creating monumental glass works. History enthusiasts will be enthralled by the display cases of rare pre-Colombian art including a female figure in earthenware found near Jalisco that dates from about 100 BC and an exceptional jaguar vessel found in Central America around 1500 AD.


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ms Westerdam

Westerdam Art Sample Artist Susanna Holt's lifesize bronze dolphin sculpture graces the pool area onboard ms Westerdam. Art pieces range from a huge Indian silver-overlaid wood palace doorway at the entrance to the dining room that measures 92 inches by 69 inches to a 5-inch-long bone tobacco pipe carved in the shape of a woman's head. The most valuable piece is a painting of the Port of Rotterdam, and the oldest is a collection of 5,000-year-old pre-Columbian carved limestone figures from Ecuador.


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ms Zaandam

Zaandam Art Sample An intricate 19th-century vase from the Meissen porcelain factory in Germany is one of the fascinating art pieces that can be found on board ms Zaandam. Other pieces of note include a glass sculpture by Italy's leading glass artist, Luciano Vistosi and a collection of museum-quality ship models. One of the themes on ms Zaandam is music. You'll find a grand organ in the center of the atrium and musical instruments, such as Bill Clinton's saxophone and signed guitars from Queen, Iggy Pop, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones, used as art objects throughout the ship.


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ms Zuiderdam

Zuiderdam Art Sample A painting of Queen Beatrix by pop culture artist and icon, Andy Warhol, is one of the notable art works on board ms Zuiderdam. Art featured in the tour also includes medallions by Frank Lloyd Wright, cast aluminum elevator doors inspired by the art deco work of the New York Chrysler Building, and a massive floral painting by Charles Ben. You will also discover a large collection of antiques and centuries-old paintings throughout the ship.


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ACTIVITIES


The Signature Shops

A world-class shopping experience is just steps away. The Signature Shops on board offer a great selection of fine jewelry, watches, fragrances, premium liquor, exclusive Holland America souvenirs and more all at tax and duty free savings. Each item is authentic and many are branded with designer names you have come to trust. Our knowledgeable specialists will gladly answer all your questions and are dedicated to providing you with excellent service.


Merabella Luxury Collection


Merabella Nieuw Amsterdam

This exclusive jewelry boutique offers a luxury shopping experience paired with unprecedented designs. Selected for their beauty and timeless elegance, our collection includes stunning styles from Le Vian, Chimento, Haytayan, Tara and Sons plus many more. Guests can meet with the Merabella Manager on board to learn about these exquisite jewelry pieces. Merabella is available on
select ships.





ACTIVITIES


Wedding Cruises and Renewal of Vows at Sea...Creating and Recreating Memories


Couple Getting Married on Holland America Line


Weddings

Whether you prefer a simple ceremony and a small, elegant reception or lots of family and friends at a larger celebration, a wedding cruise on one of our elegant ships will launch a lifetime of memories. Choose to get married on board, under the palms on an exotic Caribbean island beach or on top of a majestic Alaskan glacier. No matter what your preference, our wedding cruises coordinator is ready to help you tailor a wedding package to meet your needs and help you and your loved ones have the ultimate onboard experience. Wedding cruise packages include:

  • A personalized ceremony
  • Wedding coordinator services
  • Flowers, cake, champagne, a photo album and a keepsake wedding certificate
  • Services such as photography, music, receptions and pampering appointments can also be added to customize your wedding cruise package

Wedding Facts

  • The average price of a small wedding with up to 10 guests at a traditional land location like a hall, club house or hotel, including officiant, cake and champagne, flowers and photography, in 2007, was $10,250.
  • For the same above, but also including a personal professional wedding coordinator to make sure the special day goes perfectly, a cruise ship onboard wedding with V.I.P. boarding, only costs an average of $2,500. That’s a 310% saving of $7,750.
  • The average cost of a wedding with reception in the US and Canada, but not counting honeymoon or gifts was $27,690. The average cost on board our ships or in port costs around 10-15% of that amount.
  • Weddings on board Holland America Line ships or in our various port cities (including international) equals a tremendous value accompanied by a once in a lifetime experience.

Wedding cruise packages are available on each ship in our fleet and start at $795 for a simple ceremony for two for North America and Caribbean sailings and $1,900 for European sailings. To arrange a North American or European wedding cruise, please use the following contact information:

North America/Caribbean & Europe:

Royal Ocean Events, Inc. 4803 Haviland Street, Suite 1 Delta, BC V4K 2V6 Canada PH: (604) 940-1181 or 1-888-475-5511 FAX: (604) 940-6216 info@royalwed.com


Renewal of Vows On Board

For couples that would like to say their wedding vows while at sea, Holland America Line offers an onboard Renewal-of-Vows package. As part of the package, the guests will receive flowers in their stateroom, and invitations are made available to invite guests to the ceremony and celebration. The couple also receives:

  • A 10x7 activity sheet
  • Dinner for two one evening in the Pinnacle Grill
  • A celebration featuring music, champagne, wine and hors d'oeuvres served by Holland America Line's five-star staff

The price for this romantic and memorable occasion is $114 per couple and $12.50 per guest (celebration only). The onboard honeymoon, anniversary and renewal-of-vows packages may be booked through Holland America Line's Ship Services Department, (800) 541-1576.

Renewal of Vows at Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay Chapel

Guests that visit Half Moon Cay, the company's own island paradise, on Holland America Line Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises may renew their wedding vows on the island in a private, traditional Bahamian chapel nestled in a garden overlooking the sea. This is a more casual ceremony than on board and participants are encouraged to wear their favorite tropical attire. Champagne and cake are served after the ceremony. Each couple is photographed on the island and the photo is delivered to their stateroom in a souvenir frame. Arrangements for renewal of vows at the chapel may be made through the Guest Relations Manager at the Front Office on board the ship.


ACTIVITIES


Wedding Cruises and Renewal of Vows at Sea...Creating and Recreating Memories


Holland America Cruises - Couple Getting Married on Holland America Line


Weddings

Whether you prefer a simple ceremony and a small, elegant reception or lots of family and friends at a larger celebration, a wedding cruise on one of our elegant ships will launch a lifetime of memories. Choose to get married on board, under the palms on an exotic Caribbean island beach or on top of a majestic Alaskan glacier. No matter what your preference, our wedding cruises coordinator is ready to help you tailor a wedding package to meet your needs and help you and your loved ones have the ultimate onboard experience. Wedding cruise packages include:

  • A personalized ceremony
  • Wedding coordinator services
  • Flowers, cake, champagne, a photo album and a keepsake wedding certificate
  • Services such as photography, music, receptions and pampering appointments can also be added to customize your wedding cruise package

Wedding Facts

  • The average price of a small wedding with up to 10 guests at a traditional land location like a hall, club house or hotel, including officiant, cake and champagne, flowers and photography, in 2007, was $10,250.
  • For the same above, but also including a personal professional wedding coordinator to make sure the special day goes perfectly, a cruise ship onboard wedding with V.I.P. boarding, only costs an average of $2,500. That’s a 310% saving of $7,750.
  • The average cost of a wedding with reception in the US and Canada, but not counting honeymoon or gifts was $27,690. The average cost on board our ships or in port costs around 10-15% of that amount.
  • Weddings on board Holland America Line ships or in our various port cities (including international) equals a tremendous value accompanied by a once in a lifetime experience.

Wedding cruise packages are available on each ship in our fleet and start at $795 for a simple ceremony for two for North America and Caribbean sailings and $1,900 for European sailings. To arrange a North American or European wedding cruise, please use the following contact information:

North America/Caribbean & Europe:

Royal Ocean Events, Inc. 4803 Haviland Street, Suite 1 Delta, BC V4K 2V6 Canada PH: (604) 940-1181 or 1-888-475-5511 FAX: (604) 940-6216 info@royalwed.com


Renewal of Vows On Board

For couples that would like to say their wedding vows while at sea, Holland America Line offers an onboard Renewal-of-Vows package. As part of the package, the bride receives a corsage, and invitations are made available to invite guests to the ceremony and celebration. The couple also receives:

  • A 10x7 activity sheet
  • Dinner for two one evening in the Pinnacle Grill
  • A celebration featuring music, champagne, wine and hors d'oeuvres served by Holland America Line's five-star staff

The price for this romantic and memorable occasion is $114 per couple and $12.50 per guest (celebration only). The onboard honeymoon, anniversary and renewal-of-vows packages may be booked through Holland America Line's Ship Services Department, (800) 541-1576.

Renewal of Vows at Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay Chapel

Guests that visit Half Moon Cay, the company's own island paradise, on Holland America Line Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises may renew their wedding vows on the island in a private, traditional Bahamian chapel nestled in a garden overlooking the sea. This is a more casual ceremony than on board and participants are encouraged to wear their favorite tropical attire. Champagne and cake are served after the ceremony. Each couple is photographed on the island and the photo is delivered to their stateroom in a souvenir frame. Arrangements for renewal of vows at the chapel may be made through the Guest Relations Manager at the Front Office on board the ship.


ACTIVITIES


Shoreside Shopping Program


A Holland America Line cruise would not be complete without experiencing some of the world's best duty-free shopping. Holland America Line's Recommended Shopping Program will assist you in finding the finest treasures in selected ports of call with significant savings below U.S. retail prices. Each recommended store listed on the shopping map has been chosen on the basis of price, selection and reputation.

Check your onboard daily listing of all activities, for the location and times of the live Port & Shopping Talk, highlighting port information, Holland America Line's 30-day recommended shopping guarantee, participating store locations, specials, raffles, giveaways and more. Customs information, shopping maps and VIP discount coupons will be provided at the talk, as well as at the Shopping Desk onboard.

For additional shopping information, while on your cruise, tune in to the All Ashore port and shopping programming on your in-stateroom TV, as well as your complimentary copy of Holland America Line's in-stateroom publication Compass, also found in your stateroom.

Explore the ports and shopping in this program


ACTIVITIES


Single Partners Program


Each Holland America ship hosts a gathering for Solo Travelers early during their cruise. And there are plenty of things for solo travelers to do that make it fun and easy to meet fellow cruisers. From cooking classes to computer instruction, dance classes to games, there's something for every interest and skill level. On most cruises of 30 days or longer, we offer dance partners for single ladies.

You can count on our gracious staff and crew to make everyone feel welcome. Guests may even request to be seated with other singles at dinner. Many of our Single Partner Program guests have become fast friends and some even book future Holland America cruises together.

Single guests who agree to share a stateroom with another nonsmoking guest of the same sex pay only the per-person, double-occupancy rate. (If we can't find a partner for you, you cruise solo at the agreed-upon double-occupancy fare.) Single guests who prefer not to share a stateroom may book a double stateroom for 150 to 200 percent of the double occupancy fare, depending on the cruise and stateroom category. This program applies to selected staterooms on all ships in our fleet. The Single Partner Program is not available on Grand Voyages or Alaska CruiseTours.


ACTIVITIES


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Youth Programs

On Holland America ships, we provide a wide variety of exciting youth and teen friendly activities and facilities for guests ages 3 to 17. With supervised fun for our younger guests, the entire family can have the cruise vacation of their dreams.

Safe and Managed Supervision

You can feel at ease knowing that your child's onboard experience is safe and well-managed. All Club HAL® activities are supervised by permanent, full-time staff, and are designed to be kid friendly and age appropriate. Youth Staff hold degrees in education, childhood development, recreation, leisure studies or related fields.

Programs Available
  • Club HAL® — Kids*: Children, ages 3-7, can participate in such activities as pirate treasure hunts, hands-on pizza making, storytelling, "Little Artists" crafts, ice cream sundae parties and a farewell pajama party. Children in the Kid's age group must be toilet trained. Children in pull-ups or diapers are not allowed in the youth facilities, due to mandates from US Public Health. Exceptions to this rule cannot be made.
  • Club HAL® — Tweens*: Tweens, ages 8-12 take part in Xbox and Wii tournaments, relay races, scavenger hunts, karaoke disco parties and participate in the award-winning National Park Service Jr. Ranger Program in Alaska on Alaska cruises.
  • The Loft and The Oasis*: Teens, ages 13-17 enjoy mocktail mixology classes, late night sporting competitions, teen yoga and hip hop classes, guys verses girls scavenger hunts, cooking demos, tech classes and teen only night club events. When there are more than 100 children on board, a HAL Talent Show is offered. (The Loft and Oasis are not available on the Prinsendam. The Oasis is located on the Statendam, Ryndam, Veendam, Rotterdam, Zaandam, Volendam and Amsterdam.)

*On the ms Prinsendam, youth activities are offered for ages 5-17. All other ships offer youth activities for ages 3-17.

Parents /Guardians should note that each program features age specific events and children are required to participate in the program designed for their chronological age. No exceptions will be made.

Daily Programs

Times may vary based on the number of children on board and staffing:

Kids and Tweens

  • Sea Days: 9:00am – 11:30am, 1:00pm – 4:00pm and 7:00am – 10:00pm
  • Port Days: 8:00am – 4:00pm and 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Teens

  • Sea Days: 10:00am – 12:00pm, 2:00pm – 6:00pm and 8:00am – 12:00am
  • Port Days: 8:00am – 8:00pm (non-hosted) and 8:00pm – 12:00am

Kids & Teens Culinary Arts Center Program

HAL Kids Culinary Workshops now offer children a unique and fun learning experience. Kids will learn basic cooking techniques, kitchen safety, new ingredients and how to follow recipe instructions. Aside from the fun involved, cooking encourages kids to think about numbers and measuring, cleanliness, safety and time management. The Culinary Art Center is a place where questions are encouraged and having fun is a must!

HAL Kids Culinary Workshops are geared toward two age groups; ages three to seven and ages eight and up. Teenagers 15 and up may participate in the adult classes.

  • The menus range from simple to teen gourmet
  • Demonstration style and hands-on classes are offered
  • Each student receives copies of the recipes prepared in class
  • All classes are complimentary and last approximately one hour

Additional Family Services

Holland America Line is dedicated to making your family's cruise vacation memorable and happy for each member of your family. We serve a wide variety of kid-pleasing food, including special sandwiches, tacos, hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza. Baby food, high chairs and booster seats may be requested in advance of boarding. On sea days, babysitting services are available through the Front Office for a small surcharge for children 3 years of age or older. This service is provided by staff on a volunteer basis, and may not always be available. Babysitting service is not offered while the ship is in port, although Club Hal does offer activities for children aged 3-12 between 8:00am and 4:00pm on port days. Special kid-friendly birthday parties can also be arranged with advance notice.

Extended Hours

Club HAL’s port day activities as well as After Hours is available for children ages 3-12 who meet Club HAL’s eligibility requirements. (Children must be pre-registered for the program in the way of a completed parental consent form, they must be potty trained, out of pull ups and 100% independent in the restroom as the youth staff are not permitted to assist.) Club HAL® After Hours is available on all ships (except the ms Prinsendam) from 10:00pm - 12:00am for children 3 years of age or older. The fee is US$5.00 per child, per hour. Parents must pick up their children on time or a late fee is charged. For babysitting outside of the hours offered in Club HAL, guests may check at the Front Office to schedule this service provided by staff on a voluntary/limited basis only.

Port Day Activities

Activities will be offered when in port from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. A lunch service is available for those attending port day activities between the hours of 11:00am – 1:00pm. Children must be registered and signed into and out of port day programming by a parent or guardian.

Special Needs

HAL Youth Programs recognize that some children may have special needs. Special needs children are invited to attend activities based on their chronological age. HAL Youth Programs have many staff trained to work with special needs children. Guests should make HAL aware of this when booking their reservation.

Important Notes

A limited number of high chairs, booster seats and cribs are available at no charge. These must be reserved in advance at the time of booking. An international children's menu is offered at dinner and includes a variety of appetizers, salads and soups, and standard items such as hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza and chicken, plus chef's specials like beef tacos, grilled cheese, fish and chips or spaghetti.

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