When Holland America Line guests embark on a Grand World Voyage, they’re likely looking forward to one bucket-list adventure after the next. What they may not expect is a group of volunteers knitting and crocheting blankets on the world cruise for Project Linus in support of children in need. For Gail and Marty Gottlieb, hosting fellow “blanketeers” isn’t just ...

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned pro, Holland America Line is here to help you plan your cruise. From choosing your destinations to exploring shore excursions and onboard activities, we've got you covered. Here are 10 tips to help you plan your cruise vacation: 1. Find a destination that excites you. Whether it’s ...

Looking for a new way to celebrate the holidays? Dreaming of destinations where you can soak up warm sunshine? Consider cruising through the season with Holland America Line. Here are the best reasons to take a holiday cruise: 1. Keep Calm & Cruise On Leave the party planning to us while you relax, rejuvenate, ...

When you join us on a South America cruise, you can visit breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites that represent the best of human heritage and the natural world. These sites and wonders are recognized for having outstanding universal value to humanity. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the wondrous sights that wait you: ...

The day after Thanksgiving isn’t just meant for yummy leftovers and post-turkey-trot naps. It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year in the U.S. Though Black Friday often entails long lines to snag a good buy, what if you could delight in deals that take you on a different adventure? Consider sailing through Black Friday with these ...

Did you know Hawaii is home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world? At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site – you’ll discover towering volcanoes whose eruptions have modified the landscape and become home to unique animal species and plants. Every year, nearly two million people visit the ...

Holland America Line is known for providing award-winning personalized service thanks to our caring crew. Though we’re grateful every day for our incredible team, we want to take a moment during Customer Service Week – celebrated the first week of October – to thank our people from ship to shore for their time, talent and dedication to creating an ...

Whether you warm it over a hot beverage, heat it in the microwave or dip it in your coffee, there’s something special about the stroopwafel. A popular Dutch treat, the stroopwafel is a round thin waffle cookie with two layers and caramel filling. In honor of World Stroopwafel Day on Sept. 30, we’re sharing one of our onboard recipes ...

We recently caught up with Samantha Brown, celebrated travel expert, after her family vacation in Norway with Holland America Line. Here's what she had to say about their great adventure while sharing family travel tips along the way!  My family and I had the absolute time of our lives cruising Norway with Holland America Line. Not ...

There’s nothing like cruising to the Caribbean for an island-hopping, paradise-packed vacation. Whether you want to kick back and relax all day every day, or embark on sunny adventures, Holland America Line knows how to make a Caribbean cruise unforgettable. Here’s a sneak peek of 7 days in the Caribbean:  Dreamy Destinations  From the sandy ...

Chef Morimoto Named Fresh Fish Ambassador Calling all seafood lovers! Holland America Line is serving a mouthwatering port-to-plate experience for guests through our new global fresh fish program beginning October 2023. That means you won’t just see the world from your doorstep when you cruise with us; you’ll taste it with fresh flavors, locally sourced ingredients and destination-inspired ...

When you cruise with Holland America Line, you’ll feel energized, uplifted and delighted by the sights, sounds and experiences of world-class entertainment. Breathtaking performances by our Step One Dance Company are just one example. When they take center stage, you’ll embark on a journey with them through fantasy, light and beautiful human emotion – all with incredible music and ...

If chasing waterfalls tops your list of activities on a Caribbean cruise, you’re not alone. There’s something magical about these glistening wonders. Here are some of the top waterfalls in the Caribbean that will leave you in awe: 1. Dunn’s River Falls This waterfall park is known worldwide for being a top attraction in ...

Are you a sports enthusiast that enjoys a good game and friendly competition? Would you like to explore fun sports activities on a cruise ship, like pickleball, ping pong, shuffleboard and more? Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Holland America Line has plenty of onboard cruise activities to help you break a sweat and try something new, and ...

Whether you prefer guided tours in Europe or want to explore on your own, there are many breathtaking sights to enjoy on a Europe cruise. If you like fine art and sculptures, or you enjoy enriching learning experiences, then you’ll want to add a museum visit to your itinerary. Here are just some of the must-visit art museums in ...

Want to see the world on a family cruise? Is Europe calling your name? Whether you want to explore castles and fjords in Northern Europe, or build castles of your own on Mediterranean beaches, there’s a lot to enjoy on a Europe cruise. Here are some cruise tips to help you make the most of a Europe family vacation: ...

When you embark on a cruise adventure, you may be excited about the sights you’ll see, the shore excursions you’ll experience and the endless cruise activities you'll enjoy, from live music to pickleball. What you may not expect is Justin, one of our art and craft instructors. He’s an artist by trade and a comedian at heart, and he ...

When you meet Jordyn, you quickly feel like she’s your best friend on board. She’s incredibly warm and energetic, and she has a passion for people and the cruise experience. She’s also an adventurer and entertainer at heart. That combination makes her an amazing cruise and travel director for Holland America Line, and it's her mission to help guests ...

Are you fascinated by ancient ruins, architecture and Greek mythology? Does your mouth water when you think of delicious Mediterranean dishes? If so, Athens could top your list of dream destinations, and a guided tour is one of the best ways to experience it. Here are five must-experience tours in Athens to help you make the most of your ...

If Portugal tops your list for must-see destinations, it’s no wonder why. From its rich history and captivating culture to charming cities and beautiful beaches, there’s a lot to enjoy. Here’s a look at some of the best places to visit on a Portugal cruise: Funchal Attracting explorers from all over the world and named ...

Though Blanche Bennett, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and Prince Edward Island resident, hadn’t been on a ship in 65 years, she continued to admire them from afar – especially cruise ships. Soaking up the sights of the ships as they docked at Chartlottetown, she often wondered what they looked like from the inside and how different they ...

Do you have a heart for history, the arts, architecture and more? Looking for things to experience while you’re in port during longer stays or overnights? Exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites is a great way to immerse yourself in the destinations you cruise to with Holland America Line. Here are just a few of the must-see UNESCO World Heritage ...

The first thing to know about Dawson City, Yukon, is that it’s a small town by most standards, with a population just over 1,500. But for a small town, it has a booming personality, leftover from its days of gold-rush glory, when fever and fortune ran high. For a few glorious months in 1898, Dawson City held the nickname, ...

America has many treasures just waiting to reveal themselves to eager explorers. Imagine soaking up the sights of Glacier Bay National Park while cruising to Alaska or getting lost in the hidden gems and fall foliage of New England. Discover paradise on the beaches of Hawaii or bask in the sun as you sail the Pacific Coast. In honor ...

When you embark on an Alaska cruise with Holland America Line later this summer, you’ll notice beautiful and intricate artwork on menus and other items representing stories and traditions of the indigenous people of the great land. The creator of these beautiful works of art is Rico Lanáat’ Worl, a Tlingit and Athabascan social designer and artist. He has artfully ...

June brought another month of unforgettable memories and fun at sea, as well as multiple moments celebrating those who make the journey possible – our employees. We’re grateful for our team members and the unique kind of awesome they bring to work every day, from ship to shore.    Here’s a look at recent meaningful moments celebrating those who share ...

If there’s ever a time to wish days were longer, it’s on an Alaska cruise. Between breathtaking landscapes and spectacular wildlife, there’s a lot to enjoy. That’s why cruising during the summer solstice makes it that much sweeter. Here are some of the ways you can soak up 22 hours of sun — yes, you read that right! — ...

Alexa Christine Sale gave her heart to the sea a long time ago, and it’s not just because she dreamt of a career in the cruise line industry. It’s because the sea is where her father, Alex Sale, spent most of his time since she was a little girl. She loved the tales her dad would share when he ...

Leonard Wood was surprised and delighted with a special day aboard the Zaandam. Photo courtesy of the Port of Charlottetown. Cruise Ship Fan Receives Surprise After Admiring Vessels for More than 80 Years Since Leonard Wood was a little boy, he always admired cruise ships from afar. In fact, he has taken a picture in front ...

The Amalfi Coast is like a beautiful quilt patched together from the dreams of sailors. It has everything: enchanting villages filled with fascinating history and art; exquisite beaches that line the vivid-blue Tyrrhenian Sea; heavenly cuisine made fresh from local produce.   Why is the Amalfi Coast Famous?   The Amalfi Coast is a 34-mile (50-kilometer) stretch ...

Photo above shows the beauty of the northern lights as seen from Northern Europe. Every year, adventurers from all over the world flock to Iceland to see the northern lights. According to this Forbes article, the northern lights are the top sought-after bucket list experience, surpassing the Great Barrier Reef and cruising Norway’s fjords.   Even though the ...

As you stand on deck while touring Glacier Bay, notice the remarkable silence of a place empty of traffic, pedestrians and shops. Even without human infrastructure, the landscape is ever-changing. We’ve been bringing guests to Alaska for more than 75 years, but Glacier Bay always feels new. Here are the top five experiences: 1. Get ...

We’re not the only ones celebrating King’s Day on April 27. Holland America Line is proud to introduce its loyal furry friend and mascot, Lewie! Donning his best orange tie and majestic mane, Lewie descends from a long line of Dutch lions living in Rotterdam, and he loves traveling by sea. In fact, he got a behind-the-scenes sneak peek ...

The Yukon is a true bucket-list destination. It’s unlike anywhere else with endless wilderness punctuated by Canada’s five tallest peaks and tiny towns with big personalities. Read on for 20 wild facts about Yukon Territory.   The Yukon, Big and Small   The Yukon is vast, but it’s the smallest of Canada’s three territories. The Yukon covers ...

Above: Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands (right); Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha (left); and Roel Dusseldorp, General Manager of Hotel New York, pour champagne over the commemorative 150th anniversary bell.  On April 18, Holland America Line’s flagship Rotterdam arrived at the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, following a 150th Anniversary crossing that departed ...

Kristen Bass, fleet training specialist, has a personal connection to Holland America Line that extends long before her first day with our cruise line 10 years ago. In fact, it goes back to a transatlantic journey in September of 1893.  Nearly 130 years ago, a young couple in their 30s was preparing for a ...

It’s not very often a company celebrates its 150th anniversary, and just as rare is the opportunity to work for one. As the new blog manager for Holland America Line, I recently had the opportunity to board the newest ship in its fleet before its transatlantic voyage to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, retracing (in reverse) its original journey 150 years ...

Alaska wouldn’t be Alaska without its glaciers. These massive rivers of ice are responsible for the shape of the landscape—and that’s just the beginning. Learn the history behind the state’s most famous glaciers. Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve A cruise through Glacier Bay is a journey through natural and human history, back to the ...

Along with glaciers and wildlife, the northern lights top the list of Alaska must-sees. It is possible to see the northern lights from Anchorage. The lights dance year-round but are only visible in inky-black skies. If you cruise Alaska during the peak of summer, the blaze of the midnight sun outshines the aurora. If you’re ...

Photo Above: Members of the Travel Advisor Book Club, created by Michelle Sutter, vice president of North America sales & chief of staff, gather aboard the Koningsdam for the first M.S. Masterminds Summit at Sea in summer 2022.  In honor of International Women’s Day, we want to spotlight some of the Holland America Line ...

If going on a cruise is something you’ve wanted to do for weeks, months, or even years, but you don’t know where to start, don’t sweat it. We’ve got you covered! Here are quick tips to help you navigate your first cruise adventure. 1. Find a cruise that excites you. Whether it’s Alaska, Europe, the ...

G’Day, Australia! Holland America Line is back Down Under after more than two years away. Westerdam — the first ship back for the cruise line since the pandemic — arrived at Cairns today following a journey that began Oct. 2 from Seattle. The full 36-day Pacific Ocean cruise included calls in Hawaii and the South Pacific, and the ship will ...

Following a Panama Canal transit, Nieuw Amsterdam arrived today at Half Moon Cay, the first ship to visit on the 25th anniversary season of Holland America Line’s private island. The ship’s team marked the opening of the season with a special beachside display. In this season that also marks our 150th anniversary as a line, seven Holland America Line ships ...

A middle school project to deliver books to a library halfway around the world is almost complete, thanks to some good timing and an alert travel advisor. Students from Odyssey Middle School in Bainbridge, Washington, brought over 400 books to Holland America Line’s ship Westerdam on Sunday for delivery to a new literacy library in Papua New Guinea. Students at ...

Two-and-a-half years after the cruise industry pause, Holland America Line’s Volendam returned to cruising today at Trieste (Venice), Italy. The ship embarked guests for a 14-day Holy Land and Ancient Kingdoms Explorer itinerary. To commemorate the occasion, Holland America Line held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the terminal to open embarkation, attended by the ship’s captain and senior officers, with flag-waving ...

As summer sunshine turns to fall foliage, we're thinking about one of our favorite cruise departure ports: Greater Fort Lauderdale. Nicknamed the “Venice of America,” this cosmopolitan destination offers 300 miles of winding waterways, a thriving art and culinary scene, and outdoor activities galore. See our list below for recommendations on what to do in Greater Fort Lauderdale before ...

Holland America Line’s Volendam departed Rotterdam today, completing a charter with the city and the government of the Netherlands that began in April. For the past six months, the ship has been home to families from Ukraine who fled the war there. Over the past several weeks, the families have been resettling with relatives or moving to more permanent accommodations ...

Foodies and culinary novices alike, who are ready for a gastronomic adventure can set sail on a Holland America Line “Culinary Cruise” in 2022 with a member from the line’s Culinary Council. The celebrity chefs will share their expertise and secrets on everything from the correct way to make a sushi roll and how to perfectly temper chocolate to preparing ...

Holland America Line is updating its “Travel Well” COVID-19 protocols and procedures, including requirements for vaccinations and pre-cruise testing that meet public health goals while recognizing the evolving nature of the COVID-19 situation. These changes will go into effect for cruises departing on or after Sept. 6, 2022. Under the simplified procedures, for most voyages up to 15 nights, vaccinated ...

Today is International Book Lovers day, and while a cruise is the perfect vacation to catch up on a good book lounging on deck overlooking the sea, it's also the ideal way to explore the homes, birthplaces and locales of your favorite author or book. From Prince Edward Island and the home of Anne of Green Gables to Isla Robinson ...