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 ...

25-to 59-day extended itineraries combine the splendor of Grand Voyages with a journey that enriches the destination Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” Holland America Line’s new cruise category, Legendary Voyages, is out to prove the destinations matter, too. Holland America Line is globally renowned for its expertise in longer voyages. Now, ...

On Sunday, Oct. 10, waving flags, cheering team members and a “Welcome Home” sign greeted guests as they joined Koningsdam at the Port of San Diego for our first West Coast departure since the start of the industry-wide pause. Koningsdam is the largest Holland America Line ship to be sailing from the West Coast, and she will spend the season ...

For those ready to travel again, there’s no better place to start than Alaska, offering opportunities for travelers to see glaciers up close, spot bucket-list wildlife, explore national parks and see Denali – North America’s tallest mountain. This summer, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises offer many ways for travelers to experience Alaska through Gray Line Alaska, Princess Alaska Lodges ...

Today is National Plan for Vacation Day, and if you're dreaming of getting back to travel, we have you covered. Holland America Line has opened bookings for a wide selection of cruises in 2022 and even 2023, so you can stop dreaming and start planning your next cruise vacation. But where to go? If you're still undecided, here are some ...

Ketchikan provided an opportunity to take the afternoon excursion on the Aleutian Ballad from the Bering Sea. We had a gorgeous day today, really a gorgeous week in Alaska, and off we sailed from our dock. The boat is owned by Dave with Steve and Kiwi giving him a hand in the workings of the tour. The boat was originally ...

When you embark on an Alaska cruise, you know you’re going to take in magnificent sights. There’s a lot to look forward to, including majestic landscapes, icy blue glaciers and beautiful wildlife. And if you love the great outdoors, you’ll also love the incredible hiking trails. Here are a few of the trails you’ll find near Alaska cruise ports ...

Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned pro, there are many reasons to seek support from a Personal Cruise Consultant (PCC) to help you plan a cruise vacation that’s as unique as you. As members of our team, Personal Cruise Consultants have expertise on the Holland America Line experience and knowledge about destinations around the world. They’re here ...

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 ...

On April 22, 2022, Stephanie DerGarabedian was starting her day with her favorite morning personalities on The Today Show. As she sipped her morning brew and began plugging away at work, something caught her attention. The Today Show was hosting a Mother’s Day contest where viewers could nominate their moms to join them on The Plaza for brunch. Stephanie ...

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 ...

Holland America Line kicked off its 2023 Alaska cruise season on April 29 with the arrival of Eurodam at Port of Seattle. Known as “Seattle’s Hometown Cruise Line,” Holland America Line marked the day with a celebration at Pier 91. Festivities included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Miss Washington Regan Gallo and Miss Alaska Jessica Reisinger, and lively music with ...

Glacier Bay National Park should have a top spot on every family’s bucket list. But unlike most national parks, you can’t just load up the family car and drive to it. Glacier Bay is only accessible by air or sea. Here’s how to explore Glacier Bay National Park with kids. A Day in Glacier Bay ...

Enjoy the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, or soak up the sun along the California Coast. Savor the journey in Mexico, or experience the aloha of Hawaii. Whichever paradise you choose, Holland America Line can take you there on a West Coast cruise. Here are the best reasons to sail away with us and enjoy all that the ...

Embark on an Incredible Pole-to-Pole Adventure with Holland America Line  Though any cruise with Holland America Line is a getaway from the everyday, there’s nothing quite like a Grand Voyage. Roundtrip from the United States, Grand Voyages take you to bucket-list destinations while introducing you to hidden gems around the world. And in 2025, Holland America Line will embark ...

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 ...

Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise company and parent company of Holland America Line, released its 13th annual sustainability report detailing industry-leading initiatives and momentum across environmental, social and governance focus areas. The report also describes significant progress made by the company toward its aspirations of carbon neutral operations by 2050 and a circular economy model focused on ...

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 ...

Holland America Line partnered with The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, the 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the eponymous landmarks, to celebrate the cruise line’s 150-year journey from immigrant carrier to consumer ocean liner fleet. An element of the partnership includes a curated exhibit at Ellis Island detailing the brand’s historical prominence in bringing one in 10 immigrants ...

Photo Above by Olivia Moloney Are you dreaming of sunshine and sandy beaches? Craving cocktails and island vibes? Wondering what it would be like to soak up the sun on a Caribbean cruise? We get it. Here are the top five reasons to take a Caribbean cruise with Holland America Line. Book Flexible ...

As Holland America Line celebrates its 150th anniversary, people from all over the world can now get a personal look at its role in immigration stories for thousands of families. Back in 2018, CBG | Center for Family History teamed up with Rotterdam City Archives to start digitizing Holland America Line’s passenger lists. These lists are now available on ...

We asked Samantha Brown, celebrated travel expert, what her tips would be for first-time cruisers to Alaska. Here’s what she had to say! Note: Holland America Line is a proud sponsor of “Places to Love.” Cruising the Inside Passage of Alaska was one of the most incredible bucket-list adventures my family and I have ...

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 ...

Alaska isn’t just home to towering blue glaciers and dense green forests. You’ll find bears flocking to the water for their catch of the day, whales breaking through the sea’s surface to exhale, and bald eagles soaring across the sky. Looking for the best places for wildlife sightings? Here are some of the magical creatures that have made Alaska ...

Alaska is a prime destination for wildlife viewing. But if you don’t have suitable binoculars, that Alaska brown bear and her cubs might look like … a few blurred dots. That mountain goat? Nothing but a spec. That humpback whale? A floating log. Find the best binoculars for wildlife viewing so you don’t miss a single magical moment. Everyone ...

We’ve got spirit, yes, we do! Holland America Line has signed on as an official sponsor of the Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers, sharing the spirit of cruising across college sporting events. Together we’ll celebrate our shared passion for community while engaging Ducks and Beavers fans with fun-filled experiences, including in-game activities and promotions. Both universities are within ...

From ship to ship and sea to sea, we’re celebrating our anniversary! In honor of 150 years of sailing, we invite you to join the fun. Celebrate with us through our 150th Anniversary Poster Contest! The Highlights Contest begins Feb. 15, 2023, and ends on March 15, 2023. Use your personal Facebook or Instagram ...

Do you love sailing the seas with Holland America Line? Are you a fan of our dining and entertainment experiences? Do our ships make your heart leap for joy? Share your love by voting for Holland America Line in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards contest!* Our cruise line was nominated for the categories below by a panel of ...

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 ...

A fundraising effort by cruise line passengers, which took place on the high seas around six different continents, has resulted in a $450,000 donation for Ukraine relief. Funds were raised through Holland America Line's On Deck for a Cause campaign, and the check was presented on Jan. 31, 2023, to the global humanitarian aid organization Direct Relief. For 10 ...

Whether it’s $100, $200, $300 or more, Onboard Credit can make a sweet vacation even sweeter. While some credits are designated for certain activities (e.g., shore excursions), others give you the opportunity to spend it in multiple ways. From rejuvenating at the spa while enjoying ocean views to making magical memories during once-in-a-lifetime excursions, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how ...

From travel professionals and editors to the most discerning consumers and prestigious organizations, 2022 was a year of recognition for the Holland America Line team members who work hard to bring guests the best service at sea. Travel Weekly’s readers named Holland America Line the best world cruise itinerary, making it the 29th travel award received for the brand this ...

Celebrated travel expert Samantha Brown doesn’t just know where to travel, she knows how to get there. Holland America Line is partnering with Samantha to show off the splendors of Alaska on her hit PBS show “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love,” and next summer she’s hosting a cruise to Norway aboard our newest ship, Rotterdam. Holland ...

Holland America Line is upping our game thanks to an exciting new partnership with the fastest growing sport in the U.S. Imagine a pickleball court where the vast ocean or an Alaskan glacier is the backdrop for your match. As the exclusive Official Cruise Line of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), that’s what you can find on Holland America ...

Holland America Line’s Rotterdam VII departed the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, today on its historic 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing. The 15-day journey recreates Holland America Line’s maiden voyage of Rotterdam I that departed the city 150 years ago today. The crossing follows the path of that first sailing to New York, with calls at Le Havre, France, and Plymouth, ...

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 ...

In a multi-year sponsorship agreement that coincides with the 2022-2023 football season, Holland America Line will serve as the "Official Cruise Line of Husky Athletics" for University of Washington Athletics. This marks Holland America Line's first foray into college sports and establishes an ideal relationship for two of Seattle's iconic brands. As Seattle's Hometown Cruise Line, the new relationship pairs ...

Holland America Line has been awarded Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification—making it the first cruise line to achieve this distinguished credential by serving only fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood. RFM certified all six of the cruise line’s ships that sail to Alaska following an independent audit. “Holland America Line has shared Alaska adventures with our guests ...

With a rise in travelers wanting to explore global destinations without taking international flights, Holland America Line is launching its “See the World from Your Doorstep” campaign, highlighting the cruise line’s leadership in roundtrip travel from U.S. homeports. Those who want to avoid a long-haul flight can sail roundtrip from Boston; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; San Diego or Seattle with Holland ...

Mexico is a colorful culture, known for its deep history, rich customs and vibrant flavors. Holland America Line's Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez cruises are designed to showcase the different facets of each port, so whether you want to learn more about the region, take an adventurous tour or get to know the culture, there's something that will meet ...

Alaska’s pristine waters teem with tasty fish. Whether you want to reel in a king salmon or try your hand at crab fishing, the Last Frontier is the place. Alaska fishing trips make it easy by providing the gear, some sage advice, and the ability to buy a fishing license. On select adventures, you can have your catch prepared and ...

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 ...

Today is International Beer Day, and Holland America Line has expertly crafted shore excursions around the world that show off the best brews — from Japan to Australia, Belgium to Oregon. The names you know like Guinness take center stage, but those who love the beverage will take delight in learning about the lesser known craft beers and local breweries ...

Holland America Line took home three USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards: winner in the categories of Best Ship for Dining and Best Mid-Sized Cruise Ship, and second for Best Ocean Cruise Line. USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards highlight the best of the best in contests covering categories such as destinations, food and drink, hotels and things to do. ...

Holland America Line’s guests and team members celebrated an important milestone this weekend, marking one full year of a return to sailing after the cruise industry pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nieuw Amsterdam was the line’s first ship back, resuming cruising July 24, 2021, in Seattle, Washington. The ship reached the one-year mark while in port in Whitter, Alaska. ...

Holland America Line’s commitment to environmental protection is part of a broader sustainability initiative by our parent company, Carnival Corporation, which today released its 12th annual sustainability report. The report details key initiatives and progress made in 2021 toward 2030 sustainability goals and 2050 aspirations in six core areas of focus: climate action, circular economy, sustainable tourism, good health and ...