A Humanitarian Crisis Response to Cruise Ships Stranded at Sea Tests Our Deepest Human Values By Orlando Ashford, President, Holland America Line The coronavirus (COVID-19) has run rampant through neighborhoods, businesses and nations, catching all us off guard. Stoked by fear of contagion, millions of people around the world are sheltering in place waiting out the storm. During a time ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

The 150th anniversary festivities for Holland America Line are in full swing, and we couldn’t be more excited! As we prepare for a transatlantic voyage from New York City to Rotterdam, the Netherlands – retracing (in reverse) the company’s original voyage – we knew it was the perfect time to announce the winner of our 150th Anniversary Poster Contest ...

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 ...

Did you know March 24 is National Cocktail Day? What better day than today to share signature recipes created specifically for Holland America Line's 150th anniversary! Feeling thirsty? Gather some friends around the table and get ready to have some fun. These cocktails will quench your thirst and delight your senses. Dutch 150 ...

Majestic, adorable and fierce, bears top the list of must-see animals on Alaska cruises. But sightings are never 100% guaranteed, even on guided wildlife safaris. And who wants to encounter a 900-pound brown bear by themselves? One way to safely cross bears off your bucket list is with an Alaska shore excursion to Fortress of the Bear in Sitka. ...

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

If both land and sea are calling your name, but you’re not sure where to travel, we’ve got you covered. From breathtaking views to wildlife experiences, an Alaska cruise and Yukon adventure should definitely be on your bucket list. Here are the top five reasons to visit Yukon Territory. Land & Sea Adventures Though ...

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 ...

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 ...

On Oct. 26, Rotterdam sailed into New York City near the end of its 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The voyage was the start of Holland America Line’s yearlong celebration of its founding 150 years ago on April 18, 1873. The crossing, which departed Oct. 15, left exactly 150 years to the day that the cruise line’s ...

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 ...

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 ...

One of the reasons we travel the world is to show our guests indigenous cultures that continue to live on despite the advancing years. Time stands still in some of the destinations, while in others, ancient traditions have been passed down for generations. These Holland America Line shore excursions will help you connect deeply to the people and places you ...

In celebration of 75 years exploring Alaska, Holland America Line is partnering with Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) to highlight the line’s leadership and commitment to sustainably sourced local seafood. The first formal partnership of its kind between ASMI, a partnership between the state of Alaska and Alaska’s fishing industry, and a major cruise line will highlight Holland America Line’s ...

Europe takes fashion seriously, but that doesn’t mean you have to lug five suitcases across the ocean or teeter around on cobblestones in the world’s most uncomfortable shoes. Our packing list for Europe helps you pack smart, so you’ll be comfortable and stylish on cruise excursions. As our Europe cruises are a week or longer, start with a large suitcase ...

This season in Alaska, Holland America Line is celebrating 75 years of exploring the Great Land. That is longer than it's been a state! We have an exciting season packed with special events, amazing programming and a strong focus on immersing our guests in Alaska culture, lifestyle and cuisine through authentic experiences on board and ashore. Guests won’t just cruise ...

Holland America Line's Volendam will be used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees as part of an agreement announced by Netherlands and City of Rotterdam government officials. The ship will dock in Rotterdam for three months to provide a temporary home for approximately 1,500 Ukrainians, part of a larger commitment from the Netherlands to accommodate 50,000 people who fled the war in ...

Today's is St. Patrick's Day, and it's all about the Emerald Isle. From Guinness to the Book of Kells to Irish Dance, there's so much to see, do and enjoy on a visit. On Holland America Line's cruises to Northern Europe or the British Isles, guests can explore Dublin and Cobh — the gateway to Cork — with day-trips to ...

Holland America Line has been exploring Alaska since 1947, and the premium cruise line is putting 75 years of expertise into new “Alaska Up Close” programming — a 360° experience that immerses guests in The Great Land in a way that only Holland America Line can deliver. Through authentic experiences on board and ashore that focus on culture, cuisine and ...

Dear Alaska, you amaze me … Fans who declare their love for Alaska in a letter or poem can enter to win one of 10 suites, including a grand prize Neptune Suite, on a 2022 cruise to the Great Land in Holland America Line’s “Love Letters to Alaska” contest. This year, we're celebrating 75 years of Alaska exploration, and the ...

Holland America Line serves up an incredible variety of dining venues that range from the casual Lido Market to elegant Pinnacle Grill, and everything in-between. While all ships have the Dining Room, Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto options, in addition to a Rudi's Sel de Mer pop-up, our Pinnacle Class ships expand some specialty options, like a stand-alone Rudi's Sel de ...

Mediterranean food is world-renowned for its health benefits. As food fads come and go, this culinary and cultural phenomenon has stood the test of time. In fact, its value to world culture is such that UNESCO named Mediterranean food to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. What is Mediterranean Food? The sea from which it gets ...

Today is National Happy Hour Day, and there's no better way to kick off the celebration than with a cocktail from our new Half Moon Bar, exclusively aboard Rotterdam. Our newest outlet is an immersive experience looking at the history of Holland America Line and cruising through the lens of a cocktail. Each cocktail comes with a fascinating tale of ...

Today is National Chocolate Day, and there's no better way to honor the holiday than to celebrate all-things chocolate! Countries around the world pride themselves on their chocolate, from Belgium to Mexico. For all of you chocolate lovers out there, these shore excursions will immerse you deep in the decadent world of chocolate and leave you with a deeper understanding ...

Today is International Artists Day, and Holland America Line takes great pride in the art collections we have on board our ships. The museum-quality pieces are admired for their unique mediums and stunning depictions of everything from nature to music. If you want to channel your own inner artists, we also feature shore excursions in ports around the world that ...

It's not #TacoTuesday, but it is #NationalTacoDay, and to celebrate we're highlight the most incredible taco shore excursion! In Ensenada, Mexico, guests can indulge in several different kinds of tacos on the "Ensenada Taco Trail: In Partnership with FOOD & WINE Magazine" tour. It's the ultimate gourmet experience for taco-lovers. Recognized by Food & Wine as the birthplace of the ...

Cup of Joe, coffee or java, not matter what you call it there are some amazing brews produced all over the world. Today is International Coffee Day, and for all of you coffee connoisseurs Holland America Line offers some amazing tours that delve deep into the world of coffee making in ports known for producing some incredible beans. If you're ...