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 ...

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.  Though every day is a good day to celebrate the difference someone makes, we couldn’t help ...

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 ...

In May 2014, love was in the air for Annie and Pieter – they just didn’t know it yet. Both set sail with family and friends on an 11-day Holland America Line cruise from Barcelona to Rome. It was Pieter’s first cruise and Annie’s second. Though they exchanged smiles and glances when their paths crossed at the beginning of ...

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 ...

Holland America Line is pleased with the recent announcement of the lifting of Canadian pandemic border restrictions. Under the new guidelines, Canadian border vaccination and testing requirements are no longer necessary, which is an important step for the cruise industry in simplifying the travel process for itineraries to Alaska and Canada. Under the new procedures, there is no longer a ...

Holland America Line recently relaxed our health requirements on most voyages, which opened cruising to a wider range of guests. Now we’re making it easy to find out what protocols are required for your cruise. With a new Health Protocols Tool on Holland America Line’s website, booked guests can simply enter their booking number and the exact vaccination and testing ...

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 ...

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 is debuting three new dishes from Culinary Council Member Chef Ethan Stowell that were developed in alliance with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI). The partnership between the two organizations is a shared commitment to serving sustainably sourced Alaska seafood on all six of our ships that sail to the Great Land. This is the first formal ...

With pent up demand and the U.S. Independence Day travel rush approaching, premium cruise line Holland America Line is reporting a surge in cruise interest for Alaska, experiencing the highest booking levels for Alaska cruises during the month of June since before the COVID-19 pandemic. “People are excited to travel again while reconnecting with family and friends in a meaningful ...

This week we welcomed the first day of summer! As schools let out for break and travelers seek new adventures, Holland America Line offers several exciting locales to embark on a memorable vacation. Do you want to explore the gorgeous glaciers of Alaska? How about the incredible lush greenery and charming seaside towns of Canada and New England? Golden beaches ...

Sunday is Mother's Day in many places around the world. To celebrate, we asked our Facebook fans to share a favorite memory of cruising with mom, a mother figure or their kids — and the response was overwhelming! We had so many of you share your favorite photos, thoughts and experiences. It's very clear from the comments that family cruising ...

Alaska's "First City" of Ketchikan is so named because it’s the first major landfall for most cruisers as they enter the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain. A highlight of every Alaska cruise, Ketchikan gives the perfect glimpse into the cultures ...

It's hard to believe that your cruise is here! Today is departure day, and for the next seven, 10, 12, or maybe even 128 days, you're going to be cruising with us to new and wondrous places. For some of our guests, the ship is the destination and the ports we visit are an added bonus. Regardless, we're thrilled to ...

On Valentine’s Day we launched a “Love Letters to Alaska” contest in celebration of our upcoming 75th anniversary season in the Great Land. More than 40,000 hopefuls submitted a personal letter professing their love for Alaska or why they would like to visit. After narrowing down the entries to the top 10, Deborah Thelwell from Phoenix, Arizona, was named the ...

Norway is known for its jagged coast, staggering cliffs and 1,190 glass-like fjords. Cut by glaciers during the ice age, these saltwater inlets are a cruising paradise with calm waters and fairytale landscapes. Like a diamond or a snowflake, each fjord is unique. Here are the best fjords in Norway along with what makes each one different. 1. Geirangerfjord - ...

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 ...

On Holland America Line cruises to Alaska, guests have an extended evening stay in Juneau to enjoy some of the adventures that are best experienced later in the day. The ships arrive at 1 p.m. and stay until 10 p.m. With the sun setting well into the evening, you can certainly pack your day full of amazing explorations that allow ...

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 ...

No one knows the ins and outs of Alaska better than our guests who have been there, done that ... many more than once! As we look to celebrate our 75th year exploring Alaska in 2022, we have an exciting season of cruises and Cruisetours that take you to the must-see places and hidden gems of this most gorgeous region. ...

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 ...

A Holland America Line Cruisetour combines an Alaska cruise with an overland adventure to Denali and the Yukon. Ranging from nine to 18 days, Cruisetours delve deeper into the region with an unforgettable experience that includes a stay at our own McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park. The property is Holland America Line’s magnificent 68-acre hotel ...

Travel exposes us to new cultures, experiences and traditions around the world. Whether it's stepping back in time walking along the cobbled medieval streets of Tallinn or exploring the ruins of Tulum in Mexico, one of the best ways to remember your cruise and the places you visited is to bring home a souvenir that is unique to the region. ...

Imagine a perfect tropical island. Does it include lush volcanic peaks rising dramatically above the sea? Or maybe a palm-fringed beach with crystal-clear water? Whatever your ideal island escape looks like, you are likely to find it in the Caribbean. The warm waters are host to some 7,000 different islands belonging to 28 nations. It is a varied lot in ...

Holland America Line ships have long been regarded as floating art galleries for their extensive collections of museum-quality pieces. Rotterdam is no exception, and guests are in for a visually rewarding journey with some of the most thought-provoking, striking and bold pieces in the fleet — including historical works and memorabilia from beloved previous sister ships. Rotterdam’s art collection is ...

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 ...

Tomorrow is #NationalCookingDay, and the world’s most renowned gastronomic hot spots can be discovered on a Holland America Line cruise. What better way to immerse yourself in a new destination than with an authentic culinary tour and hands-on cooking experience. Explore food, wine and culture on an amazing culinary-themed shore excursion in partnership with FOOD & WINE magazine, or on ...

By late spring 2022, Holland America Line will have a complete fleet back to cruising with the restart of operations for Noordam, Oosterdam and Westerdam. Noordam will restart with a March 14, 2022, cruise in Japan; Oosterdam will begin cruising May 1 in the Mediterranean, and Westerdam will return to service May 8 in Alaska. The ships will join Eurodam, ...

In less than a month, Holland America Line will welcome Rotterdam to our fleet! Did you tune in to Holland America Line Brand Ambassador Seth Wayne’s “Ramping Up to Rotterdam” update this week on our Facebook page to see the progress of the ship? Once again he spoke with Stan Kuppens, new builds projects, hotel, who was live at the ...

It's Canada Day, and to celebrate our friends to the north we're highlighting these incredible sites that guests can witness on a Holland America Line cruise to Canada & New England. Here's wishing all of our fans, colleagues and friends a wonderful Canada Day! QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC UNESCO Heritage Sites Discover the European charm and character of the first French ...

Today is World Oceans Day, and the theme for 2021 is The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods. One way we can better understand the ocean is by experiencing it and understanding the life that lives below the surface. On a Holland America Line cruise, guests can take an immersive shore excursion that explores the world of ocean animals — from whale ...

When Holland America Line sets sail for Greece this summer, guests can choose from three different seven-day voyages over four departures dates. The itineraries were designed to offer different ports so guests can book back to back cruises and experience new ports over 14 days. We carefully crafts our cruises to be able to form these Collectors’ Voyages, which enable ...

The wait is nearly over, and we can't wait to get back to cruising this summer. Beginning in August, our return kicks off with some incredible itineraries that weave throughout the gorgeous Greek isles. Greece remains a top pick for travelers looking for a magical and memorable vacation thanks to the islands' stunning landscapes, dramatic ruins and fresh-from-the-sea cuisine. If ...

Today is World Art Day, and Holland America Line fans know how much we value art. Aboard our ships, art is used as a connector to the destinations we visit, pieces to create an immersive experience, not just added for decoration. When Rotterdam debuts this summer, the ship will carry an impressive collection from artists around the world. Today we ...

You’ve been counting down the days until your Holland America Line cruise and the day has finally arrived! Filled with overwhelming excitement and anticipation, you may be wondering ... “What should I do first?” The first day of your cruise is one of the most important, as it sets the tone for the rest of your vacation. We’ve compiled a ...

When was the last time you played with your food? If you’re ready to get creative in the kitchen, join Holland America Line April 6 to celebrate the first annual National Food Faces Day. Designated in the National Day Archives, the day commemorates the culinary pop art created by the brand’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, whose birthday is April 6. ...

Did you tune in to Holland America Line Brand Ambassador Seth Wayne’s “Ramping Up to Rotterdam” update last week on our Facebook page? For the March edition, he spoke with Tal Danai from ArtLink, who is curating much of the ship's art. Here are some photos of some of the pieces that will be displayed on board, plus some of ...

In a recent article in World of Cruising, Captain Timmers — the first master of our new Rotterdam — shared how different Holland America Line ships have sentimental value for very different reasons. Much like our guests who often cruise on a particular ships, Captain Timmers has his favorites in our fleet. Read on to see which ships are special ...

Paul Thornton, author of “The Joy of Cruising”, has a new book out called “Cruising Interrupted”, and in it he features Holland America Line guest Kandes Bregman. Paul and Kandes have granted us permission to share an excerpt of Kandes' chapter to give a glimpse into her passion for cruising and Holland America Line. Enjoy the segment, and then be ...

Spring has sprung, and in many parts of the world flowers are blooming, birds are chirping and temperatures are rising. We know this isn't the case for everyone! There's still snow on the ground in some locales, and others are seeing summer weather. But tomorrow is officially the first day of spring, and we're celebrating the start of a new ...

Holland America Line’s exotic itineraries explore far-flung destinations coveted by globe-trotters, and cruises in 2022 and 2023 are now open for booking. From Asia, Australia and New Zealand to South America, Antarctica, Hawaii and Tahiti, travelers looking for an out-of-the-ordinary adventure can choose cruises ranging from 14 to 50 days on four Holland America Line ships. From September 2022 through ...

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 ...

Did you tune in to Holland America Line Brand Ambassador Seth Wayne’s “Ramping Up to Rotterdam” update this week on our Facebook page? Once again he spoke with Stan Kuppens, new builds projects, hotel, who offered insight into where the ship is at in the building process. The yard was back in full swing on Jan. 11 after Three Kings ...