Since the inception of Holland America Line's Mariner Society loyalty program, it has evolved from a recognition cocktail party to a comprehensive program with Star levels featuring some wonderful benefits. All Mariners (past guests of Holland America Line) are enrolled automatically and will receive benefits starting with their second cruise! Holland America Line recently launched a NEW Mariner Early Booking ...

Holland America Line has launched a new appreciation bonus program for all Mariner Society members! When Mariner Society members book a 2023 and beyond cruise within 90 days of a new season launch, you’ll receive onboard spending money on your cruise! This exclusive Early Booking Bonus is an ongoing benefit for our Mariner Society members and will be available for ...

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 ...

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 ...

Holland America Line’s favorite four-legged friend, Joska the service dog, reached a milestone achievement of 700 cruise days on Rotterdam’s current 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing, making her eligible to receive the Platinum Medallion, the highest past-guest award for cruising days. Joska, a 10-year-old black Labrador retriever, is the ultimate globetrotter and spends most of her days cruising on Holland America ...

It's official! While Rotterdam has been cruising since the fall, today in the city of Rotterdam we formally welcomed her as the flagship of our fleet in an affair fit for a royal! Following a tradition that started in the 1920s, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands christened the ship in a ceremony attended by local dignitaries and ...

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 ...

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 ...

This past weekend, after an 16-month pause of operations, Holland America Line returned to service! Nieuw Amsterdam arrived at Port of Seattle earlier in the week to get ready for a Saturday departure to Alaska. Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha, Carnival Corporation President and CEO Arnold Donald and Princess Cruises President Jan Swartz all were on hand to mark ...

Holland America Line is lucky to have several company historians. Two notable figures are Captain Albert Schoonderbeek and Gerald Bernhoft, director Mariner Society. In anticipation of the launch of our new Rotterdam this month, the two brand experts sent in fun facts and information about the previous six Rotterdam ships that have carried the name for our company. Enjoy learning ...

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 ...

Midnight check-in in Anchorage: The world is quiet, yet I’m filled with anticipation for the start of my Alaska Land+Sea Journey. All I want is a good night’s sleep, and I get that before I head downstairs for the bus to whisk me and the other Holland America Line guests away to meet the McKinley Explorer. It’s early morning; still, ...

We asked Holland America Line Facebook fans to share their “must-haves” when they go on a cruise. Here are the Top 10 responses, along with some other great ideas and unusual suggestions. Is there something not on these lists that you always bring with you? Let us know in the comments below! Family and friends are tops when it ...

Looking for a fun and unique holiday gift for the HAL fan in your family? From the luxurious bedding featured in our staterooms to the Ravenscroft Crystal in our dining room, or perhaps even a gift basket for the Mariner in your life, head over to HAL's online shop HERE.

Global Pilotage Most ports in the world require pilotage, the practice where a pilot comes on board near the entrance of the port and then assists the ship's captain with bringing the ship into port, and docking or anchoring in the designated anchorage. The pilot also helps provide safe passage when the ship departs. The role of a pilot is ...