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 ...

The one word that describes Alaska to me is “home.” I was born and raised in Ketchikan. In the early days of cruise ship visits, one of the pioneering lines was Alaska Cruise Lines, later to become Westours, Inc., which years later merged with Holland America Line. But that is another story. And all this is to say that Holland ...

There’s no denying the irresistible beauty of Norway, especially when sailing along its towering fjords. Here's a guide to some of the most famous fjords you could see on a Norway cruise with travel tips to help you make the most of the journey: Geirangerfjord If you’re planning to embark on a Norway fjords ...

Though the first day of your cruise vacation is an exciting one, it can also feel overwhelming as you navigate cruise terminals on embarkation day. Here are some tips to help you navigate cruise terminals, including those in Seattle and Vancouver. Preparing for Cruise Embarkation Tip #1: Know which cruise terminal you’re sailing out ...

Seeing the Northern Lights is an incredible experience, especially when it’s on a cruise ship while you’re surrounded by beautiful icy landscapes in the Arctic. This guide will help you navigate where and when to see the Northern Lights on cruises to or near the Arctic, as well as tips for viewing and capturing them on camera. ...

Practice makes perfect, or in the case of sports, a potential master at the craft. If you want to play pickleball like a pro, you have to learn the basic principles of the game, approach the sport strategically and have lots of fun along the way. We recently connected with Dave Fleming, the lead broadcaster for the Carvana PPA ...

Holland America Line Guests Can Enjoy Exclusive Experiences with Fresh Fish Ambassador and Celebrity Chef Masaharu Morimoto on Westerdam Choose one of three epic and majestic cruise itineraries to Japan this September to indulge in an unforgettable experience that will also feature unique onboard activities with Chef Morimoto. Begin your journey in Seattle (roundtrip) on Sept. 1, 2024 ...

If you want to go on a Europe cruise vacation, a Holland America Line cruise is an extraordinary way to do it. Choose your own adventure, exploring the treasured coasts of the Mediterranean or the gorgeous gems of Northern Europe. Here’s your guide to cruising Europe with Holland America Line: Jump to content in ...

Best Reasons to Take a Holiday Cruise When you’re considering a cruise vacation, you may look at your calendar and check it twice for the spring and summer months. However, when it comes to cruising to breathtaking destinations around the world and escaping the everyday, a holiday cruise is just as nice. Here are the best reasons to ...

Jo Johnston, Eloise Johnston and Elaine Durham love traveling together. They have embarked on family adventures since they were kids, making memories around campsites and sandcastles. Nowadays you’ll find them soaking up the sights on cruise vacations, from Alaska to Australia. Here’s what these sailing sisters love most about cruising with Holland America Line, especially our Grand Voyages. ...

Extraordinary. Spectacular. Unforgettable. These are some of the words you may use to describe a Grand Voyage with Holland America Line. Henk, one of our Hotel General Managers, knows this well. Next year, he will set sail on his 30th Grand Voyage before embarking on a new adventure – retirement. We recently caught up with Henk to learn what ...

Canada is known for many things, from spectacular landscapes and beautiful wildlife to incredible maple syrup. From coast to coast to coast, there’s a lot of beauty to behold and treats to enjoy. In honor of Canada Day, we couldn’t deny the opportunity to highlight one of its many treasures. If you’ve ever wanted to visit a place unlike ...

Are icy-blue glaciers and towering fjords at the top of your list for sight-seeing experiences on a Holland America Line cruise? If so, then you’ll enjoy this cruise travel guide highlighting some of the magnificent glaciers and fjords in the Arctic. Alaska Alaska wouldn’t be Alaska without its glaciers. One of the most magnificent ...

June 23 is International Women in Engineering Day, and we want to celebrate all the incredible women who share their talent and passion for engineering across Holland America Line's fleet. We’re grateful for who they are and the difference they make every day. Here are some of their stories. Pippi, Third Engineer Pippi ...

Do you have a heart for history, the arts, architecture and more? 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-visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Northern Europe: Thingvellir National Park (Iceland) This ...

Some of Marion’s earliest memories as a child include her dad, the sea and Holland America Line. That’s because her father, Captain Willem Koopman, would bring Marion, her sister and their mom on board for the holidays. Not many people can say they took their first cruise to Asia at the age of six with their dad at the ...

Dive into this delicious fresh fish dish created especially for you, our Holland America Line guests. Curated by celebrity Chef Masaharu Morimoto for every sailing, this recipe is one worth savoring. Check out the brief video below highlighting the recipe. Recipe Highlights Video Halibut XO Recipe Main Ingredients 180 gm     Alaskan Halibut Fletches Skinless Flash ...

Are you ready to trade in flip flops for cooler-weather attire this summer? If so, you’re not alone. While sandy beaches and sun-kissed skies are still popular for summer travelers, others are opting to escape the heat for cooler-weather destinations, especially as temperatures continue to climb. Cue the latest travel trend of 2024: The Coolcation. Coolcation Cruise Bookings ...

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 ...

Embarking on a cruise abroad is an exhilarating journey filled with new discoveries and unforgettable experiences. If it's your first time traveling internationally, you may have a few questions. Here's a quick guide to help you prepare for international travel. From packing pointers to safety tips, we're here to help you prepare for a seamless cruise experience.  ...

Growing up in Colombia with a single parent, Diego Alonso can’t help but be in awe of his mom. “I owe my mom everything I have in my life,” he said. “She has made so many sacrifices for me, from giving me the best life growing up to using all of her savings to help me get through college ...

Have you ever heard the phrase, not all heroes wear capes? Sometimes their cape comes in the form of a jet, boots on the ground or just a heart for service. Oftentimes, if you call a military veteran or current service member a hero, they'll respond with both gratitude and humility. That’s because for so many of them, it’s ...

Are magnificent glaciers at the top of your wanderlust list? Is Alaska calling your name? When you embark on an unforgettable journey with us to the Great Land, you can cruise with confidence knowing you’ll experience the awe-inspiring beauty of glaciers on every Alaska cruise and cruisetour. It’s part of our Glacier Guarantee™, knowing these icy giants are as much a highlight ...

When you cruise with Holland America Line, you’re not just sailing with a crew that genuinely cares for our guests and each other. Our legacy of care extends to every port we visit and every ocean we cross. That’s because caring for our planet is just as important as caring for the people who call it home. In honor ...

Ship ship hooray – it’s National Beer Day! To celebrate, we invite you to cast votes for the new design label of our upcoming brew made especially for this Alaska cruise season. In collaboration with Pike Brewing – Seattle’s oldest craft brewery – we’ve created a new Killer Whale Pale Ale with notes of honey, citrus and tropical fruits. ...

If you’re a stargazer at heart, you’ll likely be glued to your screen during the solar eclipse on April 8. If you’re lucky enough to be located along its path, you may even have an eclipse viewer with protective filters standing by. And if you’re a guest aboard Holland America Line’s Koningsdam and Zaandam, you’re getting ready for the ...

Audiobook lovers rejoice! Whether you’re on a Holland America Line cruise, or dreaming of your next cruise getaway, here’s something you may have in common with guests beyond cruising the seas: finding joy in a great story. That’s why we’re teaming up with Audible – a leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling – to launch a book ...

You’ve spent weeks planning every detail of your Holland America Line cruise – from your itinerary to your wardrobe. Now it’s time to make sure your camera is ready for a picture-perfect vacation. Here are some tips to help you choose the best camera for your cruise. There’s No Shortage of Options When it ...

A cruise to Asia offers a vast array of histories, landscapes and cultural traditions, including ancient temples, classical gardens and real-life dragons. With many UNESCO World Heritage Sites available to add to your vacation experience, your Holland America Line cruise is sure to be an extraordinary one. Here are just some of the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites that ...

Love was in the air for Holland America Line crew members, Ammar and Faye, when they met aboard Koningsdam in 2023. Ammar had recently joined the team as the onboard crew doctor, and Faye was the hotel executive assistant. Intrigued by one another, they decided to go on a date – a date that was anything but ordinary. After ...

At Holland America Line, we love helping our guests see the world from their doorstep through amazing cruise experiences. We also love bringing the joy of cruising to guests at home through fresh recipes and vacation-inspired activities. In summary, we love...love. It's in that spirit we invite you to celebrate Valentine's Day – or HALentine's Day – using the ...

You finally made it! Whether you’ve planned for months or weeks, the moment has arrived for your epic Holland America Line cruise vacation. Ready to escape your everyday norms, you can’t wait to pamper yourself with rest, relaxation and adventure. Though you’re buzzing with excitement as you pack your bags, you may wonder how you can make the most ...

Let’s talk New Year’s resolutions. We make our lists and check them twice. We commit to following them and do our best to prioritize, but making time to accomplish them can sometimes be the biggest hurdle to overcome. What if you could take steps to support your goals while on vacation? Too good to be true? Here are five ...

If going on a cruise is something you’ve wanted to do for 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 destination that excites you. Whether it’s Alaska, the Caribbean, ...

Memories are priceless and so are the images that capture them. Vacation photos help tell the story of our adventures and the people with whom we shared them. Yoga, one of our onboard photographers, knows this well. Often seen with a camera in hand, he’s always ready to get that perfect picture for guests during a Holland America Line ...

Vacations are meant to be a relaxing escape from everyday life, opening a world of adventure while creating space to unwind. If you’re looking for a memorable getaway that brings both ease and joy to travel, look no further than a cruise vacation. What makes a cruise so perfect? Here's why cruises can be the best vacations. ...

‘Tis the season for holiday joy on board and ashore. For fifth- and sixth-grade students from San Diego’s Perkins School, Tuesday, Dec. 5, was especially jolly. They stepped aboard Koningsdam for a day of holiday fun with school staff and the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation. Their mission: To enjoy making Christmas crafts in the art studio, guided by ...

With so many things to do in Honolulu, you may wonder how to choose. If you’ve been dreaming of a Hawaii cruise with a stop in this famous port, you’ll want to plan ahead. Here are some of the best ways to spend a day in Honolulu: Explore the North Shore & Waikiki Beach ...

When you cruise with Holland America Line, you’ll experience an incredible lineup of entertainment and live music that speaks to your heart and gets you moving to the beat. From the performances on the World Stage to our award-winning music clubs, there are plenty of sights and sounds to behold, and the one orchestrating the magic behind the scenes ...

Seafood lovers rejoice! If the recent announcement about our new global fresh fish program made your mouth water, you’ll love how we’re building on this groundbreaking effort. That’s because we’re teaming up with Vital Choice®, the trusted source for premium wild-caught fish and seafood, to help guests enjoy vacation-inspired dining with fresh fish cuisine recipes at home. ...

From wild orange wigs and giant hats to boas and bowties, there’s plenty of fun fashion on display at Holland America Line’s iconic Orange Party. Combine that with live entertainment, cocktails and dancing, and you have an incredibly festive event! If you’re new to cruising with Holland America Line, you won’t want to miss the orange bash cherished by ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Explore a dazzling array of natural wonders on a cruise to Iceland. You can walk between tectonic plates, watch geysers erupt, and stand at the edge of a massive waterfall on the same tour. During summer, you’ll get the unique thrill of the Midnight Sun and in winter, the elusive Northern Lights. Few places have Iceland’s stunning variation in ...

Sharp navigator. Savvy and spirited seafarer. Adventure seeker. These are ways you could describe Captain Mark Trembling, but none of them come close to adequately describing his passion for sailing and caring for guests and crew. He’s joy in a bottle, skill at the helm and a comedian on stage. When asked how many years ...

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 ...