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 ...

The Holland America Line Navigator App is an indispensable tool for cruise planning, embarkation, managing the onboard experience and booking shore excursions. We recently enhanced the app to add new functions and features to make the cruise experience even easier using your mobile device. What hasn't changed is that during the cruise, guests can plan daily activities, explore shore excursions ...

Leveraging technology to further personalize the cruise experience, Holland America Line is expanding the functionality of its popular browser-based Navigator tool into a user-friendly, free app for mobile phones and tablets that can be used on board. iPhone and Android users can download the Navigator app from the iTunes App and Google Play stores, respectively. Using Navigator, guests can plan ...

Marine navigation lights are simply coloured electric lights fixed on ships and used to indicate the size of the ship, the direction in which the ship is travelling and the angle where they should be visible. They must be exhibited by law between sunset and sunrise and in poor visibility. The location (on the ship), the range (distance at sea ...

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 ...

Alaska wouldn’t be Alaska without its glaciers, especially those in Glacier Bay. It’s a journey back to the Little Ice Age – one that is only accessible by air or sea. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here’s how to make the most of a day in Glacier Bay National Park on an Alaska cruise: ...

If you have ever wanted a front-row seat to a solar eclipse or northern lights, get ready to pack your bags for one of Holland America Line's 2026 Solar Eclipse & Northern Lights Cruises. Our thoughtfully crafted itineraries around Europe will help guests soak up the sights in one of the best ways possible – from a cruise ship. ...

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 ...

A world cruise is the vacation of all vacations. Exploring all seven continents is an unforgettable experience that is both enriching and exhilarating. We connected with two of our guests who spend over 200 days a year cruising with Holland America Line, beginning with the Grand World Voyage. If you are new to world cruises, you may find their ...

San Francisco is one of the most popular spots in California. Its Golden Gate Bridge alone is recognized worldwide as a beloved symbol of the Golden State. If you are planning a Pacific Coast cruise with the City by the Bay on the itinerary, here are the best times to visit: Visit San Francisco ...

This summer we asked our Holland America Line community on Facebook and Instagram to suggest nicknames for the next rescued moose at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). It’s clear we have a lot of wildlife lovers from sea to sea, and they jumped at the chance to a-moose us with their recommendations! We’re grateful that no baby moose were ...

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 ...

Calling all animal lovers! A-moose us by helping to nickname the next rescue moose at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). Dedicated to preserving Alaska wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care, AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round, providing them with over 200 acres of spacious habitats. Most animals that come into their facility are given ...

Are you on a mission to watch whales in the wild? Dreaming of icy-blue glaciers and mouthwatering fresh-fish flavors? With Holland America Line you can see more Alaska glaciers and have more access to Alaska wildlife than with any other cruise line. You can also indulge in our Global Fresh Fish and Savor My Catch programs, where you’ll relish the tastes of Alaska from port to ...

Though Memorial Day is often highlighted by family gatherings and pre-summer barbecues, its purpose is to mark a day of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Flags will be placed around the U.S. in seas of green grass before the resting place of soldiers. Families will gather to honor their cherished loved ones. Communities will unite to ...

In recognition of International Day for Women in Maritime, celebrated every year on May 18, we want to introduce you to some of our incredible Holland America Line team members who inspire those around them every day. Meet My, Director of Interior Design When you hop aboard a Holland America Line cruise ship, you’re ...

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.  ...

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we caught up with one of our team educators who trains up to 1,000 students every year as they prepare to embark on career adventures with Holland America Line. Through a thoughtfully crafted curriculum, our development and training teams help bring the Holland America Line experience to life in the classroom. ...

As you embark on a voyage with Holland America Line, one of the most captivating experiences is navigating the locks of the Panama Canal. These locks are a testament to human ingenuity, serving as water elevators that lift and lower ships to enable them to traverse the 50-mile canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.    This engineering marvel ...

It’s International Women’s Day, and we’re especially grateful for the incredible women across our team – at sea and ashore – who share their talent and expertise with us. It’s in that spirit we’re highlighting some of the women making waves in support of the Holland America Line cruise experience. Maria, First Officer Maria’s ...

Are you dreaming of icy-blue glaciers and magnificent wildlife sightings in Alaska? Trying to decide which cruise to take to make your dreams come true? At Holland America Line, we love Alaska. In fact, we’ve been visiting the Great Land for more than 75 years. Our love for Alaska is literally printed on our ships that sail there, and ...

Breathtaking sights. Awe-inspiring adventures. Unforgettable journeys. These are some of the ways you could describe a Holland America Line cruise. From the glistening glaciers of Alaska and the towering fjords of Norway, to the captivating and diverse landscapes of Australia and New Zealand, we help you see the world from your doorstep and dive deeper into destinations across the ...

It’s no secret Holland America Line is known for creating thoughtfully crafted itineraries that help you see the world from your doorstep. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or a Grand Voyage, we make sure your journey is an unforgettable one. And if you want an epic experience that weaves the ceremony and splendor of our Grand Voyages ...

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 ...

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, ...

Cruising is an incredible vacation, not only for ease and comfort, but also for the ability to choose worldwide travel. Cruise ships can go all over the globe and even reach places that are only accessible by water. The hardest part of booking a cruise vacation is choosing where to go! Here's a guide to help you choose the ...

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned pro, Holland America Line is here to help you plan your cruise. From choosing your destinations to exploring shore excursions and onboard activities, we've got you covered. Here are 10 tips to help you plan your cruise vacation: 1. Find a destination that excites you. Whether it’s ...

Did you know Hawaii is home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world? At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site – you’ll discover towering volcanoes whose eruptions have modified the landscape and become home to unique animal species and plants. Every year, nearly two million people visit the ...

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 ...

Who doesn’t love a good solar eclipse, especially when it happens while you’re cruising the world with Holland America Line? If you’re an eclipse enthusiast, then you don’t want to miss our 22-day Solar Eclipse Cruise aboard the Koningsdam for the total eclipse on April 8, 2024. In the meantime, consider satisfying your astronomical wanderlust during the upcoming annual eclipse ...

Photo by Anthony J. Rayburn Sunny skies, shimmering shores and spectacular shopping. If you find yourself departing from Fort Lauderdale on a Holland America Line cruise, you may opt to spend some extra time at the popular port pre- or post-cruise. With so many activities and sights to behold, you’ll have plenty of reasons to stay a ...

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 ...

Want to see the world on a family cruise? Is Europe calling your name? Whether you want to explore castles and fjords in Northern Europe, or build castles of your own on Mediterranean beaches, there’s a lot to enjoy on a Europe cruise. Here are some cruise tips to help you make the most of a Europe family vacation: ...

It’s a whale. It’s a seal. It’s the Big Five! Holland America Line now offers more ways to see Alaska wildlife than any other cruise line, bringing you closer to the wondrous creatures of the Last Frontier. With the guidance of onboard wildlife experts and National Park Service Rangers, you could see whales breaching or bubble-net feeding, seals chilling ...

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 ...

Leonard Wood was surprised and delighted with a special day aboard the Zaandam. Photo courtesy of the Port of Charlottetown. Cruise Ship Fan Receives Surprise After Admiring Vessels for More than 80 Years Since Leonard Wood was a little boy, he always admired cruise ships from afar. In fact, he has taken a picture in front ...

Photo above shows the beauty of the northern lights as seen from Northern Europe. Every year, adventurers from all over the world flock to Iceland to see the northern lights. According to this Forbes article, the northern lights are the top sought-after bucket list experience, surpassing the Great Barrier Reef and cruising Norway’s fjords.   Even though the ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

The votes are in. Holland America Line receives several top honors from USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards contest.* We were nominated by a panel of experts and 10Best editors for dining, entertainment, ships, best cruise line for solo travelers and best ocean cruise line. Readers shared their love by casting their votes from Feb. 13 - March 13. Check ...

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

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 ...

G’Day, Australia! Holland America Line is back Down Under after more than two years away. Westerdam — the first ship back for the cruise line since the pandemic — arrived at Cairns today following a journey that began Oct. 2 from Seattle. The full 36-day Pacific Ocean cruise included calls in Hawaii and the South Pacific, and the ship will ...

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 ...