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 ...

Holland America is making exciting enhancements to its entertainment lineup across the fleet as the premium cruise line continues to build on its reputation for featuring the best live music at sea. “A decade ago we committed to offering the premier collection of live music venues at sea, and the changes we are making over the next several months are ...

Holland America Line has been awarded Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification—making it the first cruise line to achieve this distinguished credential by serving only fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood. RFM certified all six of the cruise line’s ships that sail to Alaska following an independent audit. “Holland America Line has shared Alaska adventures with our guests ...

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 took home three USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards: winner in the categories of Best Ship for Dining and Best Mid-Sized Cruise Ship, and second for Best Ocean Cruise Line. USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards highlight the best of the best in contests covering categories such as destinations, food and drink, hotels and things to do. ...

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 ...

Voting is underway for the USA TODAY 2022 10Best Readers' Choice awards, and Holland America Line is excited to be nominated for five awards in three categories! Not only were we selected by an esteemed panel of experts for the "Best Ocean Cruise Line" category, but Koningsdam is nominated for "Best Ship for Dining" and all three of our Pinnacle ...

Today is Nature Photography Day, and the world is filled with an abundance of natural beauty. From the glaciers of Alaska to the blooms in the South Pacific to New England's rivers and waterfalls, the ports we visit offer some amazing sights and scenes. If you're looking to capture the beauty of the locales through the eyes of a camera ...

On a Holland America Line excursion in Alaska, guests will have the opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and serenity of Alaska’s wilderness. From pristine glaciers and awe-inspiring scenery to rich forests with abundant wildlife, you will be amazed by the wonders of Alaska. Read on to discover tours in each port and get ready to embark on an expedition ...

TODAY celebrated deserving mothers this Friday, May 6 ahead of Mother’s Day, with an extra special surprise from Holland America Line. During the 8 a.m. hour, one of America’s favorite morning shows invited 20 amazing women to its iconic plaza at 30 Rockefeller to highlight and reward their many accomplishments. We’re surprising all the moms on our Plaza with a ...

Every night on a Holland America Line cruise is filled with the best entertainment and live music at sea. From the incredible Memphis Blues of B.B. King's All Star Band to our talented troupe of Step One performers, evenings are filled with a rich selection of options to suit every taste. Culture, comedy, upbeat tunes, dancing and immersive performances all ...

At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, the port town of Skagway served as the primary gateway to the legendary gold fields, and quickly grew into Alaska’s largest settlement. It was then a raucous frontier hub packed with trading posts, saloons and guesthouses. As the gold rush faded into the 1900s, so did Skagway — but today it has ...

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 - ...

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 ...

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. ...

Today is National Take a Hike Day, and to celebrate we're showcasing five of our favorite hiking tours that you can experience on a Holland America Line cruise. On our shore excursions, immerse yourself in the great outdoors and be rewarded with spectacular views and unforgettable memories. Like the saying goes, "It's not only about the destination, but the journey, ...

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 Alaska Day, and it's a day when we celebrate our deep love for the Last Frontier! Holland America Line has been exploring Alaska longer than any other major cruise line ... even longer than it's been a state. In fact, we're still the only way to see both Denali and the Yukon, combined with a cruise! Our Alaska ...

Are you looking to chart a course to Alaska in 2022? With our Alaska Exploration Sale there's no better time to Have It All! We're back with a full Alaska season and Cruisetours to Denali and the Yukon in 2022, and with this event you can splurge on the shore excursion of your dreams. Book a 2022 Alaska cruise or ...

Holland America Line takes you to some of the world’s most secluded waters — many protected in national marine sanctuaries or parks or as UNESCO World Heritage sites. These gorgeous bodies of water are perfect for watersports, including snorkeling. Snorkeling, an easy-to-learn water activity, is ideal for most ages. Simply don a snorkel, mask and fins and relax to explore ...

Holland America Line took delivery of Rotterdam today, July 30, 2021, officially making it the 11th ship in the fleet. A handover ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy the evening of July 29. The ceremony was attended by the ship’s master, Captain Werner Timmers, and Cyril Tatar, Holland America Group’s vice president of newbuilding services. Giuseppe Bono, ...

When it comes to vacation, a cruise to Mexico has it all: vibrant cultural heritage, ancient ruins, incredible food, and natural splendors from arid deserts to balmy rain forests. Holland America Line offers the best Mexico cruises for a fully immersive experience, one beyond the sun and surf. If you are passionate about food, a cruise to Mexico is a ...

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 ...

Holland America Line offers the best live music at sea with Music Walk featuring B.B. King's Blues Club, Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Rock Room. But music can extend beyond the shipboard part of your cruise. Experiencing music and its origins, showcased in some of the world’s most remote and diverse destinations, is a calming, engaging, uplifting ...

Holland America Line is gearing up to restart cruising out of Port of San Diego in California beginning with a season of cruises to Mexico, Hawaii and along the California coast aboard Koningsdam and Zuiderdam. The cruise line has expanded the season with the addition of six new cruise departures for Zuiderdam and two new cruises on Koningsdam, offering a ...

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 ...

When Eurodam sets sail in the Mediterranean this summer, the ship will visit an impressive collection of ports throughout the region. From weeklong explorations to more in-depth 12-day voyages, the ship will explore several countries and the ports that showcase the culture and customs of each locale. While guests are eager to visit well-known destinations like Athens, Venice, Mykonos and ...

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 ...

Holland America Line has named Werner Timmers, a captain with nearly 40 years sailing for the cruise line, to take the helm of Rotterdam when the ship enters service in July 2021. Captain Timmers joined Holland America Line in 1984 and has worked on all classes of ship within the brand, most recently as master of Koningsdam. Captain Timmers will ...

Today is National Plan for Vacation Day, and if you're dreaming of getting back to travel, we have you covered. Holland America Line has opened bookings for a wide selection of cruises in 2022 and even 2023, so you can stop dreaming and start planning your next cruise vacation. But where to go? If you're still undecided, here are some ...

Evenings on board our ships are all about live music, and Holland America Line offers so many irresistible sounds - from Lincoln Center Stage and Rolling Stone Rock Room to Billboard Onboard and B.B. King Blue's Club. Memorable performances from world-class musicians fill each journey with an unforgettable rhythm all its own. Guests can spend time in one place or ...

Half Moon Cay is Holland America Line's award-winning private island in the Bahamas. Know for its pristine beaches, abundance of family-friendly activities, private villas and cabanas, and unparalleled beauty, there's a reason why it's our most popular port in the Caribbean. This series of "Fact & Lore" blog posts about Half Moon Cay takes you deeper into the island's history, ...

Holland America Line asked Guest Roland if he would send in an article about his recent Journeys Ashore experience in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on his recent Westerdam cruise, and he was more than happy to oblige! Roland took the "Cabo San Lucas Ziplining Adventure" and it certainly is a great option for guests who like an adrenaline rush in ...

While the Alaska cruise season is coming to a close, we're sure you're already dreaming of booking your Alaska adventure for 2017. After all, Holland America Line is celebrating our 70th year in The Last Frontier next year so it's the perfect time to go. One of the highlights of every Alaska cruise is the wildlife. Not only can you ...

During a Holland America Line cruise to Alaska, the sights and sounds of the Last Frontier are front and center during the seven-day voyage. From interesting ports like Haines, Juneau and Ketchikan to the spectacular scenery of Glacier Bay, the Inside Passage and Tracy Arm Fjord, guests marvels at the beauty of the region. In 2016, Nieuw Amsterdam makes its ...

Holland America Line cruises travel all over the world, and some of the most unique and exciting shore excursions are the many wildlife tours highlighting native species unique to an area. If you’re cruising to South America or Australia and New Zealand, keep your eyes peeled for an adorable little bird unique to the South Pole. With their tuxedo-like coloring, ...

You've booked a Holland America Line cruise to the South Pacific ... or you're thinking about it. You've read the itineraries pronouncing the tropical island names as you imagine yourself sunbathing in a tiki hut over sparkling waters and drinking from a coconut. With more than 20,000 islands, 35 million inhabitants and 28 official languages, each of Oceania's islands is ...

Alaska is scenic, full of history, offers plenty of nature adventures and once-in-a-lifetime experiences … making it the perfect cruise destination for a family vacation. …

During a Holland America Line cruise to Alaska, the sights and sounds of the Frontier State are front and center during the seven-day voyage. …

We left off the last post when it was decided that Panama would serve as the location of the canal. Frenchman Bunau-Varilla then went to Washington, D.C. He got there before the official delegates of the new Republic of Panama arrived and negotiated a treaty between the U.S. and Panama allowing the U.S. to build a canal. The treaty provided ...

With so much to see and do, a trip to Australia and New Zealand is made all the more exciting by taking part in one — or several — of our exciting shore excursions. Each tour is carefully crafted to offer the most fulfilling experience possible, and our reputable tour operators ensure that our guests are well taken care of ...

Here are pictures of the latest addition to Eurodam's Crew Bar -- a new pool table! We received the final pieces upon our arrival to Madeira. The first game and table commissioning was hosted by Captain Jeroen van Donselaar and Assistant Culinary Operations Manager Paul Kerr. Since the commissioning it has been non-stop games! The movement of the ship has ...

Amsterdam’s arrival Saturday, October 31 at about 7:30 a.m. was a bit cloudy, but it was a great day. Coming into the harbor is always very special and seeing the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Syndey Opera House from the water is fantastic. …

Zaandam called at Sitka, Alaska yesterday. This year is an anomaly economically and weather-wise. It is July in Alaska and the weather we had in May was both brighter and warmer. I am guessing mid to high 50’s today with gray skies and drizzle. The touring goes on regardless of weather and we are in the Tongass National Rainforest, the ...