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 Line’s Rotterdam arrived at New York City yesterday morning on its maiden call to the city following a transatlantic crossing that departed Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 15. The ship is nearing the end of a 15-day cruise that is recreating the maiden voyage of Holland America Line’s first ship — Rotterdam I — that departed Rotterdam 150 years ...

Holland America Line’s Rotterdam VII departed the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, today on its historic 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing. The 15-day journey recreates Holland America Line’s maiden voyage of Rotterdam I that departed the city 150 years ago today. The crossing follows the path of that first sailing to New York, with calls at Le Havre, France, and Plymouth, ...

Holland America Line’s Volendam departed Rotterdam today, completing a charter with the city and the government of the Netherlands that began in April. For the past six months, the ship has been home to families from Ukraine who fled the war there. Over the past several weeks, the families have been resettling with relatives or moving to more permanent accommodations ...

As our 150th anniversary approaches April 18, 2023, Holland America Line is adding a second commemorative transatlantic crossing aboard Rotterdam to the schedule of celebratory events. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 4, 2023, the 16-night itinerary sails to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, retracing in reverse the company’s first voyage. From Fort Lauderdale, the ship heads to New York City ...

Rotterdam is set to get the royal treatment at a naming ceremony in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, May 30, 2022. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ship’s godmother, carrying on a Dutch royal tradition that began in the 1920s. Rotterdam’s special seven-day “Rotterdam Naming Celebration” cruise sails roundtrip from Amsterdam, Netherlands, departing May 29 and also ...

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 ...

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 ...

Yesterday, our new Rotterdam departed on her maiden voyage! The ship's arrival has been long-awaited, and we are excited that she's finally underway! The milestone was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and fanfare at the terminal as guests embarked. Guests Rick Encarnacion and Ernest Schenk cut the ribbon to open boarding, surrounded by (from left) Entertainment Director Phillip Morgaman, Captain ...

Holland America Line announced today that when Rotterdam is named next spring, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ship’s godmother, carrying on a tradition that began in the 1920s. Holland America Line’s connection to The House of Orange goes back nearly a century to Prince Hendrik launching Statendam III in 1929. Since then, members of ...

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, ...

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 ...

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 ...

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. Here are some photos shared by Stan and Seth, plus a few more ...

It was smooth seas and fair winds for Holland America Line’s newest ship, Rotterdam, which returned in the evening of May 6 to Fincantieri’s Marghera (Venice) shipyard in Italy, after successfully completing two sets of sea trials off the country’s Adriatic coast. Rotterdam left Marghera April 25 and performed the preliminary sea trials over two days before going into dry ...

Last week Brand Ambassador Seth Wayne flew to Italy to visit Rotterdam at the Fincantieri shipyards in Marghera and Trieste. Seth was at Marghera before the ship left for sea trials and made way to Trieste for a quick dry dock before returning back to Marghera. Not only did he spend time on the ship, he also spent time under ...

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 ...

Last month "Ramping Up to Rotterdam" with Brand Ambassador Seth Way showed the gorgeous art that is going to be on display aboard the ship. For those of you who missed seeing progress photos, we have a new selection from the Fincantieri shipyard and our own Stan Kuppens to share with you. Carpets are being laid, staterooms are coming together ...

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 ...

Did you tune in to Holland America Line Brand Ambassador Seth Wayne’s “Ramping Up to Rotterdam” update last 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. Here are some photos shared by Stan and Seth, plus a few more ...

Holland America Line has a history that spans nearly 150 years, and with that comes a depth of talented crew who will be aboard Rotterdam when the ship is delivered in July. The cruise line has appointed Staff Captain Kevin Beirnaert, Hotel Director Wessel van Oorschot, Chief Engineer Peter Massolt, Staff Chief Engineer Wim Akkerman and Environmental Officer Michael Brown ...

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 ...

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 ...

We were at sea and celebrated Easter with a Grand Show Buffet in the Dining Room Lower level during this Grand World Voyage. Of course, it wouldn't be Easter without some Easter bunnies. The Rotterdam dinning room team really got into the mood of the holiday. Komang Sumartha is Rotterdam's assistant dining manager.

Holland America offers more than just a cruise ship bedroom — we deliver a sumptuous retreat tailored to your travel style and preferences. Whether you’re sailing solo or with family, seeking a well-designed place to unwind or exceptional value, our range of cruise ship suites and staterooms offer the perfect balance of comfort, design and thoughtful details. Explore the ...

Multi-gen cruising is growing in popularity. According to a 2024 report by the Cruise Lines International Association, more than 30% of families are cruising with at least two generations on board. It’s easy to understand why. Everyone wants different things on a vacation — little kids love the pool, teens like to socialize, parents need a night out, and ...

The Perfect Balance: Why Mid-Sized Cruise Ships Are Just Right All of Holland America’s mid-sized ships offer the ideal blend of small-ship intimacy and large-ship amenities. Think of it as the “Goldilocks of cruising”: not too big, not too small — just right. While all our ships feature sophisticated décor, spacious staterooms, and European-inspired design, each of our ...

At Holland America, our Dutch heritage is not just part of our name and history, it is alive in every journey we make — from Dutch Day celebrations on every cruise to our tradition of genuine hospitality. In April 2025, Holland America is celebrating a 152-year legacy of sailing and connecting guests to the world and to each other. Living ...

A New Chapter in Holland America’s Sushi Experience Holland America is thrilled to announce the expansion of Morimoto by Sea, bringing an elevated sushi experience curated by world-renowned Chef Masaharu Morimoto to more ships in our fleet. Known for his innovative approach to Japanese cuisine, Chef Morimoto’s expertise and signature flavors will now be available in a new à ...

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. ...

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 ...

It's National Mascot Day, which is a great time to put the spotlight on our loyal furry friend and mascot, Lewie. He loves seeing the world from his doorstep on Holland America Line cruises. From soaking up the onboard experience to enjoying the breeze through his majestic mane on shore, he relishes the perks of cruise travel. Here are ...

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 ...

What better time to announce the new ways we’re celebrating our Dutch heritage aboard our ships than on King’s Day on April 27, a cherished holiday tradition in The Netherlands honoring the birthday of the reigning Dutch monarch. From concerts to street parties, the people of the Netherlands host big, orange-accented celebrations in honor of the royal House of ...

Cue the drumroll. We’re pleased to share that our award-winning entertainment lineup is expanding across our fleet in 2024, delighting guests through new productions, music and destination-specific performances. Here’s a sneak peek of the experiences that will have you grooving throughout your Holland America Line cruise vacation. Embark on a Musical Journey We’re putting a ...

On this Employee Appreciation Day, we want to share our heartfelt gratitude for our people who provide award-winning service with care and kindness from ship to shore. We recently caught up with some of our leaders around the world to ask what they love most about our incredible team. Here's what they had to say: ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

We recently caught up with Samantha Brown, celebrated travel expert, after her family vacation in Norway with Holland America Line. Here's what she had to say about their great adventure while sharing family travel tips along the way!  My family and I had the absolute time of our lives cruising Norway with Holland America Line. Not ...

From Northern Europe’s majestic fjords and castles to the Mediterranean’s sun-soaked sands and the Holy Land, an epic cruise awaits you with Holland America Line. Here’s how you can make the most of a Europe cruise vacation:   Choose Your Adventure and See the World from Your Doorstep Northern Europe Whether you’re a fan of ...

We’re not the only ones celebrating King’s Day on April 27. Holland America Line is proud to introduce its loyal furry friend and mascot, Lewie! Donning his best orange tie and majestic mane, Lewie descends from a long line of Dutch lions living in Rotterdam, and he loves traveling by sea. In fact, he got a behind-the-scenes sneak peek ...

The 150th anniversary festivities for Holland America Line are in full swing, and we couldn’t be more excited! As we prepare for a transatlantic voyage from New York City to Rotterdam, the Netherlands – retracing (in reverse) the company’s original voyage – we knew it was the perfect time to announce the winner of our 150th Anniversary Poster Contest ...

Holland America Line partnered with The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, the 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the eponymous landmarks, to celebrate the cruise line’s 150-year journey from immigrant carrier to consumer ocean liner fleet. An element of the partnership includes a curated exhibit at Ellis Island detailing the brand’s historical prominence in bringing one in 10 immigrants ...

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 ...

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 ...