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. ...

Majestic, adorable and fierce, it's no surprise bears top the list of must-see animals on Alaska cruises. Though sightings are never 100% guaranteed, it's an amazing experience when they come into view – preferably not when you're alone. After all, who wants to encounter a 900-pound brown bear by themselves? One way to safely cross bears off your vacation bucket ...

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 any other cruise line. You can also indulge in our global fresh fish and Savor My Catch programs, where you’ll savor the ...

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 ...

Did you know Washington is the original home to pickleball and Holland America Line is pickleball’s home at sea? As a Seattle-based company, we're thrilled to be named the presenting sponsor for the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tour stop in Emerald City, and you can join the fun! As the official cruise line for PPA, ...

When Holland America Line guests embark on a Grand World Voyage, they’re likely looking forward to one bucket-list adventure after the next. What they may not expect is a group of volunteers knitting and crocheting blankets on the world cruise for Project Linus in support of children in need. For Gail and Marty Gottlieb, hosting fellow “blanketeers” isn’t just ...

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 ...

Holland America Line is upping our game thanks to an exciting new partnership with the fastest growing sport in the U.S. Imagine a pickleball court where the vast ocean or an Alaskan glacier is the backdrop for your match. As the exclusive Official Cruise Line of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), that’s what you can find on Holland America ...

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, ...

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 ...

Any Barcelona cruise guest will soon become familiar with two titans in the world of Spanish creative expression: Pablo Picasso and Antoni Gaudí. Their works are well represented in this artistic hub, as both artists once called the city home. Things to Do in Barcelona for Art Lovers Pablo Picasso An icon of the modern art movement, Pablo Picasso helped ...

Holland America Line serves up an incredible variety of dining venues that range from the casual Lido Market to elegant Pinnacle Grill, and everything in-between. While all ships have the Dining Room, Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto options, in addition to a Rudi's Sel de Mer pop-up, our Pinnacle Class ships expand some specialty options, like a stand-alone Rudi's Sel de ...

Thanksgiving is this week in the United States, and that means in households across the country family and friends will gather together to celebrate the holiday and indulge in an epic meal. More often than not, that meal concludes with a Thanksgiving staple: pie. Whether it’s pumpkin, pecan, apple or another kind, millions of people will satisfy their sweet tooth ...

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 ...

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 ...

The Caribbean cruising season is quickly approaching, and as we prepare to island-hop among the palm-fringed jewels of the region, there are some packing essentials you'll want to be sure to bring along. These items are in addition to your staples, like clothing, swimsuits, toiletries and flip flops. Whether lounging on the golden beaches of Half Moon Cay or snorkeling ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 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 ...

Passover began last weekend and ends this Sunday, and Easter is Sunday as well. If you're looking to celebrate with a sweet treat, we have two amazing recipes from our Master Chef Rudi Sodamin. For Passover, we're sharing a delicious macaroon, and Easter a rum custard tart with mango and kiwi. Both of these delicious desserts are sure to make ...

It's the first day of fall, and nothing warms the chill in the air like a delicious cup of Holland America Line's famous Dutch Pea Soup. We serve this tasty treat out on deck on Alaska and Norway cruises to our guests while they admire the icy scenery. This extra-special touch makes watching the glaciers and fjords all the more ...

One of the most requested Holland America Line recipes is our Swiss Style Muesli that's found in Lido Market and on the menu for breakfast. This guest favorite is the perfect way to start each day, whether you're heading ashore to explore a new port or planning out your schedule for a leisurely day at sea. Now you can make ...

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 ...

The Westerdam crossed the equator at 10:08 a.m. (one hour past GMT) and commemorated the special event with a “Crossing the Line” ceremony. To a completely packed Lido aft deck, the Westerdam ‘troop’ translated the event in German for our guests and made this a very festive and playful occasion for all! It was a hit! ‘Pirates’ and ‘doctors’ all ...

If you are setting sail on a Pacific Coast cruise and have a craving for Mediterranean-like vibes, look no further than Catalina Island in California. Located 24 miles southwest of Los Angeles, you’ll discover a gorgeous landscape of beaches, mountains, coves and canyons. Here is a guide to help you make the most of a day on Catalina Island ...

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 ...

Recharge. Relax. Unwind. With all the onboard activities and shore excursions you can experience on a Holland America Line cruise, you may forget to set aside time to pamper yourself from head to toe. The Greenhouse Spa & Salon® can help you do just that. In honor of International Self-Care Day on July 24, we want to highlight some ...

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 ...

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 ...

There are many reasons to cruise the Caribbean with Holland America Line, from flexible itineraries to our award-winning private island Half Moon Cay. With so many options, how do you choose which Caribbean cruise to go on to experience island magic, sun-kissed beaches and paradise-packed itineraries? Let's explore the places you can cruise to in the Caribbean and the ...

Special moments are sweetest when shared. That's why we teamed up with Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) to create the sweetest ship in our fleet. Chocodam – built in honor of World Chocolate Day – is made entirely of Lindt chocolate. Handcrafted by Jacques Torres, Holland America Line Culinary Ambassador, and Lindt's Master Chocolatier, Ann Czaja, this chocolate masterpiece is ...

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 ...

America has many treasures just waiting to reveal themselves to eager explorers. Imagine soaking up the sights of Glacier Bay National Park while cruising to Alaska or getting lost in the hidden gems and fall foliage of New England. Discover paradise on the beaches of Hawaii or bask in the sun as you sail the Pacific Coast. In honor ...

June brought another month of unforgettable memories and fun at sea, as well as multiple moments celebrating those who make the journey possible – our kind and caring employees. We’re grateful for our team members and the unique kind of awesome they bring to work every day, from ship to shore. Here’s a look at recent meaningful moments celebrating ...

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 ...

Recognized as an international day of observance on June 25, Day of the Seafarer celebrates the contributions and dedication of professionals in the maritime industry. We're incredibly grateful to our crew members at Holland America Line – who come from 70 different countries around the world – for creating unforgettable moments for our guests, communities and each other.    We ...

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 ...

Calling all chocolate lovers! In a confluence of tradition and taste, we’re delighted to announce our sweet collaboration with Lindt & Sprüngli (USA), the makers of LINDOR truffles and the No. 1 premium chocolate brand[1] in the US. Helping to enrich the cruise experience with Holland America Line, our guests will soon begin savoring indulgent moments onboard with Lindt ...

If there’s ever a time to wish days were longer, it’s on an Alaska cruise. Between breathtaking landscapes and spectacular wildlife, there’s a lot to enjoy. That’s why cruising during the summer solstice makes it that much sweeter. Here are some of the ways you can soak up 22 hours of sun — yes, you read that right! — ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Lights, camera, action! The high-seas penultimate episode of season 21 of Bravo’s Top Chef debuted last night on Wednesday, June 12, and we couldn’t be more excited about all the mouthwatering moments. For starters, our Fresh Fish Ambassador, Chef Morimoto, made a surprise visit to the final four cheftestants, showcasing our Global Fresh Fish Program. The winner of 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 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 ...

Meet our friends at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center When you embark on an unforgettable journey to Alaska, you set sail to a world of towering, majestic glaciers, lush green forests and awe-inspiring mountain peaks. Known as the Great Land, it’s also home to abundant wildlife that depend on mother nature for food and shelter. Unlike their human ...