At Holland America Line, we have a world-class team that’s passionate about bringing people together to make unforgettable memories. And we love partnering with others who feel the same way. That’s why we’re proud to announce our partnership with Australia’s flagship national field hockey teams. As a leading premium cruise line with a fleet of 11 ships that sail ...

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 ...

In anticipation of the ports in Australia and New Zealand fully welcoming cruise ships back to their shores, Holland America Line opened bookings for a season of new itineraries aboard Westerdam starting in fall 2022. The new voyages, offered from Sept. 25, 2022, through March 13, 2023, explore Australia’s rich culture, the lush landscapes of New Zealand and the enchanting ...

Holland America Line's Cruisetours combine an Alaska cruise with an overland to Denali National Park. Our extended Cruisetours also include a visit to the Yukon where guests can visit Whitehorse, northern Canada's largest city, and Dawson City where the frontier spirit is strong. In the Yukon, the region's Gold Rush history shines as bright as the treasure the Stampeders came ...

Today is Travel Deal Tuesday, and Holland America Line's Black Friday Sale is available on a variety of cruises around the world. Whether you're looking to explore the glaciers of Alaska, beaches of the Caribbean, ancient ruins of the Mediterranean, fjords of Norway or colorful cultures of Mexico, chances are you can get there on a Holland America Line cruise. ...

The Panama Canal has been called one of humankind’s greatest engineering achievements, and for the 2022-23 cruise season four Holland America Line ships will feature itineraries that include a full transit between Atlantic and Pacific oceans. On board, guests get a front-row seat on the eight-hour daylight journey through the Panama Canal, often cited as a rite-of-passage experience by avid ...

Africa is a continent of riches, from the rolling grasslands of the savanna to the pristine beaches of the Seychelles. Travelers on the 2022 Grand Africa Voyage aboard Zaandam are in for an experience unlike any other, and with Holland America Line at the helm it will be a memorable journey. Overnight calls in port allow for extra time to ...

April 27 is King’s Day in the Netherlands, a traditional holiday held each year to honor the birthday of the reigning Dutch monarch. At Holland America Line, we take great joy in celebrating King’s Day each year given our roots in the Netherlands and ties to its royal family. In fact, members of the Dutch Royal Family have launched 11 ...

A Humanitarian Crisis Response to Cruise Ships Stranded at Sea Tests Our Deepest Human Values By Orlando Ashford, President, Holland America Line The coronavirus (COVID-19) has run rampant through neighborhoods, businesses and nations, catching all us off guard. Stoked by fear of contagion, millions of people around the world are sheltering in place waiting out the storm. During a time ...

By Journalists Kathy M. Newbern and J.S. Fletcher For many choosing an Alaska cruise, the word Denali is at the heart of their anticipation – us included. Much like boarding the Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train to Machu Picchu, stepping aboard Holland America Line’s McKinley Explorer train from Anchorage to just outside Denali National Park was a thrilling beginning to ...

Thanks to Erik Tomren, senior specialist of hotel & tour management at Holland America Line, who wrote this post in collaboration with Danielle Rosenow, manager of hotel & tour management, to inform readers about the transfer services for guests that are offered to/from the ship. ------ A Holland America Line cruise is an exciting adventure, and part of the appeal ...

On two recent cruises, both Zuiderdam and Zaandam were called upon to assist vessels in need of assistance. At 2:10 a.m. Jan. 3, 2015, while en route to Oranjestad, Aruba, Zuiderdam answered a distress call from the Bahamian inter-island vessel Excalibur that was sinking with eight crewmembers onboard. Zuiderdam was approximately 15 miles away and the closest ship in the ...

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 ...

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 ...

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. …

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 ...

Did you know March 24 is National Cocktail Day? What better day than today to share signature recipes created specifically for Holland America Line's 150th anniversary! Feeling thirsty? Gather some friends around the table and get ready to have some fun. These cocktails will quench your thirst and delight your senses. Dutch 150 ...

Along with glaciers and wildlife, the northern lights top the list of Alaska must-sees. It is possible to see the northern lights from Anchorage. The lights dance year-round but are only visible in inky-black skies. If you cruise Alaska during the peak of summer, the blaze of the midnight sun outshines the aurora. If you’re ...

Majestic, adorable and fierce, bears top the list of must-see animals on Alaska cruises. But sightings are never 100% guaranteed, even on guided wildlife safaris. And who wants to encounter a 900-pound brown bear by themselves? One way to safely cross bears off your bucket list is with an Alaska shore excursion to Fortress of the Bear in Sitka. ...

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 ...

Photo Above: Members of the Travel Advisor Book Club, created by Michelle Sutter, vice president of North America sales & chief of staff, gather aboard the Koningsdam for the first M.S. Masterminds Summit at Sea in summer 2022.  Though every day is a good day to celebrate the difference someone makes, we couldn’t help ...

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, ...

Alaska isn’t just home to towering blue glaciers and dense green forests. You’ll find bears flocking to the water for their catch of the day, whales breaking through the sea’s surface to exhale, and bald eagles soaring across the sky. Looking for the best places for wildlife sightings? Here are some of the magical creatures that have made Alaska ...

Alaska is a prime destination for wildlife viewing. But if you don’t have suitable binoculars, that Alaska brown bear and her cubs might look like … a few blurred dots. That mountain goat? Nothing but a spec. That humpback whale? A floating log. Find the best binoculars for wildlife viewing so you don’t miss a single magical moment. Everyone ...

If both land and sea are calling your name, but you’re not sure where to travel, we’ve got you covered. From breathtaking views to wildlife experiences, an Alaska cruise and Yukon adventure should definitely be on your bucket list. Here are the top five reasons to visit Yukon Territory. Land & Sea Adventures Though ...

We’ve got spirit, yes, we do! Holland America Line has signed on as an official sponsor of the Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers, sharing the spirit of cruising across college sporting events. Together we’ll celebrate our shared passion for community while engaging Ducks and Beavers fans with fun-filled experiences, including in-game activities and promotions. Both universities are within ...

From ship to ship and sea to sea, we’re celebrating our anniversary! In honor of 150 years of sailing, we invite you to join the fun. Celebrate with us through our 150th Anniversary Poster Contest! The Highlights Contest begins Feb. 15, 2023, and ends on March 15, 2023. Use your personal Facebook or Instagram ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

A fundraising effort by cruise line passengers, which took place on the high seas around six different continents, has resulted in a $450,000 donation for Ukraine relief. Funds were raised through Holland America Line's On Deck for a Cause campaign, and the check was presented on Jan. 31, 2023, to the global humanitarian aid organization Direct Relief. For 10 ...

Whether it’s $100, $200, $300 or more, Onboard Credit can make a sweet vacation even sweeter. While some credits are designated for certain activities (e.g., shore excursions), others give you the opportunity to spend it in multiple ways. From rejuvenating at the spa while enjoying ocean views to making magical memories during once-in-a-lifetime excursions, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how ...

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 ...

From travel professionals and editors to the most discerning consumers and prestigious organizations, 2022 was a year of recognition for the Holland America Line team members who work hard to bring guests the best service at sea. Travel Weekly’s readers named Holland America Line the best world cruise itinerary, making it the 29th travel award received for the brand this ...

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 ...

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 ...

On Oct. 26, Rotterdam sailed into New York City near the end of its 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The voyage was the start of Holland America Line’s yearlong celebration of its founding 150 years ago on April 18, 1873. The crossing, which departed Oct. 15, left exactly 150 years to the day that the cruise line’s ...

Holland America Line’s favorite four-legged friend, Joska the service dog, reached a milestone achievement of 700 cruise days on Rotterdam’s current 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing, making her eligible to receive the Platinum Medallion, the highest past-guest award for cruising days. Joska, a 10-year-old black Labrador retriever, is the ultimate globetrotter and spends most of her days cruising on Holland America ...

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 ...

Following a Panama Canal transit, Nieuw Amsterdam arrived today at Half Moon Cay, the first ship to visit on the 25th anniversary season of Holland America Line’s private island. The ship’s team marked the opening of the season with a special beachside display. In this season that also marks our 150th anniversary as a line, seven Holland America Line ships ...

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, ...

On a cruise over the holidays, reconnect with loved ones and rejuvenate yourself. Spend time lazing by the pool while we prepare a holiday feast. Explore sun-drenched ports while we make the ship clean and tidy for the celebrations. Admire the gingerbread villages, mistletoe and ornament-adorned trees around the ship, all while enjoying daytime enrichment and nightly entertainment. Worried your ...

A middle school project to deliver books to a library halfway around the world is almost complete, thanks to some good timing and an alert travel advisor. Students from Odyssey Middle School in Bainbridge, Washington, brought over 400 books to Holland America Line’s ship Westerdam on Sunday for delivery to a new literacy library in Papua New Guinea. Students at ...

Holland America Line is pleased with the recent announcement of the lifting of Canadian pandemic border restrictions. Under the new guidelines, Canadian border vaccination and testing requirements are no longer necessary, which is an important step for the cruise industry in simplifying the travel process for itineraries to Alaska and Canada. Under the new procedures, there is no longer a ...

Holland America Line recently relaxed our health requirements on most voyages, which opened cruising to a wider range of guests. Now we’re making it easy to find out what protocols are required for your cruise. With a new Health Protocols Tool on Holland America Line’s website, booked guests can simply enter their booking number and the exact vaccination and testing ...

As summer sunshine turns to fall foliage, we're thinking about one of our favorite cruise departure ports: Greater Fort Lauderdale. Nicknamed the “Venice of America,” this cosmopolitan destination offers 300 miles of winding waterways, a thriving art and culinary scene, and outdoor activities galore. See our list below for recommendations on what to do in Greater Fort Lauderdale before ...

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 ...

In a multi-year sponsorship agreement that coincides with the 2022-2023 football season, Holland America Line will serve as the "Official Cruise Line of Husky Athletics" for University of Washington Athletics. This marks Holland America Line's first foray into college sports and establishes an ideal relationship for two of Seattle's iconic brands. As Seattle's Hometown Cruise Line, the new relationship pairs ...

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 ...

Foodies and culinary novices alike, who are ready for a gastronomic adventure can set sail on a Holland America Line “Culinary Cruise” in 2022 with a member from the line’s Culinary Council. The celebrity chefs will share their expertise and secrets on everything from the correct way to make a sushi roll and how to perfectly temper chocolate to preparing ...