As you stand on deck while touring Glacier Bay, notice the remarkable silence of a place empty of traffic, pedestrians and shops. Even without human infrastructure, the landscape is ever-changing. We’ve been bringing guests to Alaska for more than 75 years, but Glacier Bay always feels new. Here are the top five experiences: 1. Get ...

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 ...

The Yukon is a true bucket-list destination. It’s unlike anywhere else with endless wilderness punctuated by Canada’s five tallest peaks and tiny towns with big personalities. Read on for 20 wild facts about Yukon Territory.   The Yukon, Big and Small   The Yukon is vast, but it’s the smallest of Canada’s three territories. The Yukon covers ...

Enjoy the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, or soak up the sun along the California Coast. Savor the journey in Mexico, or experience the aloha of Hawaii. Whichever paradise you choose, Holland America Line can take you there on a West Coast cruise. Here are the best reasons to sail away with us and enjoy all that the ...

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 ...

Above: Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands (right); Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha (left); and Roel Dusseldorp, General Manager of Hotel New York, pour champagne over the commemorative 150th anniversary bell.  On April 18, Holland America Line’s flagship Rotterdam arrived at the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, following a 150th Anniversary crossing that departed ...

Kristen Bass, fleet training specialist, has a personal connection to Holland America Line that extends long before her first day with our cruise line 10 years ago. In fact, it goes back to a transatlantic journey in September of 1893.  Nearly 130 years ago, a young couple in their 30s was preparing for a ...

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 ...

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 ...

Alaska wouldn’t be Alaska without its glaciers. These massive rivers of ice are responsible for the shape of the landscape—and that’s just the beginning. Learn the history behind the state’s most famous glaciers. Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve A cruise through Glacier Bay is a journey through natural and human history, back to the ...

Photo Above by Olivia Moloney Are you dreaming of sunshine and sandy beaches? Craving cocktails and island vibes? Wondering what it would be like to soak up the sun on a Caribbean cruise? We get it. Here are the top five reasons to take a Caribbean cruise with Holland America Line. Book Flexible ...

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 ...

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.  In honor of International Women’s Day, we want to spotlight some of the Holland America Line ...

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, ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 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, ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Mexico is a colorful culture, known for its deep history, rich customs and vibrant flavors. Holland America Line's Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez cruises are designed to showcase the different facets of each port, so whether you want to learn more about the region, take an adventurous tour or get to know the culture, there's something that will meet ...

Alaska’s pristine waters teem with tasty fish. Whether you want to reel in a king salmon or try your hand at crab fishing, the Last Frontier is the place. Alaska fishing trips make it easy by providing the gear, some sage advice, and the ability to buy a fishing license. On select adventures, you can have your catch prepared and ...

Today is International Book Lovers day, and while a cruise is the perfect vacation to catch up on a good book lounging on deck overlooking the sea, it's also the ideal way to explore the homes, birthplaces and locales of your favorite author or book. From Prince Edward Island and the home of Anne of Green Gables to Isla Robinson ...

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 ...

This week we welcomed the first day of summer! As schools let out for break and travelers seek new adventures, Holland America Line offers several exciting locales to embark on a memorable vacation. Do you want to explore the gorgeous glaciers of Alaska? How about the incredible lush greenery and charming seaside towns of Canada and New England? Golden beaches ...

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 ...

Our fleet is complete! Westerdam returned to service Sunday, June 12, 2022, at Port of Seattle in Washington, marking the last ship in the fleet to resume operations. To commemorate the occasion, Holland America Line held a ceremony in the terminal attended by the ship’s captain and senior officers, with flag-waving fanfare from team members lined up to greet guests ...

In celebration of 75 years exploring Alaska, Holland America Line is partnering with Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) to highlight the line’s leadership and commitment to sustainably sourced local seafood. The first formal partnership of its kind between ASMI, a partnership between the state of Alaska and Alaska’s fishing industry, and a major cruise line will highlight Holland America Line’s ...

Today is World Oceans Day, and as a cruise line that explores the world by traveling the sea, we take pride in offering our guests the most incredible tours that allow them to become fully immersed in the vast underwater ecosystem. From swimming with sea turtles and scuba diving among the coral reefs to learning more about humpback whales, we ...

It's official! While Rotterdam has been cruising since the fall, today in the city of Rotterdam we formally welcomed her as the flagship of our fleet in an affair fit for a royal! Following a tradition that started in the 1920s, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands christened the ship in a ceremony attended by local dignitaries and ...

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 ...

Europe takes fashion seriously, but that doesn’t mean you have to lug five suitcases across the ocean or teeter around on cobblestones in the world’s most uncomfortable shoes. Our packing list for Europe helps you pack smart, so you’ll be comfortable and stylish on cruise excursions. As our Europe cruises are a week or longer, start with a large suitcase ...

It's been a busy and exciting week for Holland America Line. Two more ships are back in service, with Oosterdam restarting in Trieste (Venice), Italy, and Zaandam setting sail from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. To commemorate both occasions, Holland America Line held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the terminal to open embarkation, attended by the ship’s captain and senior ...

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 ...

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 ...