Bonjour! Today is Bastille Day, and to commemorate the holiday we're putting the spotlight on these French ports that are visited on a Holland America Line cruise. From beautiful vineyards to Monet's Giverny to memorable Normandy, France offers an abundance of diverse and unique experiences. BORDEAUX Situated on the Garonne River in the southwest of France, Bordeaux is above all ...

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 ...

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 ...

In my 44 years with Holland America Line, I have been asked numerous times where is my favorite place to visit. Although there are a few, one at the top of the list is Greece. The whole experience — from the extraordinary culture and antiquities to the people, cuisine and remarkable architecture — is overwhelming. One of the magical Greek ...

Holland America Line is set to return to cruising this summer with itineraries in the gorgeous eastern Mediterranean. There's no better locale than Greece to become immersed in the culture of the region that is drenched in sun-kissed skies, azure seas and a history that stretches back to ancient times. The seven-day “Adriatic Allure” itinerary departing Sept. 5 will sail ...

This summer, Eurodam will offer three incredible Greece itineraries beginning in August. In addition to "Idyllic Greek Isles", the ship will cruise on an “Ancient Wonders” itinerary departing Aug. 22. Not only will Eurodam visit Náfplion, Mykonos and Rhodes in Greece, but it also will explore Haifa, Israel. Read on to see what makes these gorgeous ports some of the ...

Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms and like-a-moms out there celebrating tomorrow. To honor the special moms in our lives, we asked our Facebook fans to post their favorite photos and memories of cruising with their mom, kids or a mother figure. We received some amazing photos and wonderful stories, and we're sharing a selection. Thank you for ...

March 3 is designated World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora. On any Holland America Line cruise, shore excursions showcase regional wildlife and flora in a variety of ways. From a natural encounter in the wild to visiting a sanctuary for rescued animals, guests seeking interactions can cuddle koala or hike thorough ...

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 ...

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! How are you going to surprise the love of your live? A romantic dinner for two by candlelight cannot go wrong, right? Since right now it is hard to go out for dinner, it is extra important to show your significant other what skills you have in the kitchen. Holland America Line Culinary ...

As we prepare to say farewell to Maasdam, we asked fans on our Facebook page to share photos and memories of the ship that has been part of the Holland America Line fleet since 1993. Many of you replied, sharing your stories and photos with us. Enjoy a selection that truly shows how beloved Maasdam is to so many guests ...

Holland America Line announced today the appointment of Gustavo (Gus) Antorcha as president of the cruise line. Antorcha joins the company effective immediately from sister brand Carnival Cruise Line, where he has served as chief operating officer. “We are fortunate to welcome Gus to the Holland America Line team for a new chapter at our brand,” said Stein Kruse, Group ...

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 ...

Due to the continued port closures and travel restrictions surrounding COVID-19 and in an abundance of caution, Holland America Line has made the decision to voluntarily pause global cruise operations of its 14 ships for 30 days, impacting sailings scheduled to depart through April 14, 2020. “These are unprecedented times, and while no guests or crew have tested positive for ...

In order to give travelers greater peace of mind surrounding their upcoming vacation plans, Holland America Line is announcing new programs to offer greater flexibility and choice during these uncertain times. For guests currently booked on upcoming cruises, Holland America Line is temporarily changing its cancellation policy and allowing guests to cancel their cruise or Alaska Land+Sea Journey departing through ...

SALMON PREP 101 The foundation of any salmon dish is, of course, the salmon itself. In order to create the perfect salmon dinner, you must take care to prep your cut of fish properly. Remove Pinbones When a fish is filleted, the flesh is removed from the backbone and ribs, but the relatively soft, thin, needle-like pin bones, also known ...

Holland America Line is adding “Top Chef” season 10 winner and acclaimed restaurateur Kristen Kish to its award-winning Culinary Council — a collection of elite, international celebrity chefs who bring global influence to dining experiences across the fleet. Kish’s playful yet refined cuisine will be featured on the menus in the Dining Room, showcasing French and Italian traditions with a ...

What do I need to pack for my Alaska cruise? Do I need visas for my trip? Can I bring my own wine on board? These are questions you might have before embarking on your Holland America Line cruise. Did you know that on HollandAmerica.com there is a "Frequently Asked Questions" page that has the answers to our most commonly ...

As experienced cruisers with hundreds of days on water, we often encounter want-to-be cruisers who ask where they should go. Alaska is our go-to answer. Though we’ve explored Alaska several times, every visit reveals something new. Before our voyage last year on the Westerdam, friends and colleagues offered some well-heeled advice: take a flight and go dog sledding. We were ...

If you’re a fan of Holland America Line, and of documentaries, we have some news for you! Koningsdam will be the focal point of the first episode of season three of Mighty Cruise Ships: Koningsdam airing this Sunday, March 31, 7:00 p.m. (EDT) on the Canadian network Discovery Canada. After airing in Canada, the episode will also air in the United ...

Midnight check-in in Anchorage: The world is quiet, yet I’m filled with anticipation for the start of my Alaska Land+Sea Journey. All I want is a good night’s sleep, and I get that before I head downstairs for the bus to whisk me and the other Holland America Line guests away to meet the McKinley Explorer. It’s early morning; still, ...

Reminiscing about a past cruise? One of the easiest ways to relive a Holland America Line vacation is by recreating a meal from your cruise that will awaken your taste buds and spark memories from a recent getaway. With Holland America Line's America's Test Kitchen partnership, it's even easier to create a culinary staycation in your own home. During ATK's ...

Holland America Line dominated Porthole Cruise Magazine’s 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards with eight honors. Readers from Porthole, one of the world’s leading consumer cruise travel publications, recognized Holland America Line in areas that covered everything from destinations to onboard and shoreside experiences. The awards include Best Canada/New England and Northern Europe Itineraries; Best Shore Excursions; Best Spa Facilities; Most Eco-Friendly ...

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 ...

Holland America Line is turning its culinary programming up a notch with the introduction of dynamic shipboard cooking shows produced in partnership with the long-running public television show America’s Test Kitchen, the most popular how-to-cook show on TV. Holland America Line is a sponsor of America’s Test Kitchen on public television, and is proud to make this experience possible at ...

The Panama Canal is an incredible man-made marvel that can be uniquely experienced on a Holland America Line cruise. If it's not on your bucket list, it should be! There's an incredible wave of awe that comes over every cruiser transiting the lakes and locks of this spectacle that made the list of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. ...

Travelers new to cruising might not know that the Caribbean presents itself in very different ways. There are several common options -- from the ease of the eastern Caribbean to the adventure of the western and exotic charm of the southern Caribbean, each itinerary has its own characteristics. Comparing and contrasting these destinations can give you an idea of what ...

As highlighted in the above video, Holland America Line’s seven-day eastern Caribbean cruises feature the gorgeous port of San Juan, Puerto Rico, in addition to Grand Turk, St. Maarten and Half Moon Cay. Puerto Rico is the largest island that the ships visit on this exciting itinerary. Rich in history and culture, it is always a guest favorite. Dating back ...

We asked Holland America Line Facebook fans to share their “must-haves” when they go on a cruise. Here are the Top 10 responses, along with some other great ideas and unusual suggestions. Is there something not on these lists that you always bring with you? Let us know in the comments below! Family and friends are tops when it ...

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 ...

Photo courtesy of Controller Yono Sudarto. Alaska: the last frontier. The untouched quality of Alaskan wilderness lends itself to a sense of adventure and exciting natural occasions. Alaska Inside Passage cruises offer guests incredible views of one of the most exciting natural attractions in the state, glacier calving. Glacier calving is a natural event that occurs when large ...

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 ...

Marine navigation lights are simply coloured electric lights fixed on ships and used to indicate the size of the ship, the direction in which the ship is travelling and the angle where they should be visible. They must be exhibited by law between sunset and sunrise and in poor visibility. The location (on the ship), the range (distance at sea ...