Hollywood Hawaii: Movies & Waterfalls

Some of Hollywood's most legendary films were shot on location on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Guests looking to explore those sites and feel like they are in the movie themselves can take the "Hollywood Hawaii: Movies & Waterfalls" tour. This special excursion is ideal for movie buffs, as well as those who simply want to experience the beauty ...

On Location: Mediterranean Barbecue

When I found I was going on a “Mediterranean Adventure” on the Nieuw Amsterdam I thought that the adventure would be the ports of call. Exciting places like Toulon, Palermo and Naples. What I had not realised was that most of the adventure actually took place on board! Thanks to Holland America’s new initiative called “On Location.” Designed to make ...

Port Highlight: San Juan, Puerto Rico

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 ...

Top 10 Things to Bring on a Caribbean Cruise

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 ...

A Perfect Day on Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay is Holland America Line’s private island in the Bahamas, and there’s a reason why it keeps winning awards as a top port of call. Among Holland America Line guests it’s the highest-rated port in the Caribbean. From pristine beaches to eco-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone on the island. What would a perfect day look like on ...

History of the Panama Canal: Part 2

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 ...

Top 10 Shore Excursions in Australia & New Zealand

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 ...

Calving: Breakaways in Glacier Bay

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 ...

A Dream Trip to the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are composed of 120 volcanic islands. Their extreme isolation has led to some pretty interesting animal species, and Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Shore Excursion Manager Judy Hu dreamed of visiting the island for years. That dream became reality when she led the Galapagos Overland Adventure shore excursion during a 2012 South America Grand Voyage. The reason ...