Holland America Line Knows How to Party at the Orange Party
From wild orange wigs and giant hats to boas and bowties, there’s plenty of fun fashion on display at Holland America Line’s iconic Orange Party. Combine that with live entertainment, cocktails and dancing, and you have an incredibly festive event! If you’re new to cruising with Holland America Line, you won’t want to miss the orange bash cherished by guests and crew alike.
Everyone dons their best orange attire, grooves to incredible music and takes memorable photos showcasing their fun fashion choices with orange hues. If you forgot your orange accessories at home, don’t sweat it! Our onboard shops carry trendy accessories for purchase, from orange boas and hats to sunglasses and shimmering jewelry.
Why Orange?
Every year, the people of the Netherlands host big, orange-accented celebrations in honor of the royal House of Orange-Nassau for King’s (or Queen’s) Day, honoring the birthday of the reigning Dutch monarch. Currently, King’s Day is celebrated on April 27 in honor of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, Prince of Orange-Nassau, who ascended to the throne in 2013.
You’ll find the same spirit of these celebrations aboard our ships at the Orange Party – hosted on every cruise throughout the year – because one day just isn’t enough. We greatly enjoy our Orange Party festivities, given our roots in the Netherlands and ties to its royal family. In fact, members of the Dutch Royal Family have launched 13 Holland America Line vessels — from Prince Hendrik naming Statendam III in 1929 to Princess Margriet christening the seventh Rotterdam in 2022. In April 2023, Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha was joined by Princess Margriet for a 150th anniversary celebration at Hotel New York in Rotterdam, home to Holland America Line’s original headquarters from 1901 to 1977.
A Fan Favorite
If you mention “Orange Party” to Holland America Line crew or Mariner Society® members, you’ll likely hear them boast about how much fun it really is.
Jordyn, one of our cruise & travel directors, is no exception. When asked about the event, she lit up and didn’t hesitate to share some of her favorite photos from the onboard event. “Orange Party is one of my favorite events! I come fully decked out, even more than necessary. It’s fun, upbeat and people are partying, wearing their orange. I love it!”
Adrienne, Holland America Line’s public relations specialist, is a fan of the festive celebration as well. “The Orange Party is something I look forward to on any Holland America Line sailing. The entire ship – guests and crew alike – comes together to celebrate the line’s heritage with great music, tasty snacks and colorful drinks. And when everyone’s together, all decked out in orange, it’s hard not to feel like you’re part of one big family.”
Have you attended the Orange Party before? What do you love most? Share in the comments below.
I don’t quite understand the orange party. Can you only go if you’re in the Orange Club? Can anyone go if they pay a fee? Or is it free to all onboard? It mentions cocktails and appetizers. Are those included?
Hi Kelly! The Orange Party is free to attend. It’s just a big celebration with music and dancing, and guests can wear orange attire, an orange scarf, orange hat, orange boa or no orange at all! Totally up to you. The drinks are not free, but appetizers are included.
Can you wear denim shorts on ORANGE NIGHT on Westerdam HAL,, ALASKA
Hi Novella, evening dress falls into two distinct categories: Dressy attire or smart casual. Most evenings, smart casual is appropriate and can be defined as slacks and sports shirts or sweater for men and a skirt or trousers and sweater or blouse for women. Shorts, flip-flops, swimwear, distressed jeans and men’s tank tops are best left to daytime and the poolside.
Dressy Nights evoke the grand traditions of cruising as guests dress to impress for special events on board, including a five-course gourmet dinner in the Dining Room. Jacket and tie are appropriate for gentlemen, while ladies wear a cocktail dress or gown.
I really need someone to contact me about a HAL issue. It’s definitely a public relations matter, & very important to me as a 4 time HAL cruiser! Please email me that you are concerned & I will explain our issue. Please!
lindakanipe1@gmail.com
Hi Linda, we will have someone reach out. We are sorry to hear you had an issue.
I heard there is an Orange Party night “pub crawl” where you are with a group of 25 or so and visit four different bars on the ship and have fun at each one. This my wife and I want to sign up for !!! How soon can we sign up and pay for for it for our June/July 2024 cruise? We don’t want to be shut out due to no more slots available.
Hi Dave, you can sign up on board. When you get on board ask when the sign-up for this will be available. Enjoy!