Alaska’s iconic landscapes and abundant wildlife are reason enough to visit, but the stories behind them offer an even deeper connection to the Great Land. Discover the people, history, and traditions that have shaped this remarkable state. In 2027, Holland America Line celebrates 80 years of exploring Alaska with a curated collection of Alaska Heritage Tours in five ports, ...

Holland America is proud to be ranked in this year’s Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for 2026! Both in the Best Large and Best Mid-Size Ship categories, we’re honored that our perfectly sized ships are loved by both readers and travelers alike. Ranked By Readers The Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards are selected entirely by the ...

We’ve been sharing the wonders of Alaska since 1947 — before it was even a state! In 2027, Holland America celebrates 80 years in Alaska with cruises and cruisetours that showcase the Great Land’s breathtaking glaciers, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. As the longest-operating cruise line in Alaska, our unmatched history and expertise create a unique journey. Enjoy ...

Though Blanche Bennett, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and Prince Edward Island resident, hadn’t been on a ship in 65 years, she continued to admire them from afar – especially cruise ships. Soaking up the sights of the ships as they docked at Chartlottetown, she often wondered what they looked like from the inside and how different they ...

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 ...

Celebrations are underway for Holland America Line’s 150th Anniversary, and you still have time to join the fun. If you’re craving a getaway but not sure where to go or what to do, consider embarking on one of our Heritage Cruises. Focused on ports rich in our brand’s history, Heritage Cruises feature unique onboard and shoreside experiences, and there ...

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 account ...

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 April 18, 2023, Holland America Line is celebrating its 150th Anniversary — making it one of the longest-operating travel companies in the world. To commemorate the milestone, the cruise line is planning special events and activities, including two commemorative transatlantic crossings. Today, the April 3, 2023, crossing opens for booking, while the Oct. 15, 2022, departure has limited space ...

As our 150th anniversary approaches April 18, 2023, Holland America Line is adding a second commemorative transatlantic crossing aboard Rotterdam to the schedule of celebratory events. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 4, 2023, the 16-night itinerary sails to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, retracing in reverse the company’s first voyage. From Fort Lauderdale, the ship heads to New York City ...

This season in Alaska, Holland America Line is celebrating 75 years of exploring the Great Land. That is longer than it's been a state! We have an exciting season packed with special events, amazing programming and a strong focus on immersing our guests in Alaska culture, lifestyle and cuisine through authentic experiences on board and ashore. Guests won’t just cruise ...

Holland America Line is lucky to have several company historians. Two notable figures are Captain Albert Schoonderbeek and Gerald Bernhoft, director Mariner Society. In anticipation of the launch of our new Rotterdam this month, the two brand experts sent in fun facts and information about the previous six Rotterdam ships that have carried the name for our company. Enjoy learning ...

Holland America Line has a history that spans nearly 150 years, and with that comes a depth of talented crew who will be aboard Rotterdam when the ship is delivered in July. The cruise line has appointed Staff Captain Kevin Beirnaert, Hotel Director Wessel van Oorschot, Chief Engineer Peter Massolt, Staff Chief Engineer Wim Akkerman and Environmental Officer Michael Brown ...

In 2022 Holland America Line is celebrating 75 years of Alaska exploration — longer than any other cruise line — and bookings are now open for its award-winning cruises and Land+Sea Journeys. Throughout the decades, the premium brand has cultivated its knowledge to create perfectly crafted Alaska adventures that offer travelers preferred access, exclusive overland transportation and immersive onboard experiences ...

Why Every Voyage Creates a Different Bourbon No two voyages are exactly alike. As barrels of Jefferson’s Ocean bourbon continue their journey aboard Eurodam, they’re exposed to changing temperatures, varying humidity levels, and the ever-changing conditions of life at sea. Together, these factors help shape the bourbon’s flavor as it matures inside the barrel. Traditional captain’s logs record ...

By Emily Mo Note: Please enjoy this guest post from Emily, one of our team members, about her first Alaska cruisetour. Key Takeaways: When you take a cruise-first cruisetour, the land portion of an Alaska Cruisetour starts the day you leave the ship, and the logistics, including your luggage, are handled for you. A cruisetour combines guided ...

When Oosterdam sets sail in October 2027, guests will find more than refreshed staterooms and the Grand Dutch Café waiting. Two captivating venues — one brand new, one beloved and reimagined — will be ready from the very first evening aboard. Bar 1873: Dutch Heritage Meets Classic Style Situated at the heart of the ship, Bar 1873 is ...

One of the best ways to get to know a destination is through its flavors. Sail to the Mediterranean in October or November, and you may find yourself in the midst of the olive harvest. With Holland America, you can explore Europe year-round, discover the traditions that make each season special, and savor the region at one of its ...

Fall is an amazing time to cruise Canada and New England: craggy coasts meet vast forests in bright crimson, gold, and orange. The St. Lawrence River and Saguenay Fjord offer some of the best views in travel. But while fall is the most popular time to visit, the seasons we cruise in may surprise you. From spring icebergs to ...

For the third consecutive year, Condé Nast Traveler readers have recognized Holland America among the best cruise lines at sea, earning honors in both the Mid-Size and Large-Size Ship categories, exemplifying our perfectly sized ships. Readers rate their experiences on factors including service, design, food, and amenities, making the recognition a reflection of the details — big and small ...

Every guest stepping aboard a cruise ship faces the same happy decision: the Dining Room is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at no extra charge (unless indicated), while the ship's specialty restaurants offer curated menus and a more intimate setting for an additional fee. Knowing how the two compare is some of the most useful cruise dining ...

Vista Class ship joins fleet in 2029, adding guest capacity and extending Holland America Evolution to another perfectly sized ship Seattle, Wash., Oct. 6, 2026 — Holland America Line announced today that it will expand its fleet to 12 ships with the addition of the Vista Class vessel Arcadia in 2029. P&O Cruises will transfer the ship to ...

Our newly released 2028 Canada & New England season brings travelers to a coastline rich in history, shaped by distinctive local traditions and framed by striking scenery, from the St. Lawrence River to the shores of Atlantic Canada and New England. With thoughtfully designed itineraries and more roundtrip Montréal sailings than any other cruise line, these voyages offer countless ...

Thanks to our exclusive partnership with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), guests of select Caribbean cruises will be invited to not only join exclusive pickleball experiences on board but also have a chance to attend the Private Island Invitational on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ next March! Limited tickets available. Exclusive Pickleball Onboard Programming Play the fastest growing ...

Why Aging at Sea Matters Every barrel of Jefferson's Ocean bourbon tells a story shaped by the journey itself. Through the ongoing collaboration between Jefferson's and Holland America Line, select barrels continue their voyage aboard Eurodam, where ocean conditions become part of the aging process. Unlike traditional warehouse aging, life at sea introduces constant motion, changing temperatures, and exposure ...

Through a new collaboration with Magnolia Bakery, guests can enjoy the bakery's World-Famous Banana Pudding with the new Banana Pudding Bar on Caribbean 2026 cruises. It's a delicious new way to indulge at sea, whether you're already a devoted fan or discovering this iconic sweet for the first time. A Sweet Partnership Since opening in New York ...

For travelers seeking an unforgettable Arctic escape, our cruises to Alta, Norway, offer a rare opportunity: an overnight stay in one of the world's foremost destinations for viewing the aurora borealis. Known for its exceptional opportunities to witness this natural phenomenon, Alta gives you more time to explore Arctic culture, enjoy immersive shore excursions, and experience life above the ...

For 30 seasons, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ has been a favorite part of a Holland America Caribbean cruise, inviting guests to trade busy beaches and crowded attractions for turquoise waters, white sand and an easygoing day in paradise. Now, as we celebrate our 30th season, there’s even more to enjoy on our award-winning private island. New experiences are arriving ...

Whether you're chasing velvet-rope Studio 54 energy, Broadway sparkle, or classic rock anthems you know by heart, our three new live shows are serving up unforgettable nights aboard Oosterdam. Oosterdam’s reimagined World Stage hosts three distinct productions — Disco Fever, Decadence, and ALL ACCESS: The Songs That Shaped Us, presented with Rolling Stone — each transporting you to a different ...

By Chef Masaharu Morimoto Creating New Experiences Through Flavor For many years, it has been my privilege to partner with Holland America and share memorable dining experiences with travelers from around the world. Today, I'm excited to introduce a refreshed menu that will soon be available across the fleet, bringing new flavors, new inspirations, and some of ...

An evening at the theater is a cruise tradition. Every voyage offers opportunities to experience a wealth of entertainment options, from elite dancers and musicians to standup comedians and variety shows, and fascinating presentations from local cultural ambassadors. Looking to learn more about the performances, venues, and experiences available across the fleet? Explore our Onboard Entertainment for additional details ...

Every cruise calendar has a sweet spot. Shoulder season — the stretch of weeks just before and after peak season — promises lower fares, less busy ports, and weather that still favors a full day ashore. Peak season delivers the most predictable sunshine and time off school for families, but it also carries the highest prices and the fullest ...

The Ocean Bar is being reimagined on Oosterdam with a brand-new stage, an audience-first design, Golden Age-inspired decor, and a lineup of talent that makes every night one worth remembering. It's just one of the enhanced guest experiences coming as part of Holland America Evolution — the largest fleet update in our 153-year history. Decor Rooted in the ...

Why choose one Europe cruise when you can combine two? Holland America’s Collectors’ Voyages pair two distinctive itineraries into a single seamless journey. Whether venturing to the dramatic fjords of Norway or sun-drenched cities along the Amalfi Coast, there’s more to see and do. Fitting all of Europe’s must-sees into one vacation is a travel-planning hassle. Why choose whether ...

A cruise can last anywhere from a long weekend to a few months, and the gap between those extremes is wider than it sounds. Your ideal cruise length depends on four practical things: your time, your budget, your travel goals, and your energy. For most travelers, seven to ten days lands in the sweet spot — long enough to ...

With over 80 years of sharing Alaska (before it was even a state!), Holland America offers some of the most immersive ways to experience the Great Land, combining glacier viewing, wildlife encounters, national park access, fresh local flavors, cultural enrichment, and seamless cruise and cruisetour options. Alaska’s Breathtaking Ice Giants If glaciers top your Alaska bucket list, ...

Shoulder season — the travel period between a destination’s peak and slow season — is a great time to travel if your schedule allows. Enjoy a cruise through the Mediterranean with fewer visitors than the summer to truly immerse yourself in the culture and feel unhurried while you tour the Colosseum or marvel at the Sagrada Família. Why ...

As part of Holland America Evolution, the largest fleet update in our 153-year history, Holland America is reintroducing live poolside music to Oosterdam and Zuiderdam — a tradition that has long defined the Pinnacle Class experience and that is now coming to the reimagined Vista Class ships. A Tradition Worth Returning Live entertainment has always been central ...

On August 12, 2026, thousands of Holland America Line guests gathered on decks across three ships to witness a total solar eclipse. Clear skies and strategic positioning led to breathtaking views for guests aboard Nieuw Statendam, Oosterdam, and Zuiderdam. One of the unique advantages of viewing an eclipse from a ship is being able to strategically position the vessel ...

The Sea Behind the Spirit Every barrel of Jefferson's Ocean bourbon carries the influence of the voyage. As part of the ongoing collaboration between Holland America and Jefferson's, barrels continue their journey aboard Eurodam, where changing sea conditions influence the aging process in ways that cannot be replicated on land. You can look forward to enjoying bourbon from ...

History Doesn't Just Live in Museums There is a particular thrill in standing at a ship's railing as a coastline of ancient ruins comes into focus. For travelers who feel that pull, the question becomes: what is the best cruise for history lovers? The honest answer depends on which era or civilization fascinates you most — the ideal ...

With Holland America, your 2027 Alaska journey doesn’t stop at the shores. Step into the heart of Gold Rush country and trace the footsteps of the Klondike prospectors on the only cruise line bringing guests to Dawson City, Yukon. On all Holland America’s Alaska, Denali & Yukon cruisetours, you’ll get two nights to explore in Dawson City, plus a Klondike Gold Tour curated with The HISTORY Channel™.  Exclusive Overnight Stays in Historic ...

Every voyage has a starting point. For Holland America’s Vista Class fleet, that starting point has a name: Zuiderdam. The first Vista Class ship delivered to the fleet, Zuiderdam arrived in 2002 as a vision for the next generation of cruise ships. Her ocean view-forward design, expansive verandahs, and “perfectly sized” methodology influenced every Holland America ship built since ...

Looking for a mix of European cultures, warm climate all year round, and otherworldly landscapes? It’s time to explore the Canary Islands — Spain’s Atlantic outpost of volcanoes and wine. Our perfectly sized ships bring you within reach of the island’s uniquely colorful volcanoes, coastal towns, and local flavors inspired by the islands’ geology. Key Highlights The ...

Celebrate the Season Without the Stress The holidays are a time for connection, celebration, and creating unforgettable memories. On a Holland America Holiday cruise, every detail is thoughtfully handled, so you can focus on what matters most: spending quality time with the people you love. From Thanksgiving through New Year's, our 2027 holiday sailings are now open and ...

For guests who want to experience Europe like a local, our more than 150 years of history and expertise makes all the difference. With our new year-round 2027–2028 sailings, perfectly sized ships, access to 200+ UNESCO World Heritage sites, and an insider view of Europe's cultural calendar, plan your journey to Europe unhurried. Our Most Expansive Cruise Season ...

What are cruises with the most scenic sailing days? Picture glaciers drifting past the ship, waterfalls cascading down fjord cliffs, and rugged coastlines sliding into view hour after hour. That is the appeal of cruises with the most scenic sailing days, also known as scenic cruising experiences — itineraries built to maximize time spent gazing at breathtaking landscapes ...

Booking is now open for the refreshed Zuiderdam, expanding a new era for the Holland America fleet. Be among the first to experience this beautifully reimagined ship as she sets sail in Spring 2028. Demand is expected to be strong, so now is the perfect time to secure your place on board. The Next Piece of Our Historic ...

There’s more to explore in Alaska than its glacial waters and rugged shores — continue your adventuring inland with Holland America’s 2027 Cruisetours that include up to three nights at our private wilderness lodge in Denali National Park & Preserve. Explore the Great Land from its shores to its snow-capped peaks. Book Early with Have It All Early Booking ...