From fierce longship voyages to sagas that shaped Norse legends, Norway’s Viking heritage continues to inspire curiosity around the world. Here are 12 little-known facts that uncover the spirit of the Norwegian Vikings, followed by a list of Holland America shore excursions that allow you to walk in their footsteps. 12 Little-Known Facts About Norwegian Vikings 1. ...

Savour Every Moment at Sea Whether you're island-hopping through the sunny Caribbean or uncovering ancient castles in the misty hills of Scotland, make the most of your journey with Holland America’s Have It All premium cruise package. Bundle and save up to 50% on our most sought-after premium amenities — and enjoy peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of ...

Witness a total solar eclipse from the best seat in the universe — the open ocean. On Holland America’s specially curated 2026 Solar Eclipse Cruises, you’ll experience uninterrupted totality aboard perfectly sized ships, perfectly positioned in the North Atlantic for an extraordinary celestial show. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, astronomy enthusiast, or looking for a Europe cruise unlike any ...

Clear-to-the-bottom water. Swaying palm trees begging for you to plop down with your beach blanket and a good book underneath. Candy-colored buildings lined up along the brilliant white sand. Sound magical? It might be time to plan a Caribbean vacation! Island-hopping on a Caribbean cruise is the most cost-effective way to explore this remarkable region. Instead of spending money ...

At Holland America, we believe that the heart of travel lies in the connections we create—between people, cultures, and unforgettable destinations. Every detail of our experience is designed to make guests feel cared for, understood, and inspired. That’s why we’re beyond honored to share that we’ve received several prestigious awards from industry-leading publications, thanks to the shared opinions of ...

Norway is known for its natural beauty and storied Viking history, but the country’s cuisine is well worth exploring. Norway’s food is deeply connected to the natural surroundings — fjord-fresh seafood, comforting stews and soups, crispy waffles, and rich porridges. A Taste of Norway at Sea Enjoy a chance to taste authentic cuisine through our onboard Destination ...

There’s so much to love about cruising to North American cities, from harbors lined with gleaming skyscrapers to experiences that take you back in time — strolling Boston’s Freedom Trail or exploring the winding streets of Old Québec. Boston — “The Cradle of Liberty” The 2026 7-Day America’s 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage offers the opportunity ...

Congratulations to Denis S., who struck it big aboard the Oosterdam, winning a jackpot prize of $134,860 — the largest casino jackpot ever on a Holland America ship! Denis hit the jackpot while playing the popular Buffalo Slot Machine during a sun-soaked cruise in the Western Mediterranean. A frequent casino guest, Denis was sailing on a special casino offer when luck smiled ...

If you’re cruising to Norway in the summer, one phrase will serve you well: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Norwegian weather can change quickly from sunshine in the morning to misty rain in the afternoon and cool breezes at night. Whether you’re hiking alongside a fjord, exploring an Arctic port, or enjoying dinner in ...

Cruising with your family can be one of the most memorable ways to bond and discover new places, but is there enough on board our ships to keep teens occupied? The answer is yes! With the right cruise ship, itinerary, and activities, a cruise vacation can become the ultimate family getaway for all ages — including your teens! At ...

This season, Alaska isn’t just a destination — it’s dessert! To celebrate the launch of Holland America’s 2025 Alaska season, we’re teaming up with McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams to offer you a limited-time treat that captures the cool, wild spirit of the 49th state. Introducing the Baked Alaska Sundae: a decadent, glacier-inspired creation available at all eight McConnell's ...

Whether you're sailing close to home or heading overseas, there are plenty of ways to stretch your budget without sacrificing your experience. From booking your airfare, hotel, and travel packages with your cruise to finding last-minute deals, here are six smart ways in which U.S. travelers can save big on their next Holland America cruise vacation. 1. Watch ...

At Holland America Line, we believe a brand’s greatest strength lies in its ability to build meaningful connections — the kind that inspire lasting loyalty and genuine affection. That’s why we’re incredibly proud to be named one of America’s Most Loved Brands for 2025 by Newsweek — and even more honored to be the only cruise line to receive this ...

This International Tea Day, Holland America is celebrating our onboard tradition of Royal Dutch Tea by partnering with award-winning tea importers Art of Tea to create a custom Dutch Tea Time blend. Savour the journey with this new blend at our afternoon Royal Dutch Tea service during your days at sea. You can also bring home this new blend, along ...

We’re excited to announce that Holland America Line has been nominated for the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, and we’d love your support! Voting is Easy: Click the link below, select Cruise Ships, type in Holland America Line, and complete the rankings. You’ll be asked a few questions, including ship highlights and an optional note where you can ...

At Holland America, our Dutch heritage is not just part of our name and history, it is alive in every journey we make — from Dutch Day celebrations on every cruise to our tradition of genuine hospitality. In April 2025, Holland America is celebrating a 152-year legacy of sailing and connecting guests to the world and to each other. Living ...

There’s nothing quite like pasta made from scratch. Pillowy soft, perfectly textured, and rich with fresh ingredients. If you’ve ever wanted to master the art of homemade pasta, there’s still time to sign up for our exclusive Holland America and Sur La Table cooking class before the last class wraps March 31. Hands-On Culinary Experience Inspired by Holland America’s commitment ...

Holland America Line is proud to introduce its newest furry friend, Eland the Moose! This little plaid-clad companion was named after the Dutch word for moose and is best friends with Holland America’s mascot, Lewie the Lion. Orphaned as a calf, Eland was rescued and raised by the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). Now, he enjoys educating visitors about the ...

Freshly made pasta. Rich, savory sauces. Decadent desserts. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a meal made from scratch. And this month, Holland America and Sur La Table are coming together to provide an exclusive cooking class hosted at Sur La Table locations across the country.   Inspired by Holland America’s commitment to fresh, high-quality cuisine prepared daily on board, ...

Some journeys lead to unforgettable destinations—and for Christine and Howard, their journey led to each other. What started as two solo travelers embarking on an Antarctic adventure turned into a love story that spans continents, seas, and five future voyages booked together.  Christine, 72, and Howard, 80, met aboard a Holland America Line cruise to South America and Antarctica in ...

  The Best, Now Even Better — For the Third Year in a Row  At Holland America, we believe service is an art — and for the third year running, Cruise Critic has agreed, honoring us with the prestigious Best in Cruise Award for “Best Service.” This recognition is a testament to the unparalleled dedication of our crew and the ...

Today we celebrate our veteran team members and all those who continue to make our waters and world safer. Our team members are a big part of what makes Holland America Line great. On U.S. Veterans Day we especially want to celebrate the women and men across our winning team who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. ...

If you're looking for paradise in the Caribbean, you will love Half Moon Cay. Not only is it our own piece of paradise – it's the highest-rated private island in the Bahamas. Here's a guide to help you make the most of a day at Half Moon Cay on your Caribbean cruise vacation: Half ...

There’s no denying the irresistible beauty of Norway, especially when sailing along its towering fjords. Here's a guide to some of the most famous fjords you could see on a Norway cruise with travel tips to help you make the most of the journey: Geirangerfjord If you’re planning to embark on a Norway fjords ...

Alaska wouldn’t be Alaska without its glaciers, especially those in Glacier Bay. It’s a journey back to the Little Ice Age – one that is only accessible by air or sea. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here’s how to make the most of a day in Glacier Bay National Park on an Alaska cruise: ...

Italy’s Amalfi Coast is one of the most picturesque places in the Mediterranean and the whole world. With its sparkling shores, dramatic cliffs and colorful villages, it’s no wonder why cruisers travel here on vacation. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing its beauty, history and culture. Here’s a guide to exploring the Amalfi Coast and nearby cities ...

August 16 is National Rum Day in celebration of one of the world’s oldest and most storied spirits. Produced around the world, from the Caribbean to South America and beyond, rum has become a key ingredient for many cocktails. Our Hemingway Daiquiri is one example. Gather friends around the table for a refreshing treat after mixing the tasty ingredients ...

A Caribbean cruise is the ultimate island vacation where you can soak up the sights of sandy beaches, turquoise waters and blue skies. Whether you’re planning a romantic trip for two, a family vacation or a friends’ getaway, the Caribbean is a great vacation for relaxation and fun. This travel guide highlights different regions of the Caribbean, the best ...

Practice makes perfect, or in the case of sports, a potential master at the craft. If you want to play pickleball like a pro, you have to learn the basic principles of the game, approach the sport strategically and have lots of fun along the way. We recently connected with Dave Fleming, the lead broadcaster for the Carvana PPA ...

At Holland America Line, we care deeply about providing you with an unforgettable cruise experience. That includes using fresh, local ingredients onboard so you can indulge in authentic flavors in the regions you’re visiting. It takes a village to source these rich flavors and ingredients in ports around the world, including our homeport in Seattle.    It was in that ...

Holland America Line Guests Can Enjoy Exclusive Experiences with Fresh Fish Ambassador and Celebrity Chef Masaharu Morimoto on Westerdam Choose one of three epic and majestic cruise itineraries to Japan this September to indulge in an unforgettable experience that will also feature unique onboard activities with Chef Morimoto. Begin your journey in Seattle (roundtrip) on Sept. 1, 2024 ...

A world cruise is the vacation of all vacations. Exploring all seven continents is an unforgettable experience that is both enriching and exhilarating. We connected with two of our guests who spend over 200 days a year cruising with Holland America Line, beginning with the Grand World Voyage. If you are new to world cruises, you may find their ...

If you want to go on a Europe cruise vacation, a Holland America Line cruise is an extraordinary way to do it. Choose your own adventure, exploring the treasured coasts of the Mediterranean or the gorgeous gems of Northern Europe. Here’s your guide to cruising Europe with Holland America Line: Jump to content in ...

If you are setting sail on a Pacific Coast cruise and have a craving for Mediterranean-like vibes, look no further than Catalina Island in California. Located 24 miles southwest of Los Angeles, you’ll discover a gorgeous landscape of beaches, mountains, coves and canyons. Here is a guide to help you make the most of a day on Catalina Island ...

This summer we asked our Holland America Line community on Facebook and Instagram to suggest nicknames for the next rescued moose at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). It’s clear we have a lot of wildlife lovers from sea to sea, and they jumped at the chance to a-moose us with their recommendations! We’re grateful that no baby moose were ...

Special moments are sweetest when shared. That's why we teamed up with Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) to create the sweetest ship in our fleet. Chocodam – built in honor of World Chocolate Day – is made entirely of Lindt chocolate. Handcrafted by Jacques Torres, Holland America Line Culinary Ambassador, and Lindt's Master Chocolatier, Ann Czaja, this chocolate masterpiece is ...

Jo Johnston, Eloise Johnston and Elaine Durham love traveling together. They have embarked on family adventures since they were kids, making memories around campsites and sandcastles. Nowadays you’ll find them soaking up the sights on cruise vacations, from Alaska to Australia. Here’s what these sailing sisters love most about cruising with Holland America Line, especially our Grand Voyages. ...

Extraordinary. Spectacular. Unforgettable. These are some of the words you may use to describe a Grand Voyage with Holland America Line. Henk, one of our Hotel General Managers, knows this well. Next year, he will set sail on his 30th Grand Voyage before embarking on a new adventure – retirement. We recently caught up with Henk to learn what ...

America has many treasures just waiting to reveal themselves to eager explorers. Imagine soaking up the sights of Glacier Bay National Park while cruising to Alaska or getting lost in the hidden gems and fall foliage of New England. Discover paradise on the beaches of Hawaii or bask in the sun as you sail the Pacific Coast. In honor ...

June brought another month of unforgettable memories and fun at sea, as well as multiple moments celebrating those who make the journey possible – our kind and caring employees. We’re grateful for our team members and the unique kind of awesome they bring to work every day, from ship to shore. Here’s a look at recent meaningful moments celebrating ...

Canada is known for many things, from spectacular landscapes and beautiful wildlife to incredible maple syrup. From coast to coast to coast, there’s a lot of beauty to behold and treats to enjoy. In honor of Canada Day, we couldn’t deny the opportunity to highlight one of its many treasures. If you’ve ever wanted to visit a place unlike ...

Are icy-blue glaciers and towering fjords at the top of your list for sight-seeing experiences on a Holland America Line cruise? If so, then you’ll enjoy this cruise travel guide highlighting some of the magnificent glaciers and fjords in the Arctic. Alaska Alaska wouldn’t be Alaska without its glaciers. One of the most magnificent ...

Recognized as an international day of observance on June 25, Day of the Seafarer celebrates the contributions and dedication of professionals in the maritime industry. We're incredibly grateful to our crew members at Holland America Line – who come from 70 different countries around the world – for creating unforgettable moments for our guests, communities and each other.    We ...

June 23 is International Women in Engineering Day, and we want to celebrate all the incredible women who share their talent and passion for engineering across Holland America Line's fleet. We’re grateful for who they are and the difference they make every day. Here are some of their stories. Pippi, Third Engineer Pippi ...

Calling all chocolate lovers! In a confluence of tradition and taste, we’re delighted to announce our sweet collaboration with Lindt & Sprüngli (USA), the makers of LINDOR truffles and the No. 1 premium chocolate brand[1] in the US. Helping to enrich the cruise experience with Holland America Line, our guests will soon begin savoring indulgent moments onboard with Lindt ...

If there’s ever a time to wish days were longer, it’s on an Alaska cruise. Between breathtaking landscapes and spectacular wildlife, there’s a lot to enjoy. That’s why cruising during the summer solstice makes it that much sweeter. Here are some of the ways you can soak up 22 hours of sun — yes, you read that right! — ...

Do you have a heart for history, the arts, architecture and more? Exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites is a great way to immerse yourself in the destinations you cruise to with Holland America Line. Here are just a few of the must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Northern Europe: Thingvellir National Park (Iceland) This ...

It's National Mascot Day, which is a great time to put the spotlight on our loyal furry friend and mascot, Lewie. He loves seeing the world from his doorstep on Holland America Line cruises. From soaking up the onboard experience to enjoying the breeze through his majestic mane on shore, he relishes the perks of cruise travel. Here are ...

Some of Marion’s earliest memories as a child include her dad, the sea and Holland America Line. That’s because her father, Captain Willem Koopman, would bring Marion, her sister and their mom on board for the holidays. Not many people can say they took their first cruise to Asia at the age of six with their dad at the ...

Calling all animal lovers! A-moose us by helping to nickname the next rescue moose at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). Dedicated to preserving Alaska wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care, AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round, providing them with over 200 acres of spacious habitats. Most animals that come into their facility are given ...