Every year, people around the world make New Year's Resolutions to start fresh. Did you know that many resolutions can be fulfilled through travel on a Holland America Line cruise? Are any of these resolutions on your list? 1. TRAVEL MORE Holland America Line is a global cruise line with itineraries all over the world. We call at more than ...

Evenings on board our ships are all about live music, and Holland America Line offers so many irresistible sounds - from Lincoln Center Stage and Rolling Stone Rock Room to Billboard Onboard and B.B. King Blue's Club. Memorable performances from world-class musicians fill each journey with an unforgettable rhythm all its own. Guests can spend time in one place or ...

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 ...

Updated and republished February 12, 2026 As many cruisers know, Holland America Line combines personalized service and once-in-a-lifetime experiences with innovative and engaging onboard amenities. One of the amenities that best shows Holland America Line's unique ambiance is "The Retreat." Currently on board Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Eurdodam, The Retreat is an outdoor area that ...

On a Holland America Line cruise, our goal is to provide our guests with an all-around memorable experience. From our destinations and dining to our staterooms and service, we go above and beyond to provide top quality in each and every aspect of your voyage. A major highlight of cruising with Holland America Line is our fantastic entertainment options. Whether ...

Pasta lovers, rejoice! You can now bring the delicious taste of America's Test Kitchen to your home with their master pasta dough recipe! Back in August, we shared ATK's recipe for Wild Mushroom Pasta Filling and Brown Butter & Pine Nut Sauce and now you can create the entire meal from scratch with help from the recipe below. Enjoy! SERVINGS: ...

Whether you're having a holiday party or not, it's always fun to have some specialty cocktails on-hand to serve to friends, family or yourself this time of year! We enlisted our Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff to show us how to make some of his signature must-have holiday drinks, and these certainly won't disappoint! Enjoy these recipes. We're making sure you ...

During a Holland America Line cruise to Alaska, the sights and sounds of the Last Frontier are front and center during the seven-day voyage. From interesting ports like Haines, Juneau and Ketchikan to the spectacular scenery of Glacier Bay, the Inside Passage and Tracy Arm Fjord, guests marvels at the beauty of the region. In 2016, Nieuw Amsterdam makes its ...

Holland America Line cruises travel all over the world, and some of the most unique and exciting shore excursions are the many wildlife tours highlighting native species unique to an area. If you’re cruising to South America or Australia and New Zealand, keep your eyes peeled for an adorable little bird unique to the South Pole. With their tuxedo-like coloring, ...

Holland America Line President Orlando Ashford has spent his working life leading human resources teams for various companies, so it’s not surprising to hear him say, “People are our most important asset.” How Ashford intends to leverage employees’ strengths to propel Holland America Line into the future is the topic of an interview he conducted recently with Seatrade Cruise News. ...

Thanks to Erik Tomren, senior specialist of hotel & tour management at Holland America Line, who wrote this post in collaboration with Danielle Rosenow, manager of hotel & tour management, to inform readers about the transfer services for guests that are offered to/from the ship. ------ A Holland America Line cruise is an exciting adventure, and part of the appeal ...

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 ...

In our latest video, Elizabeth Falkner, new Culinary Council chef and Top Chef judge, prepares her delectable recipe for shrimp, andouille, and grits. For Chef Falkner, sweet shrimp, spicy andouille sausage and cheesy grits are beloved comfort foods. She offers this recipe so you can share her enjoyment. YIELD: Serves 2 INGREDIENTS: 1 piquillo or poblano chile pepper or red ...

Swimming with dolphins is just one of the many exciting shore excursion adventures passengers can experience on their Holland America Cruise Line. Thanks to Liz Day for sharing her tour while at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. What a great shore excursion in Cabo San Lucas. It was a great way to spend a day with "Aqua," one of the dolphins ...

Holland America Line’s Director of Public Relations Erik Elvejord recently participated in the land-portion of a CruiseTour that visits Denali National Park in Alaska and sent us these cool photos. On Sunday, July 24, I headed out for an early morning paddle rafting trip on the Nenana River, one of the optional tours offered on CruiseTours that include Denali National ...

Global Pilotage Most ports in the world require pilotage, the practice where a pilot comes on board near the entrance of the port and then assists the ship's captain with bringing the ship into port, and docking or anchoring in the designated anchorage. The pilot also helps provide safe passage when the ship departs. The role of a pilot is ...

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...