Cruise ships are floating resorts — complete with restaurants, theaters, pools, and thousands of guests — so it’s fair to ask: How do cruise ships stay afloat? The answer lies in a fascinating mix of ancient science, modern engineering, and a few cruise ship secrets happening behind the scenes. Let’s break down the science of cruising in a way ...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to stage a world-class performance at sea, or how it feels to step onto the Navigational Bridge and look out at the same view as the captain? Can you imagine the scale of a cruise ship’s laundry operation or the innovation behind its recycling systems? Learn more about our Behind the Scenes ...

Holland America offers more than just a cruise ship bedroom — we deliver a sumptuous retreat tailored to your travel style and preferences. Whether you’re sailing solo or with family, seeking a well-designed place to unwind or exceptional value, our range of cruise ship suites and staterooms offer the perfect balance of comfort, design and thoughtful details. Explore the ...

The Perfect Balance: Why Mid-Sized Cruise Ships Are Just Right All of Holland America’s mid-sized ships offer the ideal blend of small-ship intimacy and large-ship amenities. Think of it as the “Goldilocks of cruising”: not too big, not too small — just right. While all our ships feature sophisticated décor, spacious staterooms, and European-inspired design, each of our ...

Whether you’re planning to unwind poolside with a cocktail in hand or take a rejuvenating soak after a day of exploration, Holland America offers an elevated cruise ship pool experience. From spacious hot tubs to adult-only havens and retractable glass roofs allowing a dip in any weather, here’s everything you need to know about our pools. Two Cruise ...

Investment in Alaska means enhanced experience at the doorstep of Denali National Park Seattle, Wash., January 7, 2025 — Holland America Line, the cruise line with the longest history of exploring Alaska, announced a $70 million capital investment that will expand guest capacity while elevating the line’s Denali property experience and enhancing its popular land and sea Cruisetours. The investment ...

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 ...

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 ...

(Originally published in 2024, updated January, 2026) When you cruise with Holland America Line, you’re not just sailing with a crew that genuinely cares for our guests and each other. Our legacy of care extends to every port we visit and every ocean we cross. That’s because caring for our planet is just as important as caring for ...

Holland America Line's Collaboration with The Spice House Celebrates Destination Dining and Fresh Fish Program with New Co-Branded Spice Set   We’re pleased to introduce the next chapter to our Global Fresh Fish Program through our delicious new partnership with The Spice House, a provider of the finest spices, herbs, blends and extracts. Later this month, guests will ...

On this Employee Appreciation Day, we want to share our heartfelt gratitude for our people who provide award-winning service with care and kindness from ship to shore. We recently caught up with some of our leaders around the world to ask what they love most about our incredible team. Here's what they had to say: ...

It's been more than two years since cruise ship visited Canada, and on Saturday, April 9, that all changed. Koningsdam called at the port of Victoria, marking a return to Canadian cruising! On Sunday, the ship ended it's seven-day cruise at Vancouver, and the celebrations continued as it became the first ship back in Vancouver in more than 800 days. ...

Today's is St. Patrick's Day, and it's all about the Emerald Isle. From Guinness to the Book of Kells to Irish Dance, there's so much to see, do and enjoy on a visit. On Holland America Line's cruises to Northern Europe or the British Isles, guests can explore Dublin and Cobh — the gateway to Cork — with day-trips to ...

Holland America Line serves up an incredible variety of dining venues that range from the casual Lido Market to elegant Pinnacle Grill, and everything in-between. While all ships have the Dining Room, Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto options, in addition to a Rudi's Sel de Mer pop-up, our Pinnacle Class ships expand some specialty options, like a stand-alone Rudi's Sel de ...

Old-world cultures, breathtaking scenery and landscapes steeped in history bring Holland America Line’s 2023 Europe season to life on cruises that were crafted to highlight the best of each region. From April through November, dozens of unique itineraries — ranging from seven to 35 days — will be offered aboard two of the line’s Pinnacle Class ship, Nieuw Statendam and ...

By late spring 2022, Holland America Line will have a complete fleet back to cruising with the restart of operations for Noordam, Oosterdam and Westerdam. Noordam will restart with a March 14, 2022, cruise in Japan; Oosterdam will begin cruising May 1 in the Mediterranean, and Westerdam will return to service May 8 in Alaska. The ships will join Eurodam, ...

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 ...

Last week Brand Ambassador Seth Wayne flew to Italy to visit Rotterdam at the Fincantieri shipyards in Marghera and Trieste. Seth was at Marghera before the ship left for sea trials and made way to Trieste for a quick dry dock before returning back to Marghera. Not only did he spend time on the ship, he also spent time under ...

Last month "Ramping Up to Rotterdam" with Brand Ambassador Seth Way showed the gorgeous art that is going to be on display aboard the ship. For those of you who missed seeing progress photos, we have a new selection from the Fincantieri shipyard and our own Stan Kuppens to share with you. Carpets are being laid, staterooms are coming together ...

Did you tune in to Holland America Line Brand Ambassador Seth Wayne’s “Ramping Up to Rotterdam” update last week on our Facebook page? For the March edition, he spoke with Tal Danai from ArtLink, who is curating much of the ship's art. Here are some photos of some of the pieces that will be displayed on board, plus some of ...

In a recent article in World of Cruising, Captain Timmers — the first master of our new Rotterdam — shared how different Holland America Line ships have sentimental value for very different reasons. Much like our guests who often cruise on a particular ships, Captain Timmers has his favorites in our fleet. Read on to see which ships are special ...

If you're missing Alaska as much as we are, it's time to start planning your Alaska getaway for 2021. We're offering a full season of cruises and Land+Sea Journeys that showcase our more-than 70 years of experience, insider knowledge and preferred access. From April through September, six Holland America Line ships will take guests on authentic Alaska experiences throughout the ...

Holland America Line announced that Amsterdam, Maasdam, Rotterdam and Veendam will be leaving the fleet and transferring to undisclosed buyers. The ships have been sold in pairs, with the S-Class Maasdam and Veendam transferring to one company in August 2020, while the R-Class Amsterdam and Rotterdam will move to another company in fall 2020. Holland America Line will cancel cruises ...

A Humanitarian Crisis Response to Cruise Ships Stranded at Sea Tests Our Deepest Human Values By Orlando Ashford, President, Holland America Line The coronavirus (COVID-19) has run rampant through neighborhoods, businesses and nations, catching all us off guard. Stoked by fear of contagion, millions of people around the world are sheltering in place waiting out the storm. During a time ...

Due to the continued port closures and travel restrictions surrounding COVID-19 and in an abundance of caution, Holland America Line has made the decision to voluntarily pause global cruise operations of its 14 ships for 30 days, impacting sailings scheduled to depart through April 14, 2020. “These are unprecedented times, and while no guests or crew have tested positive for ...

Holland America Line’s popular new Club Orange premium amenities program will be available on all ships in the fleet by October 2019. Currently on nine ships, Club Orange gives guests an additional level of luxury and service with priority access, exclusive amenities and special events. Club Orange is available to purchase for a limited number of non-suite staterooms on each ...

If you’re a fan of Holland America Line, and of documentaries, we have some news for you! Koningsdam will be the focal point of the first episode of season three of Mighty Cruise Ships: Koningsdam airing this Sunday, March 31, 7:00 p.m. (EDT) on the Canadian network Discovery Canada. After airing in Canada, the episode will also air in the United ...

Holland America Line is turning its culinary programming up a notch with the introduction of dynamic shipboard cooking shows produced in partnership with the long-running public television show America’s Test Kitchen, the most popular how-to-cook show on TV. Holland America Line is a sponsor of America’s Test Kitchen on public television, and is proud to make this experience possible at ...

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 ...

Holland America Line just announced that in keeping with the majority of guest preferences, a change is being made to the shipboard smoking policy on its fleet of 15 ships effective for sailings departing on or after January 15, 2012. The new smoking policy now designates staterooms as nonsmoking areas in addition to the indoor public areas already defined as ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Experience Holland America’s Caribbean Set your sights on Holland America’s 2027–2028 Caribbean season, featuring relaxing days on our award-winning private island and peaceful moments at our adults-only Signature Pool Experience. Designed for travelers who want to experience the Caribbean refreshingly free of overcrowded beaches, amusement parks, and boring buffets. With itineraries ranging from immersive island explorations to extended ...

A Journey Shaped by the Sea For Jefferson's Ocean, the journey is not just part of the story. It is the defining influence. As part of the ongoing collaboration between Holland America and Jefferson's, each barrel travels aboard ships such as Eurodam, evolving every nautical mile. To learn more about this partnership, visit the Jefferson’s Ocean partnership page ...

Something big is happening across the Holland America fleet. Zuiderdam is the next ship to be reimagined through Holland America Evolution — the largest fleet update in our 153-year history. That means the bold transformation of our fleet is expanding, with Zuiderdam Spring 2028 sailings open for booking beginning July 30. Evolution Expands Holland America Evolution is ...

Preparing for your vacation should be just as enjoyable as the journey itself. That's why we've designed My Cruise to make planning and managing your upcoming voyage easier than ever. My Cruise is your online vacation planning hub, bringing together the details, reservations, and tools you need before you sail. Whether you're counting down the days until embarkation or ...

When summer is in full swing, it might feel a little early to think about the holidays, but that’s exactly what makes Christmas in July so special. What began as a playful mid-year celebration has grown into a smart way to spark early planning, inspire new traditions, and bring the magic of the holidays into the summer. If you’re ...

When the World Unites Through Football Every four years, the world turns its attention to a remarkable global football tournament. Nations, traditions, and legends converge on the pitch in a shared celebration of pride, passion, and possibility. Few things bring people together quite like global football, creating connections that span countries, cultures, and generations. From the Screen ...

Planning a solo cruise vacation? Holland America Line is purpose-built for independent travelers. All three Pinnacle Class ships — Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Koningsdam — offer a dozen dedicated solo Ocean View staterooms featuring a full-size Mariner’s Dream™ bed, ample storage, an in-room mini-fridge, and more. These comfortable staterooms range from 127–172 square feet, located at the fore of ...

With Holland America's newly launched year-round Europe cruises, you can experience the majesty of far-off places, unhurried and when it’s convenient for your schedule. While on your cruise, you may want to take the road less traveled on a port day, which is why we’ve rounded up a list of local, off-the-beaten-path beaches you can visit while on shore ...

A More Intuitive Way to Discover Best Cruise Price Finding the right cruise at the right price is now easier than ever. We have elevated and simplified our Compare by Price feature, making it more convenient to uncover exceptional value as you explore voyages on hollandamerica.com. Savings That Stand Out With this latest update, if you’re ...

Holland America Evolution — the largest fleet update in our 153-year history — begins with Oosterdam. With reimagined public spaces, refreshed staterooms, new suite categories, expanded premium experiences, and new venues including the Grand Dutch Café, there are bow-to-stern enhancements, all driven by what guests love most. But why Oosterdam? To understand why she leads the way, it’s important ...

Arriving in Athens around sunrise and leaving the next evening gives you enough time to really settle into the rhythm of the city. With about 35 hours, you can experience Athens in layers, from ancient wonders to long lunches, great wine, and a touch of seaside relaxation. Day 1 Morning: The Acropolis of Athens, an Ancient Wonder ...

Not only was yesterday the longest day of the year, but Holland America was proud to sponsor the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center’s (AWCC) Summer Solstice Songs event on Sunday, June 21. What better way to give summer a warm welcome than with live music and majestic animals? Unplugged Live Performances During the Summer Solstice Songs event, attendees ...

There are travelers who live to plan every detail years in advance, and then there are the travelers who live for the thrill of the last-minute trip. Maybe a destination calls to them—a city unexplored, a lingering bucket list item, a place they’ve always wanted to go but never did. Or maybe it’s the thrill of a good deal. ...

When guests ask, we listen. We're bringing back another beloved onboard tradition fleetwide — the Farewell dinner for a memorable final evening at sea. This festive cruising classic honors all the connections and memories created during your Holland America journey. At this Farewell Dinner, dine on long-standing favorites, such as Beef Wellington and Baked Alaska, while the Vivace ensemble ...

Iceland and Norway’s weather is famously unpredictable, often shifting from sunshine to rain within hours. But with a well-planned approach focused on layering, packing for Iceland and Norway becomes simple, leaving you free to enjoy the experience in any season. Whether you are sailing through Norway’s fjords or exploring Iceland’s dramatic coastlines and ports such as Reykjavík, preparation makes ...