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 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 ...