The Caribbean cruising season is quickly approaching, and as we prepare to island-hop among the palm-fringed jewels of the region, there are some packing essentials you'll want to be sure to bring along. These items are in addition to your staples, like clothing, swimsuits, toiletries and flip flops. Whether lounging on the golden beaches of Half Moon Cay or snorkeling ...

High Seas and Timeless Storytelling This November, Holland America and Audible invite you to step into the world of Regency romance and sharp social satire with our Book Club selection: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen. Whether you're sailing to stunning destinations or enjoying quiet moments at home, this season’s book club experience offers a uniquely immersive way ...

Every autumn, the deciduous forests of Canada and New England put on a colorful show like nowhere else in the world. The fall foliage is so brilliant that leaf-peeping, the act of going out to admire nature’s fiery hues, is a cherished pastime in the region. Experience this breathtaking beauty yourself in the best way possible — on a ...

This November, Holland America Line guests will be the first in the world to experience a groundbreaking new production at sea: Fosse & Verdon: The Duet That Changed Broadway. In partnership with entertainment leader RWS Global and The Verdon Fosse Legacy®, Holland America Line is debuting an original tribute to the artistry of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon — ...

Welcome to Ensenada — a coastal Baja Peninsula treasure that’s perfect for curious travelers and passionate foodies. Nestled in the heart of the Mexico’s premier wine-growing region, this laid-back seaside town is the perfect place to sip and sample. And on a Holland America cruise, it’s easier than ever to dive into all the top things to do in ...

Wondering what to do on your next cruise? Whether you’re an adventurer, a foodie, a trivia buff, or simply seeking relaxation, Holland America offers cruise activities for every personality type. For the Sporty: Pickleball, Volleyball & More Stay active and take in breathtaking sea views. Holland America’s top-deck pickleball courts offer 360-degree ocean views — whether you’re ...

When you sail the seas with Holland America Line on a Grand Voyage, you’re embarking on the experience of a lifetime. Our 2026 Grand World Voyage is especially mesmerizing. Imagine visiting all seven continents with a special four-day Antarctica Experience that will have you soaking up Antarctica’s icy grandeur. With 25 countries and 48 ports on the cruise itinerary, ...

It’s no secret Holland America Line is known for creating thoughtfully crafted itineraries that help you see the world from your doorstep. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or a Grand Voyage, we make sure your journey is an unforgettable one. And if you want an epic experience that weaves the ceremony and splendor of our Grand Voyages ...

Photo by Anthony J. Rayburn Sunny skies, shimmering shores and spectacular shopping. If you find yourself departing from Fort Lauderdale on a Holland America Line cruise, you may opt to spend some extra time at the popular port pre- or post-cruise. With so many activities and sights to behold, you’ll have plenty of reasons to stay a ...

If you’ve been following recent headlines on The Washington Post, New York Post and others, you may have noticed that domestic airfare is dropping. Why? International travel is on high demand, and as a result, you’re likely to find discounted airfare for domestic flights. So, if you’ve been dreaming of white sandy beaches, amazing adventures or sensational sunsets, now ...

The first thing to know about Dawson City, Yukon, is that it’s a small town by most standards, with a population just over 1,500. But for a small town, it has a booming personality, leftover from its days of gold-rush glory, when fever and fortune ran high. For a few glorious months in 1898, Dawson City held the nickname, ...

Calling all wanderlust cruisers! If wildlife safaris, golden vistas and rolling grasslands are part of your dream vacation, then Holland America Line’s Grand Africa Voyage is the bucket-list adventure you’ve been waiting for. Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this 73-day voyage gives you the opportunity to see the world from your doorstep with the comfort of a Holland America ...

With 227 breathtaking islands, Greece is incredible. Our Greek Isle cruises whisk you to small villages and iconic cities. Stand in the same place as the world’s greatest philosophers and poets, share mezes with friendly locals, or watch the sun sink into the jewel-blue Aegean Sea.   Athens, the Gateway to Greek Isles  Athens is the ...

When Holland America Line guests embark on a Grand World Voyage, they’re likely looking forward to one bucket-list adventure after the next. What they may not expect is a group of volunteers knitting and crocheting blankets on the world cruise for Project Linus in support of children in need. For Gail and Marty Gottlieb, hosting fellow “blanketeers” isn’t just ...

A fundraising effort by cruise line passengers, which took place on the high seas around six different continents, has resulted in a $450,000 donation for Ukraine relief. Funds were raised through Holland America Line's On Deck for a Cause campaign, and the check was presented on Jan. 31, 2023, to the global humanitarian aid organization Direct Relief. For 10 ...

Holland America Line’s favorite four-legged friend, Joska the service dog, reached a milestone achievement of 700 cruise days on Rotterdam’s current 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing, making her eligible to receive the Platinum Medallion, the highest past-guest award for cruising days. Joska, a 10-year-old black Labrador retriever, is the ultimate globetrotter and spends most of her days cruising on Holland America ...

As summer sunshine turns to fall foliage, we're thinking about one of our favorite cruise departure ports: Greater Fort Lauderdale. Nicknamed the “Venice of America,” this cosmopolitan destination offers 300 miles of winding waterways, a thriving art and culinary scene, and outdoor activities galore. See our list below for recommendations on what to do in Greater Fort Lauderdale before ...

It's not #TacoTuesday, but it is #NationalTacoDay, and to celebrate we're highlight the most incredible taco shore excursion! In Ensenada, Mexico, guests can indulge in several different kinds of tacos on the "Ensenada Taco Trail: In Partnership with FOOD & WINE Magazine" tour. It's the ultimate gourmet experience for taco-lovers. Recognized by Food & Wine as the birthplace of the ...

Today is #NationalBeachDay, a holiday that honors all of the beautiful beaches around the world. While Holland America Line certainly visits some of the most stunning beaches on the planet, when it comes to quantity of perfect powder, Brazil is at the top. Guests can visit these postcard-worthy beaches on a Holland America Line cruise to South America or on ...

To say we are beyond thrilled to welcome guests on board Holland America Line this month in Alaska is definitely an understatement! And next month we return to the Mediterranean with cruises aboard Eurodam. Did you know that our very first Mediterranean cruise departed on Feb. 2, 1910, onboard the s.s. Statendam I from New York to Rotterdam and also ...

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 ...

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: ...

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. ...

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 ...

Picture this: you’re wandering around the world’s most charming city, stepping in and out of small shops when you realize your port call time is just around the corner. You only wish you had a few more hours to meander the cobblestone streets before heading back to your stateroom. In fact, most travelers are looking for more than just ...

UNESCO World Heritage sites have left unquestionable marks on the world, and you can visit many of them on a Holland America cruise. What does exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites look like? There’s a certain moment that happens when you step ashore in a place you’ve only seen in textbooks or travel documentaries. The stones feel older, or the ...

A morning in port that changes the way you travel The sun is just beginning to rise over Kusadasi as you step off the ship, the air still cool and quiet. Ahead, the ancient streets of Ephesus stretch out in pale stone, slowly warming in the early light. You walk past towering columns and worn marble pathways, listening ...

A good cruise is like a good bourbon. Both are too good to hurry through. Every Bottle Tells a Story This International Whiskey Day, Holland America launches a new partnership with Jefferson’s Bourbon and its celebrated Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea® Bourbon expression, beginning an exciting chapter across the fleet. The collaboration reflects a shared belief that ...

Discover a continent-to-continent adventure There’s cruising — and then there’s crossing an ocean. So, what exactly is a transpacific cruise? It’s exactly what it sounds like and more: a voyage crossing the vast Pacific Ocean, connecting continents such as North America and Asia, or North America and the South Pacific. These cruises aren’t quick island hops. Transpacific cruises ...

It’s rare that our two Grand Voyage ships cross paths, and something we love celebrating! On Saturday, March 7, 2026, Zaandam and Volendam met up in Sydney, Australia, and guests from both ships enjoyed a special Chocolate Afternoon Tea to commemorate the occasion. Hosted aboard Zaandam, Culinary Ambassador Jacques Torres curated a menu of signature chocolate creations. Guests delighted ...

Ireland is a place where the past and present exist side by side. In a single town, you might find a quiet centuries old church not far from a lively pub filled with music and conversation. From its rocky coastlines to its lively towns and verdant landscapes scattered with sheep, you’re always close to its ancient and mythical history. ...

In 1917, a unique tradition was born. A team of railroad engineers and locals set aside math and measurement, trusted instinct over precision and let luck take the lead. The rest is Alaska history. Welcome to the Nenana Ice Classic. For more than a century, the Nenana Ice Classic has been the main event in Nenana, Alaska, where predicting ...

The Pendleton® blanket, Alaska: The Great American Wilderness, was born from a shared belief that heritage is something you don’t just imagine — it’s something you hold, experience, and carry forward. As part of our America 250 partnerships in honor of the nation’s semiquincentennial, our collaboration with Pendleton® brings together two brands deeply rooted in craftsmanship, innovation, and America. ...

Staying active on vacation should feel effortless, especially when you are sailing across stunning coastlines and enjoying the fresh ocean breeze. Holland America offers a variety of wellness experiences designed for every activity level, from gentle stretching and mindful movement to energizing sports and small group workouts. Here are six fun and unexpected ways to stay active on your ...

A cruise to Asia offers contrasting landscapes and experiences — from modern metropolises to tranquil natural landscapes. On a Japan voyage, for example, one could hurry across Tokyo’s Shibuya, the busiest intersection in the world, and venture to Kushiro to watch graceful, red-crowned cranes forage in wetlands. Our list unveils six can’t-miss wonders, created by Mother Nature, from Japan’s ...

As Shakespeare once wrote, “parting is such sweet sorrow.” The final day of your cruise is often a bittersweet one as you leave your home away from home, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. We've rounded up six tips for an easy and safe disembarkation, so you can focus on enjoying your last few hours on board. ...

Are you interested in learning more about Alaska cruises and cruisetours? We're excited to bring back our popular Alaska Cruise & Travel Show to Vancouver and Seattle. Join us for this FREE all-day event and discover what makes a Holland America Alaska cruise or cruisetour unforgettable. From towering glaciers and magnificent wildlife, to fresh, sustainable Alaska seafood, we’re ranked ...

“We are all the authors of our own story in this lifetime, and it’s up to us to decide how our story goes.” - Lindsay Cordero, United States Air Force veteran and artist As part of Holland America’s partnership with Crane Stationery to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we’re proud to showcase an exclusive collection of handcrafted stationery designed ...

The Caribbean is a vast tapestry of islands, each uniquely beautiful with its own history and cultures. Island-hopping by cruise is one of the best ways to explore — one day, you could be unwinding on a serene, white-sand beach and the next, you could be ambling through the sun-washed streets of a historic town. This guide explains how ...

Alaska's vast wilderness offers something extraordinary every month of the year, from the midnight sun illuminating glacier-carved fjords to the aurora borealis dancing across winter skies. The best time to visit Alaska ultimately depends on what you want to experience — whether that's wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures, or cultural exploration. Understanding Alaska's distinct seasons helps you plan the perfect ...

Journeying to an otherworldly destination might be just what you need to kick off the new year. And what better way to do that than sailing into Antarctica for a once-in-a-lifetime trip? Our cruise itineraries make it a breeze to plan, and our expert tips help you prep. The Antarctica Experience The best and most popular route ...

With the Big Game behind us, one thing is clear: Whether your loyalty lies with Seattle or New England, Holland America has a homeport in your backyard ready to welcome you. We don’t choose sides — just unforgettable destinations. During this year’s broadcast, we brought the majesty of Alaska into homes across Seattle and Vancouver with a powerful new ...

Escape to the sunshine in 2027 and 2028 with Holland America cruises that whisk you away to the golden beaches of Mexico, the scenic Pacific Coast, the lava-laden landscapes of Hawaii, and through the astonishing engineering feat of the Panama Canal. With convenient West Coast departures, festive holiday cruises, rare ports of call, overnights and extended stays, natural and ...

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 ...

For many travelers, unforgettable moments aren’t found at big city attractions, but in the natural world. According to our recent survey results, more than 4 in 10 Americans say seeing wildlife in nature would be the most memorable family vacation experience, compared with just 12% who say a theme park character encounter would stand out most. That preference is ...

When you have 30 or even 40 hours in port, you move beyond sightseeing into true destination immersion. From dining where locals dine to returning to the plaza at golden hour or simply wandering the streets to see where the next bend in the road takes you, this is how destinations reveal their authentic soul. Time Ashore, Done ...