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. ...

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

When you set sail with Holland America Line on a Norway cruise, you’re embarking on an unforgettable journey to the home of enchanting Norwegian villages surrounded by breathtaking fjords. You’re also heading to the home of Norwegian Vikings who sailed along many of Norway’s fjords centuries ago. Let’s explore Viking history and the places to visit to learn more ...

It's National Great Outdoors Month, which is a great time to spotlight some of the incredible hiking trails in Alaska. When you embark on an Alaska cruise, you know you’re going to take in magnificent sights. There’s a lot to look forward to, including majestic landscapes, icy blue glaciers and beautiful wildlife. And if you love the great outdoors, ...

Embark on an unforgettable Mediterranean cruise with Holland America Line. This region, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural history, is home to an array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each site tells a unique tale of human civilization, its triumphs, and its enduring spirit. We’re here to guide you through five of these extraordinary destinations, each with ...

Get ready to have the time of your life seeing the world from your doorstep with Holland America Line. Book today with these breathtaking cruise deals to enjoy a free balcony upgrade, up to 40 percent off fares, free fares for kids and 50 percent reduced deposits. Book our Have It All package by Feb. 29, 2024, and you’ll ...

Leonard Wood was surprised and delighted with a special day aboard the Zaandam. Photo courtesy of the Port of Charlottetown. Cruise Ship Fan Receives Surprise After Admiring Vessels for More than 80 Years Since Leonard Wood was a little boy, he always admired cruise ships from afar. In fact, he has taken a picture in front ...

We’re not the only ones celebrating King’s Day on April 27. Holland America Line is proud to introduce its loyal furry friend and mascot, Lewie! Donning his best orange tie and majestic mane, Lewie descends from a long line of Dutch lions living in Rotterdam, and he loves traveling by sea. In fact, he got a behind-the-scenes sneak peek ...

Photo Above: Members of the Travel Advisor Book Club, created by Michelle Sutter, vice president of North America sales & chief of staff, gather aboard the Koningsdam for the first M.S. Masterminds Summit at Sea in summer 2022.  In honor of International Women’s Day, we want to spotlight some of the Holland America Line ...

Thanksgiving is this week in the United States, and that means in households across the country family and friends will gather together to celebrate the holiday and indulge in an epic meal. More often than not, that meal concludes with a Thanksgiving staple: pie. Whether it’s pumpkin, pecan, apple or another kind, millions of people will satisfy their sweet tooth ...

Today is National Take a Hike Day, and to celebrate we're showcasing five of our favorite hiking tours that you can experience on a Holland America Line cruise. On our shore excursions, immerse yourself in the great outdoors and be rewarded with spectacular views and unforgettable memories. Like the saying goes, "It's not only about the destination, but the journey, ...

Holland America Line has launched a new appreciation bonus program for all Mariner Society members! When Mariner Society members book a 2023 and beyond cruise within 90 days of a new season launch, you’ll receive onboard spending money on your cruise! This exclusive Early Booking Bonus is an ongoing benefit for our Mariner Society members and will be available for ...

April 27 is King’s Day in the Netherlands, a traditional holiday held each year to honor the birthday of the reigning Dutch monarch. At Holland America Line, we take great joy in celebrating King’s Day each year given our roots in the Netherlands and ties to its royal family. In recognition of this, King’s Day is celebrated across our fleet. ...

You’ve been counting down the days until your Holland America Line cruise and the day has finally arrived! Filled with overwhelming excitement and anticipation, you may be wondering ... “What should I do first?” The first day of your cruise is one of the most important, as it sets the tone for the rest of your vacation. We’ve compiled a ...

Holland America Line is opening bookings for two of its most epic explorations: the 2022 Grand World Voyage and the 2021 Grand Africa Voyage. Guests who want to circle the globe on the 128-day odyssey can make their world cruise reservations beginning Aug. 10, while the Africa circumnavigation opened Aug. 3. Both itineraries are conveniently roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ...

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 ...

April 27 is King’s Day in the Netherlands, a traditional holiday held each year to honor the birthday of the reigning Dutch monarch. At Holland America Line, we take great joy in celebrating King’s Day each year given our roots in the Netherlands and ties to its royal family. In fact, members of the Dutch Royal Family have launched 11 ...

SALMON PREP 101 The foundation of any salmon dish is, of course, the salmon itself. In order to create the perfect salmon dinner, you must take care to prep your cut of fish properly. Remove Pinbones When a fish is filleted, the flesh is removed from the backbone and ribs, but the relatively soft, thin, needle-like pin bones, also known ...

If you're thinking about cruising to Alaska in 2019, look no further than Holland America Line. Next season we will offer 133 cruises and 15 Land+Sea Journey options on eight ships with more visits to Glacier Bay than any other line, the introduction of soft-adventure EXC In-Depth Alaska cruising on Maasdam (stay tuned for a blog post exclusively on these ...

From foodie newbies to seasoned cooks, Holland America Line is encouraging guests to embrace their love of cooking alongside the experts at America’s Test Kitchen with five new shows starting this month. The new 45-minute presentations — covering everything from tacos and takeout to dinner for two and sweet treats — join the 14 current shows and feature a mix ...

By Journalists Kathy M. Newbern and J.S. Fletcher For many choosing an Alaska cruise, the word Denali is at the heart of their anticipation – us included. Much like boarding the Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train to Machu Picchu, stepping aboard Holland America Line’s McKinley Explorer train from Anchorage to just outside Denali National Park was a thrilling beginning to ...

On two recent cruises, both Zuiderdam and Zaandam were called upon to assist vessels in need of assistance. At 2:10 a.m. Jan. 3, 2015, while en route to Oranjestad, Aruba, Zuiderdam answered a distress call from the Bahamian inter-island vessel Excalibur that was sinking with eight crewmembers onboard. Zuiderdam was approximately 15 miles away and the closest ship in the ...

Guests can now make bookings for the highly anticipated Premiere Voyage and Premiere Sailings of Holland America’s Line’s ms Koningsdam, due for delivery in February 2016. Open for reservations today, Dec. 1, the first sailings of the line’s new flagship will be one seven-day cruise followed by a series of six 12-day itineraries throughout the Mediterranean.   “Since Holland America ...

The wait is over! Holland America Line ships are back in Alaska for a full season of cruising to some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the state. …

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 ...

Zaandam called at Sitka, Alaska yesterday. This year is an anomaly economically and weather-wise. It is July in Alaska and the weather we had in May was both brighter and warmer. I am guessing mid to high 50’s today with gray skies and drizzle. The touring goes on regardless of weather and we are in the Tongass National Rainforest, the ...

The Best Getaway Cruises From Sydney With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, you may be itching to plan a relaxing escape. Look no further than a cruise getaway that starts in Sydney and heads out to the wonders of the South Pacific and nearby coastline gems. Explore unique natural wonders, ranging from the incredible wildlife ...

Listen to the clink of chips as you go all in, the spin of the roulette wheel, and the exciting sounds of hitting a jackpot—there’s nothing quite like the thrill of walking into a casino. Now all of that exhilaration—while sailing the open sea. Holland America offers a premium casino cruise experience on every ship in its fleet, giving ...

Picture a romantic getaway where shared intimate experiences meet high adventure and every moment is infused with the magic of the wild, untouched north. On board a cruise with Holland America to Alaska, you and your significant other will experience a romantic getaway unlike any other. From sweeping fjords and soaring mountain peaks to fine onboard dining and signature ...

Chase the summer sun across the globe by stepping aboard a perfectly sized Holland America ship and cruising into a world of sun-drenched landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Our 2027–2028 Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific cruises are now open for booking — allowing you to escape the winter chill in ways that are more immersive, more ...

Family vacation planning doesn’t need to feel like a tug-of-war over interests, energy levels, and attention spans. There are grandparents eager to explore local history, the teen who won’t go without cruise ship Wi-Fi, the parents craving a break — and maybe a cocktail with a stunning ocean view. But then someone suggests a cruise, and everything begins to ...

Holland America’s Black Friday travel deals are where savings and early booking incentives meet to make your dream vacation oh-so-merry. Don’t miss your limited-time opportunity to get up to 30% off on 800+ cruises worldwide. With us, you can sail to the world’s most captivating destinations. Cruise along stunning glaciers in Alaska, delight in the local cuisine of the ...

Whether you're opting for a romantic cruise in the Caribbean, a long-awaited Grand Voyage or a multigenerational family reunion, suite accommodations offer the highest level of comfort and relaxation. What you may not know is that some suites include exclusive access to Holland America Line's industry-leading retreat, the Neptune Lounge. The Neptune Lounge is found on all 11 ...

Discover the rare and remarkable in South America & Antarctica Some journeys take you places. Others transform the way you see the world. With Holland America’s 2027–2028 South America cruises, you’re bound to uncover a continent of raw wonder and timeless culture — from the frozen landscapes of Antarctica to the mountainous hidden city of Machu Picchu. Immerse yourself ...

Alaska is vast, wild, and unlike anywhere else on Earth. With eight incredible national parks, nearly 1,100 species of animals, and about 23,000 square miles of glaciers (that’s nearly the size of West Virginia!), this state is a place of extreme towering mountains, endless daylight in summer, and wilderness that feels untouched by time. It’s a paradise for explorers, ...

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 ...

When you think of Norway, images of fjords, Northern Lights, and rugged alpine landscapes likely come to mind. But its museums might captivate you, too. From Viking treasures and polar expeditions to ancient and contemporary art, wandering these exhibition halls will give you deeper insight into Norwegian culture and its unique impact on the world. Best Museums in ...

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 ...

Few earthly wonders are as hauntingly beautiful as the Northern Lights. If you're lucky enough to witness the silent swirls of green, violet, and red dancing across the sky, you might feel a profound sense of wonder — or even be moved to tears. But which country offers the best Northern Lights viewing opportunities — Norway or Iceland? Let’s ...

Itineraries that invite you to stay longer, explore deeper, and connect with the sacred soul of Asia Some journeys check boxes. Others leave a lasting impression on you. With Holland America Line’s 2027–2028 Asia cruises, you’re not just visiting sites — you’re immersing yourself in the timeless rhythms of ancient temples, sacred landscapes, and living traditions. These thoughtfully ...

Your guide to Holland America’s seasonal promotions — and the perfect excuse to pack your bags! There’s something carefree about cruising — the kind of relaxation that comes from knowing your next cocktail, destination, or sunset is already taken care of. If it feels indulgent, it should — but the price doesn’t have to be. With Holland America’s ...

Looking to reconnect with your partner but unsure where to start or if it’s within your budget? Whether it's an anniversary, birthday, or just time away together, a Holland America cruise provides the ideal romantic getaway. Think of it as a floating maritime retreat — your fare includes elegant accommodations, delectable dining options, entertainment, and travel to must-see destinations. ...

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 ...

Join the World Stroopwafel Day party this September 30 with Holland America’s fleetwide Stroopwafel options at all dining venues. Daelmans Stroopwafels are featured at the Lido Market, Grand Dutch Café, and main Dining Room — and don’t forget about the Stroopwafel-inspired drink specials on European sailings. Holland America and its partner Daelmans Stroopwafels — two iconic Dutch brands both ...

Calling all Francophiles! From remote coastal outposts to grand cities, French culture and heritage are thriving in Canada. Explore historical sites and taste mouthwatering cuisine imbued with French Canadian heritage on a Canada & New England cruise with Holland America. Holland America’s perfectly sized ships allow you to experience some of Canada & New England’s most spectacular waterways and ...

Our regional breakdown of the Caribbean might spark immediate wanderlust and we’re totally here for it! The Caribbean feels magical — white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and the rhythm of steel drums echoing through sun-washed streets. But the enchantment of this destination lies in its diversity. Each Caribbean region and island tells a uniquely beautiful story. Whether you’re eager ...

The perfect cruise, if planned well, offers a journey that combines the iconic with the unexpected. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser, foodie, history buff, or seasoned traveler eager to discover parts unknown, Holland America provides a variety of Mediterranean cruises to appeal to every interest with a curated blend of must-see cities and off-the-beaten-path destinations. From the winding medieval ...

When you book a cruise with Holland America, your vacation doesn’t start at sea — it begins the moment you arrive in port. Some of the most iconic cities in the U.S. are also our departure points, making them ideal for a pre- or post-cruise adventure. From Seattle’s coastal cuisine and Miami’s vibrant arts scene to Boston’s cobblestone streets ...