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 ...

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 ...

In 2027–2028, we invite you to cross the Arctic Circle, witness a total solar eclipse at sea, retrace the historic routes of Pan Am® in the Caribbean, and so much more. And with 25‑ to 59‑day Legendary Voyages that immerse you in the story of every destination, it’s no surprise Holland America Line has earned Cruise Critic’s award for ...

When you think of Alaska, images of Glacier Bay National Park’s majestic ice-blue glaciers may come to mind. However, the entire state is filled with incredible glaciers (even some hidden gems) that you can easily access on one of Holland America’s many cruise itineraries. Get to Know Alaska Glaciers We’re highlighting some of the glaciers you may ...

Holland America is proud to partner with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) as part of our long-standing commitment to celebrate wildlife and wilderness. To help commemorate National Moose Day on January 25, we have exciting updates coming this year to celebrate our work and partnership with AWCC. Partnering with Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center AWCC is a ...

If 2026 is the year you take your first cruise, consider this your invitation to travel smarter — not harder. An amazing first cruise should feel effortless, inspiring, and just a little bit indulgent. You unpack once, settle in, and let the scenery come to you. To help you choose, we’ve rounded up five regions that consistently deliver for ...

Commemorating a milestone in American exploration, innovation, and partnership On January 16, 1928, a small crowd gathered in Key West, Florida, to witness something quietly revolutionary: a Fokker F7 aircraft preparing to depart for Havana, Cuba. This wasn’t Pan American Airways’ first time flying the route; the airline had been carrying mail across the Florida Straits since October 1927. ...

Planning a vacation that includes flights, hotels, and a cruise is easier — and more affordable — when travel plans are coordinated together from the start. This guide will walk you through how to select your itinerary, synch air and hotel plans, and reserve shore excursions, seamlessly. With Holland America’s Flight Ease® platform and Navigator® app, you can bundle ...

Setting sail from Florida to the Caribbean is a bucket-list journey for many travelers. Whether you’re seeking turquoise waters, island breezes, or vibrant port towns, this guide makes planning effortless and exciting. Let us walk you through choosing your departure port, picking the perfect itinerary, and discovering the best ways to experience Ft. Lauderdale or Miami before or after ...

Alaska Statehood Day 2026 marks a milestone in America’s story, and Holland America is joining the celebration. For nearly 80 years, we’ve been sharing the wonders of Alaska — crafting journeys that reveal its glaciers, wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. From immersive Alaska Up Close™ programming to exclusive Denali and Yukon cruisetours, our commitment runs deeper than the Inside ...

Seeing Norway’s dramatic fjords, storybook towns, and cultural capitals doesn’t require weeks of travel. With 7-day cruises to Norway, you can experience the country’s most unforgettable highlights efficiently and comfortably — all while unpacking just once. This is an ideal way to balance scenic cruising with immersive time ashore, especially with Holland America’s carefully curated Norwegian itineraries. Finding the ...

Ring in the holidays with a festive spirit — or two! Whether you’re hosting a gathering at your home or will be with us on board one of Holland America's holiday cruises, our must-try cruise cocktails are deliciously merry and bright so you can enjoy them wherever you are. Holiday Cruise Cocktails With Lindt Holland America has ...

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Holland America is launching its America 250 campaign — celebrating a 150-year history deeply woven into the nation’s story. From immigrant voyages to wartime service and the evolution of modern cruising, Holland America’s history mirrors America’s own journey of discovery, resilience, and innovation. 150+ Years of Shared History ...

Having an incredible getaway doesn’t mean you have to travel far. The west coast of North America should be next on your list for 2026. It’s the beautiful cities and lush mountains of northern California, and the desert landscapes and historic cities of Mexico that will send you into “best vacation ever” territory.Joining Holland America on a cruise from the ...

Did you know that 52% of seniors or those aged 65+ rank travel and vacation as their number one priority for discretionary income? This season of life is the perfect time to set out on a new adventure — and what better way to make it happen than by taking a cruise and reconnecting with family and friends while ...

Looking to save a bit while still making memories with your family? Holland America has your answer! Visit several destinations in one seamless vacation and unpack once with family-friendly (and wallet-friendly) cruises to the Caribbean. Why Cruising is the Best Budget-Friendly Vacation According to CLIA’s 2023 Global Passenger Report, cruise capacity is expected to grow 10% between ...

This year, Holland America wowed more than 35.7 million viewers at the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® with a float designed to bring the breathtaking beauty of Alaska to the streets of Manhattan. Featuring the largest kinetic sculpture in Parade history, the float captured the essence of the Great Land — glaciers, wildlife, fresh seafood, and the iconic Denali ...

Eighty years is a long time to get to know Alaska — it’s why Holland America consistently delivers authentic land-and-sea journeys rooted in its unrivaled expertise. Our 2027 Alaska cruisetours are now available, bringing new experiences and extraordinary adventures to you and your family. If you’ve never embarked on an Alaska cruisetour with us, 2027 could be your year. ...

We’re excited to announce that Holland America has been nominated for multiple 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards, and we’d love your support! This year, we’re proud to have earned two new nominations — our first for Best Alaska Cruise and Best Caribbean Cruise — celebrating nearly 80 years of Alaska expertise and our focus on the Caribbean ...