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 ...

From the dramatic fjords to the ancient ruins of settlements, Norway’s landscape echoes with tales of Viking exploration. Step back in time—tracing the paths of these famous Norwegian explorers who continue to spark our curiosity. Meet 7 Famous Norwegian Explorers Erik the Red – A fiery-tempered outlaw from Iceland, Erik the Red founded the first Norse settlement ...

We’ve been sharing the wonders of Alaska since 1947 — before it was even a state! In 2027, Holland America celebrates 80 years in Alaska with cruises and cruisetours that showcase the Great Land’s breathtaking glaciers, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. As the longest-operating cruise line in Alaska, our unmatched history and expertise create a unique journey. Enjoy ...

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 ...

If Alaska glaciers, wildlife and wilderness adventures top your list for an ultimate vacation, an Alaska cruise with Holland America Line is the way to do it. We have been sharing the wonders of Alaska longer than any other cruise line, and we know how to make the journey an unforgettable one. Here’s your guide to Alaska cruises with ...

Canada is known for many things, from spectacular landscapes and beautiful wildlife to incredible maple syrup. From coast to coast to coast, there’s a lot of beauty to behold and treats to enjoy. In honor of Canada Day, we couldn’t deny the opportunity to highlight one of its many treasures. If you’ve ever wanted to visit a place unlike ...

Are you on a mission to watch whales in the wild? Dreaming of icy-blue glaciers and mouthwatering fresh-fish flavors? With Holland America Line you can see more Alaska glaciers and have more access to Alaska wildlife than with any other cruise line. You can also indulge in our Global Fresh Fish and Savor My Catch programs, where you’ll relish the tastes of Alaska from port to ...

If you’ve ever wanted to visit a place unlike any other, the Yukon could easily top your list. Surrounded by Canada’s tallest peaks, this vast territory is home to small communities with big personality and breathtaking views, and Holland America Line can take you there. By combining an iconic Alaska cruise with a journey into Denali National Park and the Yukon ...

Are you on a mission to watch whales in the wild? Dreaming of icy-blue glaciers and mouthwatering fresh-fish flavors? With Holland America Line you can see more Alaska glaciers and have more access to Alaska wildlife than any other cruise line. You can also indulge in our global fresh fish and Savor My Catch programs, where you’ll savor the ...

It’s a whale. It’s a seal. It’s the Big Five! Holland America Line now offers more ways to see Alaska wildlife than any other cruise line, bringing you closer to the wondrous creatures of the Last Frontier. With the guidance of onboard wildlife experts and National Park Service Rangers, you could see whales breaching or bubble-net feeding, seals chilling ...

Dear Alaska, you amaze me … Fans who declare their love for Alaska in a letter or poem can enter to win one of 10 suites, including a grand prize Neptune Suite, on a 2022 cruise to the Great Land in Holland America Line’s “Love Letters to Alaska” contest. This year, we're celebrating 75 years of Alaska exploration, and the ...

Oh, Alaska ... how we love you so! On Sunday, Feb. 13, Holland America Line marks 75 days until the start of our Alaska season! In 2022, we're getting ready to mark 75 years of exploring Alaska — longer than it’s been a state — so today we're honoring the Great Land with “75 Reasons to Love Alaska.” While there ...

Alaska is on the bucket list of many travelers, and there are plenty of reasons why: incredible scenery, imposing landscapes, warm and welcoming locals, a step back in time to the days of the Gold Rush, elusive wildlife and endless adventure. You can explore Alaska many ways, but if you're looking to cruise to Alaska, Holland America Line is your ...

In 2022 Holland America Line is celebrating 75 years of Alaska exploration — longer than any other cruise line — and bookings are now open for its award-winning cruises and Land+Sea Journeys. Throughout the decades, the premium brand has cultivated its knowledge to create perfectly crafted Alaska adventures that offer travelers preferred access, exclusive overland transportation and immersive onboard experiences ...

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 ...

Midnight check-in in Anchorage: The world is quiet, yet I’m filled with anticipation for the start of my Alaska Land+Sea Journey. All I want is a good night’s sleep, and I get that before I head downstairs for the bus to whisk me and the other Holland America Line guests away to meet the McKinley Explorer. It’s early morning; still, ...

HAL fans, if you’re thinking about taking one of of popular Alaska CruiseTours, we wanted to share with you that we rebranded them and they are now called Land+Sea Journeys! This change reflects substantial program updates designed to appeal to the desires of today’s travelers. Now our guests will have more opportunities than ever to explore and personalize Great Land ...

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 ...

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 ...

We’re excited to celebrate two milestones at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™! This week marks the grand opening of four brand-new pickleball courts and the 28th anniversary of our award-winning private island. To kick things off, we hosted a Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tournament on December 6 — bringing fun, competition, and unforgettable island vibes to our tropical paradise. ...

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 ...