Holland America Line has named Werner Timmers, a captain with nearly 40 years sailing for the cruise line, to take the helm of Rotterdam when the ship enters service in July 2021. Captain Timmers joined Holland America Line in 1984 and has worked on all classes of ship within the brand, most recently as master of Koningsdam. Captain Timmers will ...

Today is National Plan for Vacation Day, and if you're dreaming of getting back to travel, we have you covered. Holland America Line has opened bookings for a wide selection of cruises in 2022 and even 2023, so you can stop dreaming and start planning your next cruise vacation. But where to go? If you're still undecided, here are some ...

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 ...

Beyond the balmy breezes and crystalline waters of the Caribbean, the vibrant cultures of the islands await to be discovered on a Holland America Line cruise during the 2021-2022 season. Ranging from seven to 21 days, guests will have their pick of six of the line’s premium, mid-sized ships — including Rotterdam in its debut season in the Caribbean — ...

As Holland America Line continues to prepare and develop its plans to meet the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the company is extending its pause of cruise operations for all departures through April 30, 2021. This includes Alaska, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast, Caribbean, Mediterranean and Canada/New England departures. The ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Updated and republished February 12, 2026 As many cruisers know, Holland America Line combines personalized service and once-in-a-lifetime experiences with innovative and engaging onboard amenities. One of the amenities that best shows Holland America Line's unique ambiance is "The Retreat." Currently on board Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Eurdodam, The Retreat is an outdoor area that ...

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 ...

During a Holland America Line cruise to Alaska, the sights and sounds of the Last Frontier are front and center during the seven-day voyage. From interesting ports like Haines, Juneau and Ketchikan to the spectacular scenery of Glacier Bay, the Inside Passage and Tracy Arm Fjord, guests marvels at the beauty of the region. In 2016, Nieuw Amsterdam makes its ...

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. ...

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 ...

When it comes to ancient ruins, there's more to explore than just Europe and South America. Mexico boasts some of the most incredible and significant ruins in the world. The Mayan civilization spanned more than 2500 years, and hundreds of ruins in Mexico have been documented. In fact, there are so many sites that it's believed that more than 4,000 ...

Alaska is scenic, full of history, offers plenty of nature adventures and once-in-a-lifetime experiences … making it the perfect cruise destination for a family vacation. …

Marine navigation lights are simply coloured electric lights fixed on ships and used to indicate the size of the ship, the direction in which the ship is travelling and the angle where they should be visible. They must be exhibited by law between sunset and sunrise and in poor visibility. The location (on the ship), the range (distance at sea ...

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 ...

Booking is now open for the refreshed Zuiderdam, expanding a new era for the Holland America fleet. Be among the first to experience this beautifully reimagined ship as she sets sail in Spring 2028. Demand is expected to be strong, so now is the perfect time to secure your place on board. The Next Piece of Our Historic ...

There’s more to explore in Alaska than its glacial waters and rugged shores — continue your adventuring inland with Holland America’s 2027 Cruisetours that include up to three nights at our private wilderness lodge in Denali National Park & Preserve. Explore the Great Land from its shores to its snow-capped peaks. Book Early with Have It All Early Booking ...

Experience Holland America’s Caribbean Set your sights on Holland America’s 2027–2028 Caribbean season, featuring relaxing days on our award-winning private island and peaceful moments at our adults-only Signature Pool Experience. Designed for travelers who want to experience the Caribbean refreshingly free of overcrowded beaches, amusement parks, and boring buffets. With itineraries ranging from immersive island explorations to extended ...

A Journey Shaped by the Sea For Jefferson's Ocean, the journey is not just part of the story. It is the defining influence. As part of the ongoing collaboration between Holland America and Jefferson's, each barrel travels aboard ships such as Eurodam, evolving every nautical mile. To learn more about this partnership, visit the Jefferson’s Ocean partnership page ...

Something big is happening across the Holland America fleet. Zuiderdam is the next ship to be reimagined through Holland America Evolution — the largest fleet update in our 153-year history. That means the bold transformation of our fleet is expanding, with Zuiderdam Spring 2028 sailings open for booking beginning July 30. Evolution Expands Holland America Evolution is ...

Preparing for your vacation should be just as enjoyable as the journey itself. That's why we've designed My Cruise to make planning and managing your upcoming voyage easier than ever. My Cruise is your online vacation planning hub, bringing together the details, reservations, and tools you need before you sail. Whether you're counting down the days until embarkation or ...

When summer is in full swing, it might feel a little early to think about the holidays, but that’s exactly what makes Christmas in July so special. What began as a playful mid-year celebration has grown into a smart way to spark early planning, inspire new traditions, and bring the magic of the holidays into the summer. If you’re ...

When the World Unites Through Football Every four years, the world turns its attention to a remarkable global football tournament. Nations, traditions, and legends converge on the pitch in a shared celebration of pride, passion, and possibility. Few things bring people together quite like global football, creating connections that span countries, cultures, and generations. From the Screen ...

Planning a solo cruise vacation? Holland America Line is purpose-built for independent travelers. All three Pinnacle Class ships — Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Koningsdam — offer a dozen dedicated solo Ocean View staterooms featuring a full-size Mariner’s Dream™ bed, ample storage, an in-room mini-fridge, and more. These comfortable staterooms range from 127–172 square feet, located at the fore of ...

With Holland America's newly launched year-round Europe cruises, you can experience the majesty of far-off places, unhurried and when it’s convenient for your schedule. While on your cruise, you may want to take the road less traveled on a port day, which is why we’ve rounded up a list of local, off-the-beaten-path beaches you can visit while on shore ...

A More Intuitive Way to Discover Best Cruise Price Finding the right cruise at the right price is now easier than ever. We have elevated and simplified our Compare by Price feature, making it more convenient to uncover exceptional value as you explore voyages on hollandamerica.com. Savings That Stand Out With this latest update, if you’re ...

Arriving in Athens around sunrise and leaving the next evening gives you enough time to really settle into the rhythm of the city. With about 35 hours, you can experience Athens in layers, from ancient wonders to long lunches, great wine, and a touch of seaside relaxation. Day 1 Morning: The Acropolis of Athens, an Ancient Wonder ...

Not only was yesterday the longest day of the year, but Holland America was proud to sponsor the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center’s (AWCC) Summer Solstice Songs event on Sunday, June 21. What better way to give summer a warm welcome than with live music and majestic animals? Unplugged Live Performances During the Summer Solstice Songs event, attendees ...

There are travelers who live to plan every detail years in advance, and then there are the travelers who live for the thrill of the last-minute trip. Maybe a destination calls to them—a city unexplored, a lingering bucket list item, a place they’ve always wanted to go but never did. Or maybe it’s the thrill of a good deal. ...

When guests ask, we listen. We're bringing back another beloved onboard tradition fleetwide — the Farewell dinner for a memorable final evening at sea. This festive cruising classic honors all the connections and memories created during your Holland America journey. At this Farewell Dinner, dine on long-standing favorites, such as Beef Wellington and Baked Alaska, while the Vivace ensemble ...

Iceland and Norway’s weather is famously unpredictable, often shifting from sunshine to rain within hours. But with a well-planned approach focused on layering, packing for Iceland and Norway becomes simple, leaving you free to enjoy the experience in any season. Whether you are sailing through Norway’s fjords or exploring Iceland’s dramatic coastlines and ports such as Reykjavík, preparation makes ...

Key Takeaways Holland America Caribbean itineraries offer late-night or evening stays in San Juan, Willemstad, Kralendijk, or Oranjestad, indicated with a crescent-moon icon next to the port on the itinerary map. Late-night shore excursions are available for purchase, including sunset sails, fort tours at dusk, and nighttime kayaking. A late-night stay means the ship stays docked in port for ...

Choosing the right stateroom is one of the most consequential decisions you'll make before a cruise — and it's also one of the most personal. Holland America Line offers several stateroom categories across its fleet, from thoughtfully designed Interior Staterooms to expansive Pinnacle Suites, and knowing how to decide what cabin to book for a cruise means weighing your ...

With the launch of our 2027–2028 Europe sailings, exploring Europe has never been more flexible or more rewarding. With an expanded, year‑round lineup and our new Insiders’ Season approach, guests can now choose when to sail based on what they want to experience most. From Northern Europe’s iconic landscapes to the sun‑soaked Mediterranean, every season offers something special to ...

Wellness is more than a state of mind; it’s a way of life. In honor of World Bathing Day coming up on June 22, Holland America is taking a deep dive into some of the hot springs you can visit on your cruise. You can also enjoy warmth and wellness onboard with offerings such as the Thermal Suite and ...

A major reason guests choose our cruises is the unique views of landmarks and cities all around the world, including those you can only get sailing under some of the world’s most iconic bridges. Snap photos you’re likely to capture nowhere else like the engineering masterpiece that is The Golden Gate Bridge, or the iconic Sydney Opera House! ...