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 ...

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! ...

Traveling across the world means you may wish for extended time in some of the world’s most incredible countries. With Holland America’s Grand World Voyage, experience eight full days in New Zealand! Dive into the culture, sights, and wonders of this breathtaking nation. New Zealand’s Natural Wonders at Your Fingertips Stop at six different ports in New ...

Cruise: booked. Flights, hotels, and transportation? We got you! Holland America has you covered for all the other travel details, including booking your flight, so you can have peace of mind before you board. We think of everything, so you don’t have to. Stress-Free with FlightEase® Holland America offers a worry-free way to book your flights ahead ...

Some cruises get you there. At Holland America, the journey is just as important as the destination. With beloved traditions like the Orange Party and Royal Dutch Tea, immersive onboard programming, cooking demos, and pickleball with open-ocean views, every moment onboard is crafted to delight. That’s why we’re honored to be nominated in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ ...

By: Jenni Fielding (Note from Holland America staff: Please enjoy this post from Jenni Fielding, a.k.a. Cruise Mummy, a guest of our recent transatlantic voyage.) Travel today often feels like a race. Early starts and packed itineraries, all in the pursuit of seeing as much as possible in as little time as we can manage.  It’s exciting, of course. But all too ...

A new chapter in cruising has officially begun. The newly reimagined Oosterdam is now open for booking, inviting you to be among the first to experience the next evolution of Holland America. As the first ship to debut Holland America Evolution, Oosterdam marks a thoughtful transformation — one that brings more enhancements, more Pinnacle-inspired experiences, and more innovative stateroom ...

We are refreshing staterooms throughout Oosterdam as well as adding new rooms, giving you more opportunities to experience the new Pinnacle of Cruising with Holland America. In addition to these updates, we are introducing new room categories designed for how guests travel today. Pinnacle Suite: Views Shaped by the Ship’s Passage Our most expansive suite yet, the ...

Some views on board a ship are reserved for those who know the sea best. With the debut of Bridgeview Suites on Oosterdam, you now have the rare opportunity to experience those elevated perspectives for yourself. Debuting on Oosterdam beginning Fall 2027, Bridgeview Suites are a brand-new, highly exclusive suite category created for those who prioritize space, scenery, and ...

A day at sea is an invitation to slow down, and there is no better place to unwind than the Thermal Suite, located near the spa and fitness center on board. Designed to fully embrace its setting at sea, the Thermal Suite features expansive windows that look directly out onto the ocean, allowing you to relax while watching the ...

On every Holland America cruise, there’s a time when our Dutch heritage comes alive in a vibrant sea of orange. We celebrate with our signature Orange Party on every sailing, bringing guests together to toast a beloved tradition inspired by Koningsdag, the Netherlands’ national holiday in honor of their king. The color orange is strongly associated with the Netherlands ...

Solo travel has evolved — and so have the expectations of travelers who choose to explore the world on their own. More guests are cruising solo than ever before, and they’ve been clear about what they want: space, comfort, thoughtful design, and a balcony they don’t have to share. As part of Holland America Evolution, Oosterdam introduces Solo Verandahs ...

For more than 150 years, Holland America Line has pioneered travel by sea. With Holland America Evolution underway, we’re bringing the Pinnacle of Cruising to more ships — and Oosterdam is the first to take shape. The First Ship to Debut Holland America Evolution As the first ship to debut this transformation in Fall 2027, Oosterdam marks ...

Eight weeks of color, history, and blooming wonder await at the Keukenhof Tulip Festival — and this year, Holland America unveils a tulip of its own. A Sea of Tulips: Keukenhof Tulip Festival If there’s one sight that signals the arrival of spring, it’s a field full of tulips stretching endlessly into the horizon. Nowhere on earth ...

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. ...