Norway is known for its natural beauty and storied Viking history, but the country’s cuisine is well worth exploring. Norway’s food is deeply connected to the natural surroundings — fjord-fresh seafood, comforting stews and soups, crispy waffles, and rich porridges. A Taste of Norway at Sea Enjoy a chance to taste authentic cuisine through our onboard Destination ...

It’s not very often a company celebrates its 150th anniversary, and just as rare is the opportunity to work for one. As the new blog manager for Holland America Line, I recently had the opportunity to board the newest ship in its fleet before its transatlantic voyage to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, retracing (in reverse) its original journey 150 years ...

Holland America Line’s Rotterdam arrived at New York City yesterday morning on its maiden call to the city following a transatlantic crossing that departed Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 15. The ship is nearing the end of a 15-day cruise that is recreating the maiden voyage of Holland America Line’s first ship — Rotterdam I — that departed Rotterdam 150 years ...

Holland America Line’s Rotterdam VII departed the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, today on its historic 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing. The 15-day journey recreates Holland America Line’s maiden voyage of Rotterdam I that departed the city 150 years ago today. The crossing follows the path of that first sailing to New York, with calls at Le Havre, France, and Plymouth, ...

Holland America Line’s Volendam departed Rotterdam today, completing a charter with the city and the government of the Netherlands that began in April. For the past six months, the ship has been home to families from Ukraine who fled the war there. Over the past several weeks, the families have been resettling with relatives or moving to more permanent accommodations ...

As our 150th anniversary approaches April 18, 2023, Holland America Line is adding a second commemorative transatlantic crossing aboard Rotterdam to the schedule of celebratory events. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 4, 2023, the 16-night itinerary sails to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, retracing in reverse the company’s first voyage. From Fort Lauderdale, the ship heads to New York City ...

It's official! While Rotterdam has been cruising since the fall, today in the city of Rotterdam we formally welcomed her as the flagship of our fleet in an affair fit for a royal! Following a tradition that started in the 1920s, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands christened the ship in a ceremony attended by local dignitaries and ...

Rotterdam is set to get the royal treatment at a naming ceremony in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, May 30, 2022. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ship’s godmother, carrying on a Dutch royal tradition that began in the 1920s. Rotterdam’s special seven-day “Rotterdam Naming Celebration” cruise sails roundtrip from Amsterdam, Netherlands, departing May 29 and also ...

Today is National Happy Hour Day, and there's no better way to kick off the celebration than with a cocktail from our new Half Moon Bar, exclusively aboard Rotterdam. Our newest outlet is an immersive experience looking at the history of Holland America Line and cruising through the lens of a cocktail. Each cocktail comes with a fascinating tale of ...

Holland America Line ships have long been regarded as floating art galleries for their extensive collections of museum-quality pieces. Rotterdam is no exception, and guests are in for a visually rewarding journey with some of the most thought-provoking, striking and bold pieces in the fleet — including historical works and memorabilia from beloved previous sister ships. Rotterdam’s art collection is ...

Yesterday, our new Rotterdam departed on her maiden voyage! The ship's arrival has been long-awaited, and we are excited that she's finally underway! The milestone was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and fanfare at the terminal as guests embarked. Guests Rick Encarnacion and Ernest Schenk cut the ribbon to open boarding, surrounded by (from left) Entertainment Director Phillip Morgaman, Captain ...

Holland America Line announced today that when Rotterdam is named next spring, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ship’s godmother, carrying on a tradition that began in the 1920s. Holland America Line’s connection to The House of Orange goes back nearly a century to Prince Hendrik launching Statendam III in 1929. Since then, members of ...

Holland America Line took delivery of Rotterdam today, July 30, 2021, officially making it the 11th ship in the fleet. A handover ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy the evening of July 29. The ceremony was attended by the ship’s master, Captain Werner Timmers, and Cyril Tatar, Holland America Group’s vice president of newbuilding services. Giuseppe Bono, ...

Holland America Line is lucky to have several company historians. Two notable figures are Captain Albert Schoonderbeek and Gerald Bernhoft, director Mariner Society. In anticipation of the launch of our new Rotterdam this month, the two brand experts sent in fun facts and information about the previous six Rotterdam ships that have carried the name for our company. Enjoy learning ...

In less than a month, Holland America Line will welcome Rotterdam to our fleet! Did you tune in to Holland America Line Brand Ambassador Seth Wayne’s “Ramping Up to Rotterdam” update this week on our Facebook page to see the progress of the ship? Once again he spoke with Stan Kuppens, new builds projects, hotel, who was live at the ...

Did you tune in to Holland America Line Brand Ambassador Seth Wayne’s “Ramping Up to Rotterdam” update this week on our Facebook page? Once again he spoke with Stan Kuppens, new builds projects, hotel, who offered insight into where the ship is at in the building process. Here are some photos shared by Stan and Seth, plus a few more ...

It was smooth seas and fair winds for Holland America Line’s newest ship, Rotterdam, which returned in the evening of May 6 to Fincantieri’s Marghera (Venice) shipyard in Italy, after successfully completing two sets of sea trials off the country’s Adriatic coast. Rotterdam left Marghera April 25 and performed the preliminary sea trials over two days before going into dry ...

Last week Brand Ambassador Seth Wayne flew to Italy to visit Rotterdam at the Fincantieri shipyards in Marghera and Trieste. Seth was at Marghera before the ship left for sea trials and made way to Trieste for a quick dry dock before returning back to Marghera. Not only did he spend time on the ship, he also spent time under ...

Today is World Art Day, and Holland America Line fans know how much we value art. Aboard our ships, art is used as a connector to the destinations we visit, pieces to create an immersive experience, not just added for decoration. When Rotterdam debuts this summer, the ship will carry an impressive collection from artists around the world. Today we ...

Last month "Ramping Up to Rotterdam" with Brand Ambassador Seth Way showed the gorgeous art that is going to be on display aboard the ship. For those of you who missed seeing progress photos, we have a new selection from the Fincantieri shipyard and our own Stan Kuppens to share with you. Carpets are being laid, staterooms are coming together ...

Did you tune in to Holland America Line Brand Ambassador Seth Wayne’s “Ramping Up to Rotterdam” update last week on our Facebook page? For the March edition, he spoke with Tal Danai from ArtLink, who is curating much of the ship's art. Here are some photos of some of the pieces that will be displayed on board, plus some of ...

Did you tune in to Holland America Line Brand Ambassador Seth Wayne’s “Ramping Up to Rotterdam” update last week on our Facebook page? Once again he spoke with Stan Kuppens, new builds projects, hotel, who offered insight into where the ship is at in the building process. Here are some photos shared by Stan and Seth, plus a few more ...

Holland America Line has a history that spans nearly 150 years, and with that comes a depth of talented crew who will be aboard Rotterdam when the ship is delivered in July. The cruise line has appointed Staff Captain Kevin Beirnaert, Hotel Director Wessel van Oorschot, Chief Engineer Peter Massolt, Staff Chief Engineer Wim Akkerman and Environmental Officer Michael Brown ...

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 ...

Did you tune in to Holland America Line Brand Ambassador Seth Wayne’s “Ramping Up to Rotterdam” update this week on our Facebook page? Once again he spoke with Stan Kuppens, new builds projects, hotel, who offered insight into where the ship is at in the building process. The yard was back in full swing on Jan. 11 after Three Kings ...

We were at sea and celebrated Easter with a Grand Show Buffet in the Dining Room Lower level during this Grand World Voyage. Of course, it wouldn't be Easter without some Easter bunnies. The Rotterdam dinning room team really got into the mood of the holiday. Komang Sumartha is Rotterdam's assistant dining manager.

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! ...

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 ...

To Our Guests, For more than 150 years, Holland America has pioneered travel by sea. Today, we are pleased to announce the largest fleet update in our history — Holland America Evolution. This evolution will bring the Pinnacle of Cruising to six ships, adding guest favorites, new onboard enhancements, and signature experiences to Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam, Noordam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and ...

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 ...