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.

Why Every Voyage Creates a Different Bourbon No two voyages are exactly alike. As barrels of Jefferson’s Ocean bourbon continue their journey aboard Eurodam, they’re exposed to changing temperatures, varying humidity levels, and the ever-changing conditions of life at sea. Together, these factors help shape the bourbon’s flavor as it matures inside the barrel. Traditional captain’s logs record ...

Alaska’s iconic landscapes and abundant wildlife are reason enough to visit, but the stories behind them offer an even deeper connection to the Great Land. Discover the people, history, and traditions that have shaped this remarkable state. In 2027, Holland America Line celebrates 80 years of exploring Alaska with a curated collection of Alaska Heritage Tours in five ports, ...

By Emily Mo Note: Please enjoy this guest post from Emily, one of our team members, about her first Alaska cruisetour. Key Takeaways: When you take a cruise-first cruisetour, the land portion of an Alaska Cruisetour starts the day you leave the ship, and the logistics, including your luggage, are handled for you. A cruisetour combines guided ...

When Oosterdam sets sail in October 2027, guests will find more than refreshed staterooms and the Grand Dutch Café waiting. Two captivating venues — one brand new, one beloved and reimagined — will be ready from the very first evening aboard. Bar 1873: Dutch Heritage Meets Classic Style Situated at the heart of the ship, Bar 1873 is ...

One of the best ways to get to know a destination is through its flavors. Sail to the Mediterranean in October or November, and you may find yourself in the midst of the olive harvest. With Holland America, you can explore Europe year-round, discover the traditions that make each season special, and savor the region at one of its ...

Fall is an amazing time to cruise Canada and New England: craggy coasts meet vast forests in bright crimson, gold, and orange. The St. Lawrence River and Saguenay Fjord offer some of the best views in travel. But while fall is the most popular time to visit, the seasons we cruise in may surprise you. From spring icebergs to ...

For the third consecutive year, Condé Nast Traveler readers have recognized Holland America among the best cruise lines at sea, earning honors in both the Mid-Size and Large-Size Ship categories, exemplifying our perfectly sized ships. Readers rate their experiences on factors including service, design, food, and amenities, making the recognition a reflection of the details — big and small ...

Every guest stepping aboard a cruise ship faces the same happy decision: the Dining Room is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at no extra charge (unless indicated), while the ship's specialty restaurants offer curated menus and a more intimate setting for an additional fee. Knowing how the two compare is some of the most useful cruise dining ...

Vista Class ship joins fleet in 2029, adding guest capacity and extending Holland America Evolution to another perfectly sized ship Seattle, Wash., Oct. 6, 2026 — Holland America Line announced today that it will expand its fleet to 12 ships with the addition of the Vista Class vessel Arcadia in 2029. P&O Cruises will transfer the ship to ...

Our newly released 2028 Canada & New England season brings travelers to a coastline rich in history, shaped by distinctive local traditions and framed by striking scenery, from the St. Lawrence River to the shores of Atlantic Canada and New England. With thoughtfully designed itineraries and more roundtrip Montréal sailings than any other cruise line, these voyages offer countless ...

Thanks to our exclusive partnership with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), guests of select Caribbean cruises will be invited to not only join exclusive pickleball experiences on board but also have a chance to attend the Private Island Invitational on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ next March! Limited tickets available. Exclusive Pickleball Onboard Programming Play the fastest growing ...

Why Aging at Sea Matters Every barrel of Jefferson's Ocean bourbon tells a story shaped by the journey itself. Through the ongoing collaboration between Jefferson's and Holland America Line, select barrels continue their voyage aboard Eurodam, where ocean conditions become part of the aging process. Unlike traditional warehouse aging, life at sea introduces constant motion, changing temperatures, and exposure ...

Through a new collaboration with Magnolia Bakery, guests can enjoy the bakery's World-Famous Banana Pudding with the new Banana Pudding Bar on Caribbean 2026 cruises. It's a delicious new way to indulge at sea, whether you're already a devoted fan or discovering this iconic sweet for the first time. A Sweet Partnership Since opening in New York ...

For travelers seeking an unforgettable Arctic escape, our cruises to Alta, Norway, offer a rare opportunity: an overnight stay in one of the world's foremost destinations for viewing the aurora borealis. Known for its exceptional opportunities to witness this natural phenomenon, Alta gives you more time to explore Arctic culture, enjoy immersive shore excursions, and experience life above the ...

For 30 seasons, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ has been a favorite part of a Holland America Caribbean cruise, inviting guests to trade busy beaches and crowded attractions for turquoise waters, white sand and an easygoing day in paradise. Now, as we celebrate our 30th season, there’s even more to enjoy on our award-winning private island. New experiences are arriving ...

Whether you're chasing velvet-rope Studio 54 energy, Broadway sparkle, or classic rock anthems you know by heart, our three new live shows are serving up unforgettable nights aboard Oosterdam. Oosterdam’s reimagined World Stage hosts three distinct productions — Disco Fever, Decadence, and ALL ACCESS: The Songs That Shaped Us, presented with Rolling Stone — each transporting you to a different ...

By Chef Masaharu Morimoto Creating New Experiences Through Flavor For many years, it has been my privilege to partner with Holland America and share memorable dining experiences with travelers from around the world. Today, I'm excited to introduce a refreshed menu that will soon be available across the fleet, bringing new flavors, new inspirations, and some of ...

An evening at the theater is a cruise tradition. Every voyage offers opportunities to experience a wealth of entertainment options, from elite dancers and musicians to standup comedians and variety shows, and fascinating presentations from local cultural ambassadors. Looking to learn more about the performances, venues, and experiences available across the fleet? Explore our Onboard Entertainment for additional details ...

Every cruise calendar has a sweet spot. Shoulder season — the stretch of weeks just before and after peak season — promises lower fares, less busy ports, and weather that still favors a full day ashore. Peak season delivers the most predictable sunshine and time off school for families, but it also carries the highest prices and the fullest ...

The Ocean Bar is being reimagined on Oosterdam with a brand-new stage, an audience-first design, Golden Age-inspired decor, and a lineup of talent that makes every night one worth remembering. It's just one of the enhanced guest experiences coming as part of Holland America Evolution — the largest fleet update in our 153-year history. Decor Rooted in the ...

Why choose one Europe cruise when you can combine two? Holland America’s Collectors’ Voyages pair two distinctive itineraries into a single seamless journey. Whether venturing to the dramatic fjords of Norway or sun-drenched cities along the Amalfi Coast, there’s more to see and do. Fitting all of Europe’s must-sees into one vacation is a travel-planning hassle. Why choose whether ...

A cruise can last anywhere from a long weekend to a few months, and the gap between those extremes is wider than it sounds. Your ideal cruise length depends on four practical things: your time, your budget, your travel goals, and your energy. For most travelers, seven to ten days lands in the sweet spot — long enough to ...

With over 80 years of sharing Alaska (before it was even a state!), Holland America offers some of the most immersive ways to experience the Great Land, combining glacier viewing, wildlife encounters, national park access, fresh local flavors, cultural enrichment, and seamless cruise and cruisetour options. Alaska’s Breathtaking Ice Giants If glaciers top your Alaska bucket list, ...

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 ...