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.

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 ...

Holland America is proud to be ranked in this year’s Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for 2026! Both in the Best Large and Best Mid-Size Ship categories, we’re honored that our perfectly sized ships are loved by both readers and travelers alike. Ranked By Readers The Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards are selected entirely by the ...

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 ...

Holland America Evolution — the largest fleet update in our 153-year history — begins with Oosterdam. With reimagined public spaces, refreshed staterooms, new suite categories, expanded premium experiences, and new venues including the Grand Dutch Café, there are bow-to-stern enhancements, all driven by what guests love most. But why Oosterdam? To understand why she leads the way, it’s important ...

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 ...