Arts and Entertainment

The scenario: you’ve booked one of our heavenly Pacific Coast cruises and notice an extended stay or overnight in San Francisco. Wine country is about an hour’s drive north, so it’s possible to visit. You might wonder which region has better wine, more scenic backdrops for your selfies, and which is more family friendly. And why not explore both in one ...

When it comes to larger-than-life wilderness adventures, it’s hard to compete with Alaska. Home to a diverse array of animal species, Alaska is literally where the wild things are, including the famous “Big Five” – bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves. When you cruise to Alaska with Holland America Line, you can have more access to Alaska wildlife than ...

Majestic, adorable and fierce, it's no surprise bears top the list of must-see animals on Alaska cruises. Though sightings are never 100% guaranteed, it's an amazing experience when they come into view – preferably not when you're alone. After all, who wants to encounter a 900-pound brown bear by themselves? One way to safely cross bears off your vacation bucket ...

Recharge. Relax. Unwind. With all the onboard activities and shore excursions you can experience on a Holland America Line cruise, you may forget to set aside time to pamper yourself from head to toe. The Greenhouse Spa & Salon® can help you do just that. Here are some of the ways you can nurture your wellbeing at the spa ...

You finally made it! Whether you’ve planned for months or weeks, the moment has arrived for your epic Holland America Line cruise vacation. Ready to escape your everyday norms, you can’t wait to pamper yourself with rest, relaxation and adventure. Though you’re buzzing with excitement as you pack your bags, you may wonder how you can make the most ...

Cruising is ideal for the adventurous spirit, but it’s also good for the mind, body and soul. As we sail into 2024, consider making the new year the best one ever by seeing the world from your doorstep with Holland America Line. Here are some of the ways cruise travel can enrich your life. ...

With so many things to do in Honolulu, you may wonder how to choose. If you’ve been dreaming of a Hawaii cruise with a stop in this famous port, you’ll want to plan ahead. Here are some of the best ways to spend a day in Honolulu: Explore the North Shore & Waikiki Beach ...

Are you on a mission to watch whales in the wild? Dreaming of icy-blue glaciers and mouthwatering fresh-fish flavors? With Holland America Line you can see more Alaska glaciers and have more access to Alaska wildlife than any other cruise line. You can also indulge in our global fresh fish and Savor My Catch programs, where you’ll savor the ...

From wild orange wigs and giant hats to boas and bowties, there’s plenty of fun fashion on display at Holland America Line’s iconic Orange Party. Combine that with live entertainment, cocktails and dancing, and you have an incredibly festive event! If you’re new to cruising with Holland America Line, you won’t want to miss the orange bash cherished by ...

Whether you prefer guided tours in Europe or want to explore on your own, there are many breathtaking sights to enjoy on a Europe cruise. If you like fine art and sculptures, or you enjoy enriching learning experiences, then you’ll want to add a museum visit to your itinerary. Here are just some of the must-visit art museums in ...

Explore a dazzling array of natural wonders on a cruise to Iceland. You can walk between tectonic plates, watch geysers erupt, and stand at the edge of a massive waterfall on the same tour. During summer, you’ll get the unique thrill of the Midnight Sun and in winter, the elusive Northern Lights. Few places have Iceland’s stunning variation in ...

Are you fascinated by ancient ruins, architecture and Greek mythology? Does your mouth water when you think of delicious Mediterranean dishes? If so, Athens could top your list of dream destinations, and a guided tour is one of the best ways to experience it. Here are five must-experience tours in Athens to help you make the most of your ...

Taking a vacation is one way to practice self-care, and on a Holland America Line cruise there are numerous ways to kick back and relax. Here are a few ways you can practice self-care at sea: Relax at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon® Enjoy the thermal suite with ocean views or get a massage. ...

From thrilling adventures to kicking back with cocktails, there’s plenty to do on Holland America Line’s private Caribbean island. Here are 10 ways you can make the most of your day at Half Moon Cay, the highest-rated private island in the Bahamas: 1. Trot along the shore on a horseback ride. Have you ever ...

There’s a lot to savor on a Grand South America Voyage, from dancing the tango in Buenos Aires to trekking Amazon jungles to exploring the beauty of Rio De Janeiro. With Holland America Line, you can see the world from your doorstep and go deeper into some of the destinations you visit with Overland Adventures. Departing on Oct. 7, ...

The first thing to know about Dawson City, Yukon, is that it’s a small town by most standards, with a population just over 1,500. But for a small town, it has a booming personality, leftover from its days of gold-rush glory, when fever and fortune ran high. For a few glorious months in 1898, Dawson City held the nickname, ...

With 227 breathtaking islands, Greece is incredible. Our Greek Isle cruises whisk you to small villages and iconic cities. Stand in the same place as the world’s greatest philosophers and poets, share mezes with friendly locals, or watch the sun sink into the jewel-blue Aegean Sea.   Athens, the Gateway to Greek Isles  Athens is the ...

When you embark on an Alaska cruise, you know you’re going to take in magnificent sights. There’s a lot to look forward to, including majestic landscapes, icy blue glaciers and beautiful wildlife. And if you love the great outdoors, you’ll also love the incredible hiking trails. Here are a few of the trails you’ll find near Alaska cruise ports ...

As you stand on deck while touring Glacier Bay, notice the remarkable silence of a place empty of traffic, pedestrians and shops. Even without human infrastructure, the landscape is ever-changing. We’ve been bringing guests to Alaska for more than 75 years, but Glacier Bay always feels new. Here are the top five experiences: 1. Get ...

Holland America is making exciting enhancements to its entertainment lineup across the fleet as the premium cruise line continues to build on its reputation for featuring the best live music at sea. “A decade ago we committed to offering the premier collection of live music venues at sea, and the changes we are making over the next several months are ...

Celebrated travel expert Samantha Brown doesn’t just know where to travel, she knows how to get there. Holland America Line is partnering with Samantha to show off the splendors of Alaska on her hit PBS show “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love,” and next summer she’s hosting a cruise to Norway aboard our newest ship, Rotterdam. Holland ...

Holland America Line’s favorite four-legged friend, Joska the service dog, reached a milestone achievement of 700 cruise days on Rotterdam’s current 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing, making her eligible to receive the Platinum Medallion, the highest past-guest award for cruising days. Joska, a 10-year-old black Labrador retriever, is the ultimate globetrotter and spends most of her days cruising on Holland America ...

As summer sunshine turns to fall foliage, we're thinking about one of our favorite cruise departure ports: Greater Fort Lauderdale. Nicknamed the “Venice of America,” this cosmopolitan destination offers 300 miles of winding waterways, a thriving art and culinary scene, and outdoor activities galore. See our list below for recommendations on what to do in Greater Fort Lauderdale before ...

Foodies and culinary novices alike, who are ready for a gastronomic adventure can set sail on a Holland America Line “Culinary Cruise” in 2022 with a member from the line’s Culinary Council. The celebrity chefs will share their expertise and secrets on everything from the correct way to make a sushi roll and how to perfectly temper chocolate to preparing ...

Mexico is a colorful culture, known for its deep history, rich customs and vibrant flavors. Holland America Line's Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez cruises are designed to showcase the different facets of each port, so whether you want to learn more about the region, take an adventurous tour or get to know the culture, there's something that will meet ...

Alaska’s pristine waters teem with tasty fish. Whether you want to reel in a king salmon or try your hand at crab fishing, the Last Frontier is the place. Alaska fishing trips make it easy by providing the gear, some sage advice, and the ability to buy a fishing license. On select adventures, you can have your catch prepared and ...

Today is International Book Lovers day, and while a cruise is the perfect vacation to catch up on a good book lounging on deck overlooking the sea, it's also the ideal way to explore the homes, birthplaces and locales of your favorite author or book. From Prince Edward Island and the home of Anne of Green Gables to Isla Robinson ...

Today is International Beer Day, and Holland America Line has expertly crafted shore excursions around the world that show off the best brews — from Japan to Australia, Belgium to Oregon. The names you know like Guinness take center stage, but those who love the beverage will take delight in learning about the lesser known craft beers and local breweries ...

One of the reasons we travel the world is to show our guests indigenous cultures that continue to live on despite the advancing years. Time stands still in some of the destinations, while in others, ancient traditions have been passed down for generations. These Holland America Line shore excursions will help you connect deeply to the people and places you ...

Today is Nature Photography Day, and the world is filled with an abundance of natural beauty. From the glaciers of Alaska to the blooms in the South Pacific to New England's rivers and waterfalls, the ports we visit offer some amazing sights and scenes. If you're looking to capture the beauty of the locales through the eyes of a camera ...

Today is World Oceans Day, and as a cruise line that explores the world by traveling the sea, we take pride in offering our guests the most incredible tours that allow them to become fully immersed in the vast underwater ecosystem. From swimming with sea turtles and scuba diving among the coral reefs to learning more about humpback whales, we ...

On a Holland America Line excursion in Alaska, guests will have the opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and serenity of Alaska’s wilderness. From pristine glaciers and awe-inspiring scenery to rich forests with abundant wildlife, you will be amazed by the wonders of Alaska. Read on to discover tours in each port and get ready to embark on an expedition ...

Sunday is Mother's Day in many places around the world. To celebrate, we asked our Facebook fans to share a favorite memory of cruising with mom, a mother figure or their kids — and the response was overwhelming! We had so many of you share your favorite photos, thoughts and experiences. It's very clear from the comments that family cruising ...

Every night on a Holland America Line cruise is filled with the best entertainment and live music at sea. From the incredible Memphis Blues of B.B. King's All Star Band to our talented troupe of Step One performers, evenings are filled with a rich selection of options to suit every taste. Culture, comedy, upbeat tunes, dancing and immersive performances all ...

Alaska's "First City" of Ketchikan is so named because it’s the first major landfall for most cruisers as they enter the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain. A highlight of every Alaska cruise, Ketchikan gives the perfect glimpse into the cultures ...

At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, the port town of Skagway served as the primary gateway to the legendary gold fields, and quickly grew into Alaska’s largest settlement. It was then a raucous frontier hub packed with trading posts, saloons and guesthouses. As the gold rush faded into the 1900s, so did Skagway — but today it has ...

Today's is St. Patrick's Day, and it's all about the Emerald Isle. From Guinness to the Book of Kells to Irish Dance, there's so much to see, do and enjoy on a visit. On Holland America Line's cruises to Northern Europe or the British Isles, guests can explore Dublin and Cobh — the gateway to Cork — with day-trips to ...

Holland America Line has been exploring Alaska since 1947, and the premium cruise line is putting 75 years of expertise into new “Alaska Up Close” programming — a 360° experience that immerses guests in The Great Land in a way that only Holland America Line can deliver. Through authentic experiences on board and ashore that focus on culture, cuisine and ...

Arriving at Istanbul, Turkey, on board a ship is an unforgettable experience. The Bosphorus, dividing Europe and Asia, welcomes passengers and on deck are where the views of Istanbul’s best attractions await. The shores of Asia to the east, the first Bosphorus Bridge to the north and the “old Istanbul” peninsula in the south — home to Topkapi Palace and ...

On Holland America Line cruises to Alaska, guests have an extended evening stay in Juneau to enjoy some of the adventures that are best experienced later in the day. The ships arrive at 1 p.m. and stay until 10 p.m. With the sun setting well into the evening, you can certainly pack your day full of amazing explorations that allow ...

Any Barcelona cruise guest will soon become familiar with two titans in the world of Spanish creative expression: Pablo Picasso and Antoni Gaudí. Their works are well represented in this artistic hub, as both artists once called the city home. Things to Do in Barcelona for Art Lovers Pablo Picasso An icon of the modern art movement, Pablo Picasso helped ...

Holland America Line serves up an incredible variety of dining venues that range from the casual Lido Market to elegant Pinnacle Grill, and everything in-between. While all ships have the Dining Room, Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto options, in addition to a Rudi's Sel de Mer pop-up, our Pinnacle Class ships expand some specialty options, like a stand-alone Rudi's Sel de ...

Mediterranean food is world-renowned for its health benefits. As food fads come and go, this culinary and cultural phenomenon has stood the test of time. In fact, its value to world culture is such that UNESCO named Mediterranean food to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. What is Mediterranean Food? The sea from which it gets ...

A Holland America Line Cruisetour combines an Alaska cruise with an overland adventure to Denali and the Yukon. Ranging from nine to 18 days, Cruisetours delve deeper into the region with an unforgettable experience that includes a stay at our own McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park. The property is Holland America Line’s magnificent 68-acre hotel ...

Travel exposes us to new cultures, experiences and traditions around the world. Whether it's stepping back in time walking along the cobbled medieval streets of Tallinn or exploring the ruins of Tulum in Mexico, one of the best ways to remember your cruise and the places you visited is to bring home a souvenir that is unique to the region. ...

Today is National Take a Hike Day, and to celebrate we're showcasing five of our favorite hiking tours that you can experience on a Holland America Line cruise. On our shore excursions, immerse yourself in the great outdoors and be rewarded with spectacular views and unforgettable memories. Like the saying goes, "It's not only about the destination, but the journey, ...

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 ...

Today is National Chocolate Day, and there's no better way to honor the holiday than to celebrate all-things chocolate! Countries around the world pride themselves on their chocolate, from Belgium to Mexico. For all of you chocolate lovers out there, these shore excursions will immerse you deep in the decadent world of chocolate and leave you with a deeper understanding ...

Today is International Artists Day, and Holland America Line takes great pride in the art collections we have on board our ships. The museum-quality pieces are admired for their unique mediums and stunning depictions of everything from nature to music. If you want to channel your own inner artists, we also feature shore excursions in ports around the world that ...