Cruise Experience

We’ve been sharing the wonders of Alaska since 1947 — before it was even a state! In 2027, Holland America celebrates 80 years in Alaska with cruises and cruisetours that showcase the Great Land’s breathtaking glaciers, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. As the longest-operating cruise line in Alaska, our unmatched history and expertise create a unique journey. Enjoy ...

From fierce longship voyages to sagas that shaped Norse legends, Norway’s Viking heritage continues to inspire curiosity around the world. Here are 12 little-known facts that uncover the spirit of the Norwegian Vikings, followed by a list of Holland America shore excursions that allow you to walk in their footsteps. 12 Little-Known Facts About Norwegian Vikings 1. ...

Witness a total solar eclipse from the best seat in the universe — the open ocean. On Holland America’s specially curated 2026 Solar Eclipse Cruises, you’ll experience uninterrupted totality aboard perfectly sized ships, perfectly positioned in the North Atlantic for an extraordinary celestial show. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, astronomy enthusiast, or looking for a Europe cruise unlike any ...

Multi-gen cruising is growing in popularity. According to a 2024 report by the Cruise Lines International Association, more than 30% of families are cruising with at least two generations on board. It’s easy to understand why. Everyone wants different things on a vacation — little kids love the pool, teens like to socialize, parents need a night out, and ...

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 ...

There’s so much to love about cruising to North American cities, from harbors lined with gleaming skyscrapers to experiences that take you back in time — strolling Boston’s Freedom Trail or exploring the winding streets of Old Québec. Boston — “The Cradle of Liberty” The 2026 7-Day America’s 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage offers the opportunity ...

The Perfect Balance: Why Mid-Sized Cruise Ships Are Just Right All of Holland America’s mid-sized ships offer the ideal blend of small-ship intimacy and large-ship amenities. Think of it as the “Goldilocks of cruising”: not too big, not too small — just right. While all our ships feature sophisticated décor, spacious staterooms, and European-inspired design, each of our ...

If your idea of the perfect vacation includes seeking out the freshest ingredients, trying new flavors, and learning from world-renowned chefs, then Holland America is the best cruise for food lovers like you. Whether you’re the friend who always picks the hottest new restaurant or someone who plans their travel around local markets and must-try bites, Holland America offers ...

Whether you’re planning to unwind poolside with a cocktail in hand or take a rejuvenating soak after a day of exploration, Holland America offers an elevated cruise ship pool experience. From spacious hot tubs to adult-only havens and retractable glass roofs allowing a dip in any weather, here’s everything you need to know about our pools. Two Cruise ...

This season, Alaska isn’t just a destination — it’s dessert! To celebrate the launch of Holland America’s 2025 Alaska season, we’re teaming up with McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams to offer you a limited-time treat that captures the cool, wild spirit of the 49th state. Introducing the Baked Alaska Sundae: a decadent, glacier-inspired creation available at all eight McConnell's ...

At Holland America Line, we believe a brand’s greatest strength lies in its ability to build meaningful connections — the kind that inspire lasting loyalty and genuine affection. That’s why we’re incredibly proud to be named one of America’s Most Loved Brands for 2025 by Newsweek — and even more honored to be the only cruise line to receive this ...

This International Tea Day, Holland America is celebrating our onboard tradition of Royal Dutch Tea by partnering with award-winning tea importers Art of Tea to create a custom Dutch Tea Time blend. Savour the journey with this new blend at our afternoon Royal Dutch Tea service during your days at sea. You can also bring home this new blend, along ...

At Holland America, our Dutch heritage is not just part of our name and history, it is alive in every journey we make — from Dutch Day celebrations on every cruise to our tradition of genuine hospitality. In April 2025, Holland America is celebrating a 152-year legacy of sailing and connecting guests to the world and to each other. Living ...

There’s nothing quite like pasta made from scratch. Pillowy soft, perfectly textured, and rich with fresh ingredients. If you’ve ever wanted to master the art of homemade pasta, there’s still time to sign up for our exclusive Holland America and Sur La Table cooking class before the last class wraps March 31. Hands-On Culinary Experience Inspired by Holland America’s commitment ...

Holland America Line is proud to introduce its newest furry friend, Eland the Moose! This little plaid-clad companion was named after the Dutch word for moose and is best friends with Holland America’s mascot, Lewie the Lion. Orphaned as a calf, Eland was rescued and raised by the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). Now, he enjoys educating visitors about the ...

Freshly made pasta. Rich, savory sauces. Decadent desserts. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a meal made from scratch. And this month, Holland America and Sur La Table are coming together to provide an exclusive cooking class hosted at Sur La Table locations across the country.   Inspired by Holland America’s commitment to fresh, high-quality cuisine prepared daily on board, ...

Some journeys lead to unforgettable destinations—and for Christine and Howard, their journey led to each other. What started as two solo travelers embarking on an Antarctic adventure turned into a love story that spans continents, seas, and five future voyages booked together.  Christine, 72, and Howard, 80, met aboard a Holland America Line cruise to South America and Antarctica in ...

Investment in Alaska means enhanced experience at the doorstep of Denali National Park Seattle, Wash., January 7, 2025 — Holland America Line, the cruise line with the longest history of exploring Alaska, announced a $70 million capital investment that will expand guest capacity while elevating the line’s Denali property experience and enhancing its popular land and sea Cruisetours. The investment ...

If you're looking for paradise in the Caribbean, you will love Half Moon Cay. Not only is it our own piece of paradise – it's the highest-rated private island in the Bahamas. Here's a guide to help you make the most of a day at Half Moon Cay on your Caribbean cruise vacation: Half ...

Alaska wouldn’t be Alaska without its glaciers, especially those in Glacier Bay. It’s a journey back to the Little Ice Age – one that is only accessible by air or sea. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here’s how to make the most of a day in Glacier Bay National Park on an Alaska cruise: ...

Practice makes perfect, or in the case of sports, a potential master at the craft. If you want to play pickleball like a pro, you have to learn the basic principles of the game, approach the sport strategically and have lots of fun along the way. We recently connected with Dave Fleming, the lead broadcaster for the Carvana PPA ...

Holland America Line Guests Can Enjoy Exclusive Experiences with Fresh Fish Ambassador and Celebrity Chef Masaharu Morimoto on Westerdam Choose one of three epic and majestic cruise itineraries to Japan this September to indulge in an unforgettable experience that will also feature unique onboard activities with Chef Morimoto. Begin your journey in Seattle (roundtrip) on Sept. 1, 2024 ...

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. In honor of International Self-Care Day on July 24, we want to highlight some ...

This summer we asked our Holland America Line community on Facebook and Instagram to suggest nicknames for the next rescued moose at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). It’s clear we have a lot of wildlife lovers from sea to sea, and they jumped at the chance to a-moose us with their recommendations! We’re grateful that no baby moose were ...

Extraordinary. Spectacular. Unforgettable. These are some of the words you may use to describe a Grand Voyage with Holland America Line. Henk, one of our Hotel General Managers, knows this well. Next year, he will set sail on his 30th Grand Voyage before embarking on a new adventure – retirement. We recently caught up with Henk to learn what ...

June brought another month of unforgettable memories and fun at sea, as well as multiple moments celebrating those who make the journey possible – our kind and caring employees. We’re grateful for our team members and the unique kind of awesome they bring to work every day, from ship to shore. Here’s a look at recent meaningful moments celebrating ...

Calling all chocolate lovers! In a confluence of tradition and taste, we’re delighted to announce our sweet collaboration with Lindt & Sprüngli (USA), the makers of LINDOR truffles and the No. 1 premium chocolate brand[1] in the US. Helping to enrich the cruise experience with Holland America Line, our guests will soon begin savoring indulgent moments onboard with Lindt ...

It's National Mascot Day, which is a great time to put the spotlight on our loyal furry friend and mascot, Lewie. He loves seeing the world from his doorstep on Holland America Line cruises. From soaking up the onboard experience to enjoying the breeze through his majestic mane on shore, he relishes the perks of cruise travel. Here are ...

Calling all animal lovers! A-moose us by helping to nickname the next rescue moose at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). Dedicated to preserving Alaska wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care, AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round, providing them with over 200 acres of spacious habitats. Most animals that come into their facility are given ...

Lights, camera, action! The high-seas penultimate episode of season 21 of Bravo’s Top Chef debuted last night on Wednesday, June 12, and we couldn’t be more excited about all the mouthwatering moments. For starters, our Fresh Fish Ambassador, Chef Morimoto, made a surprise visit to the final four cheftestants, showcasing our Global Fresh Fish Program. The winner of the ...

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 with any other cruise line. You can also indulge in our Global Fresh Fish and Savor My Catch programs, where you’ll relish the tastes of Alaska from port to ...

Meet our friends at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center When you embark on an unforgettable journey to Alaska, you set sail to a world of towering, majestic glaciers, lush green forests and awe-inspiring mountain peaks. Known as the Great Land, it’s also home to abundant wildlife that depend on mother nature for food and shelter. Unlike their human ...

It's National Great Outdoors Month, which is a great time to spotlight some of the incredible hiking trails in Alaska. 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, ...

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 ...

It’s International Tea Day, which is a tea-licious time to announce we’re elevating our afternoon tea experience. As part of our Dutch heritage and tradition for 150 years, we’re delighted for guests to indulge in Royal Dutch Tea on days at sea. The new Royal Dutch Tea, which is launching across our fleet over the coming weeks, will feature ...

Are magnificent glaciers at the top of your wanderlust list? Is Alaska calling your name? When you embark on an unforgettable journey with us to the Great Land, you can cruise with confidence knowing you’ll experience the awe-inspiring beauty of glaciers on every Alaska cruise and cruisetour. It’s part of our Glacier Guarantee™, knowing these icy giants are as much a highlight ...

What better time to announce the new ways we’re celebrating our Dutch heritage aboard our ships than on King’s Day on April 27, a cherished holiday tradition in The Netherlands honoring the birthday of the reigning Dutch monarch. From concerts to street parties, the people of the Netherlands host big, orange-accented celebrations in honor of the royal House of ...

When you cruise with Holland America Line, you’re not just sailing with a crew that genuinely cares for our guests and each other. Our legacy of care extends to every port we visit and every ocean we cross. That’s because caring for our planet is just as important as caring for the people who call it home. In honor ...

Cue the drumroll. We’re pleased to share that our award-winning entertainment lineup is expanding across our fleet in 2024, delighting guests through new productions, music and destination-specific performances. Here’s a sneak peek of the experiences that will have you grooving throughout your Holland America Line cruise vacation. Embark on a Musical Journey We’re putting a ...

Holland America Line Becomes the First Global Cruise Line to Receive International Seafood Certifications Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council for Sustainable, Responsible Seafood      Seafood lovers rejoice! We’re elevating our award-winning dining experience at Holland America Line by becoming the first global cruise line to receive both Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifications. ...

If you’re a stargazer at heart, you’ll likely be glued to your screen during the solar eclipse on April 8. If you’re lucky enough to be located along its path, you may even have an eclipse viewer with protective filters standing by. And if you’re a guest aboard Holland America Line’s Koningsdam and Zaandam, you’re getting ready for the ...

Audiobook lovers rejoice! Whether you’re on a Holland America Line cruise, or dreaming of your next cruise getaway, here’s something you may have in common with guests beyond cruising the seas: finding joy in a great story. That’s why we’re teaming up with Audible – a leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling – to launch a book ...

Holland America Line's Collaboration with The Spice House Celebrates Destination Dining and Fresh Fish Program with New Co-Branded Spice Set   We’re pleased to introduce the next chapter to our Global Fresh Fish Program through our delicious new partnership with The Spice House, a provider of the finest spices, herbs, blends and extracts. Later this month, guests will ...

St. Patrick's Day honors the patron saint of Ireland, and it's a time when people gather around the globe to celebrate Irish heritage. Parades, hues of emerald green and parties at local pubs are common sights. On Holland America Line cruises, guests delight in sweet and savory dishes. Whether you're celebrating Irish heritage on March 17 or other times ...

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 ...

Breathtaking sights. Awe-inspiring adventures. Unforgettable journeys. These are some of the ways you could describe a Holland America Line cruise. From the glistening glaciers of Alaska and the towering fjords of Norway, to the captivating and diverse landscapes of Australia and New Zealand, we help you see the world from your doorstep and dive deeper into destinations across the ...

At Holland America Line, we love helping our guests see the world from their doorstep through amazing cruise experiences. We also love bringing the joy of cruising to guests at home through fresh recipes and vacation-inspired activities. In summary, we love...love. It's in that spirit we invite you to celebrate Valentine's Day – or HALentine's Day – using the ...