Cruise Planning

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Discover a continent-to-continent adventure There’s cruising — and then there’s crossing an ocean. So, what exactly is a transpacific cruise? It’s exactly what it sounds like and more: a voyage crossing the vast Pacific Ocean, connecting continents such as North America and Asia, or North America and the South Pacific. These cruises aren’t quick island hops. Transpacific cruises ...

Are you interested in learning more about Alaska cruises and cruisetours? We're excited to bring back our popular Alaska Cruise & Travel Show to Vancouver and Seattle. Join us for this FREE all-day event and discover what makes a Holland America Alaska cruise or cruisetour unforgettable. From towering glaciers and magnificent wildlife, to fresh, sustainable Alaska seafood, we’re ranked ...

Planning a vacation that includes flights, hotels, and a cruise is easier — and more affordable — when travel plans are coordinated together from the start. This guide will walk you through how to select your itinerary, synch air and hotel plans, and reserve shore excursions, seamlessly. With Holland America’s Flight Ease® platform and Navigator® app, you can bundle ...

Setting sail from Florida to the Caribbean is a bucket-list journey for many travelers. Whether you’re seeking turquoise waters, island breezes, or vibrant port towns, this guide makes planning effortless and exciting. Let us walk you through choosing your departure port, picking the perfect itinerary, and discovering the best ways to experience Ft. Lauderdale or Miami before or after ...

Seeing Norway’s dramatic fjords, storybook towns, and cultural capitals doesn’t require weeks of travel. With 7-day cruises to Norway, you can experience the country’s most unforgettable highlights efficiently and comfortably — all while unpacking just once. This is an ideal way to balance scenic cruising with immersive time ashore, especially with Holland America’s carefully curated Norwegian itineraries. Finding the ...

Having an incredible getaway doesn’t mean you have to travel far. The west coast of North America should be next on your list for 2026. It’s the beautiful cities and lush mountains of northern California, and the desert landscapes and historic cities of Mexico that will send you into “best vacation ever” territory.Joining Holland America on a cruise from the ...

Looking to save a bit while still making memories with your family? Holland America has your answer! Visit several destinations in one seamless vacation and unpack once with family-friendly (and wallet-friendly) cruises to the Caribbean. Why Cruising is the Best Budget-Friendly Vacation According to CLIA’s 2023 Global Passenger Report, cruise capacity is expected to grow 10% between ...

Chase the summer sun across the globe by stepping aboard a perfectly sized Holland America ship and cruising into a world of sun-drenched landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Our 2027–2028 Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific cruises are now open for booking — allowing you to escape the winter chill in ways that are more immersive, more ...

Family vacation planning doesn’t need to feel like a tug-of-war over interests, energy levels, and attention spans. There are grandparents eager to explore local history, the teen who won’t go without cruise ship Wi-Fi, the parents craving a break — and maybe a cocktail with a stunning ocean view. But then someone suggests a cruise, and everything begins to ...

Holland America’s Black Friday travel deals are where savings and early booking incentives meet to make your dream vacation oh-so-merry. Don’t miss your limited-time opportunity to get up to 30% off on 800+ cruises worldwide. With us, you can sail to the world’s most captivating destinations. Cruise along stunning glaciers in Alaska, delight in the local cuisine of the ...

When you think of Norway, images of fjords, Northern Lights, and rugged alpine landscapes likely come to mind. But its museums might captivate you, too. From Viking treasures and polar expeditions to ancient and contemporary art, wandering these exhibition halls will give you deeper insight into Norwegian culture and its unique impact on the world. Best Museums in ...

Every autumn, the deciduous forests of Canada and New England put on a colorful show like nowhere else in the world. The fall foliage is so brilliant that leaf-peeping, the act of going out to admire nature’s fiery hues, is a cherished pastime in the region. Experience this breathtaking beauty yourself in the best way possible — on a ...

Calving ice-blue glaciers, majestic wildlife, and breathtaking scenery — there are few places on Earth like Alaska. Whether you’re opting for an Alaska cruise or a land-and-sea adventure on a cruisetour, here’s how to find the best Alaska cruise deals and plan a cruise that’s affordable and awe-inspiring. 1. Cruise Alaska During the Shoulder Season Timing is ...

Clear-to-the-bottom water. Swaying palm trees begging for you to plop down with your beach blanket and a good book underneath. Candy-colored buildings lined up along the brilliant white sand. Sound magical? It might be time to plan a Caribbean vacation! Island-hopping on a Caribbean cruise is the most cost-effective way to explore this remarkable region. Instead of spending money ...

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 ...

Our new cruise search experience makes it easier than ever to go from planning your next cruise to relaxing on deck with expansive ocean views. Explore the new features by watching our simple walkthrough video or reading below. User-Friendly Layout Our new search results layout lets you scan results without being overwhelmed. Easily view cruise dates ...

Whether you're sailing close to home or heading overseas, there are plenty of ways to stretch your budget without sacrificing your experience. From booking your airfare, hotel, and travel packages with your cruise to finding last-minute deals, here are six smart ways in which U.S. travelers can save big on their next Holland America cruise vacation. 1. Watch ...

If you’re dreaming of your next great escape, consider this: A cruise ship vacation does more than just give you a place to stay — it’s a passport to bucket-list destinations and a seamless way to explore the world. Whether you’re new to cruising or just looking for a refresher, this guide will walk you through what to expect ...

If going on a cruise is something you’ve wanted to do for months or even years, but you don’t know where to start, don’t sweat it. We’ve got you covered! Here are quick tips to help you navigate your first cruise adventure. 1.Find a cruise destination that excites you. Whether it’s Alaska, the Caribbean, ...

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned pro, Holland America Line is here to help you plan your cruise. From choosing your destinations to exploring shore excursions and onboard activities, we've got you covered. Here are 10 tips to help you plan your cruise vacation: 1. Find a destination that excites you. Whether it’s ...

You’ve been dreaming of the ultimate cruise experience and just decided where to go. Between our perfectly sized ships, exceptional service, flexible itineraries and incredible dining, you know you want to sail with Holland America Line. Before you book, you browse our cruise deals to ensure you’re maximizing your great getaway. Cue our Have It All Premium Package, a ...

Calling all wanderlust cruisers! If wildlife safaris, golden vistas and rolling grasslands are part of your dream vacation, then Holland America Line’s Grand Africa Voyage is the bucket-list adventure you’ve been waiting for. Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this 73-day voyage gives you the opportunity to see the world from your doorstep with the comfort of a Holland America ...

Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned pro, there are many reasons to seek support from a Personal Cruise Consultant (PCC) to help you plan a cruise vacation that’s as unique as you. As members of our team, Personal Cruise Consultants have expertise on the Holland America Line experience and knowledge about destinations around the world. They’re here ...

Celebrations are underway for Holland America Line’s 150th Anniversary, and you still have time to join the fun. If you’re craving a getaway but not sure where to go or what to do, consider embarking on one of our Heritage Cruises. Focused on ports rich in our brand’s history, Heritage Cruises feature unique onboard and shoreside experiences, and there ...

Europe takes fashion seriously, but that doesn’t mean you have to lug five suitcases across the ocean or teeter around on cobblestones in the world’s most uncomfortable shoes. Our packing list for Europe helps you pack smart, so you’ll be comfortable and stylish on cruise excursions. As our Europe cruises are a week or longer, start with a large suitcase ...