Experiences

Join the World Stroopwafel Day party this September 30 with Holland America’s fleetwide Stroopwafel options at all dining venues. Daelmans Stroopwafels are featured at the Lido Market, Grand Dutch Café, and main Dining Room — and don’t forget about the Stroopwafel-inspired drink specials on European sailings. Holland America and its partner Daelmans Stroopwafels — two iconic Dutch brands both ...

The perfect cruise, if planned well, offers a journey that combines the iconic with the unexpected. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser, foodie, history buff, or seasoned traveler eager to discover parts unknown, Holland America provides a variety of Mediterranean cruises to appeal to every interest with a curated blend of must-see cities and off-the-beaten-path destinations. From the winding medieval ...

At Holland America, we believe that the heart of travel lies in the connections we create—between people, cultures, and unforgettable destinations. Every detail of our experience is designed to make guests feel cared for, understood, and inspired. That’s why we’re beyond honored to share that we’ve received several prestigious awards from industry-leading publications, thanks to the shared opinions of ...

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 ...

Congratulations to Denis S., who struck it big aboard the Oosterdam, winning a jackpot prize of $134,860 — the largest casino jackpot ever on a Holland America ship! Denis hit the jackpot while playing the popular Buffalo Slot Machine during a sun-soaked cruise in the Western Mediterranean. A frequent casino guest, Denis was sailing on a special casino offer when luck smiled ...

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 ...

We’re excited to announce that Holland America Line has been nominated for the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, and we’d love your support! Voting is Easy: Click the link below, select Cruise Ships, type in Holland America Line, and complete the rankings. You’ll be asked a few questions, including ship highlights and an optional note where you can ...

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, ...

A New Chapter in Holland America’s Sushi Experience Holland America is thrilled to announce the expansion of Morimoto by Sea, bringing an elevated sushi experience curated by world-renowned Chef Masaharu Morimoto to more ships in our fleet. Known for his innovative approach to Japanese cuisine, Chef Morimoto’s expertise and signature flavors will now be available in a new à ...

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 ...

  The Best, Now Even Better — For the Third Year in a Row  At Holland America, we believe service is an art — and for the third year running, Cruise Critic has agreed, honoring us with the prestigious Best in Cruise Award for “Best Service.” This recognition is a testament to the unparalleled dedication of our crew and the ...

Today we celebrate our veteran team members and all those who continue to make our waters and world safer. Our team members are a big part of what makes Holland America Line great. On U.S. Veterans Day we especially want to celebrate the women and men across our winning team who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. ...

August 16 is National Rum Day in celebration of one of the world’s oldest and most storied spirits. Produced around the world, from the Caribbean to South America and beyond, rum has become a key ingredient for many cocktails. Our Hemingway Daiquiri is one example. Gather friends around the table for a refreshing treat after mixing the tasty ingredients ...

At Holland America Line, we care deeply about providing you with an unforgettable cruise experience. That includes using fresh, local ingredients onboard so you can indulge in authentic flavors in the regions you’re visiting. It takes a village to source these rich flavors and ingredients in ports around the world, including our homeport in Seattle.    It was in that ...

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 ...

Special moments are sweetest when shared. That's why we teamed up with Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) to create the sweetest ship in our fleet. Chocodam – built in honor of World Chocolate Day – is made entirely of Lindt chocolate. Handcrafted by Jacques Torres, Holland America Line Culinary Ambassador, and Lindt's Master Chocolatier, Ann Czaja, this chocolate masterpiece is ...

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 ...

Recognized as an international day of observance on June 25, Day of the Seafarer celebrates the contributions and dedication of professionals in the maritime industry. We're incredibly grateful to our crew members at Holland America Line – who come from 70 different countries around the world – for creating unforgettable moments for our guests, communities and each other.    We ...

June 23 is International Women in Engineering Day, and we want to celebrate all the incredible women who share their talent and passion for engineering across Holland America Line's fleet. We’re grateful for who they are and the difference they make every day. Here are some of their stories. Pippi, Third Engineer Pippi ...

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 ...

Some of Marion’s earliest memories as a child include her dad, the sea and Holland America Line. That’s because her father, Captain Willem Koopman, would bring Marion, her sister and their mom on board for the holidays. Not many people can say they took their first cruise to Asia at the age of six with their dad at the ...

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 ...

Dive into this delicious fresh fish dish created especially for you, our Holland America Line guests. Curated by celebrity Chef Masaharu Morimoto for every sailing, this recipe is one worth savoring. Check out the brief video below highlighting the recipe. Recipe Highlights Video Halibut XO Recipe Main Ingredients 180 gm     Alaskan Halibut Fletches Skinless Flash ...

Though Memorial Day is often highlighted by family gatherings and pre-summer barbecues, its purpose is to mark a day of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Flags will be placed around the U.S. in seas of green grass before the resting place of soldiers. Families will gather to honor their cherished loved ones. Communities will unite to ...

In recognition of International Day for Women in Maritime, celebrated every year on May 18, we want to introduce you to some of our incredible Holland America Line team members who inspire those around them every day. Meet My, Director of Interior Design When you hop aboard a Holland America Line cruise ship, you’re ...

Growing up in Colombia with a single parent, Diego Alonso can’t help but be in awe of his mom. “I owe my mom everything I have in my life,” he said. “She has made so many sacrifices for me, from giving me the best life growing up to using all of her savings to help me get through college ...

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we caught up with one of our team educators who trains up to 1,000 students every year as they prepare to embark on career adventures with Holland America Line. Through a thoughtfully crafted curriculum, our development and training teams help bring the Holland America Line experience to life in the classroom. ...

At Holland America Line, we love Alaska, from its glorious glaciers and wildlife views to its magnificent landscapes. There are a lot of sights to soak up when cruising to the Great Land, which is why we get so excited when Alaska cruise season rolls around. To kick off our 2024 Alaska cruise season, we recently celebrated through special ...

Don't let Cinco de Mayo cruise by you without trying one of our refreshing cocktails. Whether you love the tangy flavor of lime or savor the spicy taste of jalapenos, grab some friends and have a toast after making these Holland America Line cocktail recipes. Jalapeño Jamboree Margarita Ingredients 1.5 ounce 1800 Tequila 1 ...

Have you ever heard the phrase, not all heroes wear capes? Sometimes their cape comes in the form of a jet, boots on the ground or just a heart for service. Oftentimes, if you call a military veteran or current service member a hero, they'll respond with both gratitude and humility. That’s because for so many of them, it’s ...

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 ...

(Originally published in 2024, updated January, 2026) 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 ...

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. ...

Ship ship hooray – it’s National Beer Day! To celebrate, we invite you to cast votes for the new design label of our upcoming brew made especially for this Alaska cruise season. In collaboration with Pike Brewing – Seattle’s oldest craft brewery – we’ve created a new Killer Whale Pale Ale with notes of honey, citrus and tropical fruits. ...

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 ...

It’s International Women’s Day, and we’re especially grateful for the incredible women across our team – at sea and ashore – who share their talent and expertise with us. It’s in that spirit we’re highlighting some of the women making waves in support of the Holland America Line cruise experience. Maria, First Officer Maria’s ...

On this Employee Appreciation Day, we want to share our heartfelt gratitude for our people who provide award-winning service with care and kindness from ship to shore. We recently caught up with some of our leaders around the world to ask what they love most about our incredible team. Here's what they had to say: ...

Are you dreaming of icy-blue glaciers and magnificent wildlife sightings in Alaska? Trying to decide which cruise to take to make your dreams come true? At Holland America Line, we love Alaska. In fact, we’ve been visiting the Great Land for more than 75 years. Our love for Alaska is literally printed on our ships that sail there, and ...

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 ...