Food & Drink

As Holland America Line continues to review and assess its plans around the Canadian Transport Ministry’s Interim Order that closed Canadian ports and waters to passenger vessels, the company is extending its pause of cruise operations to now include all sailings that depart from or conclude in a Canadian port in 2021. This will include several Alaska, three Canada/New England ...

It's National Drink Wine Day, and that means red, white and rose are in the spotlight today! Holland America Line Wine Curator James Suckling gave us a few tips when selecting wines for a fish dish and a casual burger. A classic combination with something like Dover sole in Rudi's Sel de Mer would be a Chardonnay or Chablis, but ...

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! How are you going to surprise the love of your live? A romantic dinner for two by candlelight cannot go wrong, right? Since right now it is hard to go out for dinner, it is extra important to show your significant other what skills you have in the kitchen. Holland America Line Culinary ...

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 ...

In honor of World Cancer Day, Holland America Line is proud to introduce you to the five cancer organizations that benefit from our "On Deck for a Cause" program. When we are cruising, On Deck for a Cause invites guests to participate in a noncompetitive 5k fundraising walk on every sailing aboard each of our ships, with proceeds distributed among ...

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 ...

In 2022 Holland America Line is celebrating 75 years of Alaska exploration — longer than any other cruise line — and bookings are now open for its award-winning cruises and Land+Sea Journeys. Throughout the decades, the premium brand has cultivated its knowledge to create perfectly crafted Alaska adventures that offer travelers preferred access, exclusive overland transportation and immersive onboard experiences ...

As Holland America Line continues to prepare and develop its plans to meet the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the company is extending its pause of cruise operations for all departures through April 30, 2021. This includes Alaska, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast, Caribbean, Mediterranean and Canada/New England departures. The ...

It's the first day of fall, and nothing warms the chill in the air like a delicious cup of Holland America Line's famous Dutch Pea Soup. We serve this tasty treat out on deck on Alaska and Norway cruises to our guests while they admire the icy scenery. This extra-special touch makes watching the glaciers and fjords all the ...

As we prepare to say farewell to Maasdam, we asked fans on our Facebook page to share photos and memories of the ship that has been part of the Holland America Line fleet since 1993. Many of you replied, sharing your stories and photos with us. Enjoy a selection that truly shows how beloved Maasdam is to so many guests ...

It's #NationalChocolateChipCookieDay, and the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe comes from our very own Culinary Council member and world-famous chocolatier Jacques Torres. Now we're sharing his special recipe with you! When making these cookies, keep the following points in mind: • Turn any chocolate discs that are poking up from the dough horizontally so that they melt evenly into the ...

Holland America Line announced that Amsterdam, Maasdam, Rotterdam and Veendam will be leaving the fleet and transferring to undisclosed buyers. The ships have been sold in pairs, with the S-Class Maasdam and Veendam transferring to one company in August 2020, while the R-Class Amsterdam and Rotterdam will move to another company in fall 2020. Holland America Line will cancel cruises ...

Holland America Line is proudly headquartered in Seattle, and we have many partners that come from our hometown. One of our local culinary partners is Beecher's Cheese, located in heart of Seattle's historic Pike Place Market. Recently, Brand Ambassador Seth Wayne visited Beecher's Cheese and spoke with founder Kurt Beecher, who gave him key tips on how to make the ...

Holland America Line announced today the appointment of Gustavo (Gus) Antorcha as president of the cruise line. Antorcha joins the company effective immediately from sister brand Carnival Cruise Line, where he has served as chief operating officer. “We are fortunate to welcome Gus to the Holland America Line team for a new chapter at our brand,” said Stein Kruse, Group ...

A Humanitarian Crisis Response to Cruise Ships Stranded at Sea Tests Our Deepest Human Values By Orlando Ashford, President, Holland America Line The coronavirus (COVID-19) has run rampant through neighborhoods, businesses and nations, catching all us off guard. Stoked by fear of contagion, millions of people around the world are sheltering in place waiting out the storm. During a time ...

Due to the continued port closures and travel restrictions surrounding COVID-19 and in an abundance of caution, Holland America Line has made the decision to voluntarily pause global cruise operations of its 14 ships for 30 days, impacting sailings scheduled to depart through April 14, 2020. “These are unprecedented times, and while no guests or crew have tested positive for ...

In order to give travelers greater peace of mind surrounding their upcoming vacation plans, Holland America Line is announcing new programs to offer greater flexibility and choice during these uncertain times. For guests currently booked on upcoming cruises, Holland America Line is temporarily changing its cancellation policy and allowing guests to cancel their cruise or Alaska Land+Sea Journey departing through ...

Update: 3/4/2020 4 pm Pacific Time Holland America Line has consistently stated there was no evidence or indication of any cases or suspected cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on Westerdam. All guests and crew have been reported clear of COVID-19. We believe the one “positive” result was a false-positive, as repeated testing of the guest have been negative and not a ...

SALMON PREP 101 The foundation of any salmon dish is, of course, the salmon itself. In order to create the perfect salmon dinner, you must take care to prep your cut of fish properly. Remove Pinbones When a fish is filleted, the flesh is removed from the backbone and ribs, but the relatively soft, thin, needle-like pin bones, also known ...

Holland America Line is adding “Top Chef” season 10 winner and acclaimed restaurateur Kristen Kish to its award-winning Culinary Council — a collection of elite, international celebrity chefs who bring global influence to dining experiences across the fleet. Kish’s playful yet refined cuisine will be featured on the menus in the Dining Room, showcasing French and Italian traditions with a ...

Holland America Line is returning to Port Tampa Bay in 2020 with a full season of 18 Caribbean cruises aboard Veendam. Adding western Caribbean and Gulf ports in Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala to the line’s extensive Caribbean offerings, roundtrip cruises from Tampa sail from November 2020 through March 2021 and include five- to 14-day itineraries. Offering a premium, mid-sized ship ...

Holland America Line’s popular new Club Orange premium amenities program will be available on all ships in the fleet by October 2019. Currently on nine ships, Club Orange gives guests an additional level of luxury and service with priority access, exclusive amenities and special events. Club Orange is available to purchase for a limited number of non-suite staterooms on each ...

It's Bacon Lovers Day, and there's no other way to celebrate than by making Culinary Council Member Chef David Burke's famous Clothesline Candied Bacon that we serve in Pinnacle Grill. From the moment you smell the aroma of the bacon and see the delicious candied strips hanging from the clothesline, you'll know you're in bacon heaven! Don't worry if you ...

One of the most requested Holland America Line recipes is our Swiss Style Muesli that's found in Lido Market and on the menu for breakfast. This guest favorite is the perfect way to start each day, whether you're heading ashore to explore a new port or planning out your schedule for a leisurely day at sea. Now you can ...

Looking to make Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or graduation extra special? With the new Holland America Line Gift Cards, it’s now easy and convenient to give the gift of a cruise and other memorable experiences on board. In addition to new cruise bookings, gift cards can also be applied to an existing cruise booking. Holland America Line Gift Cards offer ...

If you’re a fan of Holland America Line, and of documentaries, we have some news for you! Koningsdam will be the focal point of the first episode of season three of Mighty Cruise Ships: Koningsdam airing this Sunday, March 31, 7:00 p.m. (EDT) on the Canadian network Discovery Canada. After airing in Canada, the episode will also air in the United ...

From foodie newbies to seasoned cooks, Holland America Line is encouraging guests to embrace their love of cooking alongside the experts at America’s Test Kitchen with five new shows starting this month. The new 45-minute presentations — covering everything from tacos and takeout to dinner for two and sweet treats — join the 14 current shows and feature a mix ...

Holland America Line announced that Prinsendam has been sold and will leave their fleet July 1, 2019, and transfer to the German cruise company Phoenix Reisen. Following the sale, the 37,983-ton, 835-guest Prinsendam is being chartered back to Holland America Line to continue sailing its planned voyages through July 1, 2019. Prinsendam’s itineraries from July 1, 2019, onward are scheduled ...

Reminiscing about a past cruise? One of the easiest ways to relive a Holland America Line vacation is by recreating a meal from your cruise that will awaken your taste buds and spark memories from a recent getaway. With Holland America Line's America's Test Kitchen partnership, it's even easier to create a culinary staycation in your own home. During ATK's ...

Holland America Line is known for graceful mid-sized ships with a generous amount of personal space for guests as they cruise the world. Some cruisers might be surprised to learn that Holland America extends this roomy cruise experience to the promenade deck on five of our ships: Amsterdam, Maasdam, Rotterdam, Veendam and Volendam with our Lanai staterooms. Lanai Stateroom ...

Pasta lovers, rejoice! You can now bring the delicious taste of America's Test Kitchen to your home with their master pasta dough recipe! Back in August, we shared ATK's recipe for Wild Mushroom Pasta Filling and Brown Butter & Pine Nut Sauce and now you can create the entire meal from scratch with help from the recipe below. Enjoy! SERVINGS: ...

Wild Mushroom Filling and Brown Butter & Pine Nut Sauce: From America’s Test Kitchen to Yours Food allows us to experience the world and bring a piece of it into our homes. Inspired by the rich, earthy flavors often found in Italian cooking, both the Wild Mushroom Filling and Brown Butter & Pine Nut Sauce can be used in any ...

Holland America Line guests can now experience America’s Test Kitchen’s enticing selection of live onboard cooking shows and hands-on workshops where guests learn proven techniques for making delectable dishes with confidence. For more than 20 years, America’s Test Kitchen has inspired home cooks with their unique, science-based approach to creating delicious, foolproof recipes, and now our guests can learn from ...

When Holland America Line’s ms Westerdam emerged from a 12-day dry dock at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Palermo, Italy, in late April, the ship debuted major renovations that added many new public spaces and amenities, including two firsts for the fleet: Explorations Central, or EXC, in the Crow’s Nest and Rijksmuseum at Sea. Westerdam also received the popular Music Walk venues ...

Whether you're having a holiday party or not, it's always fun to have some specialty cocktails on-hand to serve to friends, family or yourself this time of year! We enlisted our Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff to show us how to make some of his signature must-have holiday drinks, and these certainly won't disappoint! Enjoy these recipes. We're making sure you ...

Holland America Line is turning its culinary programming up a notch with the introduction of dynamic shipboard cooking shows produced in partnership with the long-running public television show America’s Test Kitchen, the most popular how-to-cook show on TV. Holland America Line is a sponsor of America’s Test Kitchen on public television, and is proud to make this experience possible at ...

Holland America Line President Orlando Ashford has spent his working life leading human resources teams for various companies, so it’s not surprising to hear him say, “People are our most important asset.” How Ashford intends to leverage employees’ strengths to propel Holland America Line into the future is the topic of an interview he conducted recently with Seatrade Cruise News. ...

On two recent cruises, both Zuiderdam and Zaandam were called upon to assist vessels in need of assistance. At 2:10 a.m. Jan. 3, 2015, while en route to Oranjestad, Aruba, Zuiderdam answered a distress call from the Bahamian inter-island vessel Excalibur that was sinking with eight crewmembers onboard. Zuiderdam was approximately 15 miles away and the closest ship in the ...

Guests can now make bookings for the highly anticipated Premiere Voyage and Premiere Sailings of Holland America’s Line’s ms Koningsdam, due for delivery in February 2016. Open for reservations today, Dec. 1, the first sailings of the line’s new flagship will be one seven-day cruise followed by a series of six 12-day itineraries throughout the Mediterranean.   “Since Holland America ...

With the array of culinary options, exciting activities, spectacular shows and entertainment at your fingertips, it can be relatively easy to forget to relax on your cruise. …

In our latest video, Elizabeth Falkner, new Culinary Council chef and Top Chef judge, prepares her delectable recipe for shrimp, andouille, and grits. For Chef Falkner, sweet shrimp, spicy andouille sausage and cheesy grits are beloved comfort foods. She offers this recipe so you can share her enjoyment. YIELD: Serves 2 INGREDIENTS: 1 piquillo or poblano chile pepper or red ...

HAL fans, if you’re thinking about taking one of of popular Alaska CruiseTours, we wanted to share with you that we rebranded them and they are now called Land+Sea Journeys! This change reflects substantial program updates designed to appeal to the desires of today’s travelers. Now our guests will have more opportunities than ever to explore and personalize Great Land ...

I know this island well, one might say ‘intimately’, for not only did I call here on the ‘Mail’ run, but I also spent over a week here, after abandoning my ship, along with 83 others, we were brought back here by the tanker which sighted our lifeboats and rescued us. Having nothing but a rather dirty-white uniform to my ...

Here are pictures of the latest addition to Eurodam's Crew Bar -- a new pool table! We received the final pieces upon our arrival to Madeira. The first game and table commissioning was hosted by Captain Jeroen van Donselaar and Assistant Culinary Operations Manager Paul Kerr. Since the commissioning it has been non-stop games! The movement of the ship has ...

Marine navigation lights are simply coloured electric lights fixed on ships and used to indicate the size of the ship, the direction in which the ship is travelling and the angle where they should be visible. They must be exhibited by law between sunset and sunrise and in poor visibility. The location (on the ship), the range (distance at sea ...

We received this plaintive cry for help and just couldn't resist the opportunity to share a Rudi Sodamin recipe with you: We have sailed on the Westerdam before and loved the trip and the bread pudding. I know I found the recipe on line before but can't find it now. Could you tell me how to find it or e-mail ...

Merabella is a new fine jewelry shop just installed on Veendam during the Signature of Excellence Phase 2 dry-dock. Shop manager Matt Gibson explained that the Merabella experience is about finding a unique piece of jewelry and that the intimate space can be used for private showings and guests can join him over champagne and caviar to look at the ...

Global Pilotage Most ports in the world require pilotage, the practice where a pilot comes on board near the entrance of the port and then assists the ship's captain with bringing the ship into port, and docking or anchoring in the designated anchorage. The pilot also helps provide safe passage when the ship departs. The role of a pilot is ...