Travel Tips

Picture a romantic getaway where shared intimate experiences meet high adventure and every moment is infused with the magic of the wild, untouched north. On board a cruise with Holland America to Alaska, you and your significant other will experience a romantic getaway unlike any other. From sweeping fjords and soaring mountain peaks to fine onboard dining and signature ...

Alaska changes dramatically with the seasons, offering different highlights depending on when you go. Whether you’re chasing whales, baby wildlife, or fall colors, there’s truly no wrong time to visit Alaska — only the best time for you. Here’s what you can expect each season. Spring Spring: Less Crowded, More Wildlife Cruising Season: Late April–May Average ...

If you’re cruising to Norway in the summer, one phrase will serve you well: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Norwegian weather can change quickly from sunshine in the morning to misty rain in the afternoon and cool breezes at night. Whether you’re hiking alongside a fjord, exploring an Arctic port, or enjoying dinner in ...

There’s no denying the irresistible beauty of Norway, especially when sailing along its towering fjords. Here's a guide to some of the most famous fjords you could see on a Norway cruise with travel tips to help you make the most of the journey: Geirangerfjord If you’re planning to embark on a Norway fjords ...

Though the first day of your cruise vacation is an exciting one, it can also feel overwhelming as you navigate cruise terminals on embarkation day. Here are some tips to help you navigate cruise terminals, including those in Seattle and Vancouver. Preparing for Cruise Embarkation Tip #1: Know which cruise terminal you’re sailing out ...

Seeing the Northern Lights is an incredible experience, especially when it’s on a cruise ship while you’re surrounded by beautiful icy landscapes in the Arctic. This guide will help you navigate where and when to see the Northern Lights on cruises to or near the Arctic, as well as tips for viewing and capturing them on camera. ...

If you are setting sail on a Pacific Coast cruise and have a craving for Mediterranean-like vibes, look no further than Catalina Island in California. Located 24 miles southwest of Los Angeles, you’ll discover a gorgeous landscape of beaches, mountains, coves and canyons. Here is a guide to help you make the most of a day on Catalina Island ...

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 ...

Embarking on a cruise abroad is an exhilarating journey filled with new discoveries and unforgettable experiences. If it's your first time traveling internationally, you may have a few questions. Here's a quick guide to help you prepare for international travel. From packing pointers to safety tips, we're here to help you prepare for a seamless cruise experience.  ...

You’ve spent weeks planning every detail of your Holland America Line cruise – from your itinerary to your wardrobe. Now it’s time to make sure your camera is ready for a picture-perfect vacation. Here are some tips to help you choose the best camera for your cruise. There’s No Shortage of Options When it ...

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 ...

Let’s talk New Year’s resolutions. We make our lists and check them twice. We commit to following them and do our best to prioritize, but making time to accomplish them can sometimes be the biggest hurdle to overcome. What if you could take steps to support your goals while on vacation? Too good to be true? Here are five ...

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, ...

You’ve got your list, and you’re checking it twice. You’re wondering what gifts would be really nice. Here are holiday gift ideas for the cruiser in your life: Holland America Line Gift Card Give the gift of travel and memorable experiences with our gift cards. Gift cards can be used towards existing or ...

We recently caught up with Samantha Brown, celebrated travel expert, after her family vacation in Norway with Holland America Line. Here's what she had to say about their great adventure while sharing family travel tips along the way!  My family and I had the absolute time of our lives cruising Norway with Holland America Line. Not ...

We asked Samantha Brown, celebrated travel expert, what her tips would be for first-time cruisers to Alaska. Here’s what she had to say! Note: Holland America Line is a proud sponsor of “Places to Love.” Cruising the Inside Passage of Alaska was one of the most incredible bucket-list adventures my family and I have ...

Alaska is a prime destination for wildlife viewing. But if you don’t have suitable binoculars, that Alaska brown bear and her cubs might look like … a few blurred dots. That mountain goat? Nothing but a spec. That humpback whale? A floating log. Find the best binoculars for wildlife viewing so you don’t miss a single magical moment. Everyone ...

Whether it’s $100, $200, $300 or more, Onboard Credit can make a sweet vacation even sweeter. While some credits are designated for certain activities (e.g., shore excursions), others give you the opportunity to spend it in multiple ways. From rejuvenating at the spa while enjoying ocean views to making magical memories during once-in-a-lifetime excursions, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

It's hard to believe that your cruise is here! Today is departure day, and for the next seven, 10, 12, or maybe even 128 days, you're going to be cruising with us to new and wondrous places. For some of our guests, the ship is the destination and the ports we visit are an added bonus. Regardless, we're thrilled to ...

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 ...

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 ...

No one knows the ins and outs of Alaska better than our guests who have been there, done that ... many more than once! As we look to celebrate our 75th year exploring Alaska in 2022, we have an exciting season of cruises and Cruisetours that take you to the must-see places and hidden gems of this most gorgeous region. ...

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. ...

The Caribbean cruising season is quickly approaching, and as we prepare to island-hop among the palm-fringed jewels of the region, there are some packing essentials you'll want to be sure to bring along. These items are in addition to your staples, like clothing, swimsuits, toiletries and flip flops. Whether lounging on the golden beaches of Half Moon Cay or snorkeling ...

To say we are beyond thrilled to welcome guests on board Holland America Line this month in Alaska is definitely an understatement! And next month we return to the Mediterranean with cruises aboard Eurodam. Did you know that our very first Mediterranean cruise departed on Feb. 2, 1910, onboard the s.s. Statendam I from New York to Rotterdam and also ...

It's Canada Day, and to celebrate our friends to the north we're highlighting these incredible sites that guests can witness on a Holland America Line cruise to Canada & New England. Here's wishing all of our fans, colleagues and friends a wonderful Canada Day! QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC UNESCO Heritage Sites Discover the European charm and character of the first French ...

The Holland America Line Navigator App is an indispensable tool for cruise planning, embarkation, managing the onboard experience and booking shore excursions. We recently enhanced the app to add new functions and features to make the cruise experience even easier using your mobile device. What hasn't changed is that during the cruise, guests can plan daily activities, explore shore excursions ...

You’ve been counting down the days until your Holland America Line cruise and the day has finally arrived! Filled with overwhelming excitement and anticipation, you may be wondering ... “What should I do first?” The first day of your cruise is one of the most important, as it sets the tone for the rest of your vacation. We’ve compiled a ...

On Yukon+Denali Land+Sea Journeys to Alaska, Holland America Line guests become immersed in the cultures of The Last Frontier and Canada's Yukon. The overland exploration includes Dawson City and Whitehorse in the Yukon, where guests can learn more about local customs and the history of the region and its people. If you're not on a Land+Sea Journey overland tour, you ...

Grand Turk is a beautiful island that is relatively new to cruise ships. The port facility was completed in 2006 and it is one of the newest and most impressive anywhere in the Caribbean. A small island in the British West Indies, it is a part of the commonwealth that is known as the Turks and Caicos. Only 7 by ...

As highlighted in the above video, Holland America Line’s seven-day eastern Caribbean cruises feature the gorgeous port of San Juan, Puerto Rico, in addition to Grand Turk, St. Maarten and Half Moon Cay. Puerto Rico is the largest island that the ships visit on this exciting itinerary. Rich in history and culture, it is always a guest favorite. Dating back ...