Holland America Line Celebrates 2025 with Unforgettable Experiences Onboard and Visits to Destinations Across the Globe

Before we wrap up 2025, we thought we’d unwrap the most popular trends of the year for Holland America Line guests. Here’s Holland America “Wrapped” for 2025. 

Trend 1: Shore Excursion Highlights 

Guests embraced opportunities to enrich their journeys ashore: 

• White Pass Scenic Railroad in Skagway earned the title of the most popular shore excursion across all ports, leading in both volume and guest ratings--with nearly 44% of Skagway visitors experiencing this historic route once traveled by Klondike Gold Rush seekers.  

• For perspective, about 28,000 gold seekers traveled over either the White Pass or Chilkoot Pass during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897–1898; whereas over 73,000 Holland America guests visited that historical area in 2025 alone. 

• In the Caribbean, the Stingray Adventure at Half Moon Cay was the top pick for winter travelers, offering a chance to slow down and savour the magic of the sea. 

Trend 2: Culinary Excellence

Dining continued to be a highlight, with guests enjoying global favorites and familiar flavors: 

• 135,050 Caesar Salads were ordered in 2025, making it the most-ordered appetizer fleetwide in the Main Dining Room (followed by French Onion Soup at 108,280 and Escargot at 108,113). 

• The most-ordered dessert fleetwide was the “Crisp of the Day,” a daily changing fruit crisp or crumble, ordered 124,617 times in 2025.  

• Other favorites included Crème Brûlée, Carrot Cake, and the iconic Baked Alaska—an impressive 5,650 served nightly across the fleet during Alaska season and year-round in Pinnacle Grill. 

• Guests flocked to Pinnacle Grill, the most popular specialty restaurant, with more than 360,000 diners in 2025. 

• Signature cocktails reflected regional flair: the Sitka Spritz was the most ordered in Alaska (37,000 sold); in the Caribbean, the Bahama Mama led with 61,000 sold; and in Northern Europe, the Orange Sunrise topped the list at 15,000 sold.

Trend 3: Unmatched Alaska Leadership 

Holland America Line reaffirmed its position as a leader in Alaska cruising, offering more Alaska sailings than any other cruise line and the most departures from U.S. ports to Alaska. Seven-day Alaska cruises were especially popular, attracting the highest percentage of first-time cruisers in 2025. Guests didn’t just visit Alaska—they immersed themselves in its untamed beauty, savouring every glacier view and wildlife encounter. 

Trend 4: Global Exploration at Its Finest 

This year, Holland America Line ships visited 389 ports across 108 countries, including 20 new and notable destinations. Among the most sought-after experiences was the breathtaking Antarctic scenic cruising, which topped the list of guest favorites. January 2025 marked the busiest booking month of the year, underscoring strong demand for itineraries that allow travelers to linger longer and connect deeply with the world’s most captivating destinations. 

Looking Ahead 

As we sail into 2026, Holland America remains committed to delivering authentic experiences that invite guests to savour the journey—whether it’s the stillness of a glacier, the rhythm of Caribbean waves, or the aroma of a perfectly prepared dish.