Holland America Line and Cruise Critic Partner for Cruise Week 2026
$25 Deposits and a new co-sponsorship with Cruise Critic on “Wheel of Fortune” headline the next phase of Holland America Line's Wave season
Seattle, Wash., Jan. 5, 2026 — Holland America Line is ringing in the new year with a special “Cruise Week” offer running from Jan. 5-12, 2026, underscored by a partnership with Cruise Critic– the world’s largest cruise planning website. As co-sponsor with Cruise Critic of a weeklong spotlight on “Wheel of Fortune, America’s longest-running syndicated game show, Holland America Line will be the only cruise brand featured throughout the week of Jan. 5.
Holland America will celebrate its Cruise Week with the addition of a $25 deposit to the wave season ‘Start Your Journey’ sale, which already offers exceptional savings on cruises and Alaska Cruisetours.
“For the second year in a row, Holland America Line’s Cruise Week is engaging guests by igniting excitement for travel in the new year, whether iconic destinations like Alaska or journeys around the world,” said Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer at Holland America Line. “As the first cruise line to partner with Cruise Critic on a TV integration, we’re eager to collaborate to bring that sense of discovery into living rooms across the country through Wheel of Fortune and inspire people to start the year by saying ‘yes’ to travel.”
Airing from Jan. 5-9, the “Wheel of Fortune” episodes highlight a variety of destinations as a nod to the regions that Holland America Line explores. Over the course of the game show sponsorship, Holland America Line will be awarding contestants several cruises and Alaska Cruisetours. Cruise Critic will include a $250 onboard credit with each cruise prize that the winners can spend on a variety of shipboard amenities from shore excursions to spa treatments.
"We're thrilled to partner with Holland America Line to co-sponsor Cruise Week 2026 on ‘Wheel of Fortune,” said Mark Patscher, general manager of Cruise Critic. "As Cruise Critic celebrates 30 years of being home to the world's largest cruise community, this collaboration reflects our commitment to connecting travelers with trusted reviews and cruise inspiration, while providing the unique opportunity of bringing cruise travel to the homes of millions of viewers worldwide."
With values averaging between $7,000-$9,000, Holland America Line prizes will be incorporated across several “Wheel of Fortune” segments, including the Wedge (prize on the wheel), Third Round Prize Puzzles (with a guaranteed winner each night), At-Home Sweepstakes (at-home viewer prize) and Fan Friday (at-home viewer prize). Prize puzzle breakouts include:
· 14-Day Ultimate Alaska and Denali Cruisetour
· 11-Day Alaska, Denali and Yukon Cruisetour
· 7-Day Canada & New England UNESCO World Heritage Sites cruise
· 7-Day Eastern Caribbean cruise
· 7-Day Northern Europe Fjords cruise
Cruise Week Adds Reduced Deposit to Start Your Journey Sale
For Holland America Line’s Cruise Week, the brand is adding a bonus to the ‘Start Your Journey’ Sale. Travelers who book a cruise or Cruisetour between Jan. 5–12, 2026, can take advantage of $25 deposits and free stateroom upgrades in select categories on over 500 cruises sailing from summer 2026 through spring 2027.
Guests will also receive up to 30% off fares, onboard and shore excursion credits, and free fares for kids. As an added incentive, guests who book an Alaska cruise or Cruisetour during the sale can receive up to $200 per stateroom in shore excursion credit with code #1ALASKA26 at checkout.
Taxes, fees and port expenses are included for all fares (excluding free kids). ‘Start Your Journey’ is not valid on Grand Voyages or cruises of five days or less. Kids traveling as the third or fourth guest in a stateroom do not need to book with Have It All to receive free fares. Upgrade based on stateroom availability.
Why Cruise Week? Leaders in the Cruise Industry
Cruise Week celebrates Holland America Line’s 152 years of expertise across the world’s most sought-after destinations.
· In Alaska, where the cruise line has taken guests for nearly 80 years, guests benefit from unmatched access to iconic glaciers and wildlife, and immersive Alaska Cruisetours that take guests into the heart of Denali and the Yukon territory.
· In Europe, Holland America Line’s carefully curated itineraries and extended time in port allow travelers to experience historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, scenic fjords and cultural landmarks with the benefit of thoughtful pacing and destination dining.
· The Caribbean showcases the brand’s ability to maximize relaxation, offering a variety of itineraries that balance its award-winning private island, fresh local flavors and award-winning service.
· In Canada & New England, guests can explore charming coastal towns and seasonal scenery through itineraries designed to showcase the region’s history and natural beauty.
Together, these destinations reflect Holland America Line’s longstanding commitment to delivering enriching, destination-focused cruises that connect travelers to the world and each other, only underscored by Holland America Line’s Cruise Week celebrations.