Groups and Charters

An incentive group is a group in which the participants receive an award, such as a cruise, for being a top achiever in a company or organization, usually during a specific sales period. In the case of a cruise, an incentive group is also distinguished by the fact that the employer or organization pays for all participants' expenses.

You need a minimum of 15 paying guests to enjoy the benefits of Incentive Choice.

Holland America Line's current policy restricts each group to a maximum of 50 percent of the ship's lower berth capacity. This allows all of our valued guests to enjoy the same premium onboard experience that Holland America Line is known for. 

Some of the many benefits of booking an incentive group include confirmed stateroom assignments, confirmed dining, and committed pricing up to three years in advance of a cruise, once a contract is signed.

See the Incentive Groups tab to learn all about Holland America Line Incentive Choice.

We do not require names of participants until 70 days prior to the cruise sailing.

From your first meeting with our Hotel Director and the ship's senior staff before the ship sails, you will know that your incentive group will receive our undivided attention. From special decorations to custom ice carvings of your company logo, your group will certainly feel recognized.

Yes. Our dedicated shore excursions staff will work with you to set up exclusive, customized tours prior to the sail date. Please plan a minimum of 30 days' notice for these special tours. Once onboard ship, our published tours can also be arranged for larger groups, but to avoid the disappointment of a sold out tour or the lack of transportation available in port, we strongly recommend booking excursions in advance. 

We can offer anything from a simple meeting to a grand awards ceremony or even "Beach Olympics" on our private island — Half Moon Cay — in the Bahamas. Or, for example, we can arrange a private tour of our impressive kitchen facilities, as well as a demonstration in our culinary arts theater with our executive chef. As you can see, there are many ways that we can arrange special onboard events for your group.

With sufficient notice, all of our ships have ample space to accommodate meetings for any group size. We will work with our cruise staff onboard the ship to change the daily programming to accommodate your group's needs. 

We have a full range of the latest A/V equipment available to you, often at no cost or at a minimal cost. Our state-of-the-art showrooms enable you to hold a presentation, awards ceremony or annual business review in elegant and comfortable surroundings. Our full-time, onboard stage technicians will be available to ensure that your event runs as smoothly as possible.

All of our meeting rooms, including showrooms with seating for up to 908 people, are provided on a complimentary basis to incentive groups. There is a nominal charge for the use of onboard A/V equipment.

Full-ship charters offer you exclusivity, innovation and team-building opportunities like no other corporate program. Imagine your company flag flying at the top of your own ship's mast as it sails from port on the first day of the cruise. Consider the pride and prestige for your employees as your organization's top achievers spend a week together sharing meals, games, Journeys Ashore and custom entertainment. Ships are chartered by all types of groups, including organizations with 800 or more participants, to many different lifestyle groups and associations. 

Yes. If you charter a ship, we will work with our team of deployment planners to create a unique itinerary for you. 

Everything — just like a typical cruise. Items of a personal nature, such as specialty restaurant dining, spa or salon services, Journeys Ashore, certain beverages, casino chips and Internet services are not included.