The cruise line that wants you to savour every part of the journ
Holland America Line leads the way when it comes to leisurely travel, curating experiences that take you into the heart of your destination
Travel is all about connecting with new cultures, landscapes and histories. And the most memorable holidays are always those that introduce you to new people and open up adventures, big or small, that offer plenty of opportunities to unwind and indulge. That’s the dream scenario that Holland America Line delivers every time, offering exceptional voyages in the utmost comfort around some of the world’s most spectacular destinations with expertly curated itineraries that truly connect guests with every port they visit. Choosing to set sail with Holland America is choosing to truly savour the journey and all its many flavours.
Holland America has spent more than 150 years perfecting the art of unhurried travel with service and on-board experiences to match. Its fleet of 11 mid-sized ships are ideal for people wanting to experience all of the facilities of a luxury cruise ship without missing out on uncovering some of the world’s most incredible places. These elegant ships are large enough to offer world-class dining and entertainment venues, yet intimate enough to reach the smaller ports that mega-ships cannot.
A world of flavours and experiences
The flavours of the destinations that Holland America visits infuse the on-board experience too, especially in the culinary offering. With a mouth-watering selection of restaurants, you can enjoy both global and local flavours on your journey, with some menus reflecting the tastes and smells of the various ports you visit. Holland America’s Destination Dining celebrates local ingredients and traditional recipes in dishes that tell the story of different destinations on your voyage. You could be feasting on Filipino chicken adobo while island hopping in the Pacific Ocean or grazing on gravlax while admiring the Norwegian fjords. Fresh and authentic is a consistent offering, including the bread and pasta which is always made onboard daily.
Tasting the fruits of the sea you’re sailing on is a highlight of a Holland America voyage and its Global Fresh Fish Program ensures seafood is top quality and sustainable – it is the only cruise line to be triple certified in sustainably sourced seafood. This means all fish and seafood will go from the nearest port to your plate in less than 48 hours, whether that is Alaskan salmon and Australian barramundi or Mediterranean tuna and red mullet.
Connecting with the world
A sense of place can be found everywhere, from the table to the shore where Holland America’s carefully curated itineraries – including its exclusive History Channel itineraries – and on-shore excursions invite travellers to connect with the stories and cultures of the places they visit. Whether that is joining destination experts on tours of Unesco World Heritage sites (more than 240 of which feature on Holland America’s sailings) and spectacular national parks or participating in immersive experiences such as cooking classes to master local cuisine and market tours, these encounters open the door to different traditions and landscapes.
You’ll have all the time you need to explore the ports you visit, and overnight stays – which are available in select cities on many Holland America itineraries – and pre- and post-cruise overland tours add depth to that experience, allowing guests to explore at their own pace. With that extra time, Holland America helps its guests get a real sense of connection to the places they’re visiting, creating indelible shared memories with loved ones and fellow guests.
Timeless traditions at sea
Once you’re back on board the joy of leisurely travel continues, with various special touches that celebrate the culture of the places you’re exploring, deepening the experience and that sense of connection – all while delivering a good time.
The World Stage hosts an array of upscale productions, while other venues, such as B.B. King’s Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room, the Ocean Bar and Explorations Café, offer a raft of live music and convivial entertainment. The bars and lounges are also the place to enjoy the simple joy of reflecting on your day with your family or new friends.
Those who want to unwind some more will find no shortage of options: whether that’s breathing in the sea air on the deck or enjoying treatments in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. The well curated library and lounges invite you to sink into a comfortable chair to read or play games. If you’d prefer to keep active, the walking track and fitness studios will give you the chance to pick up the pace.
Guests can look forward to trying new experiences on board Holland America’s ships too. Every one now has a pickleball court, with lessons for beginners, while the Up Close presentations invite local experts on board to share unique insights and stories that bring each destination to life. Guests can also look forward to unforgettable celebrations on every sailing, including the Orange Party and Dutch Day, which pays homage to the line’s Dutch heritage.
Other returning traditions include the hugely popular live cooking shows and Royal Dutch Tea and live music in the Ocean Bar. With a high crew-to-guest ratio, the service is en point thanks to little touches such as nightly turn-down service and an after dinner mint service adding to the small but memorable moments.
As the saying goes, it’s not about the destination, it’s the journey – but with Holland America you can have both. Each voyage is unique, from the people you connect with to the experiences you have – and it all adds up to a journey to savour.
To find out more, call 0344 338 8605, visit HollandAmerica.com, or contact your travel agent
