Holland America

HAL-Holland America Line (HollandAmerica.com) is a Seattle-based cruise shipping company owned by Carnival Corporation.

HAL's current President is Gustavo Antorcha (since July 2020), who was previously the COO/Chief Operating Officer of CCL-Carnival Cruise Line. HAL's current CEO/Chief Executive Officer is Stein Kruse. HAL's current CFO/Chief Financial Officer is Jeremy Schiller (former CCL employee). HAL's current CMO/Chief Marketing Officer is Kacy Cole (promoted in May 2023 from VP of Marketing & E-commerce).

Holland America Group's current President is Jan Swartz (since December 2020), who is the Group President of four of Carnival's brands/subsidiaries (Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Australia) and HAP-Holland America Princess Alaska Tours. Jan Swartz also manages all inter-group operations.

Company History and Changes

Between 1873 and 1989, HAL was a Dutch mail, cargo, and passenger shipping company that operated regularly scheduled Transatlantic crossings between Holland and North America (as well as between Europe and South America). HAL was founded in 1873 (as the "Nederlandsch-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij"/Dutch-American Steamship Company) and is headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

On October 15, 1872, the company began its first cruise itinerary, a 15-day Transatlantic crossing from Rotterdam to NYC.

In 1989, HAL was acquired by Carnival Corporation for approximately EUR 530 million.

On April 18, 2020, HAL celebrated its 147th anniversary. Today, the company's main assets include the Westmark hotel chain (serving the Alaska-Yukon region), Worldwide Shore Services (warehouses and logistics), and the Caribbean private island Little San Salvador Island (approximately 160 km / 100 mi southeast of Nassau, Bahamas). Widely known as Half Moon Cay, the island is an exclusive port destination for all Carnival Corporation-owned vessels.

The Westmark hotels allow Holland America to dominate the Alaskan cruisetour market, offering the most diverse and affordable "land and sea" Alaska travel packages.

Being one of the cruise brands rated "best for couples", "best for adults", and "best and cheapest for Alaska", Holland America is a featured brand of Carnival Corporation - the world's largest cruise ship owner by tonnage and fleet capacity. One of the main operating companies in the Carnival Group, HAL is also a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines Alliance (WLCLA), alongside sister-brands CCL-Carnival, Cunard, Costa, Princess, P&O (UK and Australia), and Seabourn.

Holland America Line is also among the premium-deluxe and mainstream ship travel brands. HAL ships visit over 300 seaports in more than 100 countries, with over 500 traditional and Transoceanic itineraries scheduled annually. Voyages range from 2-day to 110+ days (World Cruises), with the majority being 7-day roundtrips, and many between 10-21 days (including B2B/back-to-back itineraries). In 2023, voyages departing from the USA (FL, CA, MA, WA) visited 225 ports in 91 countries.

The company has a fleet of specifically designed liners offering home-like accommodations, first-class theater productions, professionally-served and well-equipped wellness facilities (fitness, sports, health, spa, and beauty), and complimentary onboard programming for adults (University at Sea for enrichment) and children (Club HAL for kids and teens).

In 2017, the company celebrated 70 years of Alaskan cruisetour operations. HAL's Alaska passenger shipping services began in 1947 with a spontaneous cruisetour in Fairbanks. The idea eventually evolved into the "Alaska Land+Sea Journeys" program, combining sea voyages with land-based adventure tours to Denali National Park and Yukon, Canada.

Since April 21, 2021, HAL has offered the all-inclusive "Have It All" package (including alcohol), which covers beverages (including spirits, up to 15 drinks per day, bar service included), specialty dining (one dinner for all passengers in the stateroom), Wi-Fi (for the first and second passengers in the stateroom), and one shore excursion (with a max value of $100). The "Have It All" package costs USD 99 per person per day, offering at least 50% savings compared to purchasing the amenities separately. For longer itineraries (10-20 days), the package includes an additional $100 tour credit per passenger.

In 2022, HAL became the first cruise shipping company to receive the RFM (Responsible Fisheries Management) certification for wild-capture fisheries. This credential applies to all Alaska-deployed boats (6x in 2022), serving Alaskan wild seafood that is certified, traceable, and caught via sustainable fishing methods. The RFM certification aligns with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization's CCRF (Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, 1995). In 2022, HAL also partnered with ASMI (Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute), the state's official seafood marketing arm, committing to serve only sustainably sourced seafood onboard.

In October 2022, HAL partnered with Pike Brewing Company (Seattle, WA-based craft brewery) to create "HAL Pils", a limited-edition Pilsner beer, available fleetwide in all ship bars and lounges since January 2023.

In December 2022, HAL became the exclusive cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). The company announced plans to add fleetwide pickleball courts (installed on each ship's top deck) by April 2023. Complimentary beginner lessons led by onboard instructors are offered. HAL also added Play Pickleball tutorial videos to the interactive cabin TV programming and started selling branded pickleball starter kits in the ships' retail shops.

In March-April 2023, HAL completed the expansion of its Onboard Enrichment Program fleetwide by adding new or expanded activity facilities (art studio, sports courts for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, tennis, and deck games like ping-pong, cornhole, ladder ball, shuffleboard) and full-time specialists (art and crafts instructor, sports director). The new Art Studios offer classes in painting, drawing, coloring, crafting, and needlework. In 2023-2024, the entire fleet's libraries and card rooms were upgraded with new board games and jigsaw puzzles.

On April 27, 2023, to honor the birthday of Willem-Alexander Claus George Ferdinand (King of the Netherlands, born in 1967), HAL debuted the company's new mascot, "Lewie the Lion". The mascot celebrates Holland's King's Day, a national holiday.

In September 2023, Michael Stendebach (HAL's VP of Food and Beverage) announced the Global Fresh Fish program. Through this initiative, HAL locally sources over 80 different types of fish (from around 60 different ports globally), serving them on the ship within 48 hours. The program also introduced Masaharu Morimoto (born 1955, Japanese chef) as HAL's Fresh Fish Ambassador. Fresh fish dishes are available in the MDRs (main dining rooms) at no charge, though Morimoto's signature dishes in the MDRs incur an additional charge.

In January 2024, the "fresh fish" program, announced by Michael Stendebach (HAL's VP of Food & Beverage), officially launched. Approximately 80 different fish types are locally sourced globally (from 60 ports) and served on the ship within 48 hours at no extra charge in the MDRs.

In May 2024, HAL introduced the "Dutch Day" experience fleetwide, available on every voyage in Europe, Asia, Alaska, and the Caribbean. The focal point is the Dutch Dinner (a Holland food-themed dinner served in the MDR). Most dishes (classic and contemporary, including Stroopwafel Cheesecake) are also available in the buffet restaurant (Lido Market). The Orange Party, featuring live band performances, craft beers, classic cocktails, and Dutch-inspired appetizers, is held on Dutch Day. Fresh-baked poffertjes (traditional Dutch batter cakes resembling small pancakes) are served in the Crow’s Nest Café on Dutch Day.

Also in May 2024, HAL's shipboard beverage program was enhanced with itinerary- and destination-inspired cocktails created by certified mixologists. The upgraded program features exclusive cocktail menus tailored to the current itinerary/region. The drinks are created by famous bartenders Sam Ross (Australian/Alaskan menu) and Tess Posthumus (Dutch/European menu).

In June 2024, HAL announced a partnership with Lindt (Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli AG), the USA's leading premium chocolate brand, to enhance the shipboard experience. As part of this exclusive collaboration, the "Sweet Dreams" program was introduced fleetwide. On Gala Nights, milk chocolate truffles (Lindt LINDOR or Sea Salt) are delivered to all passenger staterooms. Lindt chocolate desserts (including a tulip-shaped mousse cake) are served during Dutch Day dinners, along with the Lindt Sundae (vanilla ice cream with a custom-made chocolate sauce) and chocolate tulips (served one night per cruise during Dutch Day dinner).

In November 2024, live cooking shows highlighting itinerary-based/regional specialties and locally sourced seafood were introduced fleetwide, as part of HAL's Global Fresh Fish program. The shows are co-hosted by the ship’s Head Chef and Cruise Director.

In March 2025, HAL's Made Fresh Daily program (available in all dining venues) was expanded to include fresh-baked baguettes, handmade pasta, made-to-order pizza, regionally-based gourmet sweets and desserts (such as fresh-churned gelato, waffle cones, and pastries). The Lido Market and New York Pizza now offer new Italian-inspired dishes by Ethan Stowell.

Dutch Royal Family Members Serving as HAL Ship Godparents

On October 17, 2021, HAL officially announced that HRH Princess Margriet Francisca of the Netherlands (born 1943, from the House of Orange-Nassau) would be the godmother of the new Rotterdam ship. Princess Margriet is the third daughter of Queen Juliana Louise Emma Marie Wilhelmina (1909-2004) and Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld (1911-2004). She is also the aunt of the current Dutch monarch, Willem-Alexander Claus George Ferdinand (born 1967, King of the Netherlands since 2013).

HAL's connection to the House of Orange-Nassau began in 1929, when Duke Henry of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1876-1934, Prince of the Netherlands, husband of Queen Wilhelmina) served as the godfather of the Statendam III (a 1927-built passenger liner). Below is a list of godmothers of HAL liners throughout the 20th and 21st centuries:

Princess Margriet Francisca (born 1943) has named five liners: Prinsendam I (1972), Nieuw Amsterdam III (1983), Rotterdam VI (1997), Oosterdam (2003), and Rotterdam VII (2021).

Queen Máxima Zorreguieta Cerruti (born in 1971 and spouse of King Willem-Alexander) named two liners: Nieuw Amsterdam (2010) and Koningsdam (2016).

Princess Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard (born in 1938) named Statendam IV (1957), and as Queen Beatrix (reigned 1980-2013), she named Eurodam (2008).

Queen Juliana Louise Emma Marie Wilhelmina (1909-2004) named Rotterdam V (1958).

Queen Wilhelmina Helena Pauline Maria (1880-1962) named Nieuw Amsterdam II (1937).

New Ships

HAL's newest vessels are from the PINNACLE class: Koningsdam (2016), Nieuw Statendam (2018), and Rotterdam (2021). These are also the company's largest ships, with a volume of 99,500 GT tons and a maximum passenger capacity of 3,200.

In late January 2017, the shipowner/Carnival Corporation announced two more shipbuilding orders. The new liners were ordered for Princess (ROYAL-class) and HAL (PINNACLE-class). Carnival signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to construct both units. They were delivered in 2021 (Nieuw Rotterdam for HAL, at Marghera yard) and in 2022 (Discovery Princess, at Monfalcone yard). By the time both contracts were finalized (February 2017), Carnival Corporation had a total of 19 new ships scheduled for delivery between 2017 and 2022.

In 2023, HAL conducted five wet-dock refurbishments to expand the casino spaces on its vessels in the PINNACLE class (Nieuw Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam) and the Signature class (Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam). Each enlarged gambling facility now includes 140 of the newest slot and video poker machines. Additionally, a separate non-smoking area was added in the casinos of Nieuw Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Koningsdam.

HAL's 150th Anniversary (2023)

On April 18, 2023, the company celebrated its 150th Anniversary. In July 2022, special events and activities were announced, including two themed Transatlantic crossings: one from Fort Lauderdale to Rotterdam (April 4th/16-day) and the other from Rotterdam to Fort Lauderdale (October 15th/15-day) on the fleet's newest member, MS Rotterdam VII.

The planned commemorative onboard activities and amenities included expanded food and beverage menus, entertainment, and enrichment programs featuring special guest speakers and artists.

More details are expected in the coming months.

HAL Ship Names

In the company's over 130 years of maritime history, there are some charming traditions and truly unique practices. One of them is that all HAL ships have names ending in the suffix "dam." These names often reflect famous Dutch landmarks, the four compass points, or prominent river dams and port cities in the Netherlands. The special list of "Dutch landmarks" includes rivers, mountains, seas, and cities/towns.

Some vessel names have been reused (sometimes several times) after the retirement of older ships. This practice of renewing ship names helps the company emotionally connect its glorious past with its ongoing business growth.

HAL Ship Classes (Ordered by Size)

The fleet's newest and largest vessels are from the PINNACLE class: Koningsdam (2016), Nieuw Statendam (2018), and Nieuw Rotterdam (2021).

The SIGNATURE class (an enhanced Vista-class design) includes Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam. Compared to Vista ships, these have one additional deck (between Lido and Observation), allowing for more staterooms (mostly spa cabins) and public venues like "Tamarind" and "Silk Den."

The VISTA class includes Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam, and Noordam.

The SINGLE class includes Prinsendam (sold in 2018).

The ROTTERDAM class (R-class) includes Rotterdam VI, Volendam, Zaandam, and Amsterdam.

The fleet's oldest ships are from the STATENDAM class (S-class). These include Statendam (now Vasco da Gama), Maasdam (now CFC Renaissance), Ryndam (now Celestyal Journey), and Veendam (now Aegean Majesty). They were the fleet's first to feature an Atrium, a two-deck dining room, a theater lounge, and a Lido Pool Deck (with a retractable glass roof).

In July 2018, MS Prinsendam was sold to Phoenix Reisen, starting operations for the German company (as MS Amera) on July 1, 2019. Prinsendam's schedule was absorbed by the fleetmates Rotterdam, Volendam, and Veendam.

In July 2020, four units were sold: Amsterdam/Bolette and Rotterdam/Borealis (to Fred Olsen), and Maasdam/Renaissance and Veendam/Aegean Majesty (to Seajets Greece). Their schedules were canceled or taken over by other HAL ships.

Holland America Line Refurbishments

Between 2003 and 2008, as part of the SOE (Signature of Excellence) program, HAL upgraded all older vessels, adding new venues, stateroom categories, and amenities.

In November 2015, HAL announced a USD 300 million fleetwide drydock refurbishment program. The fleet renovation project included suite improvements (new décor, furnishings, amenities, and service upgrades) for all staterooms on Vista-Signature-R-Class ships. The first vessels scheduled for drydock were Oosterdam and Eurodam, followed by Westerdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Zuiderdam, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Volendam, and Zaandam.

All passenger suites have been upgraded with new sofas, chairs, headboards, carpets, wall coverings, privacy curtains, draperies, bed runners, bed skirts, quartz stone tops (on the vanity desks), vanity lighting, dressers, dressing tables, and nightstands.

Other upgrades include new USB outlets (on the headboard), bedside LED lights, upgraded electrical outlets, a lighted closet rod, and a new interactive HDTV system (offering complimentary movies on demand, access to the ship's daily scheduled activities, ship information such as restaurants, bars, spa services, checking onboard accounts, and Internet). Suite bathrooms now feature a wall of designer glass tiles (behind the new dressing area with modern taps and an under-mount sink), new mirrors (with integrated LED lighting), stylish floor tiles, and a nightlight.

Since 2016, all suites fleetwide have received the following exclusive amenities: priority services (embarkation, disembarkation, tendering, dining reservations), complimentary services (laundry, pressing, dry cleaning), exclusive access to the Neptune Lounge, and private breakfast service (at Pinnacle Grill). New suite cabin amenities include a premium duvet, luxury bathrobes and slippers, luxury bath products (by Elemis), a BOSE SoundDock (iPod docking station), umbrella, binoculars, complimentary mimosa cocktails (with in-cabin breakfast), and a Nespresso coffee machine.

In 2018, HAL contracted ABB Group (a Swedish-Swiss corporation specializing in robotics, marine power, and propulsion equipment) to install shore-power systems fleetwide. This technology allows docked ships to receive shore-side power (from the port city's grid) and turn off their diesel engines/generators, thus reducing emissions and noise to zero. ABB installed shore-power equipment on 11 HAL liners, with the ship-to-shore power switch taking about 20 minutes at seaports.

HAL's Club Orange

The "Club Orange" program provides exclusive amenities to HAL suite passengers booked in Neptune and Pinnacle cabin categories. The bonus perks of this program include:

• Priority services (check-in, disembarkation, tendering, dining reservations)
• 24-hour concierge service (assistance, information, reservations, hotline)
• Exclusive dining venue (serving complimentary Pinnacle Grill breakfast and Dining Room dinner, plus exclusive dishes)
• Dedicated Concierge Desk (Guest Services and Tours)
• Room service (à la carte breakfast menu with complimentary gourmet dishes, including smoked salmon with eggs Benedict and steak and eggs), sparkling wine (welcome glass, on embarkation day)
• Club Orange tote bag (welcome gift)
• Premium bathrobes (in-cabin use, available for monogramming and purchasing)

Club Orange is also available for a limited number of non-suite staterooms per voyage. The program was launched in December 2018 (on Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam) and became available fleetwide in 2019. On other HAL ships, the Club Orange Restaurant is a dedicated section in the Main Dining Rooms (MDRs), open for breakfast and dinner. On Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam, the "Culinary Arts Center" was renamed the "Club Orange Restaurant."

In October 2019, HAL introduced fleetwide new Club Orange amenities, including cabin upgrades (within the booked category) and the "Captain's Choice" event.

• HAL customers purchasing the "Club Orange" package receive a cabin upgrade to the best available stateroom (within the booked category), based on availability at the time of package purchase.
• The "Captain's Choice" event, exclusive to Club Orange passengers, offers pre-scheduled experiences such as exclusive pre-opening shopping access, a behind-the-scenes hotel department tour, or a private coffee chat with Music Walk musicians.

The Club Orange package costs USD 35 per person per day (on Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam) and USD 25 per person per day on all other HAL cruise liners. The first and second passengers in the stateroom are required to buy the package. The third and fourth passengers in the same stateroom are not charged. Club Orange must be purchased prior to departure (it is not available for onboard purchase).

(NEW 2019) Holland America Line's Coffee Brand "Rotterdam 1873"

Since February 2019, passengers on all HAL ships fleetwide can enjoy the new specialty coffee "Rotterdam 1873." This brand was created exclusively for Holland America Line through a partnership with Beukenhorst Coffee USA Inc. (a Dutch coffee house in West Palm Beach, Florida).

"Rotterdam 1873" is a small-batch roasted coffee blend named after the port city of Rotterdam and the year Holland America Line was established. The blend consists of the best Indonesian and Central-South American Arabica coffee beans. It is available for purchase (by the cup) in all shipboard beverage venues. As a souvenir, regular and decaffeinated 12-ounce bags of "Rotterdam 1873" coffee beans are available for purchase at the Grand Dutch Café and Explorations Café.

The coffee blend is roasted fresh in batches by Beukenhorst Coffee USA and then supplied to the liners. Since 1989, HAL offered "Beukenhorst Koffie" (imported from the Netherlands) as an alternative (at extra cost) in Main Dining Rooms, Lido Market (buffet restaurants), and other onboard venues serving complimentary coffee.

(NEW) HAL Cruise Gratuities (2024)

Prior to December 2018, HAL's daily gratuities per person were USD 13.50 (for interior, oceanview, and balcony staterooms, applied to both adults and kids) and USD 15 (for suites).

After December 1st, 2018, daily gratuities increased to USD 15.50 per person per day (for non-suite passengers) and USD 17 per day (for suite passengers).

On February 1st, 2023, daily gratuities were increased to USD 16 per person per day (for non-suites) and USD 17.50 per day (for suites).

Starting February 1st, 2024, HAL's daily gratuities will increase by 9%, to USD 17 per person per day (for non-suites) and USD 19 per day (for suites).

The daily gratuity is an automatic service charge (applied to both adults and kids) added to the passenger's onboard account each day. Passengers can prepay their cruise gratuities. The gratuities are split among the ship's staff (dining, housekeeping, and cabin stewards).

The charge can be removed or adjusted at any time during the voyage until the onboard account is settled before debarkation.

Note: On May 1st, 2017, Holland America Line raised daily gratuities from USD 12.50 to USD 13.50 per person (for non-suite passengers).

Holland America Fly-Cruise Deals

In August 2015, Holland America added enhanced features to its flight booking program "Flight Ease." HAL's website allows travelers to choose flights (departure and return) separately, compare real-time airfares, and view detailed schedules. HAL also allows the addition of stopover flight segments.

Flight Ease's improved functionality includes:

• A calendar for flight-cruise planning based on the cruise itinerary's departure and arrival dates
• Independent selection of departing and returning flights
• Improved website navigation, allowing easy movement through flight bookings, including search, select, summary, and payment
• Improved search filters for selecting flights based on preferred airlines, number of stops, ticket price, departure time, and flight duration
• Easy airfare comparison for the same flight
• Flight schedules with detailed information on aircraft types, flight connections, and layover times

HAL's "Flight Ease" air booking program offers up-to-the-minute flight schedules and competitive pricing for flights with arrival and departure dates that align with the booked cruise itinerary. All flight-cruise deals booked through HAL's Flight Ease program include 24-hour assistance and "Next Port Protection." This guarantees that in case of flight delays or cancellations, Holland America Line will handle the flight changes to ensure passengers can join the cruise ship at the next port of call along the booked itinerary.

Airfare payments are due with the HAL cruise's final payment. Restricted fares include cancellation fees and require full payment for the flight reservation at the time of booking.

(NEW) HAL Cruise Shore Excursions "Best Price Guarantee"

Since November 2017, HAL offers a "Best Price Guarantee" for customers who pre-book shore excursions (land tours). This program is available fleetwide and on all cruise itineraries, excluding only voyages in Asia. According to the program, any booked passenger who finds a comparable excursion/tour deal (offering the same amenities, including date, duration, transfers, transportation, and meals) elsewhere at a lower price will receive an OBC ("onboard credit") of 110% of the price difference.

The request must be submitted online up to 7 days before the cruise ship departs. Booked passengers will be notified within 2 days of submission if the tour/excursion meets the "Best Price Guarantee" requirements. If eligible, booked passengers will receive a non-refundable OBC to be used during the voyage.

The Best Price Guarantee applies only to publicly available and advertised tour deals with pricing. Passengers who cancel their HAL tour onboard are not eligible for the "Best Price Guarantee" OBC. The new program further guarantees exceptional value, competitive pricing, and the best quality of HAL's tour deals. As of 2018, over 4,100 tours/excursions are available through HAL in around 550 cruise ports.

Holland America Smoking Policy

Implemented in January 2017, Holland America Line has a new cruise ship smoking policy banning smoking on all cabin balconies. As before, in-cabin smoking is also prohibited. Smoking e-cigarettes and vaping devices is permitted in designated areas and inside passenger staterooms (but not on cabin balconies).

Passengers who violate the company's smoking policy will be fined a cleaning fee of USD 250 per day.

There are smoking-allowed areas for active slot machine players in all HAL cruise ship casinos, except on MS Oosterdam and MS Eurodam, which have smoke-free casinos. Below is a list of designated smoking-allowed areas on Holland America ships:

• MS Maasdam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side; Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow's Nest on the starboard side
• MS Veendam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side; Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow's Nest on the starboard side
• MS Volendam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side; Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow's Nest on the starboard side
• MS Zaandam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side; Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow's Nest on the starboard side
• MS Rotterdam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side; Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow's Nest on the starboard side
• MS Amsterdam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side; Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow's Nest on the starboard side
• MS Noordam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side and the Oak Room
• MS Oosterdam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side
• MS Eurodam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side
• MS Zuiderdam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side
• MS Prinsendam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the port side
• MS Nieuw Amsterdam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side
• MS Westerdam - Seaview Bar/Pool on the starboard side
• MS Koningsdam and MS Nieuw Statendam - Seaview Bar/Pool (aft portside on deck 9) and Sun Bar (aft starboard on deck 11)

For comparison, NCL Norwegian banned smoking in November 2014, Royal Caribbean in 2011, and Carnival Cruise Line in July 2014.

Holland America Alaska Cruisetours (Land-and-Sea Packages)

The 7-day "Alaskan Explorer" (roundtrip from Seattle, WA) is the company's signature cruise tour itinerary for this unique destination.

The other itinerary, the 7-day "Inside Passage," is roundtrip from Vancouver, Canada.

HAL liners in Alaska offer cruisetours ranging from 10 to 15 days. These include 3 days of cruising (between Vancouver and Juneau) plus scenic train travel (Juneau to Anchorage) on the White Pass-Yukon Route Railway.

• (Y5C) 10-Day Yukon + Double Denali (Vancouver to Anchorage)
• (Y3C) 13-Day Yukon + Triple Denali (Vancouver to Anchorage)
• (Y3L) 14-Day Yukon + Triple Denali (Anchorage to Vancouver)
• (Y2L) 15-Day Yukon + Triple Denali (Anchorage to Vancouver)

(Coronavirus Crisis) Passenger Shipping Pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HAL suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (all 14 liners), canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures between March 13, 2020, and June 30, 2021.

HAL's fleet became fully operational by June 12, 2022.

The following is a list of HAL's first departures by ship (homeport/destination) in 2021-2022: ROTTERDAM (October 20, 2021/ Maiden Voyage/Transatlantic from Amsterdam to Fort Lauderdale), NIEUW AMSTERDAM (July 24, 2021/Alaska from Seattle), NIEUW STATENDAM (Nov 21, 2021/Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale), KONINGSDAM (Oct 10, 2021/Mexico from San Diego, California), EURODAM (Aug 15, 2021/Mediterranean from Piraeus-Athens), ZUIDERDAM (Dec 24, 2021/Mexico from San Diego, California), NOORDAM (April 24, 2022/Fort Lauderdale to San Diego/Alaska from Vancouver), OOSTERDAM (May 8, 2022/Mediterranean from Civitavecchia-Rome), ZAANDAM (May 12, 2022/Fort Lauderdale to Montreal/Canada-New England), VOLENDAM (July 3, 2022/Norway from Rotterdam), WESTERDAM (June 12, 2022/Alaska from Seattle).

• All HAL Alaska cruises and Alaskan cruisetours (Land + Sea Journeys) in 2020-2021 were initially canceled, but in 2021, NIEUW AMSTERDAM was rescheduled for Alaskan roundtrips from Seattle (July 24 through October 2).
• Due to Canada's extended (through 2022) ban on cruise ships, HAL's Canada and New England 2021 schedule was entirely canceled.
• VOLENDAM's "World Cruise 2022" from Fort Lauderdale (74-day "Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage 2022") was canceled.
• ZAANDAM's "World Cruise 2022" (129-day roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale/Jan 3-May 12) was canceled.
• All ship relocation itineraries (through November 1, 2021) visiting ports in the USA-Canada were canceled.
• NOORDAM's Asia 2021-2022 program (from Hong Kong-Singapore-Yokohama), OOSTERDAM's Australia-New Zealand 2021-2022 program (from Sydney and Auckland), WESTERDAM's South America 2021-2022 program, and ZUIDERDAM's Caribbean-Mediterranean 2021 programs (from Fort Lauderdale and Barcelona-Venice-Rome) were also canceled.
• HAL's Europe 2021 schedule (ships Eurodam, Nieuw Statendam, Volendam, Rotterdam) was canceled.
• ROTTERDAM's Maiden Voyage was rescheduled from August 1 to September 26 and finally to November 3, despite the on-schedule delivery from Fincantieri (July 30).

All affected bookings were offered two options. The first offer was rebooking with a 125% refund in FCC (future cruise credit) plus USD 250 pp in OBC (onboard credit) on any itinerary through December 31, 2022. The second offer was to cancel with a full (100%) monetary refund, including any pre-purchased HAL packages and services.

• HAL's cruise cancellation policy was expanded to allow penalty-free cancellation of cruises departing through December 31, 2020. Fully refunded (100%) were all pre-purchased HAL packages and services. HAL also reimbursed cancellation fees for flights and other travel arrangements to and from the ports of the canceled voyage.
• In July 2020, Carnival Corporation (via Holland America Line) sold 4 liners – MS Amsterdam and MS Rotterdam (to Fred Olsen) and MS Maasdam and MS Veendam (to Seajets Greece). All scheduled voyages for these 4 ships were canceled or assumed by other HAL ships.

In 2021, HAL's Alaskan program (cruises and "Alaska Land + Sea Journeys" packages) was canceled entirely. However, unlike in 2020, the Carnival Corporation-owned Alaskan businesses Gray Line Alaska (Westours Motor Coaches LLC), Princess Alaska Lodges (Princess Cruises), and Westmark Hotels (Holland America Line) remained operational, offering travelers lodging and escorted land tours (fishing, flightseeing, wildlife viewing, river rafting, etc.).

The list of HAL-Holland America cruise destinations includes Alaska, the Caribbean (including Panama Canal), Hawaii, Europe (primarily the Mediterranean, but also the Baltic, UK, Iceland, Greenland, and Bermuda), Australia, Asia, Canada and New England USA, Transatlantic crossings (RepositionCruises.com), South America, Grand Voyages, and Around The World voyages.

At CruiseMapper, you can easily compare all HAL cruise itinerary changes per ship (current and upcoming for the next two years) on a single page. This comparison will show you all homeport and itinerary changes in the company's current program.

Note: Holland America Line is renowned for holding the most Glacier Bay NP permits, more than any other cruise company. HAL ships also visit College Fjord (Prince William Sound), Dawes Glacier (Endicott Arm Fjord), Hubbard Glacier (Wrangell–St Elias NP), and Tracy Arm Fjord (Twin Sawyer Glaciers, south of Juneau). In Alaska, HAL offers approximately 180 shore excursions focused on wildlife viewing.

Pole-to-Pole World Cruise 2025 (Volendam & Zuiderdam)

In April 2023, HAL announced MS Volendam's "Pole-to-Pole World Voyage 2025" (133-day itinerary).

Interestingly, this first-ever pole-to-pole voyage for the brand coincides with MS Zuiderdam's "Grand World Voyage 2025" (124-day itinerary). Both are roundtrips from Florida, USA (Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale) and both depart in January 2025.

To book these unique itineraries, customers were required to contact HAL's World Cruise Reservations Desk or a travel agent starting April 20th. Customers with a deposited Future Cruise Request received priority booking confirmation before these voyages officially opened to the public on May 24th, 2023.

Volendam's 133-day "Pole-to-Pole Grand Voyage 2025" departs on January 25th, 2025, and visits 68 ports across 28 countries and 5 continents. The south-north-south route features a Panama Canal transit, navigation along South America's west coast to Antarctica and the Falklands, then up and along South America's east coast (Argentina and Brazil, including cruising on the Amazon River). It then crosses the Atlantic to Africa, heads north to Europe, travels up to Norway's Nordkapp/North Cape and the Norwegian Fjords, and finally returns to North America/USA via Iceland and Greenland.

HAL's first "pole-to-pole cruise" also includes 8 overnight stops (Fuerte Amador/Panama City, Callao-Lima, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Barcelona, Lisbon, Reykjavik).

Zuiderdam's 124-day "Grand World Voyage 2025" departs on January 4th, 2025, and visits 46 ports in 32 countries across 6 continents. The east-to-west route includes a Panama Canal transit, a Transpacific crossing (via Easter Island) to Australia, a journey up (via the Great Barrier Reef) to Asia (Indonesia, Sri Lanka), then southward to South Africa, up to Seychelles, and along Africa's east coast. It then transits the Suez Canal to Europe/Mediterranean and crosses the Atlantic back to the USA.

Zuiderdam's World Voyage 2025 also includes 9 overnight stops (Callao-Lima for 2 nights with a visit to Machu Picchu, Hanga Roa/Easter Island, Papeete Tahiti, Sydney NSW, Singapore, Cape Town South Africa, Mombasa Kenya, Safaga-Luxor Egypt, Barcelona) and 7 late-night departures (Manta Ecuador, Seychelles, Cape Town, Durban, Aqaba-Petra Jordan, Civitavecchia-Rome, Gibraltar UK).

Both HAL ships are also scheduled to meet in Barcelona on April 24th, 2025, for a joint overnight port stay with planned festivities to mark this unique occasion.

HAL Cruise Itineraries 2025-2026-2027 Review

HAL's 2025-2026 Panama Canal and Hawaii cruises depart from 5 North American homeports, with sailings on 5 distinct ships. The upcoming season introduces 6 diverse Panama Canal cruises, featuring several inaugural experiences. Notable additions include the inclusion of the port of Acajutla, El Salvador on most Panama Canal sailings. Additionally, guests will have the chance to embark on the Pinnacle-Class ship Koningsdam for its maiden transit through the canal. Furthermore, Zuiderdam offers new departures from Miami for those wishing to traverse the canal aboard this vessel. These voyages range from 15 to 22 days, catering to travelers looking for various vacation durations.

In Hawaii, the debut of Nieuw Amsterdam marks a significant addition, offering roundtrip itineraries from San Diego, California. Joining Nieuw Amsterdam are Koningsdam and Zaandam, embarking on island-hopping adventures that typically include an overnight stay in Honolulu, Hawaii's captivating capital. These Panama Canal and Hawaii cruises are available from October 2025 through April 2026, with durations ranging from 15 to 22 days.

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Panama Canal Cruise Season:

• Cruises available aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, and Zuiderdam.
• Departures from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Seattle, Washington, San Diego, California, or Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
• Daylight transit of the Panama Canal with informative commentary on open decks.
• Itineraries include calls in Aruba, California, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Turks and Caicos.
• Select sailings offer multiple embarkation or disembarkation options, such as Fort Lauderdale to San Diego, Seattle, or Vancouver.
• Select cruises include a call at Acajutla, a new port for Holland America Line, with excursions to Mayan ruins, volcanoes, cacao plantations, and more.
• Many itineraries feature a visit to Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line's private island in the Bahamas.

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Hawaii Cruise Season:

• Cruises aboard Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Zaandam, with Nieuw Amsterdam making its Hawaii debut.
• Nieuw Amsterdam guests can indulge in the culinary delights of the ship's newest restaurant, Morimoto by Sea. Guests on Koningsdam or Zaandam can enjoy the restaurant's menu during special pop-up dinners.
• Itineraries range from roundtrip voyages from San Diego to Vancouver, or from Vancouver to San Diego.
• The 17-day "Circle Hawaii" itinerary from Vancouver to San Diego visits Nawiliwili, Kahului, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight), and Kona. The roundtrip from San Diego includes an overnight or late departure from Honolulu, a call at Ensenada, Mexico, and additional Hawaiian ports.
• The 18-day "Circle Hawaii" itinerary, roundtrip from San Diego or Vancouver, includes stops at Kahului, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight), Nawiliwili, and Kona. The roundtrip from San Diego adds a call at Ensenada, while the roundtrip from Vancouver includes Victoria, Canada.

HAL's Mexico and Pacific Coast seasons for 2025-2026 offer extended visits to distinctive ports like Loreto and Topolobampo in Mexico, alongside a novel 7-day Great Bear Rainforest itinerary, a rarely explored route showcasing the natural beauty of British Columbia, Canada. These cruises operate from August 2025 to May 2026, with durations ranging from single-day trips to 29-day Collectors' Voyages.

Known for its dominance in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, Holland America Line introduces a 7-day "Great Bear Rainforest" itinerary, departing on October 5, 2025, and April 19, 2026, aboard ms Noordam. This journey provides travelers seeking an intimate experience with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture, nature, and unique wildlife of Ketchikan, Alaska and Prince Rupert, Nanaimo, and Victoria in British Columbia. Departing from Seattle, Washington, the roundtrip voyage includes stops in Ketchikan before venturing south to explore various ports in British Columbia, with an overnight stay in Prince Rupert. The ship then embarks on a scenic cruise through Greenville Channel, past Bella Bella's First Nations village, Johnstone Strait, and Seymour Narrows, offering guests a chance to observe wildlife such as whales, eagles, and the rare Kermode bear, also known as the spirit bear. A maiden call at Nanaimo and visits to popular Victoria allow guests to experience diverse communities in British Columbia.

Additional itineraries along the Pacific Coast showcase the region's stunning landscapes, sailing from San Diego, California to Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. These cruises include stops at popular ports like Astoria, Oregon, Santa Barbara, California, and Ensenada, Mexico, with select itineraries featuring overnight stays in San Francisco, California.

For those seeking sunny escapes, Holland America Line's Mexico season offers roundtrip cruises from San Diego or between San Diego and Vancouver, stopping at iconic Mexican ports like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, as well as lesser-known destinations like Guaymas and Santa Rosalia, Mexico. Late-night stops in Loreto and Topolobampo provide opportunities for exploration and scenic appreciation.

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Pacific Coast Season include a variety of itineraries aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, and Zaandam, ranging from one-day getaways to longer voyages. The Mexico Season, featuring Nieuw Amsterdam and Zaandam, offers 7-day "Mexican Riviera" and "Baja Peninsula" cruises, among others.

HAL's 2026-2027 Mexico and Pacific Coast cruise seasons emphasize extended voyages and regional expertise across 2 distinct programs.

The Mexico season, operated by ms Koningsdam and ms Zaandam, features 16 departures spanning 7 to 12 days, with itineraries ranging from roundtrip San Diego to open-jaw sailings between San Diego and Vancouver. Highlights include calls at Loreto, La Paz, and Puerto Vallarta, alongside immersive shore excursions such as colonial village tours in the Sierra Madre or snorkeling at secluded Majahuitas Cove.

The Pacific Coast season, deploying 5 vessels (Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, and Zaandam), offers 11 voyages of 1 to 7 days. Key routes include the 7-day Great Bear Rainforest itinerary aboard Noordam, featuring British Columbia’s Grenville Channel and opportunities to observe Kermode bears, whales, and eagles. Select voyages incorporate overnight stays in San Francisco or scenic transits through the Inside Passage.

Operational Details:

• Mexico Season: Focuses on the Baja Peninsula, Sea of Cortez, and Mexican Riviera, with 12-day itineraries that include scenic cruising in Bahia Magdalena.
• Pacific Coast Season: Combines urban hubs (San Francisco, Seattle) with nature-centric ports (Astoria, Victoria) and wine-country stops (Santa Barbara).

Alaska 2025-2026 Voyages and Cruisetours

All HAL Alaskan voyages visit one or more of the glacier destinations: College Fjord, Dawes Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, and the Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm.

HAL-Holland America Line begins its 2025 Alaska cruise season on April 26, deploying 6 vessels—Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, and Zaandam—on various itineraries. These voyages operate roundtrip from Seattle (Washington, USA); roundtrip from Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada); and between Vancouver and Whittier (Anchorage), Alaska.

Throughout the season, Holland America Line offers passengers opportunities to experience Alaska's notable attractions, including Glacier Bay, the Mendenhall Glacier National Recreation Area, and potential sightings of the region's diverse wildlife. The cruise line emphasizes its "Savor the Journey" philosophy by integrating local flavors into onboard dining, providing educational programs, and facilitating immersive shore excursions.

2025 Alaska Cruise Itineraries:

• 28-Day "Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice" Cruise: Departs June 8 aboard Westerdam, featuring a route to the Bering Sea and crossing the Arctic Circle during the Summer Solstice.
• 14-Day "Great Alaska Explorer" Itinerary: Offers an extensive exploration with calls at eight Alaskan ports, departing roundtrip from Vancouver.
• 7-Day "Northbound Glacier Discovery" and "Southbound Glacier Discovery" Voyages: Operate between Whittier (Anchorage) and Vancouver aboard Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam.
• 7-Day "Alaska Inside Passage" Cruises: Sail roundtrip from Vancouver on Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Zaandam.
• 7-Day "Alaska Explorer" Cruises: Depart roundtrip from Seattle aboard Eurodam and Westerdam.

2025 Denali and Yukon Cruisetours:

• Denali Cruisetours: Ranging from 9 to 14 days, these tours aboard Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam combine a 7-day Glacier Discovery cruise—including Glacier Bay—with land segments featuring up to 3 nights at the Holland America Denali Lodge, situated at the entrance to Denali National Park.
• Yukon & Denali Cruisetours: Spanning 9 to 18 days, these tours include either a 3- or 4-day Inside Passage cruise on Koningsdam or Zaandam, or a 7-day Glacier Discovery cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam or Noordam. The land portion encompasses a 2- or 3-night stay at Denali and a journey into the Yukon.

Enhancements for the 2025 season include a revamped menu at the Canyon Ridge Grill (formerly Canyon Steakhouse) at the Holland America Denali Lodge, and the introduction of shipboard favorites such as Dive-In burgers, hot dogs, and freshly prepared 16-inch pizzas at Karsten's.

HAL's 2026 Alaska season (April-September) will feature 6 ships (Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, Zaandam) and includes roundtrips from Seattle WA and Vancouver BC, as well as voyages between Vancouver and Whittier (Anchorage). The itineraries (7 to 28 days) feature the month-long "Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice" sailing and a new 14-day roundtrip from Seattle.

HAL's 2026 Alaskan season highlights include:

• For the first time in 5+ years, Westerdam returns to Alaska, departing from Vancouver, while Noordam sails round-trip from Seattle, providing guests with additional ship options for their preferred itineraries.
• A new offering in 2026, the 14-day "Great Alaska Explorer" cruise, will be available round-trip from Seattle, alongside the Vancouver departure.
• Noordam is due to depart Seattle on August 23rd, and Westerdam will embark from Vancouver on September 13th. Both cruises will visit Anchorage, Juneau, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Sitka, and Valdez in Alaska, as well as Prince Rupert, British Columbia, with scenic cruising in Glacier Bay.
• On May 3rd, Nieuw Amsterdam will sail round-trip from Vancouver, calling at Anchorage, Juneau, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Prince Rupert, Sitka, Wrangell, and Valdez, with scenic cruising in Glacier Bay.
• The popular 28-day "Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice" cruise returns for its third year. Departing June 7 aboard Noordam, this voyage will sail round-trip from Seattle, exploring the Bering Sea and Arctic Circle, with visits to 11 Alaska ports, Prince Rupert, and Vancouver. The itinerary includes an overnight in Anchorage and late-night departures from Juneau and Valdez.
• 7-day "Alaska Inside Passage" cruises will sail round-trip from Vancouver on Koningsdam, Zaandam, and Nieuw Amsterdam, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway.
• 7-day "Alaskan Explorer" cruises will sail round-trip from Seattle aboard Eurodam and Noordam, including calls at Victoria (evening visit), Ketchikan, Juneau, and Sitka. Eurodam will also visit Icy Strait Point and Glacier Bay, while Noordam will explore Dawes Glacier.
• 7-day "Northbound Glacier Discovery" and "Southbound Glacier Discovery" itineraries will cruise between Whittier (Anchorage) and Vancouver aboard Nieuw Amsterdam and Westerdam, with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway.
• The "Great Bear Rainforest" cruise aboard Noordam is scheduled to depart on April 19th, 2026, round-trip from Seattle. Highlights include an overnight in Prince Rupert and scenic cruising through Grenville Channel, Bella Bella, Johnstone Strait, and a transit of the Seymour Narrows.

Canada and New England USA 2025-2026 Program

HAL's 2025 Canada and New England season offers longer voyages, maiden ports, and a 25-day "Legendary Voyage" to Greenland and Iceland. MS Zuiderdam and MS Volendam will provide a range of cruises exploring Canada, New England, Greenland, and Iceland from May to October.

MS Zuiderdam offers 7-day departures showcasing the Atlantic Coast's seafood, maritime history, charming towns, and natural beauty. Volendam's itineraries last ten to eleven days, emphasizing English and French influences at various ports, including fall foliage in September.

MS Volendam's 25-day "Canada, New England, Greenland, and Iceland" Legendary Voyage departs from Boston MA on July 12, featuring stops in Iceland, Greenland, Maine, and Canada, including a new port in Eastport, Maine.

Zuiderdam's 7-day itineraries include "Canada & New England: UNESCO Sites & Quebecois Nights" and "Canada & New England Circle: New Brunswick" between Boston and Quebec City, with late-night departures on select dates.

Volendam offers 10- and 11-day itineraries between Boston and Montreal during the summer and fall. An 11-day "Canada and New England Circle" itinerary is added, departing from Boston or Montreal and visiting various ports.

(RepositionCruises.com) 14-day relocation voyages between Montreal and Fort Lauderdale include the maiden port of Yorktown (Williamsburg). Zuiderdam offers a 15-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Quebec City in May, with late-night departures from Newport, Maine, and Charlottetown SC.

HAL's Canada and New England USA 2026 season features 18 new itineraries with more ports and overnight stays. The season's highlight is the 28-day "Canada, New England, and Iceland" Legendary Voyage roundtrip from Boston MA.

Between April and October, the ships Zuiderdam and Volendam operate 7-day itineraries leaving roundtrip from Boston or between Boston, Montreal, and Quebec City. Volendam's 10- and 11-day itineraries visit the Maritimes and Newfoundland. On June 20th, 2026, Volendam's 28-day Legendary Voyage from Boston visits ports in Maine and Nova Scotia, then eastward to 7 Icelandic ports, before returning to Atlantic Canada. The roundtrip offers overnight stays in St John's Newfoundland, Reykjavik Iceland, and Halifax Nova Scotia. Most itineraries visit Quebec City or Montreal and include navigation on the St Lawrence River.

7-day itineraries (Zuiderdam) are between Boston and Quebec City or roundtrip from Boston, with select dates offering late departures from Quebec City, Portland ME, and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Extended itineraries (Volendam) of 10- and 11-days are between Boston and Montreal or roundtrips from Boston.

Repositioning cruises (Volendam and Zuiderdam) of 13- and 14-days are along the Atlantic Coast and between Montreal, NYC, and Fort Lauderdale, with departures in May and September.

Panama Canal Sunfarer Itinerary

HAL is among the few companies that offer partial Panama Canal cruises (ships Eurodam and Volendam) that combine popular Caribbean islands with Panama's Gatun Lake. The itinerary's "Panama Canal" segment features passing through the Gatun Locks and sailing in the Gatun Lake.

The next table shows the "Panama Canal Sunfarer" itinerary (11-day roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale).

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Prices range between USD 750-1200 per person (based on double occupancy), depending on the ship and dates/season.

Holland America Line Itinerary Changes, Ship Deployments, and Homeports

IMPORTANT: In July 2020, MS Amsterdam (now Bolette) and MS Rotterdam (now Borealis) were sold to Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.

IMPORTANT: In July 2020, MS Maasdam (now CFC Renaissance) and MS Veendam (now Aegean Majesty) were sold to Seajets Greece.

Holland America Line's "Signature Experiences" Itineraries

HAL's new culturally themed "Signature Experiences" are available on select voyages departing from Montreal (Quebec, Canada) and in Europe from Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Civitavecchia-Rome, and Venice.

• These pre-cruise packages are created exclusively for HAL and include an evening event (themed on culture or culinary), a 2-night luxury hotel stay, and bus transfers to the cruise ship. Guests booking a suite cabin on these eligible cruises receive the package complimentary, but space is limited, so reservations are required.
• Pre-cruise "Signature Experiences" packages for non-suite passengers range from USD 700-1000 per person (double occupancy). Taxes and port fees are additional.
• "Taste of Montreal" pre-cruise tour package is available on select Canada/New England cruises from Montreal. The tour visits the city's most popular sights and includes a 2-night hotel stay with complimentary ship transfers. HAL passengers visit Place Ville Marie and its observation deck (Au Sommet Place Ville Marie) for stunning city views. The tour ends with a private event at the Pointe-a-Calliere museum, featuring appetizers and an open bar.
• Port of Amsterdam, Holland: The pre-cruise tour package includes an evening at the Rijksmuseum, featuring a private after-hours tour, a cocktail reception with hors-d'oeuvres, a Rijksmuseum Honor Gallery tour, and a 3-course dinner in its café.
• Port Barcelona, Spain: The pre-cruise tour package includes a private evening tour of Casa Batlló, followed by an informal dinner with tapas and drinks while enjoying flamenco music by Son de Cajón.
• Port Copenhagen, Denmark: The pre-cruise tour package includes a night at Kronborg Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), where guests enjoy a performance by local actors providing a history of Shakespeare's Hamlet, followed by appetizers and beverages.
• Port Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy): The pre-cruise tour package "A Night Out in Ancient Rome" includes an evening at Casa dei Cavalieri di Rodi. Guests will enjoy a formal dinner on a terrace overlooking the Roman Forum, followed by a private tour of the Colosseum led by an expert guide.
• Port Venice, Italy: The pre-cruise tour package "An Evening on the Grand Canal" includes an evening canal cruise to the entrance of a privately owned palace overlooking the Grand Canal. Guests enjoy a formal dinner with appetizers, drinks, and live music, all in the company of the countess or a member of her noble family.

Pre-cruise "Signature Experiences" packages for departures in Australia, New Zealand, South America, and Asia will be added soon.

HAL Cruises to Cuba

HAL scheduled cruises to Cuba, departing roundtrip from Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale (Florida, USA) on the MS Veendam.

HAL's 7-11-12-day Cuban itineraries also visited other Caribbean ports of call. Prices started at USD 900 per person for double occupancy (inside cabin rates).

Note: According to current Cuban law, US citizens of Cuban origin (born in Cuba) are not allowed to visit the island country (including on cruise ships). Regardless of their US citizenship status, Cuba-born Americans were initially denied booking on cruise itineraries visiting ports in Cuba. However, this situation changed in April 2016 after Carnival Corporation negotiated with the Cuban government to allow ships with Cuban-born passengers. As a result, US citizens can visit the country on USA-Cuba charter flights. The Carnival-fathom line began offering Miami-to-Cuba cruises in May 2016.

Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles (California, USA). An 80-minute JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Havana costs less than USD 100. Previously, air travel from the USA to Cuba was limited to charter flights only.

On June 4, 2019, the US Government announced new regulations (economic sanctions) that ended group travel to Cuba, including via US-homeported cruise liners, effective immediately. The ban applies to "private and corporate aircraft, cruise ships, sailboats, fishing boats, and other similar aircraft and vessels." The US travel restrictions impacted hundreds of pre-scheduled cruise itineraries, which were adjusted to no longer stop in Cuban seaports.