* Cruise line to launch ‘signature bread’ in summer 2025 * Updated Italian-inspired menu of pasta dishes * New York Pizza to feature new ‘Primo’ option   Holland America Line has updated its ‘Made Fresh Daily’ offering with the launch of a signature bread and new pasta dishes.   The bread, available from summer 2025, is described as a ‘flavourful sourdough raisin loaf with pumpkin seeds’. This will be offered fleetwide in the Pinnacle Grill speciality restaurant every night and in the Dining Room on formal nights.   Additionally, chef Ethan Stowell has curated an Italian-inspired menu of pasta dishes, such as tortiglioni with basil pesto, haricot vert and baby potatoes; paccheri with spicy tomato, shrimp and parsley; spaghetti with beef and ricotta meatballs, basil and tomato; casarecce with beef short rib bolognese; and basked conchiglie with mozzarella and tomato basil, all available in the Lido Market.   At New York Pizza, a new option called ‘Primo’ will be offered. This will feature salami, pickled peppers and red onion, on a freshly made pizza crust.   Guests can choose from an array of freshly made items at all dining venues, from just-baked baguettes to handmade spaghetti, as well as freshly made gelato, waffle cones and regionally inspired desserts and pastries.   Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line, said: “When bread or pasta is made fresh, you can certainly taste the difference, which is why we take a close look at our culinary programme to assess what we can make onboard from scratch as another way to bring our ‘Destination Dining’ culinary platform to life. Chef Stowell’s new pasta and pizza are an exceptional addition to our ‘Made Fresh Daily’ menu items.”

  Holland America Line is expanding its Morimoto By Sea dining experience with a new specialty sushi bar.   The intimate 12-guest venue will feature a menu created by the cruise line’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador, chef Masaharu Morimoto, offering a selection of signature sushi, sashimi, rolls and smaller dishes.   The Morimoto By Sea sushi bar will be introduced on Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Eurodam, from March through to June 2025. It is also available on Nieuw Amsterdam, which introduced the sushi bar with a Morimoto By Sea stand-alone restaurant in 2023.   Items on the Morimoto By Sea sushi bar menu, available beginning in March 2025, include:   Appetiser delights to start   * Toto tartare: wasabi, nori paste, sour cream and chives   Sushi and sashimi selections   * Chef’s combination: Sushi sashimi * Nigiri and Sashimi: seasonal white fish, maguro tuna, sake salmon, hamachi yellowtail, kampachi amberjack, unagi freshwater eel, hotate scallop, ebi shrimp, tako octopus, Ikura salmon roe, otoro fatty tuna and cutoro medium fatty tuna.   Chef’s signature sushi rolls   * Shrimp tempura: California roll, tempura shrimp and gochujang aioli * Lobster tempura: tempura lobster, avocado, romaine lettuce, tobiko, cucumber and scallion * Tako yaki: tempura octopus, cabbage, tonkatsu sauce, mayo and bonito flakes * Aburi salmon: salmon avocado roll and spicy mayo, torched * California: snow crab, cucumber and avocado * Spicy tuna: tuna, scallion and spicy sauce * Spicy salmon: salmon, scallion and spicy sauce   Additional signature plates   * Tuna pizza: anchovy aioli, kalamata olives, red onion and jalapeno * Sticky ribs: hoisin sweet chili sauce and cilantro * Pork gyoza dumplings: with scallion ginger sauce * Poke bowl: marinated fresh fish, cucumber, avocado, seaweed and rice * Chicken katsu curry: panko crusted chicken breast, Japanese curry sauce and rice * Angry lobster pad Thai: Maine lobster, rice noodles and Thai red curry sauce   Dessert   * White chocolate lime ganache: coconut foam, mango yuzu sorbet and rice pudding   Morimoto By Sea is part of Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish programme, which features locally sourced fresh fish, from port to plate in less than 48 hours, offering more than 80 varieties of fresh fish from across a worldwide network.   In addition to the Morimoto By Sea sushi bar, chef Morimoto’s first restaurant at sea, Morimoto By Sea, is available on Nieuw Amsterdam and as a pop-up experience at least once per cruise on all other ships.   Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line, said: “With chef Morimoto’s knowledge and expertise in the sushi world, it made sense for him to expand beyond his Morimoto By Sea restaurant and develop a specialised sushi bar featuring his signature style and flavours. We’re excited to extend our fresh fish options and give our guests access to another specialty venue with cuisine by such a renowned chef.”   Morimoto By Sea sushi bar, which will be located in the former Nami Sushi venue, is an a la carte menu offered for a surcharge. Reservations can be made pre-cruise or once onboard.  

  Holland America Line has been recognised for its Alaska cruise experience with the ‘Reader Recommended’ endorsement from the UK’s Good Housekeeping Institute.   As part of the independent review process, 94% of respondents rated their overall onboard experience seven or higher out of 10, while 90% said they would recommend an Alaska cruise with Holland America Line to friends and family.   95% of respondents enjoyed learning about glacier history with onboard experts, and 93% found the Alaska National Parks “mesmerising and enjoyable”.   Travel agents can now use the Good Housekeeping ‘Reader Recommended’ logo across their own marketing channels to promote Holland America Line’s Alaska cruises.   Karen Farndell, director - sales & marketing at Holland America Line, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive the ‘Reader Recommended’ endorsement from the Good Housekeeping Institute - one of the UK’s most trusted marks of quality. This recognition is especially meaningful as it comes directly from guests who have sailed with us.   “As the cruise line with the most Alaska wildlife and wilderness viewing opportunities, we remain committed to delivering the very best of the region, from our exclusive Alaska Glacier Guarantee to our fresh, sustainable, wild-caught local seafood. We’re proud that so many of our guests would cruise with us again and look forward to welcoming even more people on board to discover the wonders of Alaska.”   Holland America Line recently announced it will invest $70 million in a multi-year expansion of its Denali Lodge and Alaska Cruisetours product. The investment will be used to expand guest capacity and improve facilities at the Denali Lodge.

Holland America Line and A+E's the HISTORY Channel have teamed up for a new, first-of-its-kind collaboration. It aims to give guests a more immersive experience of HAL’s destinations. The exclusive partnership will feature custom itineraries and shore excursions operated by Holland America and curated in partnership with The HISTORY Channel. "With us, history isn't just told, it is experienced," said Kacy Cole, CMO for Holland America Line. "As two iconic brands rooted in storytelling, we are uniquely positioned to bring history to life through custom itineraries and shore excursions." Several cruises will be curated in partnership with The HISTORY Channel. These include the 14-Day Arctic Journey & Northern Lights, the 7-Day Mediterranean Marvels of Pompeii and the 7-Day Norwegian Fjords with Hardangerfjord cruise itineraries. Additional themed departures will include the eastern Mediterranean with a focus on ancient empires; northern Europe and its Viking heritage; Arctic encounters and the region's history of polar exploration. These cruises will be announced at a later date. "We are thrilled to join with Holland America Line on this groundbreaking, long-term partnership," said David DeSocio, EVP, ad sales partnerships, A+E/The HISTORY Channel. Itineraries and shore excursions created through the partnership are now available to book through the Start Your Journey sale. Additional itineraries and shore excursions for 2025, 2026 and 2027 will continue to be released.

  Holland America Line has revealed it is updating the menu in Rudi’s Sel de Mer speciality restaurant onboard Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam.   A new Mediterranean concept will be introduced, featuring classic dishes that reflect the cuisine of countries including Italy, France, Spain and Greece.   The changes have been developed with input from Chef Rudi Sodamin and will take effect during January and February 2025. Rudi’s Sel de Mer has traditionally featured reimagined classic French dishes.   The new menu will comprise:   Starters * Burrata and prosciutto: with cherry tomatoes, thyme and olive oil * Nicoise salad: seared tuna with preserved lemon oil dressing * Warm garlic shrimp: with olive oil, butter, lemon and basil * Foie Gras torchon: with fruit chutney and toasted baguette * Roasted baby beets: with pomegranate, Labneh Salad and balsamic reduction * Wild mushroom soup: with truffle oil, crème fraiche and scallion churro   Mains * Greek spiced lamb chops: with lemon chickpea puree, fava beans and garlic jus * Fresh spaghetti fruits de mer: with tomato, tiger prawns, crab, scallops, mussels and clams * Bone-in striploin: with chanterelles, confit potatoes tarragon and Shiraz reduction * Seafood cioppino: with crab, squid, shrimp, scallops, mussels, grouper and potatoes * Duck breast a L’Orange: with orange zest, caramelized orange segments and thyme * Vegetable bourguignonne: with mushrooms, carrots, shallots, red wine and misoceleriac purée * Osso Bucco Ravioli: with cherry tomato, Stracciatella and basil   Desserts * Chocolate hazelnut volcano: with raspberries and Frangelico cream * Salted caramel St. Honoré: with vanilla puff pastry, Choux paste and Chantilly * Floating island: chocolate crème Anglaise with toasted pistachios * Warm strawberry tarte tatin: with sugar puff pastry crust, caramel and crème fraiche * Homemade Sorbet/Gelato of the day * Artisan cheese served with walnut bread and fig chutney   Michael Stendebach, Holland America Line’s vice president of food, beverage and rooms divisions, said: “The new Mediterranean bistro concept allows us to diversify the menu at Rudi’s Sel de Mer and showcase the beautiful flavours and fresh ingredients that are synonymous with the region. By refreshing the menu, we’re able to offer our guests a variety of dishes that appeal to a wide range of palettes, as well as some of the most popular dishes that have been mainstays on the menu from the start.”   Rudi’s is available for a $55 supplemental charge per person or as a dining option with the ‘Have It All’ premium package.

  Holland America Line has announced a partnership with Online Travel Training (OTT). OTT will deliver training for the trade on behalf of the line. They will also offer prizes and incentives for completing courses. To mark the agreement, Holland America and OTT have launched a training course that includes modules on an introduction to the brand, onboard activities and worldwide destinations, with a special focus on Alaska cruises and upselling opportunities. A corresponding incentive has also been launched, which will run across the Wave season to February 28, 2025. Ten agents who complete the Holland America course will be randomly selected to receive a £25 Amazon voucher. Additionally, agents who complete two OTT cruise courses, along with CLIA's 'Introduction to Selling Cruise' course, will have the chance to win one of three £50 Red Letter Day vouchers. Both Holland America and CLIA's courses are available on the OTT website. Karen Farndell, Holland America Line sales & marketing director, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with OTT and provide our trade partners with this new resource. It will enhance all aspects of their knowledge and give them access to exciting incentives and rewards. The training will be particularly beneficial during the Wave season, supporting agents in maximising their sales and success.” Jessica Shelton-Agar, managing director OTT, said: “Partnering with Holland America Line is an exciting step for OTT, especially as we help agents make the most of the busy Wave season. With this course, agents can dive into the details of Holland America’s unique offerings - like their focus on Alaska - and learn how to turn that knowledge into bookings and happy clients. Plus, the added incentives make it even more rewarding.”

Holland America Line has announced a partnership with Online Travel Training (OTT) which will deliver custom training for the trade on behalf of HAL. They will also offer prizes and incentives for completing courses. To mark the agreement, Holland America and OTT have launched a training course that includes modules on an introduction to the brand, onboard activities and worldwide destinations. Training features a special focus on Alaska cruises and upselling opportunities. A corresponding incentive has also been launched, which will run across the Wave season to February 28, 2025. Ten agents who complete the Holland America course will be randomly selected to receive a £25 Amazon voucher. Additionally, agents who complete two OTT cruise courses, along with CLIA's 'Introduction to Selling Cruise' course, will have the chance to win one of three £50 Red Letter Day vouchers. Both Holland America and CLIA's courses are available on the OTT website. Karen Farndell, Holland America Line sales and marketing director, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with OTT and provide our trade partners with this new resource. It will enhance all aspects of their knowledge and give access to exciting incentives and rewards”. “The training will be particularly beneficial during the Wave season, supporting agents in maximising their sales.”

  * Cruises to operate from September 2026 to April 2027 * Itineraries of 13 to 35-days on Noordam and Westerdam * Four Legendary Voyages available to book   Holland America Line has unveiled its 2026/2027 Australia, New Zealand and Asia cruises, which are now open for booking.   Running from September 2026 to April 2027 and operating on Noordam and Westerdam, 26 itineraries are on offer, ranging from 13 to 35 days. Four Legendary Voyages are also included in the programmes.   Australia and New Zealand   From January to March 2027, Noordam will sail a variety of 14-day Australia and New Zealand itineraries, between Auckland and Sydney, each calling at eight ports including Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park. Prices start from £2,669pp.   Additionally, the ship will operate three Legendary Voyages, at the beginning and end of the season: a 34-day Legendary South Pacific Crossing in October 2026 (Seattle to Sydney); a 298-day Legendary South Pacific Crossing in March 2027 (Sydney to Seattle); and a 35-day Legendary Australia Circumnavigation, departing November 15, 2026, calling at ports on the western coast, four ports in Papua New Guinea, overnight calls in Fremantle (Perth) and Hobart, as well as late-night stops in Adelaide, Philip Island and Melbourne. Prices for Legendary Voyages start from £4,819pp.   Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line’s vice president of revenue planning and analytics, said: “The 35-day Legendary Australia Circumnavigation is one of our deepest explorations of Australia. Guests have the chance to see all the country has to offer, including its iconic wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas. And for those who are looking to sample the region on a shorter sailing, our popular Australia and New Zealand cruises provide a great opportunity.”   Asia   Meanwhile, Westerdam will operate the line’s 2026/27 Asia season, starting earlier than ever before, from September 13, 2026.   Itineraries include 14-day Far East Discovery cruises between Hong Kong and Singapore; a 14-day Philippines, Taiwan and Japan option, departing from Hong Kong; 13 and 14-day Circle Japan; and a 14-day Japan and South Korea Discovery itinerary. Prices start from £2,389pp.   On January 3, 2027, the ship will depart on a 28-day Legendary Coral Triangle & Great Barrier Reef cruise, sailing to the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Australia, roundtrip from Singapore. This will visit the Coral Triangle and include an overnight call in Bali. Prices start from £5,409pp.   Paul Grigsby said: “We know that the majority of our guests traveling to Asia want cruises that are 14 days or longer, allowing them to more authentically connect with the destination. These carefully curated cruises provide the opportunity to do just that both on board and ashore. On the ship, they’ll experience culinary delights like Peking duck and South Korean street food. And tours ashore can provide a tailored experience for each guest depending on what they want to experience. Those looking for something truly special can spend two–three days on land exploring Thailand’s Ayutthaya City, Cambodia’s Angkor and other UNESCO World Heritage sites.”   Select voyages can be extended into Collectors’ Voyages, which combine back-to-back sailings for a cruise of up to 69 days.   For a limited time, when guests book 2026/2027 Australia, New Zealand and Asia cruises with the ‘Have It All Early Booking Bonus’ package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, speciality dining, a Signature Beverage Package, Surf Wi-Fi and pre-paid crew appreciation are included, plus upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package, Premium Wi-Fi and up to $300pp OBC.

 

• Itinerary on Volendam to increase to 133 days
• Cruise to visit 51 ports in 23 countries, including overnight stays
• Shorter segments of revised itinerary available

  Holland America Line has updated its 2026 Grand World Voyage, departing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on January 4, 2026, aboard the 1,432-passenger Volendam.   The new itinerary replaces a prior route through the Red Sea. Given the evolving situation in the region and in consultation with security experts, Holland America has made the decision to reroute the planned voyage.   The now 133-day voyage will take in ports in East and Southeast Asia, Central America, destinations in the US and a transit of the Panama Canal.   The changes will impact the last 54 days of the itinerary, which, due to a crossing of the International Dateline, will increase from 132 to 133 days. The amended cruise will now visit 51 ports in 23 countries across five continents, concluding as planned on May 17, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Prices start from £24,199pp.   Updates comprise:   * Following the originally planned overnight call in Singapore, Volendam will sail north to Vietnam, calling at Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City), Nha Trang and Halong Bay (Hanoi). * The ship will overnight in Hong Kong before continuing northeast to Kaohsiung and Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan. * Six ports of call in Japan, including overnights in Nagasaki and Tokyo, before completing a transpacific crossing. * A call at Kodiak, Sitka and Ketchikan, Alaska, before sailing south along the Pacific Coast of the US to Seattle, Washington and San Diego, California. * The voyage continues southeast to Manzanillo and Puerto Chiapas, Mexico; and Acajutla, El Salvador, before overnight stays in Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Panama, and a transit of the Panama Canal. * A new call at Cartagena, Colombia.   From November 13, 2024, guests will be able to book 21- to 55-day segments featuring the new portion of the itinerary. Highlighted segments include:   * 55-day Singapore to Fort Lauderdale, departing March 24, 2026 * 21-day Singapore to Tokyo, departing March 24, 2026 * 34-day Tokyo to Fort Lauderdale, departing April 14, 2026   Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line, said: “We know immersive experiences in exciting destinations are always a main draw for those choosing a world cruise. The dozen ports we’ve added in Asia will bring that part of the world to life for our guests. From exploring the emerald waters of Halong Bay or snorkelling in Nha Trang, to overnight stays in Hong Kong, Nagasaki and Tokyo, the deep exploration of the region provides guests the opportunity to take in the culture and natural beauty of Asia as part of their world cruise.”   Until June 16, 2025, guests who book the Grand World Voyage receive up to $2,000pp USD in onboard spending money, a 3% pay-in-full discount, a free Wi-Fi Surf package and a £400pp flight discount, if booked through Holland America Line.   Guests already booked on the full Grand World Voyage or segments impacted by the changes will be contacted by their travel agent or Holland America Line with further details and options.

  Holland America Line is introducing its first-ever branded sparkling wine, available across its 11 ships from the end of October.   Guests will be able to purchase the Holland America Line Sparkling Wine by the glass and bottle in all restaurants and bars, and as in-stateroom gift packages. It will also feature at events such as the Captain’s Toast and the Mariner Reception, which is part of the Mariner Society for past guests.   The sparkling wine has been created in collaboration with Four Feathers Wine Services, based in Washington, US, using the ‘Methode Traditionnelle’ process, the same technique used for producing Champagne.   Drew Foulk, senior manager of beverage and dining operations and innovation at Holland America Line, said: “Our goal was to create a wine that elevates a sense of luxury onboard. Whether our guests are celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging during their voyage, we aim to provide them with something truly exceptional.”   Rebecca De Kleine, general manager and director of winemaking at Four Feathers Wine Services, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Holland America Line to craft this exceptional sparkling wine. This wine showcases the best of our estate-grown fruit, grown in the celebrated Columbia Valley. The Four Feathers team has ensured each bottle is a perfect balance of tradition and innovation. Sustainability is at the core of everything we do, from vineyard practices to production, ensuring that our commitment to environmental stewardship enhances the quality and integrity of this wine.”

Holland America Line  is now showcasing long cruise segments for its 2025 round the world cruises in 2025. It is inviting guests to book a Grand Voyage segment on the 2025 Grand World Voyage or the 2025 Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole. Prices start from $169 per day, including all taxes and fees. Seven segments are available on the Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole aboard Volendam. These range from 33 to 100 days. On Zuiderdam's Grand World Voyage, guests can choose one or more of six segments, ranging from 20 to 55 days. "Our Grand Voyages are something our dedicated guests come back for every year to explore the world, but we recognize that not everyone has that time," said Paul Grigsby, VP of deployment and itinerary planning for HAL. "By booking one of our 2025 Grand Voyage segments, cruisers can get a taste of the special atmosphere and community aboard these sailings." On the Grand World Voyage, guests can sail from Fort Lauderdale to Singapore or Sydney, Singapore to Athens, Cape Town to Fort Lauderdale; Sydney to Cape Town; and Athens to Fort Lauderdale. The Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole segments include Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to Barcelona, and Ijmuiden (Amsterdam) or Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale. Guests sailing on any of the full or segmented Grand Voyages will have access to all on-board offerings. This includes 15 new production shows debuting in 2025,  comedians, headline entertainers and performers brought on locally, and resident musicians. During the Grand Voyages, Zuiderdam and Volendam will rendezvous on April 24, 2025 in Barcelona. 

Related News Stories:  

Holland America Line will offer three solar eclipse cruises in August 2026 aboard three ships sailing in Europe Itineraries take guests to prime locations to experience natural phenomena including the Northern Lights, total solar eclipse and summer solstice "After the success of the 2024 eclipse cruises, we knew our guests were looking for additional opportunities," said Beth Bodensteiner, CCO for HAL. Guests booking designated solar eclipse cruises can enjoy lectures from scientific experts plus themed activities. Eclipse glasses will be provided for guests’ safety. Three ships will be positioned under the path of totality for the August 12, 2026, total solar eclipse. Oosterdam will take guests to the Mediterranean to witness the eclipse off the eastern coast of Spain, while Nieuw Statendam will explore Northern Europe, sailing off the western coast of Iceland for the eclipse. Guests can also sail on Zuiderdam for the popular Voyage of the Vikings cruise, for the solar eclipse. 

Related News Stories:  Holland America Line to debut 'Glacier Day' on all Alaska cruises     Holland America Line hosts largest ever agent ship visit     Holland America Line launches Alaska cruise glacier guarantee     Royal Caribbean International - TravelMole     Red Sea Holidays - TravelMole