Holland America ‘Heritage Cruises’

HOLLAND America Line (HAL) has introduced a new ‘Heritage Cruises’ program of nearly 50 voyages revisiting historic ports, as part of the line’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

Guests will become fully immersed in celebrating the brand’s history, in cities such as Rotterdam, which shares an entwined connection to Holland America’s beginnings; Skagway and Juneau, which introduced the world to exploring Alaska by ship; and even Sydney (pictured), Melbourne, and Hobart.

Over the next year, the 48 Heritage Cruises will be rolled out, with special itineraries calling at 56 ports, in destinations such as Alaska, the Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, New Zealand, Hawaii, South America, and Mexico.

The cruises will also feature special onboard experiences, such as a Throwback Happy Hour, with select drinks priced as low as 75 cents; a special Dutch High Tea, offering sweets such as oliebollen, speculoos, and mini bossche bol; and classic HAL cruise activities such as sjoelen and trivia.

There will also be region-specific drinks and menu items, bringing each destination to life on board.

“As a beloved company that’s been around for 150 years, these special Heritage Cruises allow us to continue celebrating Holland America Line with our guests in a meaningful way,” President Gus Antorcha said.

“We have a deep connection to ports around the world, and we’re excited to show how each highlighted destination has shaped our brand.”

The Heritage Cruises join a range of experiences Holland America has rolled out thus far to celebrate its 150th anniversary, including a one-night Captain’s Gala Menu in the Dining Room, featuring a collection of classic dishes; the line’s new exclusive HAL ‘De Lijn’ gin, which will be featured in three new anniversary cocktails; and HAL Pils, a limitededition beer.

The celebration will culminate in an Apr 2023 150th Anniversary Crossing from New York City to Rotterdam, ending on 18 Apr HAL’s 150th birthday (CW 21 Jul).