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Holland America Line’s Stunning South American Cruises

Holland America Line News

Robert McGillivray

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Apr 3, 2023

Holland America Line’s Stunning South American Cruises

Holland America Line has revealed its 2024-2025 South America season, which features a range of cruises on the Oosterdam and Zaandam, exploring the diverse landscapes of South America, Antarctica, and the Amazon River.

The reveal comes after the cruise line launched new voyages for its 2024-2025 Caribbean season and introduced a new category called Legendary Voyages last month, all of which feature much longer itineraries that offer guests the chance to explore the sailing destinations fully.

South America and Antarctica Cruises

Holland America Line’s South America cruises from November 2024 through March 2025 will offer guests several memorable experiences, from visiting the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu to rounding Cape Horn and sailing to the remote continent of Antarctica.

“Holland America Line’s South America cruises continue to attract travelers looking for those memorable experiences like the Amazon, Macchu Pichu, and Antarctica, and South America delivers not only cultural immersion but also some of the most spectacular scenery in the world,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer, Holland America Line.

“Our perfectly sized ships make it possible to explore these remote locations and visit smaller ports that give our guests a unique perspective of the continent.”

Zaandam Cruise Ship in South America (Photo Credit: Ion Mes / Shutterstock)

The South America and Antarctica season will feature 14-day “South America Passage” itineraries, 17-day “Panama Canal and Inca Discovery” cruises, and 22-day “South America and Antarctica” itineraries.

Highlights include overnight visits to Buenos Aires, journeys through the Panama Canal, four days exploring Antarctica guided by an onboard naturalist, and scenic cruising along the Chilean fjords, Drake Passage, Beagle Channel and Glacier Alley.

In February 2025, Zaandam will sail on a 27-day Amazon adventure roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, traversing the longest river in the world. The cruise will explore 12 ports in the Caribbean and Brazil, as well as French Guiana, and spend several days cruising along the Amazon River. The itinerary includes an overnight stay in Manaus, the heart of the Amazon, and two equator crossings.

Early Booking Bonus, Upgrades, & Extra Amenities

Holland America Line offers guests an early booking bonus and added amenities and upgrades for its 2024-2025 South America and Antarctica cruises.

Guests who book the Have It All premium package will receive standard package amenities such as shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi, along with free prepaid Crew Appreciation and upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.

Mariner Society loyalty members can also enjoy up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom on select cruises when booked by June 5, 2023.

Holland America Line recently introduced a new category of longer, destination-immersive sailings called Legendary Voyages. Launched on March 7, 2023, and featuring itineraries ranging from 25 to 59 days, these cruises commemorate Holland America Line’s 150th anniversary.

Besides the Amazon and South America, The Legendary Voyages will visit various locations, including Australia and New Zealand, the South Pacific and Hawaii, Greenland and Iceland, Asia, Alaska, and the Arctic Circle.

Furthermore, the cruise line unveiled its 2024-2025 Caribbean season on March 30, 2023. Holland America Line will offer cruises ranging in length from five to 21 days, covering eastern, western, and southern Caribbean regions and featuring Panama Canal sailings, with Boston as a new Caribbean departure port, in addition to Fort Lauderdale.

Passenger Falls to Lower Deck on Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship

Virgin Voyages News

Melissa Mayntz

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Apr 3, 2023

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Passenger Falls to Lower Deck on Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship

A very unfortunate incident has occurred onboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady, resulting in a passenger passing away on the first night of the ship’s current sailing.

The incident happened late in the evening of April 2, 2023, and the ship immediately returned to PortMiami to debark the deceased passenger. This has also forced a dramatic itinerary alteration for the vessel.

Passenger Falls Over Balcony Railing

According to CBS News, at approximately 9:35 p.m. on Sunday evening, a female passenger fell from her Deck 14 stateroom balcony aboard Valiant Lady onto one of the ship’s lower decks. Her injuries were severe, and while emergency medical care was administered as quickly as possible, it was not successful.

“This passenger went over their balcony to a lower deck, and despite receiving immediate medical attention, has passed away,” read a statement from Virgin Voyages.

Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: Imaxe Press / Shutterstock

Further details of the incident, including the guests name and age as well as what may have led to her fall have not been released in order to safeguard the woman’s privacy as well as for her family members and friends.

Worth Reading: Cruise Guest Falls on Her Head During Attempted Pole Dance

The circumstances of the fall are also under investigation, as is customary procedure in such incidents.

Guests onboard the ship have reported that emergency personnel quickly erected tents and caution tape around the deck area where the fall happened, to further safeguard the guests’ privacy at a very difficult and challenging time.

Valiant Lady Returns to Miami

Immediately after the incident, Valiant Lady – which had just departed PortMiami less than four hours earlier – reversed course and headed back to port. This allowed the deceased passenger to be carefully debarked and the scene to be visited by authorities immediately.

At the time of the fall, the ship was roughly 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of Key Largo, roughly 44 miles (71 km) from PortMiami.

The ship remained back in Miami for several hours, but has once more departed and is now en route to Cozumel. The original itinerary was for the ship to sail the 6-night cruise with visits to Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Bimini, The Bahamas, as well as two days at sea before returning to Miami on Saturday, April 8.

Now, the ship will reportedly visit Cozumel, Mexico and the visits to Roatan and Costa Maya have been dropped. It is likely that the last port of call, Bimini in The Bahamas, will be able to proceed as scheduled, as the lost time with the diversion back to Miami can easily be made up through the days at sea.

Valiant Lady is the second of Virgin’ Voyages cruise ships, and only debuted with the line in February 2022. Unfortunately, this is not the first sad incident aboard the vessel, as a guest went intentionally overboard in late March 2022 off the coast of Portugal.

The 110,000-gross-ton ship can welcome 2,700 guests per sailing, and is currently homeported from Miami offering Caribbean sailings. On April 22, Valiant Lady will reposition to Barcelona with a 15-night one-way transatlantic cruise, and will remain homeported in Spain sailing Mediterranean voyages through October.

Cruise Hive’s condolences are with the woman’s family and friends, as well as other guests aboard Valiant Lady and the cruise ship’s emergency teams and other crew members at this very difficult and distressing time.

Major Cruise Port Operator Enjoys Unprecedented Growth

Port News

Robert McGillivray

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Apr 1, 2023

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Major Cruise Port Operator Enjoys Unprecedented Growth

Global Ports Holding, the world’s largest cruise port operator, has experienced remarkable growth in the Americas and Europe over the last two years, as it has taken over management of several cruise ports worldwide post-pandemic.

Among the ports managed by Global Ports Holding are Alicante Cruise Port, Prince Rupert Cruise Port, St Lucia, San Juan Cruise Port, The Canary Islands, and Taranto Cruise Port. But it’s the ports in the Americas where the operator is booking its biggest successes.

Significant Developments in the Americas

During Seatrade Cruise Global this week, Global Ports Holding executives discussed the latest developments at their ports in North America, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, which include two of the most popular cruise ports in the Bahamas and Caribbean, Antigua Cruise Port, Nassau Cruise Port.

At Antigua Cruise Port, the port’s fifth berth’s official commissioning occurred on December 6, 2022. Additionally, the port successfully completed a highly successful homeporting season with P&O’s Excel-class 180,000 gross tons cruise ship Arvia in March 2023.

Nassau Cruise Port, the busiest cruise port in the world, set a new record in February 2023 by welcoming 28,554 passengers aboard six cruise ships in a single day. Among the ships docked at the port were two of Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis-class vessels, Wonder of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas, the first and third largest ships in the world, respectively.

Cruise Ships in Nassau, Bahamas — Photo Credit: Gianfranco Vivi / Shutterstock

Other cruise ships in port included Carnival Cruise Lines’ Excel-class Mardi Gras, Celebrity Cruise Line’s Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Beyond, and MSC Meraviglia.

Nassau is currently busy with a $250 million-plus redevelopment project, with expanded berths to accommodate larger ships and a new waterfront area to enhance the overall cruise experience for visiting cruise guests.

Mike Maura Jr., Regional Director of Global Ports Holding Americas, expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s growth and investments in these destinations.

Mike Maura Jr.: “The investments being made in these destinations will enhance the experience for millions of cruise passengers each year and provide a boost in economic activity in the surrounding communities. These investments have been strategically designed to support the holistic development of each destination and clearly show why Global Ports Holding is the world’s largest port operator.”

San Juan Cruise Port & Prince Rupert Cruise Port

Global Ports Holdings is not just looking at well-established cruise ports such as Antigua and Nassau. San Juan Cruise Port has long been a popular destination for cruise ships but needs upgrades to continue to welcome the world’s biggest ships to its docks.

Cruise Ships Docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico — Photo Credit: NAPA / Shutterstock

San Juan Cruise Port in Puerto Rico signed an agreement with Global Ports Holding to upgrade, expand, and manage the cruise piers in the city. The $425 million project will involve repairing and refurbishing existing port facilities and constructing a state-of-the-art cruise terminal, enabling San Juan to welcome the world’s largest cruise ships.

Prince Rupert Cruise Port in British Columbia, which welcomed just 41,000 cruise ship passengers in 2022, has entered into a 10-year concession agreement with Global Ports Holding, with a 10-year extension option to manage cruise services at the port.

Due to its location, Prince Rupert is an ideal place to take full advantage of the many cruise ships sailing to Alaska each summer. For the 2023 cruise season, passenger numbers will rise to nearly 80,000 and are expected to continue growing after this year.

The Cruise Industry’s Pursuit of Carbon Neutrality by 2050

Cruise News

Robert McGillivray

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Mar 31, 2023

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The Cruise Industry’s Pursuit of Carbon Neutrality by 2050

As the global community becomes increasingly environmentally conscious, the cruise industry is setting sail towards a greener future. Committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, cruise lines, shipbuilders, and research institutions are joining forces to develop sustainable technologies and practices that revolutionize the way we travel on water.

Pioneering projects like the NEcOLEAP and “Reverse” are reimagining cruise ship design, while industry giants like MSC Cruises lead the charge in sustainable innovation. From liquefied natural gas to methanol-powered ships, the quest for carbon neutrality is driving the cruise industry to push the boundaries of sustainability and reshape the future of maritime travel.

The NEcOLEAP Project

Launched in February 2022, the primary purpose of the NEcOLEAP project is to create a climate-neutral cruise ship concept within the next few years.

The project also seeks to strengthen and expand innovative research and development within shipbuilding, ensuring that the maritime sector remains at the forefront of sustainable technology and design.

Read Also: LNG Cruise Ship: Top Pros and Cons

The project is a joint development by the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the Finnish government, Aalto University, and others. It aims to make Finland a leader in sustainable shipbuilding.

Future Cruise Ship — Render: Meyer Turku

It is a title that the Meyer Turku shipyard has been working hard on getting, as it is already involved in Carnival Corporation’s Excel Class ships, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, and TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 7.

A core aspect of the NEcOLEAP project is its direct connection to the Meyer Group’s sustainability strategy. The group has committed to developing a climate-neutral cruise concept by 2025, and the NEcOLEAP project serves as a crucial step in achieving this goal.

The project’s success will demonstrate the viability of climate-neutral cruise ships and help pave the way for more sustainable and responsible practices within the sector. This is also where the ‘Reverse’ Project plays a significant role.

The “Reverse” Project: Envisioning the Cruise Ship of the Future

The Meyer Group unveiled an innovative cruise ship concept this week called “Reverse,” offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable cruise ship design.

While the design itself is something that has drawn the most attention, and not always in a positive manner, the technology behind the vessel is impressive and, more importantly, achievable with the technology now available.

Inspired by the aerodynamic shape of a rockhopper penguin, the “Reverse” features a closed glass façade, urban gardening areas, and drone landing pads. Its energy concept relies on innovations such as harvesting wave energy and using solar power, fuel cells, and wind energy to eliminate the need for fossil fuels.

The “Reverse” project shows that the NEcOLEAP project is achievable in the next few years. However, for now, it is mostly on the cruise lines themselves to get the ball rolling.

Committing to Sustainable Innovation

As one of the major players in the cruise industry, MSC Cruises has taken a proactive approach towards sustainability, striving to achieve the International Maritime Organization’s objectives of a 40% carbon reduction by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

To accomplish these ambitious goals, MSC Cruises has implemented various innovative technologies and practices, including low-noise hull designs, advanced waste processing systems, intelligent ventilation, air conditioning systems, and energy-saving LED lighting systems.

However, MSC Cruises is not alone. In line with the 2050 goals, many cruise lines are exploring the potential of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel to reduce their environmental footprint.

Although LNG has its critics due to methane emissions during production and use, the industry sees it as a stepping stone towards more sustainable fuel options, such as methanol or biofuel. Methanol, in particular, seems to be a viable option, with many new build ships already being fitted with the ability to run on Methanol.

Cruise lines also work with port authorities to utilize shore power, allowing cruise ships to switch off their engines while docked. The only issue with shore power is that it is only sustainable if the power source is sustainable.

The Pursuit of Carbon Neutrality

The pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2050 shows the cruise industry is serious about environmental responsibility and sustainable innovation.

In the coming years, as the world becomes greener, the focus on sustainable initiatives will become increasingly important to passengers and stakeholders alike.

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Various European countries are banning diesel from their cities. The steps to banning a diesel-burning cruise ship are only small for the government but one that has a massive impact on the hundreds of large and small cruise destinations in Europe.

The NEcOLEAP project, MSC Cruises’ commitment to sustainability, the 2050 goals, LNG and Methanol-powered cruise ships, and innovative concepts like the “Reverse” project all highlight the industry’s dedication to creating a more eco-friendly future for cruising. It also shows that it isn’t just something the cruise industry wants to do; it is something that it will have to do to remain operational.

Archives Detail Early Holland America Line Guests

Holland America Line News

Donna Tunney

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Mar 31, 2023

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Archives Detail Early Holland America Line Guests

The history of Holland America Line, today a premium cruise brand of Carnival Corporation, dates back 150 years ago, when the company was first registered in the Netherlands in 1873.

Who were those early cruisers? A newly completed archival project reveals the names of passengers who sailed with the line between 1900 and 1969.

Passenger List Reaches Back to 1900

Holland America Line’s past springs to life thanks to a set of passenger list archives that span nearly 70 years of operation. Now digitized in a searchable database created by CBG | Center for Family History and Rotterdam City Archives, the list details each guest’s name, port of departure and date of departure.

According to the Holland America blog, “This three-year project could not have been completed without the help of volunteers from the Dutch crowdsourcing platform Many Hands. Those volunteers scanned approximately 150,000 passenger logs and documents and entered them into the database.”

Old Holland America Cruise Passenger List — Photo Credit: Holland America Line

The archives are found on the Rotterdam City Archives website. Most of the passengers left from Rotterdam, the database shows, and there are some notable events, such as onboard births, a stowaway and a dog traveling solo. The earliest passenger list is from May 3, 1900 and the last is from December 29, 1969.

During those early and mid-century years, Holland America Line guests were in good company. Albert Einstein’s name appears several times, as does Winston Churchill’s.

Line Celebrates Earliest Voyages

It was the Rotterdam I that set sail for the line in 1872, making her maiden voyage and first transatlantic cruise from Rotterdam to New York, even before the line was officially registered.

The late 19th century was a busy time for Holland America, as it made 1,300 transatlantic crossings with upward of 500,000 passengers traveling with the line, many of them immigrants headed for the New World.

Classic Rotterdam — Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line

This year, Holland America is marking its 150th anniversary with special sailings and onboard events. It also recreated the first voyage of the Rotterdam I in October 2022, when Rotterdam VII, which entered service in 2020, retraced the 1872 voyage from the Netherlands to New York.

Part two of the milestone celebration happens in April 2023, when the 2,668-guest Rotterdam VII departs Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and returns to the city of Rotterdam, again with special onboard events marking the 150th anniversary of the line’s official registry. The cruise in April calls in New York, and Plymouth and London, England, before ending in the Netherlands.

Worth Reading: Cruise Line Creates Nostalgic Voyage Based on Classic Flights

And here’s a bit of trivia: The line’s first so-called pleasure cruise sailed in 1910 aboard the 10,500 gross ton Statendam I. Cruise line records show that the ship cruised from New York to the Mediterranean and the Holy Land.

Today’s Nieuw Statendam VI, which launched in 2017, is just under 100,000 gross tons, illustrating how ship capacities have grown over the decades.

Carnival Cruise Line Price Increases Set to Begin

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 31, 2023

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Carnival Cruise Line Price Increases Set to Begin

Anyone planning a Carnival cruise, whether they are a regular cruiser, first-time Carnival guest, or have never been sailing before, should take note that the planned increases to gratuity and Wi-Fi rates are set to increase from April 1, 2023, making March 31 the last day to lock in significant savings.

Gratuity Increases to Take Effect

It’s no April Fool’s Joke that as of April 1, Carnival Cruise Line’s gratuity rates will increase.

For all embarkations on or after Saturday, April 1, the automatic gratuity rate for standard staterooms – interior cabins, ocean views, and balconies – will increase to $16 per guest, per day, up from $14.50, an increase of roughly 10% per day. The rate for suite guests will become $18 per person, per day rather than $16.50.

Particularly for families, this can be a significant charge, adding up to $448 ($462 in suites) for a family of four for a 7-night sailing. Prior to the increase, the automatic gratuities would have been $406 for the same family ($504 in suites). It should be noted, however, that guests under the age of 2 are not assessed automatic gratuities.

Carnival Cruise Line Ship — Photo Credit: Khairil Azhar Junos / Shutterstock

Compare the April 1 rates to gratuity rates of just a year ago, and the difference is even more significant. Carnival Cruise Line also raised gratuity rates in May 2022. Prior to that first increase, the cost was $13.99 per person, per day for standard staterooms, and $15.99 for suites.

This means, in just one year, the twice-raised rates have increased by approximately 14% for standard staterooms, and 12% for suites.

This is particularly troubling at a time when inflation rates remain high, while wages are not necessarily keeping pace with day-to-day living expense increases.

Still Time to Save

Guests can still lock in the lower gratuity rates for Carnival cruises if they pre-pay for automatic gratuities prior to April 1, 2023. This applies even if the cruise sets sail weeks or months after the rate increase takes effect.

Carnival Cruise Line Ship Deck — Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive

Booked guests can contact Carnival Cruise Line or login to the cruise line’s website to make such a payment, or reach out to their travel agent to make immediate payment and save significantly for their upcoming cruise.

Guests who may be ready to book could also secure their reservations and pre-payment before the deadline – such savings are nothing to laugh at.

Comparing Gratuities Across Cruise Lines

While no service charge increase is ever welcome, the gratuity rates Carnival will begin on April 1 are comparable to other cruise lines and their own increases in the past year.

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line raised gratuities from January 1, with a new rate of $25 per person, per day for guests in The Haven and suites, and $20 per person, per day Club Balcony Suites and other stateroom types.

Holland America Line’s gratuity rates, just raised on February 1, are now $17.50 per person per day in suites, and $16 per person, per day in other stateroom categories.

Princess Cruises’ rates are $18 per person per day in suites, $17 in mini-suites or Club Class staterooms, and $16 per person, per day in other stateroom types. Princess Cruises raised gratuities to the current level in mid-December 2022.

Disney Cruise Line’s gratuity rates, which have not been raised since July 2022, are $14.50 per person (including children and infants) in all staterooms except Concierge and Suite staterooms, which are $15.50 per person, per day.

New Carnival Cruise Line VIFP Gifts to Begin

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 31, 2023

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New Carnival Cruise Line VIFP Gifts to Begin

Carnival Cruise Line is introducing a new, coordinated set of gifts for its most loyal guests – the Very Important Fun Persons, or VIFPs – and the first of the new items will be available beginning in early April. However, not all ships will have the new loyalty gifts due to delivery issues.

New VIFP Gift Ready to Debut

Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald announced today that the first of the new VIFP Diamond and Platinum gifts is ready to be offered, but not quite on all ships.

“I am pleased to say that we will be changing the VIFP Diamond and Platinum gift over to Fanny Packs (Bum Bags) for voyages starting after 4/6 for all ships other than Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Splendor, which will continue to give the koozies until the new gifts arrive Down Under,” Heald said.

The new fanny pack is navy blue, with a red zipper, adjustable belt strap, and “Carnival VIFP Club” on a patch on the front pocket.

Additional gifts in the matching set will be brought aboard ships in the weeks to come. The two other items in the coordinated collection are a beach or poolside tote bag and a smaller toiletry or small items bag. Both share the same color scheme and the simple VIFP logo patch.

“Next up after this will be the Tote Bag with the same Logo,” Heald said. In time, loyalty guests may have the ability to choose which of the gifts they receive on each sailing, though this has not been confirmed.

For now, Carnival Cruise Line will be offering the new gifts more quickly than how gifts have been changed in the past. Many frequent cruisers, for example, have received the snap koozie gift several times, as it is has been available for some time.

“We’ll start off with one, then we’ll go move very quickly a couple of months later exchanging for something else, then exchanging for the third one,” Heald explained when the new gifts were first announced.

While Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Splendor will not be receiving the new loyalty gifts yet, the items should arrive soon for cruisers setting sail from Australia.

Receiving the Loyalty Gifts

Loyalty gifts are offered to Platinum- and Diamond-level returning guests. Cruisers earn points for every day they sail with Carnival Cruise Line, and reach Platinum status once they have 75 points. The Diamond loyalty level begins at 200 points, and is the highest level in Carnival’s loyalty program.

There is no difference in the gifts offered to either Platinum or Diamond guests, though each level does have other unique benefits.

Loyalty gifts must be picked up at the Pixels Photo Gallery onboard each ship, where guests’ names will be checked off a list to confirm that they received their item.

Carnival Cruise Line VIFP — Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz

In previous years, gifts were hand-delivered to guests’ staterooms, either awaiting them on embarkation day or as a nice surprise during the sailing. The switch to having guests pick up gifts was made as part of health and safety protocols as cruising resumed after the industry shutdown, in order to minimize how many people entered different staterooms in case of illness.

Heald has reached out to the cruise line’s leadership team to request that stateroom delivery of the gifts resume, as many guests appreciate that extra touch. As yet, there is no confirmation of whether or not the delivery will return or if guests will need to continue picking up their rewards at Pixels.

In addition to the logo gifts, all Platinum and Diamond-level VIFP guests also receive collectible pins with the ship’s name and year on every cruise. Gold-level cruisers (25-74 points) receive Gold VIFP pins as well. All pins must also be collected at the Pixels Photo Gallery onboard.

Holland America Opens Caribbean Season With Longer Cruises

Holland America Line News

Robert McGillivray

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Mar 30, 2023

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Holland America Opens Caribbean Season With Longer Cruises

Holland America Line has opened bookings for its 2024-2025 Caribbean season, featuring three new voyages of 14 and 21 days and the addition of Boston, Massachusetts, as a Caribbean departure port, alongside Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The cruise line is continuing to put focus on longer, more immersive itineraries, as well as bringing back calls to Bermuda.

Longer Voyages and More Island Exploration

Six ships, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, Volendam, and Zuiderdam, will head to the Caribbean for the 2024-2025 Holland America Line Caribbean season. Most itineraries will be roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, and two new itineraries depart from Boston.

Holland America Line’s Caribbean cruises will offer itineraries ranging from five to 21 days, covering eastern, western, and southern regions and featuring Panama Canal sailings, continuing the brand’s efforts to create longer, more immersive voyages. Guests can also combine several cruises to create one unique Collectors’ Voyage.

Holland America Cruise Ship — Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line

Holland America Line’s president, Gus Antorcha, stated: “Holland America Line is meeting the desire of our guests who want more immersive experiences, and we’re excited to offer new itineraries and a new departure option for this Caribbean season.”

“With sailings covering the entire region and combinable itineraries up to 35 days, our Caribbean cruises extend to lesser-visited islands and are among the most diverse in the industry.”

New and Longer Cruises

New for the season is a unique 21-Day “Perfect Caribbean Escape” cruise roundtrip from Boston aboard Zuiderdam.

Departing on October 19, 2024, the extended tropical adventure includes a call at Bermuda, followed by stops at Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, Curaçao, Aruba, Cartagena, Colombia, Colon, Panama, Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, Port Canaveral, Florida, and Bimini, Bahamas. The voyage also includes a partial Panama Canal transit.

Following this, Zuiderdam will sail a new 14-day “Southern Caribbean” itinerary from Boston to Fort Lauderdale departing November 9, including a call at Bermuda and visits to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Barbados, Curaçao, and Half Moon Cay. Combining the 21- and 14-day departures creates a 35-Day Collectors’ Voyage for the ultimate Caribbean experience.

Another new 21-day Caribbean exploration sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Volendam, departing January 4, 2025. The “Ultimate Caribbean” cruise includes calls at Half Moon Cay; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Tortola; St. Maarten; Antigua; Dominica; St. Lucia; Barbados; St. Vincent, Grenada; Bonaire; Aruba; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Grand Cayman.

Western, Eastern, and Southern Caribbean Itineraries

Guests who want to opt for a shorter cruise have the choice of several Western, Eastern, and Southern Caribbean cruises.

The Western Caribbean itineraries offer six-, seven-, and ten-day options. The seven-day cruise calls at Cozumel, Mexico; Half Moon Cay, Ocho Rios, and Grand Cayman.

The three 10-day itineraries span the region and are a combination of ports that include Montego Bay or Falmouth, Jamaica; Mahogany Bay, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; and Half Moon Cay and Bimini in the Bahamas.

The seven-day eastern Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Grand Turk, St. Thomas, San Juan, and Half Moon Cay. Southern Caribbean itineraries range from nine to 14 days, with the nine-day cruise visiting Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, and Half Moon Cay.

Guests who book the newly opened 2024-2025 Caribbean cruises with the Have It All premium package will receive the standard amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi. However, they will also get free prepaid Crew Appreciation, free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package, and Premium Wi-Fi.

Holland America Line’s Mariner Society members can receive up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom when booking select cruises. To take advantage of these offers, guests must book by June 27, 2023.

New Futuristic 2100 Cruise Ship Concept Revealed

Cruise News

Robert McGillivray

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Mar 30, 2023

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The Meyer Group has recently unveiled an innovative cruise ship concept called “Reverse,” offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable cruise ship design. Alongside this groundbreaking concept, the shipyard is also working on several eco-friendly cruise ship projects that emphasize its commitment to environmental responsibility.

A Glimpse into the Year 2100

The Meyer Werft, the world-famous shipbuilders from Germany, unveiled what they believe will be the future of cruising. The “Reverse” concept is a futuristic cruise ship inspired by the aerodynamic shape of a rockhopper penguin.

The ship’s exterior features a closed glass façade, urban gardening areas, and drone landing pads. The interior boasts central public areas and a cabin structure detached from the outer hull, allowing for efficient modular manufacturing.

“The ship is based on global megatrends and is one – but not the only – logical response to them,” explained Tim Krug, Head of Concept Development Group at Meyer Group.

“For example, we have only provided for small restaurant areas that serve more as social meeting places because we imagine that a large part of the nutrients will be consumed in a concentrated form like pills.”

Worth Reading: New Viral Video Shows Nuclear-Powered Sky Cruise

The “Reverse” energy concept relies on innovation, utilizing wave energy through horizontal wings on the hull, solar and fuel cells, and wind energy to eliminate the need for fossil fuels.

To showcase the possibilities of sustainable materials, the “Reverse” model displayed at Seatrade Cruise Global is constructed predominantly from eco-friendly materials, with 90% of the materials being recycled or recyclable without residue.

The model also features a working fuel cell powered by methanol to supply the model’s lighting with energy. The Meyer Group trade fair team also uses the system to charge smartphones and tablets, demonstrating the concept’s commitment to sustainability and its potential impact on the cruise ship industry.

Meyer Group’s Sustainable Cruise Ships

The Meyer Group is working on multiple innovative cruise ship projects. Meyer Werft will deliver the Silver Nova to Silversea Cruises later this year, a ship featuring advanced technology and design.

Meyer Turku is constructing two cutting-edge vessels: Icon of the Seas, which will be the world’s largest cruise ship when delivered to Royal Caribbean International, and Mein Schiff 7 for TUI Cruises, designed to run on methanol and green methanol for near climate-neutral operation.

Silver Nova will employ an innovative fuel concept with low-emission LNG, a fuel cell system, and batteries to minimize emissions. Once completed, the cruise ship will exceed the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) highest energy efficiency requirements by 25% and employ a Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) to convert waste into thermal energy.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship — Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

The 250,800 gross tons Icon of the Seas incorporates numerous eco-friendly features to minimize its environmental impact and optimize energy usage. The ship is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) through six LNG-powered engines, reducing emissions significantly. While in port, fuel cells provide 10% of the ship’s hotel base load, further enhancing its green credentials.

The vessel is equipped with a hull-cleaning “grooming robot” that removes slime and barnacles and an air lubrication system that coats the hull in microscopic bubbles to reduce friction.

Additionally, the vessel uses shore power and has an advanced wastewater treatment system.

Mein Schiff 7 is another innovative vessel under construction at Meyer Turku. To minimize its environmental impact, it incorporates various eco-friendly features, including a shore power connection system and highly efficient catalytic converters.

Mein Schiff 7 operates exclusively with lower-emission marine diesel, reducing harmful emissions during its voyages. The ship is also prepared to run on green methanol in the future, making its propulsion system almost CO2-neutral.