You Talkin’ To Me?

Wednesday, June, 25, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

Next week, Holland America Line introduces Eurodam, the first of its new Signature-class of vessels. In anticipation for the event — and this new class of vessel for Holland America Line, this story looks back at a similar introduction five years ago. Be sure to tune in next week for [...]

Holland America Line’s Noordam

Wednesday, June, 18, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

Ship: Noordam Maiden Voyage: February 22, 2006 Best Of Class: Noordam is a “perfect ship,” said a young Filipino steward as I boarded. Perhaps she’s “perfect” because Holland America Line had the experience of building three sister vessels that preceded Noordam: Zuiderdam, introduced in 2002, to Oosterdam (2003), to Westerdam (2004) and [...]

Choosing An Alaska Cruisetour

Wednesday, June, 11, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

 

Selecting an Alaska cruisetour can be daunting for the uninitiated. With more that 50 cruisetours offered by the major players, how do you sift through the options to find an Alaska cruisetour that's right for you? To find out, we sat down with Paul Allen, vice president [...]

Paradise Found: Cruise Line Private Islands

Wednesday, June, 11, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

When he was but a nine-year-old boy, my son Alex reached into the Windex-blue waters on a sandy Bahamian beach and quickly withdrew his hand to proclaim, "Dad, I touched a stingray." He furrowed his tender brow and added thoughtfully, "They're nice."In doing so, he had ascribed a sweet, if [...]

The Caribbean With The Captain

Wednesday, April, 30, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

Ever wondered what it would be like mastering one of those big cruise ships? If so, follow Captain Albert Schoonderbeek during a 14-day Caribbean cruise on board Holland America Line's Veendam. Captain Schoonderbeek keeps his thoughts away from such pleasantries as beaches, shopping and relaxing, and instead keeps an eye [...]

From My Balcony

Wednesday, April, 2, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

Reason number 8,028 to book a balcony stateroom: the early-morning view in Sitka, Alaska. It was 7 a.m., and my stateroom was immersed in darkness until I rose from my bed and stood in front of the curtains. I used both hands to draw them back for a view that [...]

In-Depth Alaska: Cruise + Tour = Cruisetour

Wednesday, March, 19, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

Research shows that most people planning a trip to Alaska want to see two places: Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park. You can get to Glacier Bay aboard a cruise ship and admire the national park's stunning scenery from the comfort of your balcony stateroom. But to get [...]

Long Cruises On Newly Updated Prinsendam

Wednesday, March, 12, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

If sailing more than 100 days on a world cruise seems like too much to bite off, try a "voyage" instead. In 2009, Holland America Line will again offer three Grand Voyages. The newly updated Prinsendam charts two of those, sailing South America and Antarctica, and the Mediterranean and [...]

‘Awesome’ Alaska

Wednesday, February, 27, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

A Kid's View Of The Great Land: Seeing Alaska through the eyes of my 10-year-old son. "Dude! Alaska is soooooooo awesome!" These were the words uttered by my 10-year-old son on our first morning in that most majestic of American states, Alaska. We had sailed from Seattle two days [...]

Looking Ahead: 2009 World Cruises

Wednesday, February, 20, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

With 2008 world cruises already underway, it's time to begin thinking about 2009 world cruises.

Believe it or not, you can cruise the world for less than $200 per day, per person. Of course, you could pay close to $3,000 per day, per [...]

Dining Destinations At Sea

Wednesday, February, 13, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

In 2008, the trend continues to turn cruise ships into dining destinations. Here are some of the latest trends and developments. World-class master chef Nobuyuki "Nobu"Matsuhisa (pictured) will travel aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony this spring to officiate the opening of two new restaurants. Silk Road and [...]

Cruising Into 2008

Wednesday, February, 6, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

From overland odysseys to the Himalayas to the icy realms of Antarctica, cruising in 2008 not only will cover the globe but also will offer a variety of experiences never before available from -- or on -- a cruise ship. Here are some of the highlights. [...]

Mexican Riviera Cruises

Monday, January, 7, 2008

by Ralph Grizzle

Where Tecate and tequila meet whales and cactus. Fifteen nautical miles off the coast of Baja California, Holland America Line's Oosterdam is making 21 knots toward San Diego. For the more than 1,800 passengers on board, seven days of ocean cruising ends tomorrow. The excitement on the last [...]

Choosing An Alaska Cruisetour

Wednesday, October, 31, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Selecting an Alaska cruisetour can be daunting for the uninitiated. With more that 50 cruisetours offered by the major players, how do you sift through the options to find an Alaska cruisetour that's right for you? To find out, we sat down with Paul Allen, vice president [...]

Holland America Line’s New Eurodam

Wednesday, August, 29, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Holland America Line's newest ship makes its debut next summer. The 2,104-passenger Eurodam represents a new class of ship for the Seattle-based company. Another Signature-class vessel is on order following the Eurodam.

In my interview, I talk with Rick Meadows, executive vice president market, sales and [...]

Confessions of a first-time cruiser

Wednesday, August, 15, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Rare sighting! A first-time cruiser on Holland America Line's Amsterdam.

These Cruisers Love Holland America Line

Thursday, August, 2, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

On a recent Alaska cruise, I spoke with several passengers about why they prefer Holland America Line over the other cruise lines.

Why Cruisers Love Cruise Specialists

Wednesday, August, 1, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

This week on Cruise Specialists' 20th anniversary cruise, more than 400 loyal clients showed up for festivities aboard Holland America Line's Amsterdam. Why such devotion to Cruise Specialists? View the video to hear why so many showed up to show their support of the Seattle-based firm.

Holland America Line Appeals To All Ages

Wednesday, August, 1, 2007

by Ralph Grizzle

Cruising Alaska with their grandmother, these two teens say that despite the reputation it once had, Holland America Line isn't just for "mature" travelers.

Ship Review: Holland America Line’s Noordam

Monday, December, 18, 2006

by Ralph Grizzle

Her crew calls her "the perfect ship." Will you? by Ralph Grizzle Ship: Noordam Maiden Voyage: February 22, 2006 Where I Saw Her: In New York, during a two-night pierside inaugural. Best Of Class: Noordam is a "perfect ship," said a young Filipino steward during my two-night stay on the ship in February 2006. Perhaps [...]

She Wears It Well | Maasdam Gets a Makeover

Monday, December, 18, 2006

by Ralph Grizzle

Holland America Line spent millions of dollars upgrading its 14-year-old Maasdam. Is the old ship now like new? by Ralph Grizzle She was once young and beautiful, a maiden who dazzled all with her good looks. But time passed, and though the years had been kind to her, she began to show [...]

Noordam: A Work of Art

Sunday, December, 17, 2006

by Ralph Grizzle

When inaugurated in New York in February 2006, Noordam became the fourth ship in Holland America Line's Vista-class series. The 1,918-passenger ship hosts many new features, including the innovative Explorations Café (a cyber-coffee house powered by The New York Times), an expanded Pinnacle Grill and a new Pinnacle Bar.Noordam also [...]