Seattle, Washington. USA – 3 February 2026 – Holland America Line has reached a defining milestone in its storied history, commemorating 100 years of Caribbean cruising—a legacy that began in February 1926 when Veendam II sailed from New York and helped shape what would become one of the world’s most sought‑after warm‑weather cruise regions.
To honour the centenary, the cruise line has launched a limited-time promotion running from 3–9 February 2026, offering guests up to 50% off select Caribbean sailings departing now through 30 April 2026, alongside a $100 onboard credit per stateroom (based on two guests) and Free Fares for Kids (18 and under on select departures). The offer underscores Holland America Line’s continued commitment to delivering spacious, premium cruising experiences without the scale or congestion associated with mega‑ships.
Beth Bodensteiner, President of Holland America Line, emphasised the significance of the moment:
“Our first Caribbean voyage in 1926 marked a defining moment for Holland America Line and for the evolution of modern cruise travel. As we celebrate 100 years, we wanted to offer something both meaningful and memorable — $100 for 100 years, with added ways for guests to save. It’s our way of honouring the milestone while inviting travelers to experience what sets us apart in the Caribbean: perfectly sized ships designed for guests to relax and connect, a premium onboard experience and time ashore at our private island RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.”
A Century of Caribbean Firsts
Holland America Line’s Caribbean legacy is marked by a series of industry firsts that continue to influence cruise travel today. Key milestones include:
- 1926: First Caribbean (then “West Indies”) cruise by Veendam II.
- 1927: First calls at Willemstad, Curaçao, and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
- 1938: First dedicated cruise call to Cristóbal/Colón, Panama.
- 1959: First calls at Aruba following the development of larger docks.
- 1964: First calls at St. Maarten as the island’s tourism sector expanded.
- 1997: Opening of Half Moon Cay, with Ryndam III making the inaugural call.
The line’s maiden Caribbean voyage in 1926 spanned 26 days and visited Havana, Kingston, Colon/Cristóbal, Cartagena, San Juan and Bermuda—an ambitious itinerary that set the tone for decades of warm‑weather exploration. As demand grew through the 1920s and 1930s, ships such as Veendam, Statendam and Volendam expanded the company’s presence in the region. By the pre‑war years, flagship vessels including Nieuw Amsterdam II were operating Caribbean itineraries, strengthening the brand’s leadership.
Following World War II, Holland America Line resumed and expanded its Caribbean programme, eventually shifting its primary gateway to Florida—particularly Fort Lauderdale—during the rise of commercial air travel in the 1970s. Today, the line continues to build on this legacy with a modern fleet and a focus on premium, spacious cruising.
Featured Anniversary Sailings
Eligible itineraries for the anniversary promotion include a range of 7‑ to 12‑day Caribbean voyages roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale and Miami:
- 10‑day Westerdam Caribbean: Greater Antilles, Belize and Mexico on Koningsdam — departs 25 February 2026
- 7‑day Western Caribbean: Greater Antilles and Mexico on Eurodam — departs 22 March 2026
- 10‑day Southern Caribbean: Amber Cove and ABC Islands on Zuiderdam — departs 25 March 2026
- 7‑day Eastern Caribbean: Amber Cove and Bahamas on Eurodam — departs 29 March 2026
- 12‑day Eastern Caribbean: U.S. and British Virgin Islands on Koningsdam — departs 29 March 2026
- 7‑day Eastern Caribbean: Amber Cove and Bahamas on Zuiderdam — departs 4 April 2026
Relevance to Middle East Travellers For GCC‑based cruisers—particularly those seeking winter sun escapes—the timing of these itineraries aligns with peak outbound travel from the region. Holland America Line’s emphasis on spacious ships, quieter decks and premium service resonates strongly with Middle East travellers who increasingly favour refined, less crowded cruise environments. The inclusion of Half Moon Cay, consistently rated among the Caribbean’s most serene private islands, further strengthens the appeal for guests seeking privacy and relaxation.
Source: Holland America Line official press release, 3 February 2026.
