Holland America Line is taking its destination programming to a new level with an exclusive partnership with The HISTORY Channel, giving cruise passengers a deeper, more immersive way to experience the past.
Over the next three years, this collaboration will introduce carefully curated historically focused itineraries and expert-led shore excursions, transforming history from something passengers hear about to something they can see, touch, and explore firsthand.
“With us, history isn’t just told, it is experienced,” said Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer 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. This partnership further differentiates our brand and allows us to deliver to our guests experiences that are too good to hurry through.”
Cruising Through History: New Itineraries with The HISTORY Channel
Holland America has long been known for its destination-rich itineraries, and this partnership takes that to the next level. Several cruises have been developed with The HISTORY Channel, incorporating stops at legendary landmarks and ancient sites where the past comes alive.
Current itineraries featuring a strong historical focus include:
- 14-Day Arctic Journey & Northern Lights – A voyage that highlights the region’s polar exploration history and indigenous cultures.
- 7-Day Mediterranean Marvels of Pompeii – A deep dive into the remnants of the Roman Empire, including a visit to the ruins of Pompeii.
- 7-Day Norwegian Fjords with Hardangerfjord – A journey through Viking heritage, stunning landscapes, and centuries-old seafaring traditions.
Additional themed cruises will explore ancient empires of the Mediterranean, the Viking history of Northern Europe, and Arctic expeditions. More itineraries will be announced soon and will be marked with a special distinction on Holland America’s website.
Exclusive Shore Excursions That Bring the Past to Life
In addition to curated itineraries, select shore excursions will be co-developed with The HISTORY Channel to provide guests with on-the-ground experiences that delve into each destination’s historical significance. These excursions go beyond standard sightseeing, offering in-depth exploration of the people and events that shaped the world.
Some of the new shore excursions include:
- Gold Panning & Underground Mine Exploration – A hands-on experience that takes guests into the heart of historic mining regions to pan for gold and explore underground tunnels.
- Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & the Pyramid of Sakkara – A visit to one of the most iconic ancient sites in the world, featuring expert-led storytelling about the wonders of Egyptian civilization.
- Stavanger Old & New – A journey through Norway’s past, from its Viking roots to its transformation into a modern maritime hub.
A New Era of Storytelling at Sea
Holland America has found that its guests are highly interested in authentic historical experiences, making this partnership a natural fit.
The collaboration with The HISTORY Channel will allow cruise passengers to explore the real-life stories behind the destinations they visit, offering a deeper connection to each port.
More details on additional itineraries and excursions for 2025, 2026, and 2027 will be released in the coming months. Bookings for these cruises are available now.
