Balcony Upgrades and Up to 30% Off Cruise Fares Headline Holland America's Biggest Deal of the Year

Rhea-AI Summary

Holland America Line (CCL) launched its "Start Your Journey" Wave promotion on Dec. 19, 2025, covering more than 500 cruises for summer 2026 through spring 2027.

Key customer offers include up to 30% off cruise fares (fares from $162 per person, per day), free balcony upgrades, 50% reduced deposits for first and second guests, free fares for kids as third/fourth guests, and tiered onboard credits ($100–$250 per person) for bookings by Jan. 31. An Alaska bonus offers up to $200 shore excursion credit with promo code #1ALASKA26.

Key Figures

Wave promotion cruises 500+ cruises "Start Your Journey" Wave promotion coverage

Cruise fare discount up to 30% off Discount on cruise fares under Wave promotion

Reduced deposits 50% reduced deposits First and second guests in stateroom

Entry fare level $162 per person, per day Select discounted cruise fares start level

Onboard credit (6–9 days) $100 per person Bookings by Jan. 31 on 6–9 day cruises

Onboard credit (10–20 days) $150 per person Bookings by Jan. 31 on 10–20 day cruises

Onboard credit (21+ days) $200 per person Bookings by Jan. 31 on 21+ day cruises

Alaska shore excursion credit up to $200 per stateroom 2026 Alaska cruises or Cruisetours booked by Jan. 31

Market Reality Check

$31.69 Last Close

Volume Volume 21,550,149 is slightly above the 20-day average of 20,739,218. normal

Technical Price 28.34 is trading above the 200-day MA at 25.81, reflecting a prior uptrend.

Peers on Argus 1 Up

CCL is up 1.11% while key peers such as CUK, TCOM, VIK, RCL and EXPE all show negative moves today. Momentum scanner only flags CUK with a strong upside move of 16.64%, suggesting stock‑specific factors rather than a broad sector Wave‑season rerating.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 17	World cruise launch	Positive	-0.6%	Announcement of 120-day 2028 Seabourn Cape to Cape World Cruise.
Dec 16	Sports broadcast deal	Positive	-1.4%	Princess Cruises wins rights to show all FIFA World Cup 26™ matches.
Dec 16	Sports broadcast deal	Positive	-1.4%	Holland America Line secures fleetwide broadcast rights for World Cup 26™.
Dec 16	Sports broadcast deal	Positive	-1.4%	Seabourn arranges live FIFA World Cup 26™ coverage across ocean fleet.
Dec 10	Earnings call notice	Neutral	+3.0%	Scheduling of fourth‑quarter earnings call for Dec 19, 2025.

Pattern Detected

Recent product and partnership news (World Cup broadcasts, new world cruise) tended to see small negative price reactions, while the upcoming earnings call announcement coincided with a notable positive move.

Recent Company History

Over the last few weeks, Carnival-related brands announced several commercial and experiential initiatives. Seabourn unveiled a 120‑day 2028 world cruise spanning over 26,000 nautical miles and 50+ destinations. Princess Cruises and Holland America Line each secured IMG deals to broadcast all 104 FIFA World Cup 26™ matches fleetwide, and Seabourn obtained similar rights for its ocean fleet. An earlier notice on the upcoming Dec 19 earnings call preceded a 3.02% gain. Today’s Holland America Wave promotion continues this pattern of demand‑driven marketing news ahead of earnings.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock moved +9.8% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with Carnival’s positioning ahead of Wave Season, where Holland America’s offer of up to 30% fare discounts, balcony upgrades and onboard credits on 500+ cruises highlights demand-stimulating tactics. Recent history shows mixed price responses to marketing news, so investors may have weighed this against fundamentals such as record adjusted earnings disclosed in recent filings, and the potential for promotions to pressure yields if demand softens.

Key Terms

onboard credit financial

"Guests who book by Jan. 31 receive $100 per person onboard credit for cruises"

Onboard credit is a prepaid spending allowance a company gives to a customer to use during a service period — for example, purchases, upgrades, or fees while using a cruise, resort, or subscription service. For investors, it signals how a company attracts or retains customers and can affect short‑term revenue recognition and margins the same way a coupon or gift card would; generous credits can boost bookings but reduce near‑term cash receipts.

shore excursion credits technical

"will receive up to $200 in shore excursion credits per stateroom"

Shore excursion credits are prepaid coupons or account balances that passengers can use to pay for on‑land tours, activities, or services offered during a cruise stop. For investors, they matter because they represent deferred revenue or marketing incentives that affect a cruise operator’s reported sales, onboard spending patterns and profit margins—similar to a store issuing gift cards that encourage future purchases but must be accounted for until redeemed.

Cruisetour technical

"future cruise or Alaska Cruisetour with 50% reduced deposits"

A cruisetour is a single travel package that combines a sea cruise with a guided land itinerary before or after the ship portion, so passengers experience both on-board cruising and on-shore excursions in one trip. For investors, cruisetours matter because they change how travel companies earn and time revenue—like a meal combo that raises the total bill—often increasing per-customer spending, smoothing seasonal demand, and creating different cost and cancellation dynamics than standalone cruises or land tours.

verandah stateroom technical

"Guests can book a verandah stateroom for the price of an ocean-view"

A verandah stateroom is a cruise ship passenger cabin that includes a private outdoor balcony (verandah), offering fresh air and views directly accessible from the room. For investors, these cabins typically command higher fares and can indicate a company’s ability to charge premium prices, influence revenue per passenger and occupancy strategy, and affect refurbishment and ship-design decisions—similar to how a hotel’s balcony rooms can boost average room rates.

Wave season technical

"Wave season, known as the booking period in the cruise industry"

A recurring peak sales period in the travel industry—especially for cruises—when consumers make the bulk of their bookings for the year. Investors watch wave season like a retailer watches holiday shopping: it can signal future revenue, demand trends, pricing power and whether companies may raise or lower their financial forecasts, so strong or weak booking results often move travel and leisure stocks.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

"Start Your Journey" Wave promotion features 500+ cruises with exceptional savings and credits on experiences too good to hurry through

SEATTLE, Dec. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line is kicking off the traditional cruise Wave Season with its biggest deal of the year. The "Start Your Journey" promotion, available on over 500 cruises to Alaska, Europe and beyond, includes up to 30% off cruise fares, free balcony upgrades, onboard and shore excursion credits, free kids fares and more ways to save while experiencing unforgettable journeys and award-winning service.

"Whether discovering glaciers and wildlife in Alaska or the culture and history of Europe, Holland America believes the best journeys are those where the destination comes to life on and off the ship," said Beth Bodensteiner, president, Holland America Line. "The 'Start Your Journey' offer is the perfect opportunity for guests to plan a vacation that combines exploration with relaxation and the best service at sea."

'Start Your Journey' Offer Benefits
Holland America's "Start Your Journey" Wave offer provides guests who book select summer 2026 through spring 2027 cruises with Have It All the following benefits where applicable:

• Reduced Deposits and Cruise Fare Discounts: Travelers eager to plan a trip for next year and beyond can book their future cruise or Alaska Cruisetour with 50% reduced deposits for the first and second guests in the stateroom. Cruise fares up to 30% off start as low at $162 per person, per day.

• Free Balcony Upgrades: Guests can book a verandah stateroom for the price of an ocean-view (or ocean-view for the price of an interior).

• Free Fares for Kids: Guests ages 18 and under traveling as the third and fourth guests in a cabin can sail on select 2026 and 2027 cruises for free (taxes, fees and port expenses are additional), making a family vacation more affordable.

• Onboard Credit: Guests who book by Jan. 31 receive $100 per person onboard credit for cruises six to nine days, $150 per person for Alaska Cruisetours and cruises 10 to 20 days, $200 per person on cruises 21 days or longer, and $250 per person for Legendary Voyages. The credit can be used for a variety of amenities, including specialty dining, spa services, shore excursions, gift shop purchases and more.

• Exclusive Alaska Bonus: Guests booking 2026 Alaska Cruises or Cruisetours by Jan. 31 will receive up to $200 in shore excursion credits per stateroom when they use promo code #1ALASKA26 at checkout.

'Have It All' Amenities Included with the Premium Fare
When guests book with the "Have it All" premium fare, four high-value amenities are included: shore excursions (based on cruise duration), a Signature Beverage Package, specialty dining (based on cruise duration) and a Wi-Fi Surf Package. With the "Start Your Journey" wave offer, these perks are in addition to the stateroom upgrade, reduced deposits, free fares for kids and onboard credit.

Sample Cruises Eligible Under 'Start Your Journey'
Wave season, known as the booking period in the cruise industry with the best deals of the year, allows travelers to take their dream cruise while receiving the best pricing and perks. With "Start Your Journey," travelers can explore Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, Canada/New England, Australia/New Zealand, South America and Antarctica, Mexico, Panama Canal, Hawaii, South Pacific, Asia and the U.S. Pacific Coast. Alaska Cruisetours, which combine an Alaska cruise with an overland exploration to Denali and the Yukon, also are included.

Example "Start Your Journey" cruises include:

• 7-Day Alaska Explorer, aboard Noordam, July 5, 2026, starting at $224 per person, per day.
• 7-Day Canada & New England: UNESCO Sites & Québécois Nights, aboard Zuiderdam, May 2, 2026, starting at $167 per person, per day.
• 10-Day Alaska Denali Cruisetour, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, June 28, 2026, starting at $227 per person, per day.
• 12-Day Panama Canal Discovery: Costa Rica & Greater Antilles, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, Oct. 18, 2026, starting at $189 per person, per day.
• 7-Day Norwegian Fjords, aboard Nieuw Statendam, Oct 31, 2026, starting at $228 per person, per day.
• 7-Day Caribbean: Greater Antilles & Mexico, aboard Zuiderdam, Nov. 21, 2026, starting at $184 per person, per day.

Experience Alaska Like Never Before
With "Start Your Journey," guests booking Alaska cruises or Cruisetours can enjoy a free balcony upgrade—perfect for taking in the awe-inspiring views of glaciers, fjords and wildlife from the comfort of their stateroom. Holland America Line has been sharing the wonders of Alaska for nearly 80 years, longer than any other cruise line, and offers over 200 Alaska wildlife and wilderness tours that immerse travelers in the state's natural wonders. From spotting bears, whales and eagles to exploring pristine wilderness on guided tours, the Alaska bonus shore excursion credit makes it easier than ever to experience Alaska's untamed beauty up close.

Taxes, fees and port expenses are included for all fares (excluding free kids). "Start Your Journey" is not valid on Grand Voyages or cruises of five days or less. Kids traveling as the third or fourth guest in a stateroom do not need to book with Have It All to receive free fares. Upgrade based on stateroom availability.

For "Start Your Journey" full terms and conditions or more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit HollandAmerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line has been exploring the world for more than 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering a perfectly-sized ship experience, its fleet of 11 vessels visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Savour the Journey isn't just a tagline, it's a reinforcement that the cruise line provides experiences too good to hurry through, connecting travelers to the world and each other. Award-winning enrichment programming, entertainment and cuisine that brings each locale on board, including a revolutionary Global Fresh Fish Program, put Holland America Line at the forefront of premium cruising. 

CONTACT:	Bill Zucker
PHONE:	800-637-5029, 206-626-9890
EMAIL:	pr@hollandamerica.com

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SOURCE Holland America Line

FAQ

What are the main discounts in Holland America's "Start Your Journey" Wave offer for CCL?

The offer includes up to 30% off fares, free balcony upgrades, 50% reduced deposits for first and second guests, free kids fares (third/fourth guests), and tiered onboard credits.

Which sailing dates are eligible under the Holland America Start Your Journey promotion (CCL)?

Select cruises sailing from summer 2026 through spring 2027 are eligible; the offer excludes Grand Voyages and cruises of five days or less.

How much onboard credit does Holland America (CCL) offer if I book by Jan. 31?

Booked by Jan. 31: $100 per person for 6–9 day cruises, $150 for 10–20 day cruises/Alaska Cruisetours, $200 for 21+ day cruises, and $250 for Legendary Voyages.

What is the Alaska booking bonus in the Holland America Start Your Journey deal (CCL)?

Guests booking 2026 Alaska cruises or Cruisetours by Jan. 31 can receive up to $200 in shore excursion credits per stateroom using promo code #1ALASKA26.

Do kids sail free under Holland America's Start Your Journey offer and what costs remain?

Guests ages 18 and under traveling as third or fourth guests sail free on select 2026–2027 cruises, but taxes, fees and port expenses still apply.

Does the Start Your Journey announcement include earnings, guidance, or shareholder actions for CCL?

No; the announcement describes consumer pricing and perks and does not provide earnings, guidance, or capital actions for CCL.