Holland America Line Introduces More Than 150 New Cultural Tours Worldwide
Rhea-AI Summary
Holland America Line (NYSE:CCL) launched two new shore excursion collections — "Meet the Maker" and "Community Connections" — offering more than 150 cultural tours worldwide that immerse guests in local food, crafts and community experiences. Tours support local businesses and sustainability goals. Select itineraries feature a limited-time Have It All offer with a $25 deposit and a free balcony upgrade. Example cruises listed include departures May 3, 2026 (Rotterdam) and Oct. 11, 2026 (Noordam), with published starting rates per person per day.
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News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, CCL declined 2.45%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
CCL fell 2.61% while key peers like RCL (-2.33%), EXPE (-2.78%) and CUK (-1.9%) also traded lower, suggesting broader travel weakness but not a confirmed coordinated sector momentum move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 08 | Booking strength update | Positive | -1.3% | Reported strong 2026 Europe booking growth and FIFA World Cup broadcasts. |
| Jan 06 | Itinerary expansion | Positive | +2.6% | Princess Cruises announced expanded 2027 Northern Europe program and promotions. |
| Dec 23 | Brand marketing event | Positive | -1.3% | Princess christened Star Princess Rose Parade float showcasing new ship features. |
| Dec 22 | Ship enhancement | Positive | +3.5% | Crown Princess returned from drydock with guest-focused venue upgrades. |
| Dec 19 | Major fare promotion | Positive | +9.8% | Holland America launched large Wave sale with fare discounts and credits. |
Promotional and product news has often led to positive moves, but there are several instances of divergence where upbeat announcements coincided with modest declines.
Over the past month, CCL-related brands have focused on demand strength and product enhancements. On Dec. 19, 2025, Holland America’s large Wave promotion over 500 cruises coincided with a strong +9.81% move. Subsequent ship upgrades and portfolio expansions on Dec. 22 and Jan. 6 saw gains of 3.47% and 2.57%. However, other positive brand news, such as increased Europe bookings on Jan. 8, saw mild declines. Today’s cultural-tour expansion fits this pattern of experiential product upgrades within a generally constructive demand backdrop.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement adds more than 150 culturally focused shore experiences under Holland America’s new "Meet the Maker" and "Community Connections" collections, reinforcing the group’s emphasis on immersive, higher-value cruising. In recent months, CCL brands have combined experiential upgrades, fleet enhancements, and large promotions across hundreds of departures. Investors may watch how these offerings translate into booking mix, onboard spending, and pricing resilience against broader travel and macro conditions over upcoming seasons.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
New "Meet the Maker" and "Community Connections" tours offer guests authentic,
hands-on experiences with local culture
"Guests consistently express a desire for deeper, more authentic engagement with every destination, which inspired the creation of our new 'Meet the Makers' and 'Community Connections' collections," said Carole Biencourt, vice president of onboard revenue for Holland America Line. "These experiences go far beyond traditional sightseeing, opening doors to kitchens, workshops and community spaces so travelers can share stories, learn time‑honored techniques and engage directly with the people who shape each place. Seeing a destination through a local lens deepens understanding and fosters authentic connections and memories that endure long after the voyage."
'Meet the Maker' Shore Excursions Build Meaningful Relationships
Holland America Line's "Meet the Makers" tours are designed to immerse guests in a destination through the people who shape it. These shore excursions give guests the rare opportunity to meet the artisans, chefs, farmers and craftspeople behind the flavors and traditions of a region. Whether it's learning how olive oil is pressed from the family who's been doing it for generations or hearing the story behind a local wine straight from the winemaker, these experiences are personal, authentic and unforgettable.
Example "Meet the Makers" shore excursions include:
- "Tassie Tasting Trail" in Burnie,
Tasmania — Guests can journey throughTasmania's countryside to meet the artisans behind some of its most beloved flavors. Visit the House ofAnvers for a taste of handcrafted chocolates paired with morning tea, then continue to 41° South to learn how a family raises salmon and ginseng in pristine spring‑fed ponds and sample their products over a light lunch. On the return, stops at Ashgrove Cheese Factory and Spreyton Cider Company offer chances to enjoy more local goods. - "Magna Grecia Farm Visit" in Katákolon,
Greece — Magna Grecia Farm, a fourth‑generation family estate in the fertile region ofOlympia , gives guests a chance to stroll the olive grove, taste the farm's peppery olives, explore the vineyards and meet the resident animals. They'll enjoy a spread of classic Greek mezes paired with local wine, with mineral water provided and the option to try ouzo, all while taking in a lively Syrtaki dance demonstration.
'Community Connections' Tours Create Memories While Making a Difference
Community Connection tours aren't just sightseeing trips: they are about stepping into the center of a community, meeting the people who live there and seeing the world through their eyes. From sharing stories with native hosts or tasting family recipes to exploring neighborhoods that don't show up in guidebooks, these tours are built on real relationships. To make the experiences even more meaningful, every tour in this collection supports local businesses, artisans and cultural stewards as part of Holland America Line's sustainability mission — travel that gives back.
Examples of "Community Connections" shore excursions include:
- "At Home With the O'Hanlon Family" in Cobh (Cork),
Ireland — Guests are warmly welcomed into the home of Finn and Peter O'Hanlon, seasoned food and hospitality enthusiasts. Finn, a trained chef, has a lifelong passion for Irish food, and Peter joined her to open two pubs. At their home, guests cook a three-course traditional Irish lunch, including soda bread and Irish stew. - "Maori Waka (Canoe) Experience" in Waitangi (Bay of Islands),
New Zealand — This cultural experience showcases the relationship of the Maori people with the water. Guests enjoy a traditional Maori welcome before climbing into a waka, a canoe that seats several people. Glide up the peaceful, tranquil estuaries of the Waitangi River while watching for the Haruru Falls and visiting a 1,000-year-old ancestral site.
Collections Build on The HISTORY® Channel and National Geographic Day Tours
These new shore tours build on the immersive experiences Holland America Line already offers, including its collections created in partnership with The HISTORY® Channel* and National Geographic, which give guests deeper insight into the people, places and stories behind each destination through expert‑led exploration and meaningful cultural connections.
Cruises Available for Booking
Community Connections and Meet the Makers tours are featured across a wide range of ports on numerous Holland America Line cruises. For a limited time, guests booking with Have It All can choose from select itineraries with a
- 7-Day Norwegian Fjords with
Scotland , departing May 3, 2026, onRotterdam , starting at$236 - 34-Day Legendary South Pacific Crossing:
Seattle toSydney , departing Oct. 11, 2026, on Noordam, starting at$134 - 11-Day Mediterranean Splendor:
Greece ,Italy & Provence, departing Oct. 24, 2026, on Oosterdam, starting at$252 - 14-Day Wild British Isles: Belfast Evening Stay, departing July 11, 2026, on Nieuw Statendam, starting at
$208 - 14-Day South Australia Discovery Holiday, departing Dec. 20, 2026, on Noordam, starting at
$167
For more information about Holland America Line's shore excursions or to book a cruise, 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
*Excursions are not sponsored or administered by The History Channel and are offered and administered exclusively by Holland America Line.
CONTACT: | Bill Zucker |
PHONE: | 800-637-5029, 206-626-9890 |
EMAIL: |
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SOURCE Holland America Line
FAQ
What are Holland America Line's new shore excursion collections announced Jan 15, 2026 (CCL)?
Which Holland America (CCL) cruises feature the new tours and the Have It All offer?
How many new experiences did Holland America Line add to its shore excursion lineup (CCL)?
What does the Have It All booking promotion include for Holland America (CCL)?
Are Holland America Line's new shore excursions focused on sustainability (CCL)?
Where can I book Holland America (CCL) cruises that include the new cultural tours?
