Holland America Line has launched two new shore excursion collections, featuring more than 150 tours worldwide.
Focusing on cultural experiences, the ‘Meet the Maker’ and ‘Community Connections’ tours have been designed for guests to immerse themselves in the heart of local life and engage with communities.
The ‘Meet the Maker’ excursions provide opportunities for guests to meet the local artisans, chefs, farmers and craftspeople behind the flavours and traditions of a region. Examples include:
‘Tasmanian Tasting Trail’ in Burnie, Tasmania. Travelling through Tasmania’s countryside to meet the artisans who create some of its most popular flavours.
Includes a visit to the House of Anvers to taste handcrafted chocolates paired with morning tea, continuing to 41° South for lunch and to learn how a family grows ginseng and raises salmon in spring‑fed ponds.
The tour also stops at Ashgrove Cheese Factory and Spreyton Cider Company. Available on departures including the 14-day Australia and New Zealand voyage, departing January 3, 2027. Prices from £2,429pp.
‘Magna Grecia Farm Experience’ in Katákolon, Greece. Visits the Magna Grecia Farm, a fourth‑generation family estate in the Olympia region, where guests can explore the olive grove, taste the farm’s olives, discover vineyards and meet the resident animals.
Includes classic Greek mezes paired with local wine, with mineral water provided and the option to try ouzo, in addition to a Syrtaki dance demonstration. Available on departures including the 11-day Greek Isles: Istanbul Overnight with Dubrovnik, departing May 4, 2027. Prices from £2,429pp.
The new ‘Community Connections’ options showcase the inner workings and ways of life of the destinations visited. Every tour supports local businesses as part of Holland America Line’s overall sustainability strategy. Examples include:
‘At Home with the O’Hanlon Family’ in Cobh (Cork), Ireland. Guests are welcomed into the home of Finn and Peter O’Hanlon, who have a lifelong passion for Irish food.
At their home, guests cook a three-course traditional Irish lunch, including soda bread and Irish stew. Available on departures including the 14-day Wild British Isles: Glasgow Overnight, departing May 29, 2026. Prices from £3,199pp.
‘Maori Waka (Canoe) Experience’ in Waitangi (Bay of Islands), New Zealand. This tour showcases the relationship of the Maori people with the water.
Following a traditional Maori welcome, guests will board a waka (canoe) to travel along the Waitangi River, while watching for the Haruru Falls and visiting a 1,000-year-old ancestral site.
Available on departures, including the 14-day New Zealand Discovery, departing February 13, 2028. Prices from £3,019pp.
Carole Biencourt, Vice President of Onboard Revenue for Holland America Line, said: “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.
“These experiences go far beyond traditional sightseeing, opening doors to kitchens, workshops, and community spaces so travellers can share stories, learn time-honoured 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.”
The new collections build on the existing shore excursion programme, including the cruise line’s partnerships with The HISTORY® Channel and National Geographic.
As part of Holland America Line’s current wave offer, running until February 26, 2026, guests who book applicable voyages with ‘Have it All’ fares will benefit from a free stateroom upgrade, free car parking on sailings departing from Dover in 2026, and reduced fares for children aged 18 and under travelling as the third and fourth guests.
Additionally, guests who book by January 31, 2026, will also receive up to US$500 per stateroom onboard spending money. ‘Have it All’ benefits include a Signature Beverage Package, shore excursion credit, speciality dining, Wi-Fi and prepaid crew appreciation.
The offer is valid for bookings on more than 500 cruises departing from summer 2026 to spring 2027, and visiting destinations worldwide, including:
‘Seven-day Norwegian Fjords with Nordfjord’, departing October 31, 2026, onboard Nieuw Statendam, starting at £1,369pp.
‘14-day Greece, Italy & French Riviera Collectors’ Voyage’, departing August 22, 2026, onboard Oosterdam, starting at £2,939pp.
For more information on Holland America Line, visit hollandamerica.com or call 0344 338 8607.
Visit the Travel Pursuit News Hub for more exciting updates.
