As someone with a deep appreciation for travel and history, I couldn’t be more excited about Holland America Line’s latest announcement. The cruise line has partnered with The HISTORY Channel to create exclusive itineraries and shore excursions designed to bring history to life. This multi-year collaboration will give guests the opportunity to experience history firsthand, and I hope to embark on one of these unique sailings in the near future.
A First-of-Its-Kind Collaboration
This groundbreaking partnership between Holland America Line and The HISTORY Channel is set to redefine how travelers engage with the past. Rather than simply learning about historical destinations through lectures and exhibits, guests will be able to experience them in a fully immersive way. Custom itineraries and curated shore excursions will provide a deeper dive into the rich histories of ancient ruins, legendary landmarks, and culturally significant sites worldwide.
“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.”
Unforgettable Historical Itineraries
Holland America has already announced several itineraries developed in partnership with The HISTORY Channel. Each voyage is carefully designed to highlight key historical moments and locations:
- 14-Day Arctic Journey & Northern Lights – Explore the Arctic’s polar history and the great explorers who charted its icy waters.
- 7-Day Mediterranean Marvels of Pompeii – Walk the streets of the ancient Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
- 7-Day Norwegian Fjords with Hardangerfjord – Discover the deep-rooted Viking heritage of Norway’s breathtaking fjords.
Additional themed departures will include explorations of ancient empires in the eastern Mediterranean, Viking history in northern Europe, and the stories of Arctic exploration. More itineraries will be announced in the coming months and will be available on Holland America Line’s website.
Immersive Shore Excursions
Shore excursions have long been a highlight of Holland America Line’s offerings, and now, thanks to The HISTORY Channel’s expertise, they are being taken to the next level. Guests can embark on excursions such as:
- Gold Panning & Underground Mine Exploration – Experience the rush of the gold boom and delve into the history of mining.
- Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & the Pyramid of Sakkara – Stand before some of the most famous structures in human history and uncover their ancient secrets.
- Stavanger Old & New – Walk through centuries of Norwegian history, from Viking settlements to modern-day marvels.
These shore excursions are designed to provide not only an educational experience but also an emotional connection to the destinations visited.
A New Era of Storytelling at Sea
“We are thrilled to join with Holland America Line on this groundbreaking, long-term partnership,” said David DeSocio, executive vice president of ad sales partnerships at A+E/The HISTORY Channel. “Through our unique storytelling and new curated itineraries, The HISTORY Channel is excited to help enable Holland America Line customers to further explore and understand the past, present, and future significance of these beautiful and historic destinations.”
Given that Holland America Line guests consistently rank historic sites and cultural experiences among their top travel interests, this partnership is a perfect match. The exclusive cruises and shore excursions will offer travelers a new way to engage with history, making their journeys even more meaningful.
Book Your Journey Today
Itineraries and shore excursions created in collaboration with The HISTORY Channel are available for booking now through Holland America Line’s Start Your Journey sale. With additional offerings set to be released for 2025, 2026, and 2027, history enthusiasts will have plenty of opportunities to explore the past in an entirely new way.
As a passionate traveler, I can’t wait to set sail on one of these extraordinary voyages and experience history in a way that only Holland America Line and The HISTORY Channel can provide. If you’re a history buff or just love enriching travel experiences, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
