holland america cruise app

The best cruise apps to streamline your vacation at sea

For better or worse, you'll be hard-pressed to go just about anywhere on today's cruise ships without your smartphone in hand. Major cruise lines have embraced the cell phone as a necessary travel accessory, and they've built out the app technology to go with it.

Nearly all major cruise lines feature their own apps with basic functionality that lets cruisers peruse deck plans and daily schedules. The more advanced ones feature a sleek digital embarkation process, cabin unlocking capabilities and plenty of opportunities to reserve dining and shore excursions.

The most cutting-edge apps at sea are where you'll find travel technology at its best: think ordering Champagne with the press of a button or having a fresh pizza delivered to you anywhere on the ship.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter

Whether you're angling for new towels while still in the pool or ready to order breakfast in bed from under the sheets, the best cruise apps will get you what you need quickly and easily. Here are our favorite cruise line-specific apps, as well as a few third-party apps that cruise fans will definitely want to download.

Note: Nearly all of these apps can be found on Apple's App Store or via Android Apps on Google Play. Be sure to download your cruise line's app onto your phone or tablet and log in to your account before you set sail. Once on board, opt for your phone's airplane mode and hop on the ship's Wi-Fi. Cruise line-specific apps will be free to use on board — no Wi-Fi package required.

Carnival HUB app

No matter where you are on a Carnival Cruise Line ship, there can be a pizza headed your way with just a few taps of the Carnival HUB app . Just mark your exact spot on the ship, take a selfie to identify yourself, and your order will be there shortly. The delivery is $5 but the pizza with unlimited toppings is free.

The HUB app is useful for perusing menus throughout the ship, reserving your seat for select mainstage shows and booking a ride on the new BOLT roller coaster on Carnival's Mardi Gras cruise ship. Onboard chat is available through the app for an additional $5 per person, limited to passengers ages 13 and over.

Celebrity Cruises App

The Celebrity Cruises App brings a smart-home sensibility to sea on Celebrity Cruises ' Edge-class ships (Celebrity Edge, Apex and Beyond). The app transforms your phone into a handy remote that controls your cabin's TV, room temperature, lighting options and window shades. Having clearly labeled, easy-to-dim lights at your fingertips is an understated luxury that we wish all ship cabins had.

Other winning app features found fleetwide include a digital key to get into your stateroom (not available on Celebrity Reflection), free in-app chat to connect with your group on the ship and an easy dinner reservation system.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Cruise Norwegian app

Norwegian Cruise Line 's Cruise Norwegian app has a rare and coveted feature for traversing the high seas: onboard-only phone calls, voicemails and messaging. It's a premium feature but at $9.95 per person, per cruise, the convenience of communication is worth the nominal price. Rates for calls off the ship start at $0.79 a minute. If your communication style is through gifts, the app can help with that, too: a few taps sends wine, flowers and specialty treats to any cabin on board.

CruiseMapper

Locate a cruise ship anywhere in the world in real time and then explore it with the free CruiseMapper app . The app is the most comprehensive cruise ship tracking app available, pinpointing nearly every major passenger ship at sea on all oceans, rivers and lakes at its exact location. Learn more about each ship with deck plans, cabin details, itinerary schedules and reviews.

Cunard Line's My Voyage

Cunard's My Voyage app is most useful as an onboard digital planner for your days at sea. A few features from the app that add some convenience to your getaway include virtual queues for restaurants, so you can grab a pre-dinner cocktail instead of waiting in line, and virtual restaurant reservations for those that want to plan ahead. If you're not feeling up to snuff, the app's telehealth feature will get you seen by the onboard medical team without having to leave your cabin.

Related: How can I get Wi-Fi on a cruise for free?

Disney Cruise Line Navigator app

Disney Cruise Line has built one of the most robust app experiences at sea. The most helpful resource on the Navigator App is the onboard live chat feature that connects passengers to crew members including guest services, the port excursions team and the dining team. If your questions are a bit more than you can type, just request a one-on-one in-person meeting and the app will tell you where and when to show up. The app also features a free chat system featuring Disney emoticons, adding a touch of fun to your onboard communications.

Holland America Line Navigator app

Convenient, time-saving features are the main draw of Holland America Line 's refreshed Navigator app . Most exciting is the ability to order coffee, food or in-stateroom service from the app anywhere on the ship. If you're angling for a snack, simply fire up the app, place your order and within minutes your food will be ready for pick up at the ship's New York Deli & Pizza eatery.

The app also has a useful way of organizing your itinerary, providing you the convenience of selecting and saving activities you want to take part in to help you better plan your day. That itinerary will also include any dining reservations and shore excursions you've booked.

Mobile Passport Control

A must for any passengers cruising internationally, the Mobile Passport Control app (now known as the CPB MPC app) allows eligible passengers to upload their passport and customs declarations for digital screening. While the app and digital upload are not required to pass through customs, completing the steps on your app helps streamline your entry into the US. Consider the logistics of a large ship with thousands docking at a U.S. port, all required to go through customs at the same time, and you'll be glad you have this free app ready to help cut down on your overall wait time.

Related: Here's what you need to know about new Mobile Passport app CBP MPC

MSC for Me app

Whether you're planning your MSC cruise or already on board, the MSC for Me app can help you out. The app lets you keep in touch with your group via free in-app chat, book special events and restaurant reservations, and purchase drink packages, shore excursions and specialty dining opportunities.

The MSC for Me app is only available on MSC Cruises ' "smart" ships: MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Magnifica, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seashore, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Splendida and MSC Virtuosa. If you're traveling on MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Virtuosa, the app can also connect to a Bluetooth speaker in your room so you can set the mood with your favorite tunes.

Princess Cruises' MedallionClass app

Princess Cruises ' MedallionClass app has more functionality than many of the cruise line apps on this list. Use the app to order just about anything on board to just about anywhere, from food and drinks to merchandise. Restock your cabin with a few taps on the app for complimentary bathrobes, pillow options, towels, face masks, hangers and ice. Use the app to highlight activities you're interested in to create your own personalized itinerary. Keep in touch with your party through in-app messaging and location tracking via the ship's Medallion devices (more on those shortly).

If you're angling for a bit of gambling poolside or anywhere else on the ship, power up your app when the ship's at sea to wager virtual money in practice mode or real money on the app's casino. If you're looking for less-expensive thrills, PlayOcean turns the app into a digital scavenger hunt through the decks of the ship.

The app also helps to expedite the boarding process before your trip with passport uploading, a security photo and the option to pre-order your free Medallion device (a quarter-sized, wearable RFID device) that will be essential to your cruise experience.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises app

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has a less-conventional app that is most useful when in port. Built with shore excursions in mind, Regent's app provides amplification of your tour guide through the ease and comfort of your own device. Whether you're using your own headset or just holding the phone to your ear, it's nice to move at your own pace without needing to vie for a spot right in front of the tour guide.

Royal Caribbean App

The Royal Caribbean App helps save time navigating Royal Caribbean 's large-scale ships. Favorite features on the free app include the option to scan in your passport and proof of COVID-19 vaccination for expedited boarding, complimentary in-app group chats and easy dining and activity reservation access. Check the daily schedule to find fun things to do, in-app deck plans to figure out how to get there and your onboard bill to make sure all the fun you're having isn't taking you over budget. You can also watch safety videos on the app instead of gathering en masse for a muster drill.

Seabourn Source app

The Seabourn Source app is an encyclopedia of knowledge about your Seabourn ship. Start your meal planning ahead of time with daily menu updates from all the onboard dining venues, keep track of the daily activities and entertainment options available, and browse and book shore excursions. The app is a great resource to track your time in port, with detailed port arrival and departure times, ensuring a timely return to the ship.

Shipmate app

The Shipmate app by CruiseLine.com is a third-party cruise app that helps you count down to your next cruise with helpful user reviews, photos and a chat feature. Save all your previous cruises to keep track of where you've been while exploring the app's cruise deals to figure out where you're headed next. The app's Photos Section is a favorite feature, with user-uploaded photos to explore the ships from every angle. The app also features plenty of independent tour options in most ports with competitive rates and a guarantee that you'll be back to the ship on time.

Viking Voyager app

Viking 's free Viking Voyager app is excellent. The line's robust digital presence caters to tech-savvy passengers with features that include live TV (CNBC, BBC News, MSNBC, Fox News, Smithsonian, Sky News, National Geographic and others) and weather forecasts for upcoming ports help you plan accordingly. Timely reminders for your reservations on the cruise make sure you don't miss a spa appointment or dinner reservation. The app also features an art guide to explore the onboard art collection and learn more about the many original paintings, sculptures and photographs throughout the fleet.

Virgin Voyages' Sailor App

You'll find Virgin Voyages does everything with a bit of panache and its Sailor App is no exception. Once on board, open the app and shake your phone to reveal a secret button that, with just a simple press, will send a bottle of Moët & Chandon Impérial your way on nearly any deck. Be careful, though: That shake will cost you $95 for the bottle of bubbly. A few other features include virtual queues for the ship's restaurants and the round-the-clock access to chat with the guest services team instead of standing in line .

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Country Music Cruise

Ft. Lauderdale, FL • Key West • Cozumel • Costa Maya

January 19 - 26, 2025

(866) 476-2879

Join Waitlist

Check-In Online and Download the HAL Navigator App!

Holland America Line requests all guests complete their check-in online for the Country Music Cruise 2025.

Approximately 45-60 days prior to sailing you will receive an email in your inbox from [email protected] containing your unique Holland America Line booking number. If you cannot find this email, you can also find your booking number in your StarVista LIVE account under your reservation.

Check-In Online Step by Step:

• Have your booking number and passport on hand and Log in to hollandamerica.com
• If you are not immediately directed to the check in page, follow the “Already Booked” tab at the top of the page, then select “Check-In”
• Enter your HAL booking number, first name, last name, and validation option (do NOT use the left side of the page with your Mariner ID or email address). Make sure you type your name exactly as it appears on your StarVista LIVE confirmation (which should match your passport). Also ensure that you don’t add any spaces or additional characters before or after your responses. Once you are logged in, you can follow the prompts through the check-in process.
• You must consent to the Vaccine Attestation, Passage Contract and Risk Acknowledgement forms
• Enter your personal information regarding this reservation
• Print your luggage tags but do not apply to your luggage until the morning of embarkation so it isn’t ripped or mishandled in transit.
• Print your boarding pass or you can access it in the Navigator App (instructions below)

Holland America Line Navigator App The Holland America Navigator mobile app is complimentary to download and use. It is best to set up your account with Holland America Line on their website first (instructions are bulleted above).

Next, download the app and use your Holland America Line account login to gain access to your account from your phone while onboard without buying an internet plan. 

There are many perks to using this app before and during the cruise:

• Under Account , store/retrieve your digital boarding pass for embarkation
• Under the Plan tab, review deck plans to help you get where you want to go easily
• Under the Experiences tab, see itineraries and daily schedules, review all the possible shore excursions, browse the spa offerings and more
• Under the  Connect  tab, purchase an internet plan if you intend to check email, use wifi to call home, or browse the internet and use the Complimentary Chat to stay connected with other cruisers
• use the At Your Service to order meals and drinks
• go to Account to check your billing statement  
• The app is available in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store

We understand that you may have some questions about how to check-in online and use the Holland America Navigator app. In conjunction with Holland America Line, we have put together step by step instructions and videos to Download, Register, and Login to start using your app and kick off your trip with ease!

How to Download the Holland America Line Navigator app :

• Go to your App Store on your phone
• Go to Search
• In the search field, type in “Holland America Line Navigator”
• Click “Get” to download

How to Register for the Holland America Line Navigator app :

• Click the Navigator app icon to launch the Holland America Line Navigator app
• Click “Login”
• Click “Register”
• Fill in your email, password, legal first and last name, and date of birth. Then click “Next”
• Fill in your country of residence and postal zip code. Then select from the dropdown menus to set your security questions. You must also click the box to agree to the Terms of Use. a. There is an option selection to receive promotional emails from Holland America Line. Check this box if you are interested.
• Click “Register” 

You will then be able to use the email and password you entered to login in the future.

How to Log In to the Holland America Line Navigator app :

• Enter your email or Mariner ID Number and password and click login

*Please note: if you do not already have a Hollandamerica.com account, you will need to register before using the Holland America Line Navigator app.

You may have other questions about the Holland America Line Navigator app. We have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions below.

Q. What does the Holland America Line Navigator app allow me to do?

A. There are many perks to using this app before and during the cruise:

• use the Complimentary Chat to stay connected with other cruisers
• purchase an internet plan if you intend to check email, use wifi to call home, or browse the internet
• go to Account to check your billing statement

Q.   Can I check-in online using my Holland America Line Navigator app?

A. Yes. When you open the app, under Home, there is a Check In button under Planning Your Cruise. This will take you to the HAL website which is easily accessible on a smart phone, or continue to  check-in on the Holland America Line Website . Booking numbers for the Check-in process will be emailed from StarVista LIVE approximately 45-60 days prior to the start of the cruise. Once checked in at hollandamerica.com , you will be able to retrieve your digital boarding pass from within the app. If you've previously agreed to receive notifications, an alert will be sent to keep you up to date about information about your upcoming cruise.

Q. How do I get my boarding pass?

A. Once you have completed your online check-in at hollandamerica.com and have completed all required documents and forms, you can request a boarding pass be emailed to you or, open and login to the Holland America Line Navigator app, tap “My Account”, then tap “My Wallet”. Your boarding pass, plus any applicable shore excursion tickets, will show up here.

Q. I downloaded the Mobile App to expedite my check-in at the pier. Why can I not see my digital boarding pass?

A. To retrieve your digital boarding pass for your upcoming cruise, be sure to complete online check-in on the Holland America Line website for each member on your booking. Once you've completed it, it's as simple as going to the Holland America Navigator mobile app, tapping on “My Account”, and retrieving your digital boarding pass from the wallet tab for everyone in your booking party.

Q. How can I see the schedule of events that will be happening onboard throughout the week?

A. To view the schedule of events that will be happening while onboard your cruise, open and login to the Holland America Line Navigator app. Tap “Plan” from the bottom left bar, then tap “My Itinerary”. At the top left, choose “Events”. Here, you will see the daily activities onboard and show times. Please note that this information will not be available until closer to sailing.

Q.   How do I book shore excursions through the Holland America Line Navigator app?

A. Once you are logged in to the Holland America Line Navigator app, tap the “Experiences” icon at the bottom of your screen. From there, tap “Shore Excursions”. You will be able to choose a port that your cruise is visiting, choose “Done” and see the shore excursions available for that port.

Q. If I purchase a shore excursion through the Holland America Line Navigator app, how do I access my tour ticket for my purchase?

A. Once you purchase a shore excursion through the Holland America Line Navigator app, the tour ticket will automatically be stored in your Wallet on the app. Simply open the app and select “Account” from the bottom right bar. Then, tap “Wallet”, and select your tour. At the time of your shore excursion, be sure to bring your mobile device so you can present the tour ticket to your Tour Guide.

Q. How do I book spa treatments through the Holland America Line Navigator app?

A. Once you are logged in to the Holland America Line Navigator app, tap the “Experiences” icon at the bottom of your screen. From there, select “Spa Treatments”. You can choose from a variety of treatments, including Acupuncture Services, Massage Therapies, Fitness Programs, and much more. Choose what treatment you are looking for to see the services available onboard, and book!

Q. How do I place an online order at a restaurant onboard through the Holland America Line Navigator app?

A. To place an online order at a restaurant onboard during your cruise, open and login to your Holland America Line Navigator app, and tap “Experiences”. Then tap “Dining & Drinks”, select your favorite location and menu item, and place your order. Finally, head over to the venue to pick up your order.

If you are looking to order room service, you can also do that on your Holland America Line Navigator app! Simply open the app and log in, tap “Experiences”, then tap “At Your Service”. You will be able to view and order food, beverages, and more to be delivered directly to your stateroom.

Q. Do I have to use the Holland America Line Navigator app?

A. You are not required to use the Holland America Line Navigator app, however there are many great features that will help you while onboard your StarVista LIVE Cruise.

Join Our Email List

January 19 - 26 2025.

• Fort Lauderdale, FL

2025 Lineup

• John Michael Montgomery
• Deana Carter
• The Bellamy Brothers
• Diamond Rio
• T.G. Sheppard
• Jimmy Fortune
• The Malpass Brothers
• Jamie O'Neal
• Lacy J. Dalton
• 50 Shades of Hay
• James Carothers
• Grand Ole Opry at Sea
• Elvis Tribute Artists
• Cruise Host Nan Kelley

Our Promise

StarVista LIVE promises to provide you with a unique entertainment experience, bringing you together with a community of like-minded enthusiasts to relive favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars you love. 

I tried Holland America's 'Have It All' package. For just $55 a day, my cruise felt way more luxurious.

• I tried Holland America Line 's Have It All package on a recent cruise to Alaska.
• For $55 per person per day, we got complimentary drinks, special meals, and other perks.
• The price was so worth it we already booked this package for future cruises. 

Cruise bookings are predicted to reach record levels this year, and travelers are especially interested in luxurious sailings.

But as many of us know, luxury doesn't always equate to value, even when it comes to upgrades and special packages.

So, on our recent cruise to Alaska, my husband and I put one of many cruise packages to the test: Holland America Line's "Have It All" package, which costs $55 per person per day.

It includes perks like a beverage package, ship credit for shore excursions, onboard WiFi, and dinner at specialty restaurants.

Here's why we found it to be such a great value we're going to add it to future cruises.

The beverage package was great, and it included special drinks without alcohol

The biggest perk of the "Have It All" package was the ability to order drinks without worrying about the bill at the end of the cruise.

Our previous cruises had us drinking only tap water, drip coffee, tea, and an occasional glass of wine with dinner to avoid any sticker shock at the end of the trip. We felt restricted in enjoying our vacation.

Related stories

But this time, we had the freedom to enjoy ourselves. The "Have It All" package we booked came with 15 drinks a day under $11. If you want a drink over $11, you only pay the difference.

The beverage package also covers non-alcoholic drinks. It was perfect for when we wanted espresso drinks for cold Alaska days or a bottle of water for a shore excursion.

The shore-excursion credit helped push us to have more fun

We knew we had to do a whale-watching excursion in Alaska, but didn't consider booking other excursions due to price. Many of the ones we were interested in cost over $100 per person.

But with the package, we each got credits to use toward shore excursions during our cruise. The value of the credit varies depending on the duration of your cruise — ours was less than 10 days, so we each got a $100 credit.

The $200 worth of credits made us feel more comfortable booking an incredible excursion to kayak the wild waters of Sitka.

We probably would've hesitated to book an excursion and missed an incredible experience if we hadn't felt compelled to use the credits in the package.

Specialty dining helped us celebrate our anniversary

Our "Have it All" packages each included at least one dinner at one of the ship's specialty restaurants. If you're on a longer cruise, this package would get you access to more dinners.

We used our credits to eat at the Pinnacle Grill, known for its premium steaks and intimate dining experience. Our anniversary dinner was extra special because of the access to premium dishes unavailable in the main dining room, five-star service, and a luxurious setting.

WiFi kept us connected

The package included WiFi, which really came in handy as we shared photos with friends and family throughout our trip.

We were able to use the internet to search for whatever we needed and research the highlights to visit at the next port of call.

We've already booked the package for future cruises

For less than what a few drinks cost per day, the package helped us relax, have fun, and enjoy each port of call with a shore excursion. Plus, we got to indulge in the ship's specialty restaurants.

We loved it so much we've already purchased this same package for three future cruises.

Watch: While Delta's business is 'extremely robust,' the airline's marketing chief stays focused on the data

• Main content

• Holland America Line

Navigator app problems

By Captain_MM , January 14, 2022 in Holland America Line

Recommended Posts

Is anyone else having a problem with the Navigator app?  I click on it and it just goes to a white screen.  I’ve reloaded the app and restarted my phone but still no help.  It worked yesterday and my wife’s app seems to be working ok.  Holland just sent me an email that my health question document was available but I can’t get to it.  At least I could fill it out on my wife’s phone.

Link to comment

Share on other sites, navybikermom.

45 minutes ago, Captain_MM said: Is anyone else having a problem with the Navigator app?  I click on it and it just goes to a white screen.  I’ve reloaded the app and restarted my phone but still no help.  It worked yesterday and my wife’s app seems to be working ok.  Holland just sent me an email that my health question document was available but I can’t get to it.  At least I could fill it out on my wife’s phone.

I’ve had nothing but problems with that app. Doesn’t matter if I’m using my phone or tablet. It crashes, locks up, lags, etc. Terrible….

I had the issue of the white screen.  Deleted the app & reinstalled.

Works perfectly afterwards.

Same here - started late last night. Finally just deleted it and reinstalled it from the App store and works fine now.

I have removed, reinstalled, and rebooted. I still can't get beyond the white screen. Any other suggestions?

15 minutes ago, jhannah said: I have removed, reinstalled, and rebooted. I still can't get beyond the white screen. Any other suggestions?

Go to settings - select apps - select navigator - go to storage - at the bottom of the screen you will see clear data and clear cache -  clear both - you will then need to log back into the app.  That fixed the problem on my Android phone.

47 minutes ago, iflyrc5 said: Go to settings - select apps - select navigator - go to storage - at the bottom of the screen you will see clear data and clear cache -  clear both - you will then need to log back into the app.  That fixed the problem on my Android phone.

Thank you for your help! All good now 77 days can't come fast enough.

I had terrible issues with Navigator on my Android tablet in December. I had purchased the WIFI package just for that. I even tried using the ship's computers. Went to Guest Services for help. They could not login to my account. They went to their IT people. THEY could not login. Finally, after about three days (in an 11-night cruise) they got it to partially work. It was on the Rotterdam.

On 1/19/2022 at 1:43 PM, iflyrc5 said: Go to settings - select apps - select navigator - go to storage - at the bottom of the screen you will see clear data and clear cache -  clear both - you will then need to log back into the app.  That fixed the problem on my Android phone.

That did it! Thank you so much!

• 2 weeks later...

On 1/19/2022 at 11:43 AM, iflyrc5 said: Go to settings - select apps - select navigator - go to storage - at the bottom of the screen you will see clear data and clear cache -  clear both - you will then need to log back into the app.  That fixed the problem on my Android phone.

Brilliant! Thank you so much, worked for me, too. The Navigator was working yesterday, but then I updated the app and since then it's been "the white screen of death." Thank you, thank you, thank you!

fredthecarman

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH. I've been trying to get this going for weeks so I decided to see what others were doing and... VIOLA. There you were. Nice to have someone with tech skills in here. Thanks again.

• 2 months later...

Don’t see any storage options on my iPhone!

1 hour ago, Marzobon22 said: Don’t see any storage options on my iPhone!

Maybe you should start a new thread. The above solutions are for Android phones etc. 

HAL released a new update for the app earlier this month, but I can still not download any menus for our cruise in August. 

I had the same issue, and reinstalling didn't fix it, but clearing cache and data did. It seems app data are left behind even when the app is deleted.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 07:36 PM

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 12:53 AM

LauraS · Started Tuesday at 07:17 PM

LauraS · Started Monday at 10:08 PM

LauraS · Started Monday at 09:45 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Cheers broke out on Holland America Line’s Koningsdam ship when the total solar eclipse began on Monday.

Off the coast of Mazatlan, Mexico, passengers were perched on loungers, reclining on beach towels and lining the railings of Deck 14 with cameras on tripods at the ready. When the sliver of fiery orange that remained of the sun disappeared, a black circle ringed by white light took its place. Passengers applauded the moment they'd been awaiting since the ship departed from San Diego on Friday.

The sunny, 72-degree weather – quintessential cruise weather – gave way to chilly wind and late morning’s best impression of sunset. The horizon line glowed orange in the dusky sky.

Cruise ships can help take guests to the path of totality for eclipses, allowing passengers to get a prime viewing spot and make a vacation of it.

What is a total solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the face of the sun as it moves between the sun and Earth.

While the sun is about 400 times bigger than the moon, the moon is roughly 400 times closer to Earth. “In the past, the moon was much closer, and in the future, the moon will be much further away,” said Adam Burgasser, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of California, San Diego, and director of the Cool Star Lab, who served as an onboard expert during the cruise. “And so we're in a special time, which, of course, lasts for billions of years, where it's set up just right to block out the sun.”

Total solar eclipses take place about every 18 months on average, but the last one visible from the U.S. was in 2017 .

The phenomenon creates a multi-sensory experience, with a cold front moving in ahead of the eclipse. “You block the sun, and it gets cold,” said Burgasser. “It’s actually just that simple. And it's slow enough that the atmosphere can react.”

Plants and animals respond, too: Birds often begin to chirp, plants may close up, and nocturnal will come out. “It’s kind of an all-around-you experience where it's not just the fact that the sun has been blocked that’s so fascinating, but just the effect it has on the entire environment.” Those effects weren’t easily discernible on Koningsdam, though, which was about 150 miles from shore.

Nicole Chaput, a 57-year-old passenger from Calgary in Canada, said partial and total eclipses are “totally different.”

“I heard someone describe it as being partly pregnant,” she said. “You can’t do it. There’s no comparison.”

What makes a cruise a good place to see an eclipse?

Bad weather can wreck even the best-laid viewing plans. If a city in the path of totality has overcast skies, it can be tough to quickly move to an alternate site.

“If you're on a cruise ship and a little bit farther to the east or a little bit farther to the west along the path, there's clear sky, the ship can move,” said Dan Jarrell, who was on the cruise with his wife, Kay, and friends. The Washington, D.C.-area resident has seen solar eclipses with friends during two other sailings, including on Holland America’s Veendam in 1998.

“If you're on land and there's not a road there, you’d better have a tank,” Jarrell said.

That’s where a cruise ship comes in handy. “Having the ability to map out based on what the current weather is where you can catch the eclipse, and having a range over the course of the ocean where you could chase that a little bit is certainly helpful,” Burgasser added.

Capt. Ane Smit, Master aboard Holland America’s Zaandam for the viewing, said the ship can move at a maximum of 20 knots, so the crew needs to scout out the conditions with enough time to move as needed.

“If it's not good enough, we really need to start finding another spot because we are not the quickest vehicle, of course, to be driving around, but we have the luxury of being able to go in any direction without any restriction,” he said. “It’s a pretty wide highway that we have.”

The view of the horizon also allows passengers to “see that shadow coming in and leaving more so than you can in a topographical area,” said Burgasser. Being in the ocean away from city lights is also helpful for seeing stars and other parts of the sky usually only visible at night.

The cruise line also made the practicalities of watching an eclipse easier: eclipse glasses were distributed to guests’ staterooms and Burgasser guided guests through the event via the ship’s speaker system, before and after totality.

More eclipse cruises on the horizon

If you missed your chance to see it this time or want another go, Holland America has more eclipse-viewing opportunities on the books.

“Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's Vice President of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, said in an email. Details have not yet been released.

Other cruise lines offer similar opportunities as well. Princess Cruises' Emerald Princess was near Koningsdam on Monday.

Chaput, the Canadian passenger, said she’s been “chasing” total solar eclipses since seeing her first one in 1991. Monday’s eclipse marked her seventh viewing and second on a cruise ship.

“I think it’s just such an amazing natural phenomenon,” she said. “It’s seeing science in action.”

Contributing: Josh Rivera, USA TODAY

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Holland America Line. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected]

17 Fantastic Things That Make Holland America Line Unique

T here are so many cruise lines to choose from. What makes one stand out from another? The answer to “Why is Holland America Line unique?” lies in the details and things they offer that sweeten the deal.

Disclosure: This page has affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase  at no cost to you . We recommend cruises, experiences, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Longstanding History on the Seas

Holland America Line’s (HAL) rich history and the evolution of the brand is impressive. What began as a Dutch shipping cargo line has transformed into an international cruise line that sails to seven continents.

In 1872, their first cruise set sail from Rotterdam. It cruised from The Netherlands to NYC with crew, passengers, and cargo. This ship was 269 feet but cruising has come a long way since then. Fast forward to Zuiderdam — the first ship we sailed on with HAL — where we we had 936 feet of ship to enjoy!

From 2022 to 2023, they entered a year-long celebration commemorating 150 years of business; we were proud to sail from Boston to Quebec City with HAL at that time.

In the 1940s, after Germany invaded The Netherlands during WWII, HAL's ships were used for the war effort. When the war ended in 1946, a joyous homecoming took place when Amsterdam (II) sailed home from Southampton to Rotterdam. As the Holland America Line timeline states, “During the course of the war, she travels 530,452 miles and carries 378,361 troops — a record only broken by the Cunard Queens, which are twice the size.” We're veklempt just thinking about this momentous event!

In a post-war world, cruise ships were ever-increasingly popular for the use of leisure trips. A pioneer in Alaska cruises , Holland America Line acquired a 70% majority stake in the Alaska tour company Westours, Inc. in 1971; it acquired 100% of Westours, Inc. by 1977.

Today, the cruise line is owned by Carnival Corporation (who also owns a slew of other popular cruise lines, including Princess Cruises , Seabourn, Cunard , and AIDA). Yet Holland America Line maintains its own identity associated with the cruise lines' Dutch founding.

2. Orange Party on Every Cruise

Why Holland America Line has an “Orange Party” on each cruise lies in the company's name and history.

The cruise line, which has “Holland” at the forefront of the brand, has roots in the Dutch shipping industry. Yet, for a broader understanding of the connection the color orange has with the Dutch, we need to understand one of The Netherlands' annual holidays.

King's Day in The Netherlands

Every year, on April 27, Dutch people celebrate King's Day, which is the date of the King's birthday. The city is dressed in orange, from balloon decorations on business facades to what the residents wear to parties. The color of Konigsdag , as it's officially called in Dutch, is orange because the royal family is called “Huis van Oranje” or “House of Orange.”

This is why the Dutch-rooted cruise line has an orange party!

What is the Orange Party on Holland America Line Like?

The Orange Party is a blast! Guests are encouraged to pack orange clothes to wear to the party before leaving home. Some passengers go as far as wearing orange sequin dresses, and others accessorize with simpler things like orange jewelry or scarves.

If you forget to bring orange but want to join in on the apparel fun, there are orange accessories like headbands and hats available to buy onboard. This little “shop” is simply a table located right next to the party venue.

When we were on our Boston to Canada New England cruise aboard Zuiderdam, the Rolling Stone Lounge was the place to be for this festive party. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres were passed around, and special cocktails were crafted for the evening. We danced for a couple of hours to the live band, celebrating this fun event.

3. Afternoon Tea Time

Who doesn't need an afternoon pick-me-up? Tea time on Holland America Line is the perfect time to enjoy little pastries, tea sandwiches, and, of course…tea! We loved meeting up with new friends for this time of onboard relaxation. It was quite lovely!

HAL's Navigator app is the perfect resource to find out when afternoon tea — or “High Tea,” as it's called — is taking place on select days.

4. Days of the Week Carpet in the Elevator

You know how when you're on vacation, you often forget what day it is? But sometimes you need to know if it's Tuesday or Wednesday for something back home, like messaging a family member or friend on his or her birthday.

We loved that every day, the carpet in the elevators was swapped out to correspond to what day it was. It was a small detail that we very much appreciated.

5. Canaletto Italian Dining

Specialty restaurants are available for dining on Holland America Line in addition to the usual restaurant that is open for every meal. One night of our cruise, we enjoyed dining at Canaletto. This Italian restaurant had delectable antipastas, fresh salads, and homemade pasta, which I am a total sucker for.

Canaletto also has melt-in-your-mouth meat dishes on the menu, like their Ossobuco or Chicken Parmesan, and seafood options, too. If you want to feel like you're in Italy on the Mediterranean, no matter where your cruise is going, get an Aperol Spritz to drink with your meal.

The small upcharge to dine here, which is around $20 per adult, is completely worth it. If you purchased a “Have It All” cruise fare, at least one specialty dining experience is included. More might be included depending on the length of your cruise is.

6. “Have It All” Pricing

Speaking of the “ Have It All ” package — it's completely worth it! You can upgrade your cruise fare to Have It All if it's not what you originally purchased for $55 per person per day.

Three tiers correspond to the length of your cruise and dictate how much of each category is included. These tiers are:

• 6 to 9-day cruises (excludes cruises less than six days)
• 10 to 20-day cruises
• Cruises longer than 20 days (excludes Grand Voyages)

Within the three tiers are four categories of what's included:

• Drink Package
• Shore Excursions
• Specialty Dining

All three tiers, no matter the length of your cruise, include daily WiFi and the Signature Drink Package for the length of your cruise. What varies is how much shore excursion credit you get (the longer the cruise, the more credit you get) and how many specialty dining restaurants you can go to.

If you pay for Have It All for your 6-9 day cruise, for example, and only one specialty restaurant experience is included, you can always pay the separate fee to add on another dining experience.

7. Live Music Galore

If live music is your thing, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy it across multiple venues onboard. Holland America Line has partnerships with New York City's Lincoln Center, Billboard, and Rolling Stone.

Our favorite place to be at night after dinner on Zuiderdam was the Billboard Onboard piano bar. Two pianos are set next to each other, and the two musicians/singers play crowd pleasers for hours each night. We were singing along all night.

8. Holland America Line Navigator App

Cruise line apps are appreciated when they're particularly functional and useful. Another reason why Holland America Line is great is because of their mobile app. It was very easy to use, especially for finding out what activities we wanted to attend at any given time.

The app is available for Apple devices and Android users.

9. Neptune Lounge: Cabanas/Private area

It's always nice when a cruise line has a suites class of some sort that guests can opt to book. Neptune Suites on Holland America Line ships are a special category of staterooms.

Being in this ship-within-a-ship class allows guests access to the Neptune Lounge, outdoor cabanas, and priority embarkation and tendering, as a few examples of the class perks.

10. Bar Events

If a cruise vacation is associated with indulgence, having adult beverages is part of it. Two particular bar events onboard got us excited when we cruised with Holland America Line.

Happy Hour Savings

If you don't opt to include a drinks package with your cruise fare, either as a stand-alone option or with HAL's “Have It All” pricing, you can take advantage of happy hour at select bars around the ship! During our cruise, happy hour started at 4:00 pm and lasted until 5:00 pm. The hour-long specials were for beer, wine, and house spirits.

Bar Crawl 

Although we had a drinks package, we signed up for the HAL Bar Crawl. We wanted the experience.

We thought we would go from bar to bar on the ship and quietly enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine with other guests we would meet. But we were very wrong! Though we met other guests, it was more so a frat party bar crawl rather than the quiet experience we envisioned. 

That said, we talked about that bar crawl for months later. The crew leading the event was so enthusiastic! And though we didn’t drink 90% of the cocktails given to us (most were too sweet), we loved traipsing around the ship and singing the song, “We are the Zuiderdam! The mighty, mighty Zuiderdam!” Then, one of the crew members leading the group would yell, “Zuiderdam!!!” And we’d reply with “Bar crawl!!” It was a fun evening activity.

If there are activities on cruises designed to get you out of your comfort zone, we’d say this was one of those for us; we’re glad we did it once.

11. You Can BYOB

Did you know you can bring your own beverages on board? The catch is that it's very specific alcohol and specific quantities. Luckily, the HAL website spells it all out so you don't have to guess.

Here's the synopsis:

• You can bring wine and champagne onboard, with a max volume of 750 ml or less. There is a corkage fee of $20.
• If you purchase wine during a company-sponsored shore excursion (like visiting a winery on a HAL-organized excursion), it's exempt from the corkage fee.
• You can bring your own water onboard if you want. “An allowance of six liters, twelve (12) cans or cartons (500 ml in volume or less) or six (6) cans or cartons (1 liter in volume or less) of water are allowed per stateroom.”
• Guests are not allowed to bring beverages in plastic containers onboard. 

12. They Have Pickleball Onboard

If you haven't heard of Pickleball, it's likely you haven't lived in the United States for a while, where the sport has swept the nation! Holland America Line caught onto this sports trend; they converted some of their outdoor top-deck sports courts to be used for Pickleball .

13. They Have Libraries Onboard

One of the things that most surprised us about cruising with HAL was the onboard library. This makes Holland America Line unique in such a remarkable way! Guests are welcome to borrow books for the duration of the cruise in all categories including fiction, youth, and short story sections.

14. They Partner with Audible to Bring Passengers Complimentary Onboard Content

Holland America Line has partnered with Audible to bring their guests unique offerings. Passengers can listen to books onboard and enjoy in-stateroom audio, like meditations and sleep tracks. They can also learn the basics of a new language on board, which is particularly helpful if you are sailing abroad. Learn a bit of Spanish as you sail into Barcelona, Spain !

A subscription is not needed onboard. However, this industry-first partnership offers guests a free Audible trial on land.

15. Carpets by the Elevators on Stateroom Decks Point to the Forward or Aft

We always appreciate when a cruise line helps guests find their way in a ship’s design elements. On Princess , we enjoyed that the carpet in the hallways was a different color on the even-number stateroom side vs. the odd-number stateroom side. On Holland America Line, we were grateful that the carpets had arrows pointing toward Forward or Aft.

The photos below illustrate the direction of ship Forward from the Port vs. Starboard side. Since these are opposite sides of the ship, they point in different directions for how a guest would walk toward the front of the ship.

16. Board Games and Puzzles Encourage Guests to Unplug

Guests can enjoy games, and puzzles provided by HAL. On Zuiderdam, this was in the Crow’s Nest lounge of the ship on Deck 10.

Playing a game is such a nice way to unplug from devices and bond with other cruisers as you work towards finishing the same puzzle or bond with your partner, friends, or family.

17. They Have Their Own IslanD: Half Moon Cay

Did you know that Holland America Line has their own Caribbean Island? In fact, every Caribbean Cruise itinerary makes a stop there during one day of the cruise.

Read this next:

• Top Amazon Cruise Essentials for Your Packing List
• Complete Guide to Alaskan Cruises Including Ports of Call + What to Pack
• How to Decide the Best Cruises to Book

The post 17 Fantastic Things That Make Holland America Line Unique appeared first on Sometimes Sailing .

Holland America Line Navigator 4+

Captain your cruise, holland america line inc, designed for ipad, screenshots, description.

Log in with your Hollandamerica.com account and get access to your current profile and information, and all of your past or upcoming bookings. Before your cruise, you can review all the services available to guests, check out events and shore excursions planned for your trip, and review an interactive Holland America Line fleet map to see the destinations where our ships sail. Once on board, connect to the ship’s WiFi to view dining menus, spa services, shore excursions, chat with other guests and more at no additional charge. (An onboard Internet purchase is NOT required to use the Navigator app.) Use the Holland America Line Navigator app when in port to check your daily itinerary, book shore excursions and make dining reservations. So, you can just relax and enjoy your time ashore, knowing you’ll never miss an important event during your cruise. Happening On Board Get the latest on events, activities, and the evening dress code even before you board. See planned events and add them to your itinerary. Chat Keep in touch with traveling companions, connect with new friends, and more while on board. Shore Excursions Reserve and book your shore excursions easily and conveniently. Dining Make reservations at any of the ship’s specialty restaurants. My Itinerary Stay on top of your daily activities, including your booked shore excursions, and dining reservations. Fleet Map See the entire Holland America Line fleet of ships and learn about their destinations and ports of call. My Account View account details, see your upcoming bookings and review your onboard statement. At Your Service Order items like towels, pillows, ice and more straight to your stateroom. (Available on select ships). View & Buy Photos Review, purchase, and share your cruise photos. (Available on select ships). Daily News Enjoy a selection of complimentary daily news digests from various regions of the world. Spa & Salon View our extensive menu of spa treatments and services. Connect to Paid Internet Navigator is your portal to purchase and use additional internet plans. It doesn’t matter if you are new to cruising or a returning guest, Navigator is available and works with all Holland America Line ships with full functionality... so download today! Full Holland America Line fleet includes: Amsterdam, Eurodam, Koningsdam, Maasdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Noordam, Oosterdam, Rotterdam, Veendam, Volendam, Westerdam, Zaandam, and Zuiderdam.

Version 4.35

We've made some minor performance enhancements and fixed some bugs below deck to make your experience even better. We regularly update the Navigator App so make sure you have the latest version. We are committed to providing a great cruise experience and we would love to know what you think.

App Privacy

The developer, Holland America Line Inc , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Collected

The developer does not collect any data from this app.

Privacy practices may vary based on, for example, the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

Get all of your passes, tickets, cards, and more in one place.

More by this developer.

GoTour Excursions

You Might Also Like

Princess Cruises

Viking Voyager

Celebrity Cruises

Cruise Norwegian - NCL

CruiseMapper

Virgin Voyages

• 1-877-932-4259
• My Account Hello Credits My Account Log out

Holland America Line Enhances Entertainment with New Productions, Music Lineup and Destination-Specific Performances

New headliner shows anchor an expanded slate of entertainment offerings fleetwide

Seattle, Wash., April 11, 2024 — Holland America Line is adding to its award-winning entertainment lineup with the introduction of several new mainstage experiences in 2024. Four new shows will put a fresh spin on the classic cruise production format. Additional new productions tailored to various regions will provide a variety of performances focusing on the local culture where ships are cruising.

Beyond the mainstage, Holland America Line is adding Rolling Stone Lounge to more ships and enhancing its popular Billboard Onboard music experience.

“Over the past several years we’ve built one of the strongest entertainment experiences at sea, working with world-class musicians and dancers,” said Bill Prince, vice president of entertainment and enrichment. “Adding these new theater experiences continues to build on our momentum.”

Beginning in February 2024, the cruise line is set to debut four shows reuniting singing and dancing in a new mainstage experience. These concert-style productions are fronted by three multi-talented headliners, who will be supported by an ensemble of singers and dancers.

The new shows are:

·         “Song & Dance”: Set on a studio backlot, two leading men front a concert of musical numbers from Broadway, Hollywood and more.

·         “Class Act”: Las Vegas goes to sea in this elaborate production, celebrating iconic female performers of the concert and nightclub stage.

·         “All That!”: Be a part of our studio audience as we present our take on the classic TV variety shows of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Headliners share the spotlight combining singing, dancing and a bit of comedy.

·         “Hey, Mr. DJ”: Iconic radio DJs introduce songs from the ’60s through today in this concert of pop hits. 

These new shows will be the anchor for entertainment programming. They debuted on Eurodam in February 2024, followed by Rotterdam, Zuiderdam and Nieuw Statendam by the end of June with more ships to follow.

Complementing the new shows on the mainstage, Holland America Line is featuring productions specific to each region so guests will experience a different lineup when they cruise in Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, South America and other areas around the world.

Unique Programming for Specific Regions

Caribbean cruises on Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Eurodam will feature the unique orchestral steel drum concerts of Island Magic playing a versatile repertoire ranging from traditional island sounds to unique versions of classical and pop songs. Cruises to Canada and New England on Volendam and Zuiderdam will introduce the new show Breton Thunder , an authentic Nova Scotia music experience highlighting the area’s European roots. Sailings on Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam in Europe will feature classical string music with the Chordial Chamber Trio and Pantheon , a dynamic group of European tenors .

Alaska cruises will continue to feature the elite members of the Step One Dance Company, who blend innovative choreography with artistic video projection to create truly immersive experiences. Major Fourth will also take the stage with four singers delivering impactful harmonies that cover all genres and decades. Sailings in Alaska will also feature a new program called Destination: Alaska . This show is aimed at getting guests excited about the destination and will highlight shore excursions they can book to make the most of their cruise.

Rolling Stone Lounge , which showcases a seven-piece band playing everything from rock to pop to R&B, was added to Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam in December 2023. The music venue has already been a staple on board Noordam, Oosterdam, Zuiderdam and Westerdam. Billboard Onboard will embrace an updated piano bar concept through the lens of Billboard’s chart-topping hits, with a different music theme each evening. B.B. King’s Blues Club continues to be the centerpiece of the music scene on Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam. Meanwhile, a live, classical music trio will be featured on select European voyages on the mainstage, and on Grand and Legendary Voyages in the Explorer’s Lounge.

Entertainment offerings vary by ship depending on the length of the cruise and destination of the ship.