Balcony Upgrades and Up to 30% Off Cruise Fares Headline Holland America's Biggest Deal of the Year
MWN-AI** Summary
Holland America Line is launching its biggest promotion of the year, the "Start Your Journey" Wave event, which offers exceptional savings on over 500 cruises through destinations like Alaska and Europe, with savings of up to 30% off cruise fares. This promotion includes enticing benefits such as free balcony upgrades, onboard credits, and free fares for children traveling with adults.
Guests booking cruises from summer 2026 to spring 2027 can enjoy reduced deposits, allowing them to secure their journeys with a 50% discount on initial deposits for the first two guests. Cruise fares start at just $162 per person, per day. Families will especially benefit, as children aged 18 and under can sail for free when they are the third or fourth guest in a cabin (port fees and taxes apply).
The "Start Your Journey" promotion offers additional onboard credits, increasing depending on the cruise length: $100 for cruises of 6-9 days, up to $250 for longer voyages. Those booking Alaska cruises or Cruisetours by January 31 will also receive up to $200 in shore excursion credits.
Holland America Line emphasizes an enriching travel experience that makes its destinations truly come alive, blending exploration with relaxation. Customers can expect valuable amenities through the "Have it All" fare, which includes specialty dining, Wi-Fi packages, and shore excursions based on cruise duration.
This Wave Season, travelers can explore a range of itineraries, including scenic Alaskan cruises and Caribbean escapes. The "Start Your Journey" deal runs until January 31, 2026, inviting travelers to embark on unforgettable adventures while enjoying the robust perks offered. For full details or to book, guests can reach out to Holland America or consult travel advisors.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Holland America Line's "Start Your Journey" promotion marks a strategic opportunity for travelers and potential investors in the cruising industry, particularly as the company unveils its biggest deal of the year. The offer features substantial savings, including up to 30% off cruise fares and free balcony upgrades on over 500 cruises to popular destinations such as Alaska and Europe.
These discounts are particularly noteworthy for consumers aiming to embrace outdoor and immersive travel experiences. The promotion includes reduced deposits, onboard credits, and free fares for children, enhancing its appeal to families. From a market perspective, this surge in competitive pricing and value-added offers suggests a robust demand for cruise travel as the pandemic recedes, pointing toward a potential rebound in tourism spending.
For passengers considering future travel, this moment presents a rich opportunity to secure affordable luxury vacations at a time when many are eager to travel after prolonged restrictions. The substantial onboard credits also provide flexibility to explore additional services, augmenting the overall cruise experience.
Analysts should also note that this promotion aligns with the typical “Wave Season,” a critical booking period in the cruise industry. During this timeframe, consumers often make reservations for cruises at favorable rates, which can bolster Holland America’s revenue in the coming quarters.
Investor sentiment may shift positively as strong bookings, driven by promotions like this, signal a healthy recovery trajectory for the cruising sector. However, market participants should assess global economic conditions, fuel prices, and consumer sentiment trends which can influence travel behaviors.
In summary, this promotion not only benefits consumers but may also indicate an emerging growth trend within the cruise industry—potentially making Holland America a compelling watch for strategic investments.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
Canada NewsWire
"Start Your Journey" Wave promotion features 500+ cruises with exceptional savings and credits on experiences too good to hurry through
SEATTLE, Dec. 19, 2025 /CNW/ -- 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: |
SOURCE Holland America Line
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FAQ**
How does Holland America Line's "Start Your Journey" promotion, featuring balcony upgrades and up to 30% off cruise fares, potentially impact the performance of Carnival Plc ADS ADS CUK in the cruise industry market?
With the emphasis on free balcony upgrades in the "Start Your Journey" promotion, how might this attract customers and influence Holland America's bookings compared to its competitors like Carnival Plc ADS ADS CUK?
What strategies is Holland America Line employing in its "Start Your Journey" campaign to ensure that discounts and perks will translate into increased revenue for Carnival Plc ADS ADS CUK in 2026 and 2027?
Given the promotion’s focus on family travel with free fares for children, how does this align with customer trends in the cruise industry, and how could it affect Carnival Plc ADS ADS CUK's market share?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Carnival Corporation (NYSE: CCL).
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