Travelers seek slower, more meaningful travel, and Holland America Line partnered up with The HISTORY Channel to meet the rising demand. The emerging partnership takes cruisers on a deeper journey than the typical surface-level cruise via custom itineraries that explore a region’s history. Shore excursions in partnership with The HISTORY Channel show visitors new sides of a destination, from a Viking longhouse and burial ground in Northern Europe to the Giza pyramids in Egypt.
If you’re interested in cruising but don’t want the noise, crowds, and manufactured experience that typically comes with a massive cruise ship, Holland America Cruise Line is a good option. It does skew toward an older audience, so keep in mind that the vibe is going to be more refined on a Holland America cruise than on some ships. Kids are welcome, and there is a kids club, but it’s going to be a different experience than on ships with veritable theme parks onboard.
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The HISTORY Channel new curated itineraries include cruises to these destinations:
7-day Mediterranean marvels of Pompeii – this journey starts in Athens with stops in Kotor, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; Messina, Italy; Naples and Pompeii, Italy; and Rome. In Naples, join a professional historian on a walking tour of Pompeii, where the guide’s unique storytelling brings history alive with a sense of what life was like just before Vesuvius erupted. Take a guided tour through the Archaeological Museum of Naples. You may even visit the Secret Cabinet, where Pompeii’s racy artwork (and there is a lot of it!) is stored for adult eyes only.Â
Your stop in Messina offers a shore excursion in partnership with The HISTORY Channel that explores Taormina, the 6th century Greco-Roman town with gorgeous views of both sea and Mount Etna and ancient ruins.
17-day Hawaii cruise – If you’ve got the luxury of time, don’t miss The HISTORY Channel’s take on Hawaii. You’ll spend a lot of time at sea, but once in Hawaii, visit legendary landmarks like the USS Missouri and Pearl Harbor to deep dive into this important monument.
I’ll be joining the 7-day Norwegian fjords & Copenhagen cruise as a guest of Holland America Line and I can’t wait to share detailed feedback on the experience. I’m particularly excited to explore Viking heritage on this trip, which focuses its stops throughout Norway.
Rather than get a brief overview of a bunch of countries, this cruise immerses travelers in the deep-rooted history of the Vikings with stops in multiple historic destinations, including Copenhagen, Oslo, Kristiansand, and Stavanger. I’m particularly excited about the Stavanger Old & New excursion, which takes us to the iconic Swords in Rock monument, among other places.
Holland America Line also offers several solar eclipse cruises in partnership with the HISTORY Channel that are perfectly positioned to see the full solar eclipse in August 2026.
The Onboard Experience
Regardless of where you go, you’ll spend a lot of time on the ship itself. Here’s a quick primer of what you’ll find in terms of dining and onboard activities.
Main Dining
The centerpiece of the culinary program is the formal dining room. It is the flagship dining experience where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in an elegant, sit-down setting. Multi-course menus rotate daily, and you can choose either a set dining time each evening or the flexibility of arriving when you wish.
Specialty Restaurants
For evenings when you’d like to elevate the experience, the ships feature several specialty venues with a variety of cuisines:
- Pinnacle Grill – ​A steakhouse that pairs classic cuts with seafood and an impressive wine list.
- Tamarind – An Asian-inspired venue where dishes are bold, modern, and artfully presented.
- Canaletto – ​An intimate Italian spot offering handmade pastas and family-style plates.
- Morimoto By Sea / Rudi’s Sel de Mer – Select ships feature chef-driven restaurants, including one with French-inspired seafood and another created in collaboration with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.
These restaurants typically carry an extra fee, though many guests consider them worth the splurge, particularly on longer voyages.
Casual Dining
For more relaxed meals, the Lido Market buffet offers a wide range of international dishes, from fresh salads to sushi, alongside plenty of made-to-order stations. The casual poolside grill serves burgers, fries, and Nathan’s famous gourmet hot dogs, while pizzerias and delis are perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Coffee & Sweets
Specialty coffee bars and European-style cafés are sprinkled throughout the fleet, often accompanied by pastries, small bites, or gelato. They’re a perfect afternoon stop before heading to a lecture or enjoying a sea view with a cappuccino.
Room Service
Meals delivered to your cabin are included in the price, making breakfast in bed or a quiet dinner on your balcony an easy luxury. This one is a great hidden perk, as many cruise lines don’t include in-room dining in your fare.
​When you’re not eating, the ships offer a ton of activities, including pickleball, a full spa, educational programs, and a lot of music. Choose from the Rolling Stone Lounge for rock music or opt for dueling pianos. You may even find dancing along the way.
If you’re looking to explore historic sites and ancient empires and enjoy upscale guest experiences onboard, take a look at the full list of cruises in this exclusive partnership.
