19 through longer port days, overnights and exceptional scenic cruising,” says Bodensteiner. “With four homeports – Amsterdam and Rotterdam in the Netherlands, Dover in England, and Reykjavik in Iceland – we’re making it easier than ever for guests to reach the region and choose their ideal itinerary.” Holland America Line’s external partners play a pivotal role in helping the brand to deliver high-quality guest experiences, both onboard its ships and in the destinations they visit. “External partners are essential to delivering the elevated, destinationfocused experiences our guests expect,” explains Bodensteiner. “Our teams set the vision, but it is the expertise of our partners that helps bring it to life in a way that reflects our heritage and the values our guests appreciate. The shore excursions team, for example, collaborates with local operators, guides and cultural organisations to provide “authentic access” to the communities guests visit, says Bodensteiner. “In early 2026, we launched over 150 new cultural tours under the ‘Meet the Maker’ and ‘Community Connections’ banners. These tours invite guests to go beyond the guidebooks and truly immerse themselves in the heart of local life.” Likewise, partners help Holland America Line to develop its onboard entertainment, enrichment and culinary programmes. “Guests want deeper and more authentic connections to the destinations they visit, and our culinary ambassadors – who include chocolatier Jacques Torres and chefs Ethan Stowell, Masaharu Morimoto and David Burke – help us deliver those moments,” says Bodensteiner. “Their contributions bring regional flavours and global perspectives to life for guests through hands-on workshops, live demonstrations and destination-inspired menus.” Meanwhile, Holland America Line’s design, technical and hotel teams, work closely with dry dock and shipyard partners and rely on their “craftsmanship and attention to detail” when modernising ships in the fleet. “Whether we are refreshing entertainment venues, enhancing staterooms and dining spaces, or integrating new sustainability‑focused technologies, these collaborations help us evolve while staying grounded in who we are,” says Bodensteiner. In addition, Holland America Line is collaborating with various partners to facilitate net-carbon-neutral ship operations by 2050 and attain various other environmental, social and governance goals. “Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 will require worldwide commitment – we need every business, every nation and every sector of the global economy,” says Bodensteiner. Like its parent company, Holland America Line has set specific targets in six key areas: climate action, circular economy, sustainable tourism, biodiversity and conservation, good health and wellbeing, and diversity, equity and inclusion. It is investing heavily to fulfil these aims. For example, all 11 of its ships are equipped with food waste dehydrators and biodigesters, as well as systems for exhaust gas cleaning, advanced waste water treatment and waste recycling. They can also Holland America Line’s investments at the RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay private island will further elevate the onshore experience KEYNOTE “ For us, the mantra ‘experiences too good to hurry through’ is more than just a tagline”
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