Holland America Line introduces two new collections of shore excursions, designed to make every port of call a personal connection. “Meet the Maker” and “Community Connections” are carefully curated experiences that invite guests to go beyond the typical tourist guide and immerse themselves in the heart of local life. From savoring family recipes at iconic establishments to learning traditional crafts from artisans and engaging with communities that keep their traditions alive, these tours celebrate the people and stories that make each destination extraordinary.
With over 150 experiences available on itineraries around the world, guests can fully enjoy the journey, embracing authentic culture, forging genuine bonds, and creating memories that last long after the voyage is over.
“Guests consistently express a desire for deeper, more authentic interaction with each destination, which inspired the creation of our new 'Meet the Makers' and 'Community Connections' collections,” said Carole Biencourt, Vice President of Onboard Revenue for Holland America Line. “These experiences go far beyond traditional tourism, opening the doors to kitchens, workshops, and community spaces so travelers can share stories, learn time-honored techniques, and connect directly with the people who shape each place. Seeing a destination from a local perspective deepens understanding and fosters authentic connections and memories that last long after the trip.”.
“Meet the Maker” Tours
Holland America Line's "Meet the Makers" tours are designed to immerse guests in a destination through the people who define it. These shore excursions offer a unique opportunity to meet the artisans, chefs, farmers, and creators behind the flavors and traditions of each region. Whether learning how olive oil is pressed from a family that has been doing it for generations or hearing the story of a wine directly from the winemaker, these experiences are personal, authentic, and unforgettable.
Examples of “Meet the Makers” tours include:
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The “Tassie Tasting Trail” in Burnie, Tasmania: Guests travel through the Tasmanian countryside to meet the artisans behind some of its most iconic flavors. They visit the House of Anvers for a tasting of handcrafted chocolates paired with morning tea, then continue to 41° South to learn how a family raises salmon and ginseng in ponds fed by natural springs, with a tasting included during a light lunch. On the return journey, stops at Ashgrove Cheese Factory and Spreyton Cider Company offer more opportunities to sample local products.
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“Magna Grecia Farm Visit” in Katakolon, Greece: Magna Grecia Farm, a fourth-generation family-run estate in the fertile Olympia region, offers guests the chance to stroll through the olive groves, sample the estate’s robust olives, explore the vineyards, and meet the farm animals. They will enjoy a selection of meze paired with local wine, mineral water, and the option to try ouzo, while witnessing a lively Syrtaki dance performance.
“Community Connections” Excursions
The “Community Connections” excursions are more than just sightseeing tours: they're about immersing yourself in the heart of a community, meeting the people who live there, and seeing the world through their eyes. From sharing stories with local hosts and sampling family recipes to exploring neighborhoods that aren't in the guidebooks, these tours are built on genuine connections. To make the experiences even more meaningful, each tour in this collection supports local businesses, artisans, and cultural guardians as part of Holland America Line's sustainability mission: to give back to communities while traveling.
Examples of “Community Connections” excursions include:
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“At Home With the O’Hanlon Family” in Cobh (Cork), Ireland: Guests are warmly welcomed into the home of Finn and Peter O’Hanlon, experts in gastronomy and hospitality. Finn, a trained chef, has a lifelong passion for Irish cuisine, and together with Peter, he opened two pubs. At their home, guests cook a traditional three-course Irish lunch, including soda bread and Irish stew.
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The “Maori Waka (Canoe) Experience” in Waitangi (Bay of Islands), New Zealand: This cultural experience showcases the Maori people’s relationship with water. Guests enjoy a traditional welcome before boarding a waka, a canoe that can accommodate several people. They cruise the tranquil estuaries of the Waitangi River, admiring Haruru Falls and visiting a thousand-year-old ancestral site.
These new shore excursions expand the immersive experiences Holland America Line already offers, including collections created in collaboration with The HISTORY® Channel and National Geographic, which give guests a deeper insight into the people, places, and stories behind each destination, through expert-guided explorations and meaningful cultural connections.
The Community Connections and Meet the Makers tours are available in a wide variety of ports and on numerous Holland America Line cruises. For a limited time, guests who book with the Have It All program can choose select itineraries with a $25 deposit and a complimentary balcony upgrade, including:
- 7 days through the Norwegian fjords with Scotland, departing on May 3, 2026 aboard the Rotterdam
- 34 days – Legendary crossing of the South Pacific: Seattle to Sydney, departing October 11, 2026 aboard the Noordaam
- 11 days – Splendor of the Mediterranean: Greece, Italy and Provence, departing on October 24, 2026 aboard the Oosterdam
- 14 days – Wild British Isles: overnight in Belfast, departing July 11, 2026 aboard the Nieuw Statendam
- 14 days – Discovery of South Australia, departing on December 20, 2026 aboard the Noordam
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