Holland America Line has introduced two new shore excursion collections: “Meet the Maker” and “Community Connections.” These curated experiences invite guests to go beyond the guidebook and immerse themselves in local life. From savoring family recipes at eateries to learning time-honored crafts from artisans and engaging with communities that keep traditions alive, these tours celebrate the people and stories of each destination. As part of the collections, more than 150 experiences are offered across global itineraries.
Meet the Makers
These shore excursions are designed to immerse guests in a destination through the people who shape it. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artisans, chefs, farmers and craftspeople behind the flavors and traditions of a region. Whether it’s learning how olive oil is pressed from the family who’s been doing it for generations or hearing the story behind a local wine straight from the winemaker, these experiences are personal, authentic and unforgettable. Sample excursions include:
- “Tassie Tasting Trail” in Burnie, Tasmania — Guests can journey through the countryside to meet the artisans behind some of its most beloved flavors. Visit the House of Anvers for a taste of handcrafted chocolates paired with morning tea, then continue to 41° South to learn how a family raises salmon and ginseng in spring‑fed ponds and sample their products over a light lunch. On the return, stops at Ashgrove Cheese Factory and Spreyton Cider Company offer chances to enjoy more local goods.
- “Magna Grecia Farm Visit” in Katákolon, Greece — Magna Grecia Farm, a fourth‑generation family estate in the fertile region of Olympia, gives guests a chance to stroll the olive grove, taste the farm’s peppery olives, explore the vineyards and meet the resident animals. They’ll enjoy a spread of classic Greek meze paired with local wine, and the option to try ouzo—all while taking in a lively syrtaki performance.
Community Connections
These tours aren’t just sightseeing trips: they are about stepping into the center of a community, meeting the people who live there and seeing the world through their eyes. From sharing stories with native hosts or tasting family recipes to exploring neighborhoods that don’t show up in guidebooks, these tours are built on real relationships. To make the experiences even more meaningful, every tour in this collection supports local businesses, artisans and cultural stewards as part of the line’s sustainability mission—travel that gives back. Sample shore excursions in this collection include:
- “At Home With the O’Hanlon Family” in Cobh (Cork), Ireland — Guests are welcomed into the home of Finn and Peter O’Hanlon, seasoned food and hospitality enthusiasts. Finn, a trained chef, has a lifelong passion for Irish food, and Peter joined her to open two pubs. At their home, guests cook a three-course traditional Irish lunch, including soda bread and Irish stew.
- “Maori Waka (Canoe) Experience” in Waitangi (Bay of Islands), New Zealand — This cultural experience showcases the relationship of the Maori people with the water. Guests enjoy a traditional Maori welcome before climbing into a waka, a canoe that seats several people. Glide up the tranquil estuaries of the Waitangi River while watching for the Haruru Falls and visiting a 1,000-year-old ancestral site.
These new shore tours build on the immersive experiences Holland America Line already offers, including its collections created in partnership with The History Channel and National Geographic, which give guests deeper insight into the people, places and stories behind each destination through expert‑led exploration and meaningful cultural connections.
Cruises Available for Booking
Community Connections and Meet the Makers tours are featured across a range of ports on numerous Holland America Line cruises. For a limited time, guests booking with Have It All can choose from select itineraries with a $25 deposit and a free balcony upgrade. These include:
- Seven-day Norwegian Fjords with Scotland, departing May 3, 2026, on Rotterdam, starting at $236 per person per day
- 34-day Legendary South Pacific Crossing: Seattle to Sydney, departing October 11, 2026, on Noordam, starting at $134 per person per day
- 11-day Mediterranean Splendor: Greece, Italy & Provence, departing October 24, 2026, on Oosterdam, starting at $252 per person per day
- 14-day Wild British Isles: Belfast Evening Stay, departing July 11, 2026, on Nieuw Statendam, starting at $208 per person per day
- 14-day South Australia Discovery Holiday, departing December 20, 2026, on Noordam, starting at $167 per person per day
For more information, call 1-877-724-5425 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
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