Shore Experiences with Holland America Line

Immerse yourself in the rich culture, nature and beauty of each port of call.

Discover the World with Holland America. With over 300 ports of across all 7 continents and endless experiences, they have a cruise for everyone.  Here are just a sample of their popular shore experiences that help you deeply connect with the places you visit.  

 

Alaska

“Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining” in Ketchikan, Alaska – In Partnership With Food & Wine Magazine

Glide into a breathtaking landscape of secluded locations, ideal for wildlife viewing and remote fishing. Work as a group to bring fish aboard and provide for the gourmet wilderness meal you’re about to enjoy – Salmon, halibut, Dungeness crab, kelp greenling, pelagic rockfish, and at least fifty other species are potentially on the menu. A wilderness dining chef celebrates the group’s catch with a meal featuring the fish you just caught.

 

Canada / New England

“A Taste of Boston Markets” in Boston, Massachusetts - In Partnership With Food & Wine Magazine

Take a panoramic drive through Charleston, one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the South. Pass St Michael’s Episcopal Church, whose bells have crossed the Atlantic no less than seven times, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon where Revolutionary Prisoners were held captive by the British.

 
“A Taste of Halifax” in Halifax, Nova Scotia - In Partnership With Food & Wine Magazine

Sample the best of Nova Scotia’s culinary scene and follow the iconic waterfront boardwalk on foot with your foodie guide, who relishes the chance to introduce you to all things culinary. 

 

Caribbean

“Aerial Tram & Ecological Encounter” in Gatun Lake, Panama

The aerial tram travels a half-mile through the canopy of the forest. The surrounding flora includes species such as the guarumo (trumpet tree), mangavillo, higo de Montana, espave (wild cashew), and balsa. Beautiful birds such as toucans, trogons, parrots, and momots are plentiful. Reptiles and amphibians found in the Panamanian forests include caimans, iguanas, and dozens of species of frogs.

 

“Cartagena Sightseeing & Local Street Food Tasting” in Cartagena, Colombia - In Partnership With Food & Wine Magazine

Explore magnificent Cartagena by coach and on foot. Sample some iconic flavors and enjoy the many stories surrounding the bits and bites that merge African, Spanish, Caribbean, and Middle-Eastern influences in the most delicious ways. Sample a breakfast arepa – the thin, round flatbread that is a staple in Colombia and that Food & Wine calls “some of the tastiest and most versatile sandwich wrappers you’ll find anywhere in the world.”

 

South America

“A Culinary Walk Through Buenos Aires” in Buenos Aires, Argentina - In Partnership With Food & Wine Magazine

A culinary walking tour leads you through a traditional neighborhood packed with locally owned restaurants. At three distinctive restaurants, you’ll savor an authentic taste of Buenos Aires. Try empanadas, choripan (sausage with French baguette), barbecued meats, grilled provoleta cheese, and chimichurri. A glass of Argentine red wine is included with lunch.

 

“A Taste of Chile Fresh Fusion” in Puerto Montt, Chile - In Partnership With Food & Wine Magazine

On this immersive experience, you’ll experience the region with Richard Knobloch – a German-born chef of runs one of Chile’s best restaurants and whose creative food transcends borders. Knobloch welcomes you to his restaurant, where he prepares a three-course meal using some of the ingredients from the market you just explored. 

 

Antarctica

“Falklands Nature Trek” in Stanley/Falkland Is/Islas Malvinas

Your expert local guide will distribute a tour-specific illustrated checklist and give a general background to Falkland birds – dark-faced ground tyrants, Falkland thrush, upland geese, long-tailed meadowlark, Falkland flightless steamer duck, rock cormorants, southern giant petrels, sooty shearwaters, Magellan penguins, black-throated finch and up to as many as 30 other species.

 
“Kelp Point Exclusive Wildlife Excursion” in Stanley/Falkland Is/Islas Malvinas

Travel by 4x4 vehicle, beginning with an hour on the island’s main road network. You’ll wind through the rugged Falklands landscape, taking in the geologically fascinating stone runs that were recognized for their unique characteristics and cataloged by Charles Darwin himself. The route takes you across one of the island’s largest farms to the picturesque, secluded Kelp Point – best known for its growing elephant seal colony.

 

Hawaii

“Atlantis Submarine Dive” in Kona, Hawaii

Climb aboard an Atlantis submarine – the most technologically advanced passenger submarine line in the world. The submarine will descend more than 100 feet beneath the surface of Kona’s crystal-clear waters to explore 25 acres of coral reef gardens. This unforgettable journey aboard Atlantis’ 48-passenger submarine has been featured in National Geographic specials

 

Northern Europe

“Akureyri Adventure Polar Flight to Grimsey” in Akureyri, Iceland

Bring your spirit of adventure as you cross the Arctic Circle to visit the remote island of Grimsey. Iceland’s northernmost inhabited island and only three square miles in size, Grimsey is small enough to be easily explored on foot. This remote island and beautiful island, with its local church built from driftwood, is steeped in folklore and legend. Its sheer cliffs are home to vast colonies of sea birds, and in summer.

 

Mediterranean 

“A Day in the Life of a Marine Biologist” in Naples, Italy – National Geographic Tours

Visit the oldest aquarium in Europe along with the Darwin Dohrn Museum (DoDaM), the world’s first marine biodiversity research laboratory, where more than 20 Nobel Laureates studied and work on marine biology conservation projects in Naples, and learn about preserving marine turtles and the grey sharks of Lampione Island.

 
“The Fascinating World of Bees” in Rhodes, Greece – National Geographic Tours

Discover why honeybees are among the most important living organisms on the planet. Uncover eye-opening ecological facts, sample local honey varieties, and try your hand at honey extraction at the Bee Museum of Rhodes.

 

Asia

“A Taste of Authentic Singapore” in Singapore - In Partnership With Food & Wine Magazine

On the global stage, Singapore stands out as a bright beacon of far-flung flavors. Meet your guide in the lush Tiong Bahru district and your introduction to savory Singapore begins with a local breakfast to sample. Then you’ll explore a wet market where you’ll have a chance to sample some of the mouthwatering fruits of Asia. Next head to a hawker center – a gathering of street food-style vendors under one roof.

 

Australia

“Bad Fishy Jet-Boating” in Cairns, Australia

Wet, wild, and uber-fun, the Bad Fishy jet-boat experience will get your adrenaline pumping. Hop into the boat and hold on for 35 minutes of hair-raising stunts, speed, and agile performance of spins, slides, fishtails, and water-walls.

 

“Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary” in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Travel via Hobart’s northern suburbs to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, you’ll observe such indigenous animals as Tasmanian devils, wombats, kangaroos, and wallabies – all allowed to roam freely in their natural habitats.

 

New Zealand

“Auckland Wine Trail & Tastings” in Auckland, New Zealand

Your vineyard tour of Soljans Winery includes views of the family’s estate and the cellars as well as detailing the family’s fascinating history. Taste some of their award-winning wines, such as Pinot Gris, Merlot, and Tawny Port.

 

“America’s Cup Sailing” in Auckland, New Zealand

In the past, sailing an America’s Cup boat was only available to the racing crews themselves, but today you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing on an America’s Cup yacht on the waters of Auckland – the legendary City of Sails.

 

Whether you're drawn to the natural wonders, incredible history, or vibrant cultures, Holland America Line shore excursions promise to enrich your cruise adventure in unforgettable ways.

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Now working from my home office. Please contact me at 4126.499.9980 or doreen.rich@visiontravel.ca