Holland America Line is kicking off the traditional cruise Wave Season with its biggest deal of the year. The “Start Your Journey” promotion, available on over 500 cruises to Alaska, Europe, and beyond, includes up to 30% off cruise fares, free balcony upgrades, onboard and shore excursion credits, free kids fares, and more ways to save while experiencing unforgettable journeys and award-winning service.
“Whether discovering glaciers and wildlife in Alaska or the culture and history of Europe, Holland America believes the best journeys are those where the destination comes to life on and off the ship,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president, Holland America Line. “The ‘Start Your Journey’ offer is the perfect opportunity for guests to plan a vacation that combines exploration with relaxation and the best service at sea.”
‘Start Your Journey’ Offers Benefits
Holland America’s “Start Your Journey” Wave offer provides guests who book select summer 2026 through spring 2027 cruises with Have It All the following benefits, where applicable:
- Reduced Deposits and Cruise Fare Discounts: Travelers eager to plan a trip for next year and beyond can book their future cruise or Alaska Cruisetour with 50% reduced deposits for the first and second guests in the stateroom. Cruise fares up to 30% off start as low at $162 per person, per day.
- Free Balcony Upgrades: Guests can book a verandah stateroom for the price of an ocean-view (or ocean-view for the cost of an interior).
- Free Fares for Kids: Guests ages 18 and under traveling as the third and fourth guests in a cabin can sail on select 2026 and 2027 cruises for free (taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional), making a family vacation more affordable.
- Onboard Credit: Guests who book by Jan. 31 receive $100 per person onboard credit for cruises six to nine days, $150 per person for Alaska Cruisetours and cruises 10 to 20 days, $200 per person on cruises 21 days or longer, and $250 per person for Legendary Voyages. The credit can be used for a variety of amenities, including specialty dining, spa services, shore excursions, gift shop purchases, and more.
- Exclusive Alaska Bonus: Guests booking 2026 Alaska cruises or Cruisetours by Jan. 31 will receive up to $200 in shore excursion credits per stateroom when they use promo code #1ALASKA26 at checkout.
‘Have It All’ Amenities Included with the Premium Fare
When guests book with the “Have it All” premium fare, four high-value amenities are included: shore excursions (based on cruise duration), a Signature Beverage Package, specialty dining (based on cruise duration), and a Wi-Fi Surf Package. With the “Start Your Journey” wave offer, these perks are in addition to the stateroom upgrade, reduced deposits, free fares for kids, and onboard credit.
Sample Cruises Eligible Under ‘Start Your Journey’
Wave season, the cruise industry’s booking period with the year’s best deals, allows travelers to book their dream cruise at the best prices and with the most perks. With “Start Your Journey,” travelers can explore Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, Canada/New England, Australia/New Zealand, South America and Antarctica, Mexico, Panama Canal, Hawaii, South Pacific, Asia, and the U.S. Pacific Coast. Alaska Cruisetours, which combine an Alaska cruise with an overland exploration to Denali and the Yukon, are also included.
Example “Start Your Journey” cruises include:
- 7-Day Alaska Explorer, aboard Noordam, July 5, 2026, starting at $224 per person, per day.
- 7-Day Canada & New England: UNESCO Sites & Québécois Nights, aboard Zuiderdam, May 2, 2026, starting at $167 per person, per day.
- 10-Day Alaska Denali Cruisetour, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, June 28, 2026, starting at $227 per person, per day.
- 12-Day Panama Canal Discovery: Costa Rica & Greater Antilles, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, Oct. 18, 2026, starting at $189 per person, per day.
- 7-Day Norwegian Fjords, aboard Nieuw Statendam, Oct 31, 2026, starting at $228 per person, per day.
- 7-Day Caribbean: Greater Antilles & Mexico, aboard Zuiderdam, Nov. 21, 2026, starting at $184 per person, per day.
Experience Alaska Like Never Before
With “Start Your Journey,” guests booking Alaska cruises or Cruisetours can enjoy a free balcony upgrade—perfect for taking in the awe-inspiring views of glaciers, fjords and wildlife from the comfort of their stateroom. Holland America Line has been sharing the wonders of Alaska for nearly 80 years, longer than any other cruise line, and offers more than 200 Alaska wildlife and wilderness tours that immerse travelers in the state’s natural wonders. From spotting bears, whales, and eagles to exploring pristine wilderness on guided tours, the Alaska bonus shore excursion credit makes it easier than ever to experience Alaska’s untamed beauty up close.
Taxes, fees, and port expenses are included for all fares (excluding free kids). “Start Your Journey” is not valid on Grand Voyages or cruises of five days or less. Children traveling as the third or fourth guest in a stateroom do not need to book with Have It All to receive free fares; upgrades are based on stateroom availability.
For “Start Your Journey” full terms and conditions or more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit HollandAmerica.com.
