Holland America Line: Elevating Group Travel Experiences for 2025
As travel continues to evolve, so does Holland America Line (HAL) with an unwavering commitment to enhancing the experience of group travel. Rob Coleman, Holland America Line’s Vice President of North America Sales, emphasizes the importance of collaborating with travel advisors to create competitive programs that cater to the needs of diverse groups. This partnership aims to ensure mutual success in the groups arena, offering guests world-class services on their journeys.
Diverse Group Options
Travel advisors can choose from a range of group sizes when booking with Holland America Line. The Connections Program caters to small affinity groups of 24 guests or fewer, providing an intimate experience. Standard groups can range from 16 to 32 beds, while larger gatherings consist of more than 32 beds. Whether planning a cozy wedding or a bustling family reunion, HAL has options that ensure every participant feels special and included.
Have It All Early Booking Bonus
Holland America Line’s Have It All Early Booking Bonus is a significant incentive for guests looking to secure their 2025 Alaska cruises, Cruisetours, Canada/New England, and Europe cruises. By booking early, guests can enjoy an impressive 60% discount on the line’s top amenities included in their fare. Travelers will receive specialty dining options, shore excursions, a low fare guarantee, and prepaid crew appreciation. Additionally, upgrades to premium Wi-Fi and the Elite Beverage Package are offered at no extra cost, providing an all-inclusive experience right from the start. This enticing add-on is also commissionable, making it a win-win for travel advisors.
Small Affinity Groups and Additional Perks
Holland America Line’s Connections Program is tailored specifically for small groups of 24 or fewer. Travel advisors can reap significant benefits, such as earning an extra tour conductor berth for every ten booked berths (up to two). Furthermore, advisors can collect additional GAP points per group, which can be used for an array of amenities. This program offers flexibility since no group deposits are required, making it easier for travel advisors to manage bookings without financial strain on their clients.
Exclusive Offers for Family Reunions and Weddings
Holland America Line enhances family gatherings through its specialized reunion packages. When booking eight or more staterooms, families benefit from exclusive amenities. These include a complimentary within-category upgrade for the family leader, a $25 onboard credit per person, a Pinnacle Grill lunch for all family members, and a $20 photo credit per stateroom—ideal for capturing precious memories together.
For couples planning their nuptials at sea, HAL provides tailored wedding group packages. Couples booking eight or more staterooms receive significant perks, including a free within-category upgrade for the newlyweds, a complimentary wedding cake for up to 16 guests, a Pinnacle Grill lunch for each guest, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a bottle of sparkling wine in each stateroom. In addition, a private wine tasting is offered for guests who purchase from HAL’s extensive wine cellar, ensuring that every moment of their special day is unforgettable.
Culinary and Wine Enthusiast Groups
For those who appreciate the finer tastes in life, HAL has crafted special experiences for culinary and wine enthusiasts. Groups of 15 or more can enjoy an exclusive wine tasting event on seven-day cruises, and for longer voyages (10 days or more), attendees can partake in two tastings. Groups can indulge in selections from HAL’s wine cellar or bring their own, free of corkage fees, allowing for a personalized dining experience.
Customizable GAP Amenities
Holland America Line is proud of its culinary prowess, further showcased through GAP (Group Amenities Program) options that highlight its premium specialty dining offerings, including dining experiences at the Pinnacle Grill or the refined Canaletto and Tamarind restaurants.
Travel advisors have access to a flexible GAP menu that includes credit for shore excursions, bonus commission opportunities, complimentary wine in staterooms, and festive cocktails. The program can even extend to on-land adventures, with the Alaska Cruisetours offering a variety of experiences, such as lunch aboard the scenic McKinley Explorer railcar, admission to iconic landmarks like Diamond Tooth Gerties, and other curated experiences throughout the journey.
To maximize the benefits of the GAP amenities, advisors must make selections 90 days prior to cruise departure, ensuring that every guest’s experience is tailored and memorable.
Personalized Assistance for Travel Advisors
Travel advisors looking to elevate their group offerings with Holland America Line can find more information by calling the dedicated support team or emailing their sales department. The sales team is also actively engaging with partners through social media platforms, providing yet another channel for communication and support.
For a comprehensive overview of Holland America Line’s group program, travel advisors can visit the OneSourceCruises website, gaining insight into the resources available to help them navigate the ever-expanding opportunities within the group travel niche.
By focusing on collaboration, customization, and top-tier service, Holland America Line is firmly positioned to lead the way in creating memorable group travel experiences for 2025 and beyond.