Cruises

Five reasons every travel lover should board this premium cruise

World-class dining, cultural experiences and unbeatable ocean views await.

By Kayla Wratten
Brought to you by Holland America Line
New destinations incite excitement and wonder. There's the thrill of escape, new dishes to taste, historic sites to see, and unfamiliar ways of life to discover.
But the old adage of the journey remains, with seasoned travellers knowing that a holiday is more than a series of pit stops. For 150 years, Holland America Line has transported travellers around the globe, from the dynamic riverside city of Singapore and tidewater glaciers in Alaska to the golden beaches of Hawai'i and beyond.
While impressive, it's not just the ports of call that entice us to set sail. Here are five reasons why a cruise is a must for the epicurean traveller.

1. Inspiring destinations

The biggest drawcard of a cruise? The ability to travel to multiple destinations on a single trip. Holland America Line sets a benchmark for cruising with over 500 expertly crafted itineraries to choose from, stopping at over 100 countries across the world including Alaska, Caribbean, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Australia and New Zealand and more.
Explore the white sands of Half Moon Cay in the Caribbean. Image: Supplied

2. Meaningful moments

Both on and off the ship, create deeper connections and learn more about every destination. Holland America Line's Explorations Central Program includes an EXC Talk for every port, bringing destinations to life through storytelling and history and helping you gain an insider's perspective of the region you're visiting. There's also an amazing program of shore excursions: spot penguins in Chile, take salsa lessons in Havana or embark on a wine tasting tour in Burgundy.

3. Spacious mid-sized ships

Forget water slides and go-karts: these refreshingly uncrowded ships are filled with one-of-a-kind experiences to reset and relax. The spacious mid-sized ships are decked out in classic nautical lines, elegant décor and offer expansive ocean views, naturally. Most rooms are ocean-facing, with beautiful teak-lined verandahs for alfresco dining or simply watching the scenery go by.
The spacious, mid-sized ships are refreshingly uncrowded. Image: Supplied

4. Top-notch dining

For epicurean travellers, a premium cruise satisfies an appetite for both new experiences and delicious dining. Holland America Line's Culinary Council of world-class celebrity chefs are behind the dining venues on board, including French-trained master chef and artisan chocolatier Jacques Torres and sushi chef Andy Matsuda.
There's also the opportunity to taste sustainable seafood dishes by chef Ethan Stowel on board Alaska cruises. Or, take part in the Savor My Catch Program. Catch your own salmon and have the onboard chefs cook it for you in the ultimate ocean to fork experience.

5. Exclusive onboard perks

Attend wine tastings, unwind at the spa and salons, or lounge by the swimming pools - there's an abundance of onboard activities to keep you entertained. Enjoy some of the best live music at sea, or book into the BBC Earth cruise concerts and watch nature and wildlife scenes on the big screen, while award-winning soundtracks are performed live by the band.
The BB Kings perform live on Holland America Line ships. Image: Supplied
Brought to you by Holland America Line.
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  • undefined: Kayla Wratten