Holland America marks 100 years of Caribbean cruising

Holland America Line is marking 100 years of Caribbean cruising, tracing its start back to February 1926, when the Veendam II sailed from New York on what the company says was among the industry’s first regularly scheduled warm-weather vacations to the region.

To commemorate the milestone, Holland America Line is rolling out a limited-time promotion that includes a $100 onboard credit for a party of two.

From Feb. 3–9, 2026, guests booking select Caribbean sailings departing now through April 30 can receive up to 50 per cent off fares and a $50 per guest onboard credit, along with Free Fares for Kids (18 and under on select sailings).

“Our first Caribbean voyage in 1926 marked a defining moment for Holland America Line and for the evolution of modern cruise travel,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. 

“As we celebrate 100 years, we wanted to offer something both meaningful and memorable — $100 for 100 years, with added ways for guests to save. It’s our way of honoring the milestone while inviting travelers to experience what sets us apart in the Caribbean: perfectly sized ships designed for guests to relax and connect, a premium onboard experience and time ashore at our private island RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.”

Eligible departures include the following:

• 10-day Westerdam Caribbean: Greater Antilles, Belize and Mexico on Koningsdam, departing Feb. 25, 2026, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale
• 7-day Western Caribbean: Greater Antilles and Mexico on Eurodam, departing March 22, 2026, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale
• 10-day Southern Caribbean: Amber Cove and ABC Islands on Zuiderdam, departing March 25, 2026, roundtrip from Miami
• 7-day Eastern Caribbean: Amber Cove and Bahamas on Eurodam, departing March 29, 2026, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale
• 12-day Eastern Caribbean: U.S. and British Virgin Islands on Koningsdam, departing March 29, 2026, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale
• 7-day Eastern Caribbean: Amber Cove and Bahamas on Zuiderdam, departing April 4, 2026, roundtrip from Miami

A history of Caribbean cruising

Holland America Line said its first Caribbean (then “West Indies”) cruise sailed in 1926 aboard Veendam II, and pointed to a series of Caribbean “firsts” over the decades, including initial calls at Willemstad, Curaçao and St. Thomas in 1927, a first dedicated cruise call to Cristóbal/Colón, Panama in 1938, first calls at Aruba in 1959, and St. Maarten in 1964.

The company also noted the 1997 opening of Half Moon Cay, its private island in the Bahamas, with Ryndam III making the first call.

Its maiden Caribbean cruise was a 26-day itinerary departing New York on Feb. 18, 1926, visiting Havana (Cuba); Kingston (Jamaica); Colon/Cristóbal (Panama); Cartagena (Colombia); San Juan (Puerto Rico); and Bermuda, before returning to New York.

Caribbean voyages were introduced during the North Atlantic off-season and grew in popularity through the 1920s and 1930s, with additional ships including Veendam, Statendam and Volendam. 

In the years leading up to World War II, flagship vessels including Nieuw Amsterdam II also joined Caribbean itineraries.

Post-war, winter Caribbean cruises resumed and expanded. 

By the 1970s, commercial air travel helped shift the primary gateway to Florida—particularly Fort Lauderdale—and the company continues to build on its Caribbean legacy “one hundred years after its first Caribbean sailing.”

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