Holland America Line is marking a major milestone in cruise history. In February 1926, the line helped shape what Caribbean cruising would become when Veendam II sailed from New York, offering one of the first regularly scheduled warm-weather vacations to the region.
Now, 100 years later, the cruise line is celebrating a century of Caribbean cruising with a limited time promotion that includes a $100 onboard credit for two guests.
Special 100-Year Caribbean Promotion
From February 3 through February 9, 2026, travelers can book select Caribbean sailings departing now through April 30 and receive up to 50 percent off fares plus a $50 per guest onboard credit. The offer also includes Free Fares for Kids for guests 18 and under on select sailings.
Holland America Line continues to position itself as a relaxed alternative to oversized ships and crowded decks. Guests can expect a quieter style of Caribbean cruising focused on comfort, space, and connection.
The experience emphasizes fresh, globally inspired cuisine, thoughtfully paced itineraries, and time to unwind both onboard and ashore, including visits to the line’s private island, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
“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 Caribbean Sailings
The anniversary promotion applies to a range of Caribbean cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Examples include:
10-Day Caribbean: Greater Antilles, Belize and Mexico
Koningsdam departing February 25, 2026, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale
7-Day Western Caribbean: Greater Antilles and Mexico
Eurodam departing March 22, 2026, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale
10-Day Southern Caribbean: Amber Cove and ABC Islands
Zuiderdam departing March 25, 2026, roundtrip from Miami
7-Day Eastern Caribbean: Amber Cove and Bahamas
Eurodam departing March 29, 2026, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale
12-Day Eastern Caribbean: U.S. and British Virgin Islands
Koningsdam departing March 29, 2026, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale
7-Day Eastern Caribbean: Amber Cove and Bahamas
Zuiderdam departing April 4, 2026, roundtrip from Miami
A Century of Caribbean Cruising
Holland America Line has been a pioneer in the Caribbean for more than 150 years, with milestones that helped define modern cruise travel.
Early Caribbean Firsts
1926: First Caribbean cruise, then called the West Indies, sailed by Veendam II
1927: First calls at Willemstad, Curaçao and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
1938: First dedicated cruise call to Cristóbal or Colón, Panama
1959: First calls at Aruba after larger docks were developed
1964: First calls at St. Maarten as tourism expanded
The Opening of Half Moon Cay
1997 marked the opening of Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island in the Bahamas. Ryndam III made the first official call, and the island has since become one of the cruise line’s signature destinations.
The Original 1926 Caribbean Voyage
Holland America Line’s first Caribbean cruise was a groundbreaking 26-day itinerary that departed New York on February 18, 1926. The sailing visited Havana, Kingston, Colon or Cristóbal, Cartagena, San Juan, and Bermuda before returning to New York.
At the time, these voyages were scheduled during the North Atlantic off-season and quickly gained popularity throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
As demand grew, additional ships including Veendam, Statendam, and Volendam expanded the line’s presence in the Caribbean, bringing warm-weather cruising to a wider audience.
Growth After World War II
In the years leading up to World War II, flagship vessels such as Nieuw Amsterdam II joined Caribbean itineraries, reinforcing Holland America Line’s leadership in the region. After the war, winter Caribbean cruising resumed with renewed energy, reflecting changing traveler preferences and the growing appeal of leisure travel.
By the 1970s, commercial air travel transformed access to the Caribbean. Florida, especially Fort Lauderdale, emerged as the cruise line’s primary gateway to the region. One hundred years after its first Caribbean sailing, Holland America Line continues to build on this legacy while honoring more than a century of innovation.
Have you ever cruised with Holland America Line? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy cruising!
Ethan