With a history spanning over 150 years, Holland America Line has a wealth of experience when it comes to planning itineraries that visit well-appointed ports with plenty of facilities and nearby attractions to satisfy cruise passengers. The cruise line’s fleet of 11 ships collectively sails over 500 voyages each year, visiting destinations in all seven continents. But what does the cruise line look for from a port when planning its itineraries? “While there are many elements that result in a good port or destination experience, a few stand out as key,” says Robert de Bruin, director of deployment and itinerary planning at Holland America Line. “They include a welcoming local community, a seamless port experience and the opportunity to offer a rich tour programme. But it starts with a simple foundation – we need a safe place to dock or tender the ship and we can work with the destination to develop the rest.” Holland America Line prides itself on offering its passengers destination-rich itineraries which allow guests to fully explore the areas surrounding the ports. “With our mid-size ships, we can go to smaller places others can’t,” says De Bruin. “We like to offer our guests a wide variety of ports, from well-known world cities to hidden gems across the globe. Community engagement is also really important to us; if the local community is welcoming, cruise guests will have a more positive experience.” For 2025, Holland America Line is adding 25 ports to its portfolio. “Each new port offers something unique; it is so remote there is no other way to visit than on a cruise, it offers a great cultural experience, or it has newly opened for cruise ships,” says De Bruin. “There are many ports around the world that deliver a great experience for our guests. The best advice I can offer ports is to be authentic with the experiences they offer visitors. For example, some Japanese ports host dockside cultural shows as the ship arrives and departs. Alternatively showcasing the best of a destination, such as the wealth of history across the Mediterranean, the white-sand beaches in the Caribbean, and the stunning icy landscapes in Alaska, will draw visitors. It’s important for each port to offer visitors authentic local experiences as diversity between each port and destination are a big reason why people love to cruise.” PLANNER PERSPECTIVE Perfect port stops Robert de Bruin shares with Laura Hyde how Holland America Line decides which ports to visit on its more than 500 sailings each year “ If the local community is welcoming, cruise guests will have a more positive experience” 47
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