Exploring the US by ship allows travellers to experience the diversity of landscapes, cultures and cities in one journey, and Kiwis are picking up on this, says Alex Pikardt, Holland America Line’s senior director of sales ANZ.
Pikardt says HAL is seeing strong interest from Kiwi travellers keen to explore North and South America, attributed to a growing number of New Zealanders looking for holidays that combine comfort, convenience and immersive experiences.
“With HAL, guests can unpack once while discovering destinations ranging from the glaciers of Alaska and the coastal charm of New England to iconic cities such as New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as traditional cruise favourites like Hawai‘i. Alaska continues to be the standout choice for Kiwis,” he says, noting that it’s also HAL’s most in demand destination overall.
“What makes Alaska particularly appealing is the variety of experiences available for different travel styles, from relaxed scenic cruising through the Inside Passage to more adventurous glacier hikes and wilderness tours” he says. Pikardt also reports demand for South America and the Caribbean for 2026. Caribbean voyages remain popular for travellers seeking warmer weather, while South America itineraries continue to grow in demand among guests looking for more ‘destination-rich adventures’.
HAL’s American voyages include the seven-day Alaska Inside Passage sailing ex Vancouver, the 16-day Inca & Panama Canal Discovery: Lime Overnight ex Fort Lauderdale to San Antonio, the seven-day Canada & New England: UNESCO Sites & Quebecois Nights sailing ex Quebec City to Boston, and a seven-day Eastern Caribbean: Amber Cove & Bahamas ex Miami. See HERE.
