” Breaking” Lock In Your Next Holland America Line Cruise for Just $25 Per Person

Holland America Line is making it easier than ever for Australian and New Zealand travellers to secure their next escape at sea, with a limited-time AU$25 deposit per person offer on select 2026 and 2027 sailings. Valid 19–26 February 2026, this deal lets you lock in a future cruise on one of the line’s most popular itineraries without a big upfront payment – ideal if you want flexibility, but don’t want to miss out on the best dates and cabins.

$25 deposit: how the offer works

For one week only, guests in Australia and New Zealand can reserve select Holland America Line cruises with a reduced, non-refundable AU$25pp deposit instead of the usual higher upfront amount. The offer applies to eligible 2026 and 2027 cruises and cruisetours, excluding Grand Voyages and very short sailings, giving you a broad choice of destinations and durations.

It’s designed for travellers who like to plan ahead but also value cash flow: you secure your preferred sailing now and pay the balance closer to the final payment date, under Holland America Line’s standard cancellation terms.​

Wave Season benefits still included

Crucially, the AU$25 deposit deal doesn’t replace Holland America Line’s existing Wave Season value – it sits on top of it. Guests booking on eligible fares during the promotion window will continue to enjoy standout inclusions such as:

• Have It All fare inclusions* – bundling shore excursion credit, drinks package, specialty dining nights and Wi‑Fi into one premium fare, often at 50%+ less than buying each extra separately.
• Stateroom upgrades# – move up to a higher stateroom category on select sailings, subject to availability.
• Reduced kids’ fares on select cruises~ – making it more affordable for families to sail together.
• Up to US$400 onboard credit per stateroom^ – which can be used towards spa treatments, drinks, specialty dining or shopping on board, depending on voyage length.
• Alaska bonus: Up to US$200 shore excursion credit per stateroom on select Alaska cruises and cruisetours using promo code #1ALASKA26, giving you extra value on glacier flights, wildlife viewing and rail journeys.

Combined, these perks can significantly reduce your onboard spend, especially if you usually purchase drinks packages, Wi‑Fi and shore excursions separately.

Why Holland America Line appeals to Australian and Kiwi cruisers

Founded in Rotterdam in 1873, Holland America Line brings a distinctive “Dutch Touch” to its fleet – from elegant, mid-sized ships to European design cues and thoughtful service. The line pairs its heritage with deep destination expertise, particularly in Alaska, where it’s widely recognised as one of the longest‑running and most experienced cruise operators, thanks in part to its Westours acquisition and land operations in the region.

Today, the fleet of premium, mid‑sized ships visits hundreds of ports across nearly every continent, from Europe and the Caribbean to Asia, Australia and North America. For Australians and New Zealanders, that translates to:

• Itineraries that feel immersive rather than rushed, with longer days in port and well‑curated shore experiences.​
• A relaxed, premium atmosphere – more classic ocean cruising than party‑ship.
• Strong coverage in Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean, which remain among the most popular long‑haul cruise destinations for this market.

“Value and flexibility” for forward planners

Commenting on the AU$25 deposit offer, Alex Pikardt, Senior Director of Sales at Holland America Line, notes that travellers are increasingly looking for both value and flexibility when planning longer‑term holidays. A low deposit makes it much easier to commit to a special trip – whether that’s sailing past Alaska’s glaciers, wandering Europe’s historic ports, or unwinding under the Caribbean sun – without tying up a large sum of money months or years in advance.

Because this promotion is time‑limited and capacity‑controlled, it’s particularly attractive if you:

• Want a specific ship, cabin type or date, especially during peak seasons.
• Are planning a family or multi‑generational trip and need time to coordinate everyone.
• Have your heart set on Alaska or a longer itinerary in 2026 or 2027 and don’t want to risk missing out.

My conclusion: a smart way to “park” your dream cruise

In a market where cruise prices and demand have been trending upwards, being able to lock in a 2026 or 2027 Holland America Line sailing for just AU$25 per person is a compelling proposition – especially when it still includes rich Wave Season benefits like Have It All extras, upgrades and onboard credit.

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about an Alaska cruisetour, a longer Europe itinerary or a classic Caribbean escape, this is exactly the kind of offer that lets you reserve your spot now and fine‑tune the details later, without the usual upfront hit to your travel budget. For Australian and New Zealander cruisers who like to plan ahead – but also like to keep their options open – it’s a smart, low‑risk way to make sure your next memorable voyage is already on the calendar.