Counting the days to 2026, it’s fun to look back at 2025’s cruise highlights. Thanks to Holland America Line for releasing these fun cruise trends and factoids about the year in review. Check them out!
(Photo of a Holland America ship calling in an enticing port of call, one of 389 visited in 2025. Photo by Holland America Line.)
Top Picks for Shore Excursions
What was the most popular shore excursion globally?
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway, AK, triumphed as the most popular shore excursion across all ports! It led in both volume of passengers and guest ratings. Nearly 44 percent of Holland America’s Skagway visitors chose to experience this historic train route.
For perspective, about 28,000 gold seekers traveled over either the White Pass or Chilkoot Pass during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897–1898. But some 73,000 Holland America guests visited that historical area in 2025 alone.
What was most popular with Caribbean region guests?
In the Caribbean region, the top pick for a winter season shore excursion was the Stingray Adventure at Half Moon Cay.
If you’re planning a 2026 visit to the private-island-style destination, why not consider it? This daytime Bahamian eco-adventure offers a chance to slow down and savor the magic of the sea.
Cruise Trends: Culinary Factoids
What was the most ordered appetizer in the Main Dining Room?
Drum roll, please! It seems that Caesar rules! “Well, at least the Caesar Salad does,” according to Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “It’s one of many fun cruise trends on the culinary side.”
Yes, a whopping 135, 050 Caesar Salads were ordered by Holland America’s guests in 2025. So, the salad was the most-ordered appetizer fleetwide in the Main Dining Room.
Following Caesar Salad, the next most ordered appetizers were French Onion Soup at 108,280 and Escargot at 108,113.
What was the most ordered dessert throughout 2025?
Holland America says that its most-ordered dessert fleetwide was the “Crisp of the Day.” That’s a fruit crisp or crumble that changes daily. Guests loved it — ordering 124,617 of these crisps during 2025.
Other favorites included creme brulee, carrot cake and, of course, the line’s iconic Baked Alaska. In fact, 5,650 Baked Alaska desserts were served nightly across the fleet during Alaska season and year-round in Pinnacle Grill.
What was the most popular specialty restaurant?
More than 360,000 diners flocked to the line’s Pinnacle Grill. It proved the most popular specialty restaurant across the fleet.
Cruise Trends: What proved to be the most popular cocktail of the year?
The most popular cocktail varied sizably by region. Here’s the rundown!
- The Sitka Spritz was the most ordered in Alaska with 37,000 sold.
- “In the Caribbean, the Bahama Mama led with 61,000 sold,” emphasizes Pavlus’ Steudle.
- And in Northern Europe, the Orange Sunrise topped the most popular cocktail list with 15,000 sold.
Trend for First-Time Cruise Guests
What region drew the highest percentage of first-time cruisers?
Seven-day Alaska cruises were particularly popular. They drew the highest percentage of first-time cruisers in 2025.
Global Expansion: Fun Factoids!
How many port destinations did Holland America visit in 2025? How many were totally new to the brand?
During 2025, Holland America’s ships visited 389 ports across 108 countries. That included 20 new and notable destinations.
“One of the most sought-after experiences was Antarctic scenic cruising,” noted Pavlus’ Steudle. “That topped the list of guest favorites.”
What was the busiest booking month of the year?
The year started off strongly. In fact, January 2025 marked Holland America’s busiest booking month of the entire year.
As 2026 launches in two weeks or so, it’s a great time to dream about where you’d like to travel next. Perhaps the Caribbean or Alaska? A global voyage? A trip “down under” to commune with koalas and kangaroos? Or perhaps a Mediterranean or Arctic voyage?
“Contact us to get started thinking about your next vacation, whether on Holland America or another line,” says Pavlus’ Steudle. “We’re here to assist you. We’ll help you tap into any great Wave Season offers, secure the best pricing and provide top-notch service for your booking — and we never charge a service fee!”
