It unveiled ‘Meet the Maker’ and ‘Community Connections’ which are designed to be more immersive experiences.
They comprise activities like dining at family owned eateries and learning traditional crafts from artisans.
There will be more than 150 experiences across global itineraries.
“Guests consistently express a desire for deeper, more authentic engagement with every destination, which inspired the creation of our new ‘Meet the Makers’ and ‘Community Connections’ collections,” said Carole Biencourt, VP of onboard revenue for Holland America Line.
The ‘Meet the Maker’ shore excursions encounter artisans, chefs, farmers and craftspeople that make a destination unique.
‘Meet the Makers’ shore excursions include:
“Tassie Tasting Trail” in Burnie, Tasmania —Visit to the House of Anvers for handcrafted chocolates paired with morning tea, then continue to 41° South to learn how a family raises salmon and ginseng. On the return, the tour stops at Ashgrove Cheese Factory and Spreyton Cider Company to enjoy more local goods.
“Magna Grecia Farm Visit“ in Katákolon, Greece — Magna Grecia Farm is a fourth‑generation family estate in the region of Olympia, gives guests a chance to stroll the olive grove, taste the farm’s olives, explore the vineyards and meet the resident animals. Guests enjoy classic Greek mezes paired with local wine, and the option to try ouzo, while watching a Syrtaki dance demonstration.
‘Community Connections’ tours explore communities in meaningful ways by ‘seeing the world through their eyes,’ HAL says.
‘Community Connections’ shore excursions include:
“At Home With the O’Hanlon Family” in Cobh (Cork), Ireland — Guests are welcomed into the home of Finn and Peter O’Hanlon, seasoned food and hospitality enthusiasts. Finn, a trained chef, has a lifelong passion for Irish food, and Peter joined her to open two pubs. At their home, guests cook a three-course traditional Irish lunch.
“Maori Waka (Canoe) Experience” in Waitangi (Bay of Islands), New Zealand — This cultural experience showcases the relationship of the Maori people with the water. Guests enjoy a traditional Maori welcome before climbing into a waka, a canoe that seats several people. Guests glide up the estuaries of the Waitangi River while watching for the Haruru Falls and visit a 1,000-year-old ancestral site.
The new shore excursions build on the immersive tours Holland America Line already offers in partnership with The HISTORY Channel and National Geographic.
Community Connections and Meet the Makers tours are available across a wide range of global itineraries.
Tags: Meet the Maker Carole Biencourt, Holland America Line
