I’m one of about 10 bathers wallowing in 40-degree thermal waters by the edge of Lake Rotorua in the middle of New Zealand’s North Island. The pale, milky-blue acidic waters are believed to be healing for arthritis sufferers – and we’re all hoping they are working their magic on our own bodies.
I channel Irish Catholic priest Father James Mahoney, who in 1878 was carried 51km from Tauranga to Rotorua to soak his rheumatism-racked body in the Te Papunitanga thermal springs. After three months, he claimed to be cured and walked back home. As news spread, people flocked to the medicinal springs for cures for a variety of ailments.
Today, The Priest’s Bath is just one of 28 hot spring pools that comprise the historic Polynesian Spa facilities that consistently win international awards. We are on a full-day excursion from our Holland America Line cruise ship, Noordam, but I think we all secretly would have quite welcomed a three-month stay around the pool like the good priest.
Rousing Māori welcome
It proves to be a most enjoyable and informative introduction to the local Māori culture through a visit to the Te Puia geothermal region of bubbling mud pools and leaping geysers, where we are given a rousing welcome to the local marae, observe the flightless iconic kiwis in their nocturnal habitat, visit the National Stone and Bone Carving School and enjoy a hāngī-inspired lunch.
It is our first shore excursion as we begin a week-long cruise around the east coast of NZ from Auckland via Tauranga, Napier, Picton and Timaru to Dunedin via Port Chalmers.
It’s a cruise that I learn from American passengers onboard has been on their ‘bucket list’ for years. For Australians and I’m sure, New Zealanders, we’ve probably always thought we’d do it at some stage. It’s so close to home, we think, we can do it any old time. Well, that time is now. And it appears some 494 other Australians and 138 New Zealanders feel the same way.
Together we make up about a third of the 1909 total number of passengers on this particular cruise, along with 722 from the US, 138 Canadians, 134 from the UK and smaller numbers from such diverse countries as Israel, Chile, Mexico, Hungary and Korea.
It’s the beginning of summer and the weather is blissful. Our route hugs the coastline so there should be little chance of turbulence more likely associated with full ocean cruising.
Fun at the front
Our Verandah stateroom is on Deck 5 Forward Starboard, and, as whenever you first board a ship, takes a little getting used to which way is which.
I recall from a previous Holland America Line cruise being told: “The fun’s at the front, and the food at the back.” So, we’re located near the World Stage, where nightly live shows are held, from solo artists to full World Stage Cast and Band productions, while restaurants and dining areas are at the stern.
The next port of call is Napier, where friends who live there offer to show us around this Art Deco capital of the world.
They pick us up in a convertible, the perfect vehicle for viewing the decorative shops and public buildings that were built to replace those razed to the ground following a huge earthquake here in 1931.
Ever thoughtful, they organise a gin tasting at a new distillery. It’s called Unlikely Companions and is the third in the Hawke’s Bay area. This region is known as the fruit bowl of the country and boasts vast vineyards producing some of the best wines in the country.
Seafood superstars
Back onboard, we enjoy dinner in the Dining Room and opt for some of the fresh seafood dishes: crab seafood cocktail of snow crab followed by fresh New Zealand terakihi served on saffron risotto with mussels and clams. Holland America Line pride themselves on their fresh fish program, being the first cruise company to serve 100 per cent fresh certified, sustainable local seafood on its ships. We enjoy trevally, barramundi and gurnard and plump green-lipped mussels for which New Zealand is famous.
Dining at sea is always a highlight and the standard of food onboard HAL’s ships has always impressed – along with the delightful attitude and professionalism of serving staff.
There are three restaurant venues on the Noordam: the Lido Market for all-day casual dining, the Dining Room for white linen table service, the Pinnacle Grill which also acts as a pop-up venue for a special pan-Asian menu from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto (HAL’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador), and the Italian Canaletto which takes over a corner of the Lido at night. It’s Thanksgiving while we are at sea – but it’s not just the Americans who tuck into traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, and celebratory pumpkin pie.
The weather closes in as we cross Cook Strait and approach the South Island. With winds of up to 70km/h, Captain Vincent Engel announces that the pretty little port of Picton is closed. We still cruise Queen Charlotte Sound although the mountains are shrouded in cloud. On a clear day, such a cruise is rated one of the top ‘must-see’ sights in the country. It is a good excuse to check out the Greenhouse Spa & Salon onboard for a restorative salt stone massage and join a few like-minded souls in the sauna.
With further stops in Lyttleton and Timaru where we delight in a local handmade crafts market, we finally disembark in Port Chalmers (Dunedin). As our cruise comes to an end, I’m reminded of the ‘welcome’ toast made to passengers on all HAL ships at the beginning of each cruise:
“There are good ships and wood ships and ships that sail at sea, But the best ships are these ‘Dam’ ships and may they always be!”
Alaskan season gets even better
While Holland America Line is busily preparing for the 2026 Alaska season, their 2025 season was certainly one to crow about, completing 117 voyages showcasing the state’s glaciers, wildlife and culture, in addition to donating more than US$100,000 to local community organisations and conservation partners throughout the region.
The donations, made to nonprofits in cities across Alaska, recognise community efforts that protect natural beauty, promote cultural enrichment and provide essential services for residents and visitors.
“We’ve been bringing visitors to Alaska for almost 80 years, showcasing its natural beauty and wonder for our guests while giving back to the communities that make these journeys possible,” said Beth Bodensteiner, President of Holland America Line. “We’re grateful to everyone on the ground and onboard our ships who helped make this a successful season for our guests … our focus remains on creating unforgettable experiences for our guests and supporting the people and places that define Alaska.”
Looking ahead, Holland America Line’s 2026 Alaska cruise season is designed to give guests more choice and flexibility than ever before, while delivering on more glacier-viewing opportunities and more ways to see wildlife than any other cruise line.
Six ships will operate a range of itineraries, including round-trip options from Seattle and Vancouver, as well as voyages between Whittier and Vancouver.
New for 2026 is the 14-day Great Alaska Explorer, alongside the return of the 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice cruise. From breathtaking glaciers to vibrant port communities, the upcoming season offers something for every traveller seeking the ultimate Alaska adventure.
Create your own European cruise
Looking to go a little further afield? If Europe is on your wish list, Holland America Line offer the best of Europe with expertly crafted cruises, featuring 175+ UNESCO World Heritage sites, rich history, and vibrant culture. Holland America Line’s 2026 Europe season features four ships taking guests on Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canary Island and transatlantic cruises from seven to 42 days.
The itineraries grant travellers a wide array of options and new ports to choose from when booking their European holiday. Oosterdam will play host to those traversing the Mediterranean. Those seeking a shorter vacation can choose between seven- to-14-day itineraries departing from five homeports: Lisbon, Portugal; Athens, Greece; Barcelona, Spain; and Rome and Venice, Italy. Travellers who covet a more immersive look at the region can combine these itineraries for an even more in-depth exploration of the Med. A series of 28 Collectors’ Voyages spanning from 14 to 27 days are available for booking; up to 21 days can be sailed with no repeat ports.
“There’s so much to see throughout the Mediterranean region and by creating itineraries from multiple homeports we’re giving our guests the opportunity to explore more ports and countries in an exciting way we haven’t offered before,” said Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line’s Vice President of Revenue Planning and Deployment. “The range of options we’ve put together really allows travellers to choose their own, ideal Mediterranean adventure … we’ve included some of our most requested calls, including Sicily and Portofino – two of 11 ports of call in Italy. And for the first time in over 15 years, we’re returning to St. Tropez, France.”
Travellers eager to explore Northern Europe can climb onboard Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam. The two Pinnacle-Class ships will return to homeport in Rotterdam. Nieuw Statendam will return to Dover, England, in 2026, offering alternate itineraries for those wishing to sail roundtrip from the UK on select sailings.
