To have fun its 153rd anniversary, Holland America Line marked its enduring Dutch roots with the official naming of its latest signature tulip – ‘Savour the Journey’ – throughout a ceremony within the iconic Keukenhof Gardens within the Netherlands. The colourful orange tulip serves as a residing image of the model’s Dutch heritage and long-standing ties to Dutch tradition, craftsmanship and custom.
The Savor the Journey tulip, grown completely for Holland America Line by famend Dutch grower KP de Geus of Maveridge Worldwide, displays qualities lengthy related to the model: class, heat, hospitality and a spotlight to element. The daring orange petals and glowing yellow heart embody each custom and vitality, reflecting the enduring connection between Holland America Line and the wealthy horticultural heritage of the Netherlands.
“Our Dutch heritage is central to who we’re, and naming our Savor the Journey tulip at Keukenhof is a significant expression of that connection,” stated Nico Bleichrodt, vp of worldwide gross sales and advertising for Holland America Line. “We’re deeply grateful for the chance to call this tulip and for the care and craftsmanship behind it. It displays the sense of intention that defines our model and the way we invite visitors to expertise the world.”
The tulip was formally named throughout a ceremony at Keukenhof the place Holland America Line leaders, companions and visitors gathered to have fun this second. The occasion adopted the year-long journey to seek out and undertake the brand new tulip, highlighting the cruise line’s long-standing relationship with Keukenhof and its Dutch heritage. This system culminated in a stay sand artwork efficiency throughout which the tulip’s title, Savor the Journey, was revealed, adopted by the formal dedication led by captains Eric Barhorst and Jeroen Baijens, tulip grower KP de Geus, and tulip godmother and Olympic medalist Pleasure Beune. The social gathering ended with a champagne toast among the many blooming gardens.
Pleasure Beune, embellished Olympic medalist and some of the celebrated skaters within the Netherlands, brings a deep private connection to the second. A proud Dutch athlete who has partnered with Holland America Line since 2025, Beune embodies the identical spirit of excellence, heritage and ahead momentum that defines the cruise line. In line with maritime custom – through which ships are formally named and welcomed into service by a godparent – Holland America Line prolonged this practice to the signature tulip. Beune’s position as godmother of the Savor the Journey tulip displays the model’s seafaring roots whereas celebrating fashionable expressions of Dutch tradition.
“It’s actually particular to be the godmother of this tulip,” says Pleasure Beune. “There may be nothing extra Dutch than tulips and ice skates; each are a part of our nationwide id. I really like that Holland America Line honors its Dutch roots in such a significant approach, and ‘Savour the Journey’ displays a mentality that I actually join with: being happy with the trail, not simply the end line.”
As a part of the celebration of the naming of the tulips, Holland America Line additionally participated within the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek Bloemencorso on April 18, an occasion that draws roughly a million guests yearly. The cruise line final participated within the parade in 2013, when it unveiled its earlier signature tulip, and first participated in 1948 to mark its position in transporting tulips from the Netherlands to the US. This yr’s return continues that long-standing custom.
“We’re honored to proceed our long-standing relationship with Holland America Line in such a significant approach,” stated Ferry Huurman, director of operations at Keukenhof. “Flowers, and tulips particularly, are deeply rooted in Dutch custom, and welcoming a brand new tulip to our gardens is at all times a particular second. Organizing this celebration collectively symbolizes the wealthy Dutch heritage that we proudly share, in addition to the enjoyment that tulips convey to guests from all around the world.”
Holland America Line’s Dutch heritage continues to form the visitor expertise at the moment, particularly on its Northern European cruises from Amsterdam, Dover and Rotterdam. From the celebration of Dutch Day on board to the regionally impressed delicacies and enrichment, the cruise line brings its roots to life all through the journey. Cruise visitors can sail on choose Northern European itineraries that showcase this heritage, whereas exploring a few of the continent’s most storied ports. Routes embrace:
• 7-day Viking Trails & Celtic Origins: night keep in Edinburgh, June 14, 2026 — Reykjavik to Rotterdam
• 14-day Baltic and Scandinavian capitals, June 26 or 27, 2026 — Return journey from Rotterdam or Dover
• 7-day Norwegian Fjords and Hidden Gems, September 5, 2026 — Amsterdam to Rotterdam
• 13-day Fjords of Norway, September 19, 2026 — Rotterdam to Dover
• 15-day polar tour and northern lights, October 15, 2026 — Dover to Rotterdam
• 7-day Norwegian Fjords and Sognefjord, Might 8, 2027 — return from Amsterdam
For extra details about Holland America Line or to ebook a cruise, contact a journey agent or go to hollandamerica.com.