Before your next cruise, wouldn’t you like to spend some time exploring your vibrant departure city? Or maybe you want to immerse yourself in local culture with dinner and a show. Since most cruise itineraries don’t allow passengers time to explore the embarkation city before setting sail, many experienced cruise travelers plan an optional pre-cruise night or two. This gives them time to discover local treasures that they would otherwise miss and recover from the rigors of air travel. Holland America’s Signature Experiences offer bespoke opportunities at ports around the world to do just that.

Holland America Signature Experiences

These specially curated encounters are one-of-a-kind experiences, only available to Holland America guests. They are currently available on select Canada & New England, Europe, Australia & New Zealand, Asia, and South America itineraries. Each one includes:

• A special tour or event created especially for Holland America guests
• Luxurious two-night hotel accommodations before cruise departure
• Complimentary transfers to your hotel and from your hotel to the ship

And better yet, Signature Experiences are complimentary for guests cruising in suite accommodations! The packages can be purchased by other Holland America guests.

Holland America’s Signature Experiences 2018 Collection:

1. A Taste of Montreal – Old & New: Visit the new Au Sommet Place Ville Marie for a world-class multimedia experience and an incredible 360-degree view of the city. Enjoy a private, after-hours visit to Pointe-à-Callière, the Montréal History and Archaeology Museum with an open bar reception.
2. Buenos Aires – Tigre River Cruise & Museum Tour: Cruise through the islands of the Tigre Delta before a private guided tour of an outstanding collection of 19th- and 20th-century Argentine paintings. Complete the night with a tango dance show, cocktails, and a three-course dinner.
3. Singapore – An Evening at the National Gallery: Enjoy a privileged “behind the velvet rope” evening with an exclusive private tour of the museum, a cocktail reception and traditional Chinese entertainment including a lion dance, snake charmer and calligraphy demonstration.
4. Hong Kong – Dai Pai Dong Experience: Explore the flavors of one of the world’s great cuisines at an exclusive culinary event. Taste a mouthwatering assortment of Hong Kong’s traditional street food and browse Chinese artisans’ stalls. A free souvenir and entertainment complete the cultural experience.
5. Sydney – Dinner & Recital at the Opera House: An unforgettable evening including a delicious three-course dinner, drinks and live classical music performed by two opera singers in the Utzon Room of Sydney’s iconic Opera House.
6. Auckland Museum with Maori Welcome: Immerse yourself in Māori culture with an exciting after-hours museum tour, refreshments, and a traditional Māori welcome with haka, a vigorous Māori war dance performed in the museum’s stunning foyer.
7. A Night Out in Ancient Rome: Toast the beginning of a magical evening at the Casa dei Cavalieri di Rodi overlooking the Roman Forum before departing for an exclusive after-hours tour of the Colosseum.
8. Amsterdam – An Evening at the Rijksmuseum: Transfer to the renowned art museum by canal boat for an exclusive after-hours tour and cocktail reception, followed by a three-course dinner in the Rijksmuseum.
9. Copenhagen – A Nights at Kronborg Castle: Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site commemorated by William Shakespeare in Hamlet. Actors entertain with a history of Hamlet while refreshments are served.
10. Barcelona: An Evening at Casa Barlló: Enjoy a private tour of Antoni Gaudi’s architectural treasure and marvel at the shapes, colors, and design, followed by appetizers and drinks to the sounds of a flamenco fusion band.
11. Venice: An Evening on the Grand Canal: Arrive by motor launch to the water door of a 16th-century palace to spend an unforgettable evening hosted by a Countess in her opulent home. Drinks and appetizers are accompanied by Venetian music.

To learn more about Holland America itineraries and Signature Experiences, contact your Covington cruise advisor.

*Covington Travel is pleased to recognize Holland America Line as a valued partner and sponsor of this post. Information and photos provided by Holland America Line.