Ready to experience your cruise destination with a new level of depth and understanding?

Holland America answers travelers’ wishes by introducing new Meet the Maker and Community Connections shore excursion collections to help with the journey. Each of the 150 curated experiences encourage guests to dip into authentic global encounters ranging from learning traditional crafts to enjoying family recipes at iconic eateries.

“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, vice president, onboard revenue, Holland America Line. “These experiences go far beyond traditional sightseeing, opening doors to kitchens, workshops and community spaces so travelers can share stories, learn time-honored techniques and engage directly with the people who shape each place. Seeing a destination through a local lens deepens understanding and fosters authentic connections and memories that endure long after the voyage.”

New Meet the Makers choices include the Tassie Tasting Trail in Burnie, Tasmania. This itinerary will include sampling handcrafted chocolates paired with morning tea at House of Anvers, a visit to family-run 41° South to witness salmon raising and ginseng production, and tasting stops at Ashgrove Cheese Factory and Spreyton Cider Company.

The Māori Waka (canoe) Experience in Waitangi, New Zealand, is one of the just-introduced Community Connections shore excursions. Guests will discover the deep relationship between the Māori people and surrounding waters. After a traditional Māori welcome, it’s time to board a waka for a journey across the serene estuaries of the Waitangi River. This expedition includes a visit to a 1,000-year-old ancestral site, as well as views of the dazzling Haruru Falls.