There is still a lot up in the air about how cruising will resume domestically and abroad. But Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line (HAL), is ready for when that time comes — and the line’s customers will be able to take advantage of far more inclusions when it sails again.
HAL recently introduced its Have It All program, which is available as an all-inclusive bundle that extends to complimentary shore excursions, beverages, specialty dining and internet access. The package is available for sailings six days or longer, excluding Grand Voyages, at a savings of 50% or more when compared to purchasing the options a la carte.Clients can still select the base fare, but if they choose the bundle on a seven-day cruise, for example, the Have It All option tacks on an additional $99 per passenger, per day, for a wide range of amenities. (Each guest in a cabin needs to book the Have It All fare to receive the inclusions.)
“The premium segment of the industry has moved this way over the last few years,” Antorcha said. “We’ve done it promotionally, but the feedback was that it should be available all the time. That also becomes easier to sell for trade partners.”
Getting the All-Clear to Cruise
According to Antorcha, the next challenge is receiving permission from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to restart cruises, at least from the U.S.
“What we need specifically is for the CDC to lay out a path that’s workable to get ships sailing, and right now it’s not,” he said. “We need further guidance and clear direction. We’ve taken the CDC at its word — that its intent was to enable, allow and provide a path for the industry to return in July.”
We’ve taken the CDC at its word — that its intent was to enable, allow and provide a path for the industry to return in July.
In the meantime, Antorcha says it becomes harder to operate this year in places such as Alaska without guidance. HAL’s plan was originally to operate two ships roundtrip from Seattle in the summer, and while the outlook is still optimistic, it is growing dimmer with each passing week.
“Everyone in Alaska is trying to do what they can, and we have had tremendous support from everybody there,” Antorcha said. “We’re just trying to find a way to get cruise ships and cruise ship passengers up there.”
Advisors should not expect any itinerary alternatives in California or the Mexican Riviera this summer. Antorcha believes that if HAL cruising is going to happen out of the U.S. by summer, it is going to be in Alaska, followed by some sailings out of Southern California into the fall and winter as scheduled. Otherwise, Europe is looking more likely.
“As vaccination rates get higher in Europe, you’re going to see more openness for tourism, which obviously we welcome,” he said.
Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line Holland America Line.
Credit: 2021 Holland America LineWhen it comes to vaccinations, HAL does not yet have an official policy regarding crew and guest requirements, but Antorcha thinks the line’s policy will be based on the specific circumstances at the time, as well as individual choice.
“If a particular country that we’re cruising to requires vaccinations, initially we would consider fully vaccinating the ship for a limited time,” he said. “However, there are people who, for whatever reason, can’t take the vaccine or don’t want to. Are we the only industry that will never allow those people to stay on our ships and enjoy a vacation? That’s not right.”
For now, Antorcha commiserates with what travel advisors have been through.
“This has been devastating for their business and our business,” he said. “Together we built this industry; together we’re going to get out of the current crisis. Advisors are our partners, and we’re going to work with them that way.”
The line’s next new Rotterdam is also on track to be delivered in July, followed by a couple of repositioning cruises up to Northern Europe.
"Will that be possible?” he said. "I don't know right now because some of those countries haven't laid out clearly what's required to cruise yet, but we're working on it.”
The Details
Holland America Line
