Holland America Line Partners with AFAR Media

Bring Expert Destination Content to Guests and Travel Enthusiasts

Comprehensive new guides will detail hundreds of ports of call worldwide

New York, NY, Oct. 29, 2015 – Holland America Line hosted a press conference at the legendary Explorers Club in Manhattan today to announce that they are partnering with experiential travel expert AFAR Media to help cruisers dream, plan, choose and prepare for the perfect cruise vacation. Through the collaboration, AFAR will provide “Destination Guides” for all of Holland America Line’s ports of call and scenic cruising areas — totaling approximately 400.

The Destination Guides will be available on Holland America Line’s website, giving guests the most comprehensive information accessible to travelers in the cruise industry. AFAR will utilize its vast network of local experts to curate the content, providing travelers with authentic recommendations for top attractions, restaurants and shopping experiences in each destination.

“Holland America Line guests seek authenticity in travel, and studies have shown that travelers trust and value expert, third-party content above all else,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “Our new partnership with AFAR Media will deliver the most extensive destination information to our guests in a way that’s never been done before in cruising, ensuring they will have the perfect shore-side experience tailored to their personal tastes and interests.”

From the world’s most iconic cities to relatively undiscovered ports that Holland America Line is known for, each Destination Guide will contain an overview of up to 20 top picks to see and do in the area; recommended restaurants, cafes and markets; and boutique shopping suggestions.

“To our guests, a Holland America Line cruise is much more than the cruise itself,” continued Ashford. “Our guests are passionate about travel; it’s a lifestyle for them. So the dreaming and planning are all part of the experience. AFAR will elevate the way we engage with our guests and add value in a meaningful way.”

“AFAR is thrilled to be working with Holland America Line on this exciting partnership,” said AFAR co-founder, Joe Diaz. “Through the growth of AFAR Custom, we are able to partner with industry leaders such as Holland America Line to create and utilize the power of high-quality content to increase brand affinity across a variety of channels, drive engagement, and inspire travelers to have deeper, richer and more fulfilling travel experiences. Now, no matter where you are sailing to, Holland America Line guests can uncover unique experiences in every port of call.”

About AFAR Media
AFAR Media is a multi-platform media company dedicated to experiential travel, inspiring and enabling its audience to have deeper, richer and more meaningful travel experiences. Founded by Greg Sullivan and Joe Diaz, AFAR launched as a print travel magazine at the height of the recession in 2009 to approach travel in a way no other media publication was doing, to meet a rapidly growing appetite among travelers for more immersive and authentic experiences. Based in New York and San Francisco, AFAR’s diverse portfolio of platforms includes AFAR magazine; AFAR.com; Learning AFAR, a nonprofit foundation that introduces the importance of travel to high school students; the AFAR Travel Guide mobile app; the speaking event series, AFAR Conversations; and AFAR Experiences, an exclusive immersive travel event series. For more information visit www.afar.com.

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