Important Topics To Know

• Holland America Line is aging 11 exclusive barrels of Jefferson’s Bourbon across its entire fleet to create a unique maritime flavor profile.
• Guests can follow the aging process through specialized onboard educational events and whiskey tastings during their 2026 voyages.
• The matured bourbon will be bottled in 2027 with each ship offering a limited-edition run of roughly 150 to 300 bottles for its passengers.
• This collaboration is part of a broader America’s 250th celebration featuring iconic brands like Pendleton Woolen Mills and Crane stationery.

Holland America Line is making history this spring by announcing a sophisticated new partnership with Jefferson’s Bourbon to age spirits directly on the open ocean. To celebrate International Whiskey Day, the cruise line revealed that one exclusive barrel of Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon is being loaded onto each of its 11 ships. This innovative collaboration allows the whiskey to mature while experiencing the natural rolling waves, shifting climates, and salty maritime air of Holland America’s global itineraries. The result is a truly unique flavor profile shaped entirely by the journey, offering guests a sensory connection to the sea.

This program is a highlight of the “Spirit of Independence” theme as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Travelers sailing in 2026 can participate in the process through onboard educational tastings and activations that explain how different routes influence the depth and character of the bourbon. Each limited-edition barrel will eventually produce approximately 150 to 300 bottles, which will be available exclusively for guests to enjoy in 2027. This dedication to craftsmanship reflects the shared heritage of both brands, honoring a legacy of American ingenuity that dates back generations.

Beyond the bourbon, Holland America is enriching the travel experience through other high-end American partnerships, including custom Pendleton wool blankets for Alaska voyages and handcrafted Crane stationery. These collaborations lead up to a momentous Fourth of July 2026 “Stars and Stripes” cruise departing from Boston, featuring historic firework views and a musical tribute to the American soundtrack. By blending luxury travel with artisanal storytelling, Holland America is creating immersive experiences that celebrate the best of American history and innovation. This bold step into maritime aging ensures that every sip taken on board is as memorable as the destination itself.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]    

Holland America Line has been exploring the world for more than 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering a perfectly-sized ship experience, its fleet of 11 vessels visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Savour the Journey isn’t just a tagline, it’s a reinforcement that the cruise line provides experiences too good to hurry through, connecting travelers to the world and each other. Award-winning enrichment programming, entertainment and cuisine that brings each locale on board, including a revolutionary Global Fresh Fish Program, put Holland America Line at the forefront of premium cruising.

About Jefferson’s

Trey Zoeller and his father, Chet, a famed bourbon historian, established Jefferson’s in 1997. They were continuing a family tradition that goes back to 1799 when Trey’s eighth generation grandmother became the first woman on record in America to be arrested for the “production and sales of spirituous liquors.” Over the last 25+ years, Trey has brought a unique perspective to Jefferson’s, seeing bourbon through the lens of nature, exploration, and experiences. The brand has led with innovations in the art of blending and maturation, yielding distinctive flavors.

About North American Distillers

North American Distillers is a global brand company within Pernod Ricard’s Gold Brand Unit, the Group’s Aged Spirits & Champagne division. As the steward of a leading portfolio of American whiskey brands including Jefferson’s, Skrewball, Rabbit Hole, TX, and Smooth Ambler, we leverage our global capabilities and deep expertise to accelerate growth and champion the craftsmanship and diversity of American whiskey.