Holland America Line is partnering with Audible, a premier producer and provider of premium audio storytelling, to become the first cruise line to provide a co-branded book club featuring renowned writers from various genres.
The agreement also offers customized destination-focused collections (accessible through an extended Audible free trial) and free in-stateroom Audible material for all guests. From travel and wellness titles to language courses and more, the collaboration provides a diverse range of alternatives for travelers on board and ashore via any Audible member’s personal device.
To participate in the monthly book club, customers can sign up for a two-month extended free trial of Audible Premium Plus, which grants access to the company’s entire inventory of titles, including audiobooks, podcasts, and originals. To enhance the experience, new members can go to audible.com/ep/holland-country-selector to conveniently access online carousels of Audible audiobook recommendations tailored to Holland America Line trip locations.
“We know from extensive research that reading is a top priority for guests both on and off vacation, so the Audible collaboration was a natural next step for us to connect with our guest community,” said Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer at Holland America Line. “By being the first cruise line to team up with Audible, we are providing our guests with new ways to engage with our brand around common interests and activities whether on board or at home.”
Audible’s Head of Business Development, Derek Murphy, stated, “Holland America Line and Audible are ideal travel companions for guests on the perfect getaway who love premium audio storytelling. We’re thrilled to offer Holland America Line guests opportunities to pair their travel adventures with compelling stories from our Audible collection of Originals, audiobooks, and podcasts performed by some of the best storytellers in the world.”
Virtual Book Club
The online Audible Book Club is launched on Holland America Line’s social media channels, with the cruise line selecting an audiobook or Audible Original title each month on topics such as travel, literature, science fiction, romance, and mystery—all of which celebrate the cruise line’s top destinations. Holland America Line’s first Audible Book Club begins with The Justice, an eight-part Audible Original thriller by best-selling author James Patterson.
Curated collections for Audible subscribers.
As part of the agreement, subscribers will have access to online carousels designed specifically for Holland America Line, which will be added to Audible’s collection of hundreds of thousands of listening hours and updated on a regular basis. Themes include titles from various genres that focus on several of Holland America Line’s destinations, such as Alaska, Europe, Canada, Asia, the Caribbean, and World Travel.
Complimentary onboard In-Stateroom entertainment
Guests on board will be able to listen to a range of Audible categories via their in-stateroom entertainment system, including well-being, family-friendly, and language learning. Holland America Line passengers can embark on their own voyage without the requirement for an Audible subscription.
Soothing sound baths and soundtracks are offered for cruisers looking for relaxation, a good night’s sleep, or a motivational morning meditation. Additionally, visitors who want to learn a new language can benefit from Audible’s starter courses in Dutch, French, Spanish, and Japanese, which are excellent for trips to these locations on a Holland America Line cruise.
Holland America Line’s exclusive chance with Audible is offered to consumers in five countries: the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Customers are not required to cruise to sign up for the free Audible trial.
Shipboard Libraries Added
In addition to the relationship with Audible, Holland America Line’s ships have restored onboard libraries with new decor, design, and original artwork. On average, the libraries include up to 1,700 books, covering a wide range of genres from mystery, sci-fi, fantasy, and fiction to romance, short tales, poetry, and young adult.
A rotating “Feature Section” of best-sellers and hand-picked books is featured on display. The libraries also include book exchange “drops” where guests can donate their personal reading materials for other passengers to enjoy. On lengthier Holland America Line trips such as Legendary Voyages and the Grand World Voyage, guests can chose from a variety of new titles, many of which are related to the region where the ship is sailing.
For more information on Holland America Line, contact a travel agent, or call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425), or go to hollandamerica.com.
