Sarah Bretz, ContributorHolland America has announced that it is the first cruise line to offer a co-branded book club through Audible, offering reads to cruisers by celebrated authors across various genres.
The partnership also includes curated destination-focused collections — accessed via an extended Audible free trial — as well as free in-cabin Audible content available to all guests. From travel and well-being books to language lessons and more, the collaboration will offer a large selection of titles to guests both while cruising and ashore.
To participate in the monthly book club, you can sign up for a two-month extended free trial of Audible Premium Plus to gain access to the entire catalogue of titles including audiobooks, podcasts, and Originals. New members can visit audible.com/holland-country-selector to access online carousels of Audible audiobook recommendations curated for Holland America’s travel destinations.
“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 of 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.”
Virtual Book Club
The online Audible Book Club comes to life on Holland America’s social media channels, where each month the cruise line will choose an audiobook or Audible Original title focusing on topics like travel, literature, science fiction, romance, and mystery — all that celebrate the top regions HAL frequents. The line’s first Audible Book Club kicks off with The Justice, an eight-part Audible Original thriller from best-selling author James Patterson.
Curated Collections
As part of the partnership, Audible members will have access to online carousels curated for Holland America that will be added to Audible’s library of content and updated periodically. Themes reach across different genres, focusing on regions like Alaska, Europe, Canada, Asia, the Caribbean, and general world travel.
In-Stateroom Entertainment
While on board, guests will be able to listen to a variety of Audible genres through their in-cabin entertainment system. Genres will include well-being, language learning, and family-friendly titles. Passengers will not need their own Audible subscription to enjoy this in-cabin entertainment.
For those needing help getting to sleep, options will include soothing sound baths and soundtracks. Audible will also offer beginner lessons in Dutch, French, Spanish, and Japanese.
Shipboard Libraries
In addition to its collaboration with Audible, Holland America’s ships feature refurbished libraries with new decor, design, and artwork. On average, the libraries hold up to 1,700 volumes. A rotating “Feature Section” of best-sellers and hand-picked books are highlighted on display. The libraries also offer book exchange “drops” so guests can donate their own books for other passengers to enjoy.
On longer Holland America cruises, guests can choose from a selection of new titles that are often tied to the region where the ship is sailing.
Comments
Do you often spend time reading while on a cruise? Will you be taking advantage of the offerings through Holland America’s new partnership with Audible? Drop us an anchor below and let us know your thoughts!
