Holland America Line is introducing a creative new souvenir that lets guests take home a special piece of their cruise journey. The cruise line has launched a set of four coasters made from recycled carpet previously used aboard its ships.
Created in collaboration with Danish carpet manufacturer Dansk Wilton, these coasters mark the first time in the cruise industry that recycled carpet products are being offered for sale. Available exclusively in onboard retail shops, they represent Holland America Line’s ongoing dedication to sustainable practices and circular design.
Transforming shipboard waste into guest keepsakes
“This project reflects our ongoing journey toward more sustainable practices,” said My Nguyen, director of interior design at Holland America Line. “These coasters are a tangible example of how discarded resources can be given a second life in the very environment they came from. We are proud to be the first in the industry to partner with Dansk and innovate carpet waste into beautiful usable products that our guests can enjoy.”
So far, 12,000 coasters have been crafted from 3,300 pounds of carpet waste collected during dry-dock renovations on the Oosterdam, Eurodam, and Nieuw Amsterdam over the past two years. They are produced with Dansk Wilton’s innovative ReBond material, the same upcycled textile already in use for the cruise line’s architectural signage.
Part of Dansk Wilton’s Re:Shape initiative
The coaster project forms part of Dansk Wilton’s Re:Shape program, which focuses on sustainable design and finding creative uses for carpet waste. The initiative demonstrates how recycled materials can become attractive and practical products for guests to enjoy.
Future applications are already being explored. Plans include transforming carpet waste into notebooks, postcards, “do not disturb” door signs, artwork, and other items that could eventually be offered in Holland America Line’s onboard shops.
A sustainable souvenir for cruise travelers
The coasters will be available fleetwide in onboard retail shops by the end of October 2025. For guests, the product offers a distinctive way to remember their voyage while supporting environmental innovation at sea.
By introducing these upcycled souvenirs, Holland America Line continues to highlight its commitment to reducing waste and creating solutions that contribute to a more sustainable cruise industry.
