Holland America Debuts New Alaska Experiences in 2024
Guests traveling to Alaska this year will be happy to learn that Holland America is debuting several new Alaska experiences for the 2024 cruise season. The cruise line is debuting βGlacier Dayβ on its Alaska cruises as it rolls out new programming within its “We Love Alaskaβ onboard experience.
The new offerings include Alaska Up Close presentations as well as culinary and beverage experiences, giving guests a deeper appreciation for the people, history, and culture of the state. The 2024 season kicks off April 27 from Vancouver and May 4 from Seattle.Β
βHolland America Line continues to focus on bringing regional and local experiences on board every cruise, with our Alaska sailings leading the way in authentic programming, localized cuisine, and now special events like βGlacier Dayβ,β said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer of Holland America Line. βWe continue to cultivate like-minded partnerships and fine-tune everything from cocktails to wildlife maps to ensure our guests are completely immersed in all facets of Alaska.β
2024 Alaska Itineraries and Cruisetours
Through Sept. 2024, guests can embark on Holland America Lineβs Alaska cruises andΒ CruisetoursΒ from Vancouver and Seattle on six ships. The ships sailing the region areΒ Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, and Zaandam. In addition to seven-day itineraries, guests can take longer 14-day cruises and a new 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice Legendary Voyage that includes 12 Alaska ports.
Cruisetours range from nine to 18 days and include a one-, two- or three-day visit to Denali National Park. Select Cruisetours also include a journey into Canadaβs Yukon. HAL remains the only cruise line that offers overland tours to the Yukon with an Alaska cruise and Denali experience.
βGlacier Dayβ Puts a Spotlight on Alaskaβs Majestic Glaciers
As a leader in Alaska cruising, Holland America offers moreΒ glacierΒ experiences than any other cruise line. The new Glacier Day includes sighting times, scenic commentary, presentations, informational viewing stations, photo opportunities, and more. Guests can also enjoy Dutch Pea Soup on deck, Glacier Ice cocktails, insightful talks by Park Rangers and Huna cultural interpreters, and an open bow for viewing.
Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaskaβs iconic glacier destinations. These includeΒ Glacier Bay National Park,Β Hubbard Glacier,Β Dawes Glacier, and theΒ Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm. Shore excursions also offer the opportunity to visit additional glaciers, including Mendenhall and Portage glaciers.
Serving Fresh Fish in Alaska
Holland America continues to build on its groundbreakingΒ Global Fresh FishΒ program. The cruise line delivers sourced fresh fish from port to plate in less than 48 hours. In addition to the seafood and other local delicacies served on the menus, ships in Alaska will serve three exclusive dishes created by the brandβs Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Morimoto. These include Fresh Black Cod Yuzu, Morimoto Epice Lobster, and Fresh Halibut XO.
Additionally, a new Alaska Seafood Boil will be offered once per cruise in Lido Market for a surcharge. The foodie feast will serve Ivarβs Northwest-Style Clam Chowder, Dungeness Cruise Clusters, Alaska Salmon, Penn Cove Clams, Penn Cove Mussels, and a Shrimp Bucket, with Triple Berry Crisp and vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Offered once per cruise, Alaska Brunch in the Dining Room features dishes with fresh, local Alaskan and Pacific Northwest ingredients. The selections range from sweet to savory. Dishes include Alaskan Blueberry Pancakes, Salmon & Potato Chowder, Wild Forest Mushroom and Tarragon Crepes, Kodiak Steak and Egg Skillet, Crab and Hot Smoked Salmon Cakes, Biscuits with Gravy and Alaskan Reindeer Sausage, and Home Smoked Gulf of Alaska Cod Benny.
Bartender Sam Ross Creates Alaska Cocktails
Acclaimed bartender Sam Ross created a menu of exclusive cocktails to be featured in the bars on all Alaska ships. These featured drinks are Juneau AK, Klondiker, PNW Penicillin, Mosquito, Midnight Sun, and Frontier Champagne Flip.
Ross was the 2011 βU.S. Bartender of the Yearβ and his flagship bar, Attaboy, won the 2022 award for βBest Bar in the U.S.β by The Worldβs 50 Best Bars. Ross is credited with creating two of the most famous modern classic cocktails: Penicillin and Paper Plane.
New Exclusive βKiller Whale Pale Aleβ Available Onboard
Holland America is debuting a new βKiller Whale Pale Aleβ on all Alaska cruises. The beer was produced in collaboration with Pike Brewing β Seattleβs oldest craft brewery. It features notes of honey, citrus, and tropical fruits.
Native ArtistΒ Rico Worl, a member of the Tlingit and Athabascan community, created the label artwork. He also designed the Native artwork featured on the Alaska menus. The Killer Whale Pale Ale label represents the food chain in the Pacific Northwest, with a seal maneuvering out of the grasp of a killer whale.
More Wildlife Viewing than Any Other Cruise Line
Alaska is synonymous with stunning wilderness, and Holland America offers more ways to seeΒ wildlifeΒ in its natural habitat. Alaska ships carry an expert on board to help guests witness the majestic animals found in the region. And a Wildlife Spotting Guide points out the native animals found along the cruise route with a map of the best places to see each species.
Ashore, Holland America Line offers nearly 180 shore excursions to see species of all kinds.
On Deck for a Cause Continues to Support Alaskaβs Parks
Holland America will continue to donate proceeds from its βOn Deck for a Causeβ charitable event toΒ Alaska Geographic, the nonprofit education partner of Alaskaβs parks, forests, refuges and conservation lands.
Guests on Alaska cruises can donate $25 to participate in the noncompetitive 5K walk, βOn Deck for a Cause: Alaskaβs Parksβ. Funds raised will go to support education, science, and research in Alaskaβs parks. The 2023 Alaska season raised more than $100,000 for Alaska Geographic.
Standby Program Offers Reduced Rates for Seattle and Vancouver Cruises
Guests with easy access to Seattle or Vancouver have an opportunity to cruise to Alaska at a reduced rate of $49 per person, per day with the newΒ StandbyΒ program.
Travelers who sign up for a cruise will receive notification between seven and two days before departure if they will be sailing. Solo cruisers also only pay $49 per day and do not incur a single supplement for a double stateroom.
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