Holland America Line launches ‘Glacier Day’ experience

As the cruise line offering more glacier experiences than any other, ‘Glacier Day’ will feature sighting times, talks by Glacier Bay National Park Rangers and Huna cultural interpreters, scenic commentary, presentations, informational viewing stations, photo opportunities and Glacier Ice cocktails.

Every Alaska cruise will include a visit to one or more of the region’s iconic glacier destinations: Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier and the Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm. Shore excursions will offer the opportunity to visit additional glaciers, including Mendenhall and Portage.

Holland America Line has also added to its on board offering as part of its 'We Love Alaska' on board experience.

All ships in Alaska will now serve three exclusive dishes created by the brand’s Fresh Fish Ambassador, Chef Morimoto, including fresh black cod yuzu, Morimoto epice lobster and fresh halibut XO. A new Alaska seafood boil will be offered once per cruise in the Lido Market at an additional cost. 

New exclusive cocktails, devised by acclaimed bartender Sam Ross, will be featured throughout the season, as will a new ‘Killer Whale Pale Ale’, produced in collaboration with Pike Brewing, Seattle’s oldest craft brewery.

Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer at Holland America Line, said: “Holland 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, localised cuisine, and now special events like ‘Glacier Day’. We 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.”

The 2024 Alaska season starts on April 27 from Vancouver and May 4 from Seattle, with seven and 14-day itineraries on offer, as well as a new 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice Legendary Voyage that includes 12 Alaska ports. Cruisetours range from nine to 18 days and include visits to the Denali National Park. Itineraries will take place aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam.

Prices start from £949pp for a seven-day cruise on Koningsdam, departing September 28.