SEATTLE, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Following
passage of the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, work with
Alaska government officials, and
recent guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), Holland America Line is announcing plans to
restart cruising to Alaska in July
roundtrip from Seattle,
Washington, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam.
Bookings are open for the 10
Saturday departures that will operate from July 24 through Oct. 2. The seven-day "Alaskan
Explorer" itinerary calls at Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Ketchikan. Scenic cruising in Alaska's iconic locales includes Glacier Bay
and Stephens Passage.
Click to Tweet: .@HALcruises announces plans to restart
cruising to #Alaska this summer roundtrip from Seattle. Seven-day itineraries aboard Nieuw
Amsterdam will call at Juneau, Icy
Strait Point, Sitka and
Ketchikan. First #cruise would
depart July 24.
Plans for these cruises to fulfill Holland America Line's
obligations under the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) are
expected to be approved, as are final instructions from CDC,
and the company is beginning the return-to-cruising preparation
process effective immediately.
"Holland America Line has been cruising to Alaska for nearly 75 years, and we feel deeply
committed to trying to help our friends in 'The Great Land' get
back on their feet in any way we can this summer," said
Gus Antorcha, president of Holland
America Line. "Given the recent positive collaboration from the
CDC, as well as optimism about a resolution with the PVSA, we feel
like it's now or never to give ourselves a chance to bring cruising
back to Alaska this year.
"We would like to offer our sincerest appreciation to Senators
Lisa Murkowski and Dan
Sullivan, Congressman Don
Young and Governor Mike
Dunleavy for their tireless efforts on behalf of the many
small businesses that are the backbone of Alaska tourism."
"The Last Frontier is eager to welcome the return of the cruise
industry this summer to restart our economy," said Alaska Governor Mike
Dunleavy. "Cruising has a tremendous impact on the people of
our state and our communities, especially in the southeast, and
we're thrilled to finally see a light with the impending return of
the cruise ships."
On board, Holland America Line will continue to offer the
amenities that are a hallmark of the brand. Dining will be
available in all restaurants and specialty venues, as well as room
service. Entertainment will be in full swing in the main show
lounge, and live music will be featured in Lincoln Center Stage,
B.B. King's Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Port-to-Table
culinary demonstrations and other enrichment programming will bring
Alaska and its culture on board
through engaging activities. To accommodate physical distancing,
additional performances may be added.
Alaska cruises also feature
expanded onboard programming. Guests can engage with an
Alaska naturalist, while EXC Talks
and special presentations explore local topics such as Alaska's bush pilots and famous Iditarod race.
In Glacier Bay, the ship takes on a National Park Ranger and Huna
native speaker.
Voted Best in Alaska
Holland America Line was named the
top pick for Alaska cruises in the
2020 AFAR Travelers' Awards, 2020 Porthole Cruise Magazine
Editor-in-Chief Awards, 2019 Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice
Destination Awards and 2019 TravelAge West Wave Awards Editor's
Pick, confirming its position as the best cruise line in
Alaska by some of the world's most
experienced travelers and cruise experts.
Cruise and Stay Healthy
These Holland America Line
cruises in 2021 to Alaska are
available for guests who have received their final dose of an
approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning
of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. Shipboard crew
vaccinations will also be in accordance with CDC guidelines.
Holland America Line guests will
be required to comply with all health and safety protocols in place
at the time of departure for travel to and from the ship, as well
as all onboard protocols and procedures for visiting ports.
As of now and subject to change as CDC, public health and
medical guidance evolves, Holland America Line's onboard
program provides steps to enhance public health. Travelers are
encouraged to regularly check hollandamerica.com since updates will
be posted as new procedures are finalized and existing protocols
may evolve.
Full details, including information on shore excursions, are
being finalized and will be shared in the coming weeks at
hollandamerica.com. Attractive airfares will be available through
Holland America Line's FlightEase program. Flexible cancellation
terms, including our COVID-19 Protections, are offered through
"Book with Confidence" when booked by June
30, 2021, for sailings through Dec.
31, 2021. The cruise line's Cancellation Protection Plan
also allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Fares for Nieuw Amsterdam's seven-day Alaska cruises begin at a "Have It All"
premium package rate of $1,079 per
person that includes four high-value amenities: one shore
excursion, a Signature Beverage Package, specialty dining in the
Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind, and a Wi-Fi Surf Package to stay
connected throughout the cruise. Cruise-only fares start at
$799 per person, double occupancy.
Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.
Guests who were scheduled to sail on Oosterdam's
roundtrip Seattle
cruises with a Sunday departure will be moved to similar
accommodations on sister-ship Nieuw Amsterdam, departing on
Saturdays. Eurodam guests who were affected by that ship's
move to Greece also will be moved
to similar accommodations on Nieuw Amsterdam.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a
travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit
hollandamerica.com.
Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland
America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the home
page at hollandamerica.com.
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival
Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line has been
exploring the world since 1873 and was the first cruise line to
offer adventures to Alaska and the
Yukon more than 70 years ago. Its
fleet of premium ships visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries
around the world, offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience. A
third Pinnacle-class ship, Rotterdam, is under construction and will
join the fleet in July 2021.
The leader in premium cruising, Holland America Line's ships
feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching
experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized
travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music
Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from Holland
America Line's esteemed Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.
In light of COVID-19, Holland America Line is currently
enhancing health and safety protocols and how they may impact
future cruises. Our actual offerings may vary from what is
displayed or described in marketing materials. Review our
current Cruise Updates, Health & Safety
Protocols and CDC Travel Advisories.
CONTACT: Erik Elvejord
PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-626-9890
EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.com
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SOURCE Holland America Line