Bookings to the Great Land hit the highest
levels since pre-pandemic; AAA Washington declares Seattle the top domestic summer destination
for statewide residents
SEATTLE, June 30,
2022 /CNW/ -- With pent up demand and the U.S.
Independence Day travel rush approaching, premium cruise line
Holland America Line is reporting a surge in interest for
Alaska, experiencing the highest
booking levels for Alaska cruising
to the bucket list travel destination during the month of June
since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alaska
cruising is growing as travelers look to explore again.
"People are excited to travel again while reconnecting with
family and friends in a meaningful way," said Beth Bodensteiner, senior vice president and
chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. "We're
seeing the pent-up demand leading to increased booking as guests
realize cruising is a hassle-free way to enjoy unique destinations
such as Alaska."
As a bucket-list locale for many travelers, Alaska offers close-to-home departures without
the need for overseas air, stunning scenery and wildlife, deep
history and culture, and areas like Glacier Bay that are best
reached from the water.
According to AAA Washington, Seattle,
Washington, is the number-one summer domestic destination in
the U.S. for Washington travelers
-- and the second most popular nationwide -- due in large part to
the area's bustling cruise industry. During the upcoming
July 4 holiday weekend, AAA
Washington travel bookings reveal that the number of people
traveling by trains, buses and cruise ships is expected to triple
compared to 2021. Holland America
Line offers round-trip from Seattle cruises to Alaska on two of its ships.
"Our summer travel inquiries and bookings show people are
feeling safe to explore again," said Michelle Glass, vice president of travel for AAA
Washington. "Alaska is one of my
favorite places to visit in the summer. A preferred partner, like
Holland America Line, helps us provide clients with convenient
departures to and from our own back yard to this amazing place,
without the added cost of airfare."
Overall, Holland America Line continues to see strong interest
in cruises that are a short flight or drive from guests' homes. The
cruise line visits 225 different ports in 91 different countries on
sailings round-trip from the United
States, serving more international destinations on cruises
sailing round trip from a U.S. homeport than any other brand. The
line's U.S. homeports include Seattle, San
Diego, Boston and
Fort Lauderdale. Holland
America Line also offers more
sailings to Alaska from
Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada, than any other cruise line.
"With the cost and recent challenges with air travel, we are
seeing excitement and traction from guests within driving distance
of our cruise homeports such as Seattle and Vancouver," said Kacy
Cole, vice president of marketing and e-commerce for Holland
America Line. "We recently invested in local marketing near our
homeports and we're already seeing that pay off."
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a
travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit
hollandamerica.com.
Editors Note: Photos are available at
https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/mcssyl5i.
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 nearly 75 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, joined 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.
CONTACT: Bill Zucker,
Erik Elvejord
PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-626-9890
EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.com
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SOURCE Holland America Line