Holland America Line is debuting Glacier Days on its Alaska cruises with expanded We Love Alaska on-board experiences. HAL’s six ships doing cruises from Vancouver and Seattle are featuring more cultural enrichment and culinary and cocktail specialties designed to foster a deeper connection to the people and history of Alaska, the company says.
And a new standby program will give those with convenient access to Seattle or Vancouver the opportunity to cruise at last-minute fares of $49 per person, per day.
The new Glacier Days include sighting times, scenic commentary, presentations, informational viewing stations, photo opportunities, Dutch Pea Soup on deck, glacier ice cocktails, insightful talks by Glacier Bay National Park rangers and Huna cultural interpreters, and an open bow for viewing.
Through September passengers can embark aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam on seven-, 14- and a new 28-day ‘Arctic Circle Solstice Legendary Voyage’ that includes 12 Alaska ports.
Cruise-tours range from nine to 18 days and include a one-, two- or three-day visit to Denali National Park. Some cruise-tours also include a journey into the Yukon.
Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska’s iconic glacier destinations: Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier and the Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm. Shore excursions also offer the opportunity to visit additional glaciers, including Mendenhall and Portage glaciers.
Sustainable fresh Alaskan fish
Holland America continues to build on its Global Fresh Fish program, which includes being the only cruise line with Alaska seafood certified sustainable by the Responsible Fisheries Management agency and bringing locally 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 brand’s Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Morimoto: Fresh Black Cod Yuzu, Morimoto Epice Lobster and Fresh Halibut XO.
A new Alaska Seafood Boil will be offered once per cruise in Lido Market for a surcharge. The foodie feast will serve Ivar’s 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.
Bartender Sam Ross creates Alaska cocktails
Acclaimed bartender Sam Ross created a menu of exclusive cocktails that will be featured in the bars on all Alaska ships: Juneau AK, Klondiker, PNW Penicillin, Mosquito, Midnight Sun and Frontier Champagne Flip. Ross was the 2011 “U.S. Bartender of the Year” and his flagship bar, Attaboy, won the 2022 award for “Best Bar in the U.S.” by The World’s 50 Best Bars. Ross is credited with creating two of the most famous modern classic cocktails: Penicillin and Paper Plane.
Multiple options for wildlife viewing
Alaska is synonymous with stunning wilderness, and Holland America Line claims to offer 180 shore excursion options to see wildlifein its natural habitat. Alaska ships carry an expert on board, and a wildlife spotting guide points out the native animals found along the cruise route and includes a map with the best places to see each species.
Travelers who sign up for HAL’s standby program will be alerted between seven and two days before departure if they will be sailing. The offer includes solo cruisers who will also only pay $49 per day and do not incur a single supplement for a double stateroom.
Wallace Immen, The Cruisington Times
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