In association with: Holland America Line
See why Alaska is a special destination to visit on a Holland America Line voyage
There’s no destination quite like Alaska, and when it comes to deciding how to send your clients there, look no further than Holland America Line.
The cruise line has been sailing to this remote region for 75 years, with more than half of the fleet visiting its shores. Not only does Holland America Line have a wealth of experience of taking clients to the best ports of call in this US state, but its onboard programming, sustainable local cuisine, world-class excursions and Cruisetour add-ons mean they will be able to get the most out of their trip.
It’s not too late to book your clients on to a HAL‑askan voyage for 2024. The season runs from April to September next year, with voyages lasting between seven and 28 days, departing from either Vancouver in Canada or Seattle in the US.
Plus, if your clients want to plan even further ahead, Holland America Line’s 2025 programme is also available to book now.
Why Alaska?
- Soak up the incredible scenery from onboard the ship, or on one of the immersive shore excursions
- Spot the huge variety of wildlife and marine life, including Alaska’s ‘big five’: bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves
- Learn from experts who come on board the ships to teach guests more about the region
- Try some Alaskan delicacies, which have been sourced locally and sustainably for guests
- Get up close to glaciers, either at sea, on land or from the air
- Channel your intrepid side with a sea kayaking tour, hiking trip or dog‑sledding adventure
- Explore even further with a Cruisetour to the famous Denali National Park, or into Canada’s history-filled Yukon
Five top reasons to sail to Alaska with Holland America Line
There are plenty of reasons to visit Alaska – and even more to sail there with Holland America Line. With the 2024 season lasting from April to September, there’s no better time than now to get your clients excited about an unforgettable voyage.
1. Alaska up close
Holland America Line’s Alaska Up Close programme helps guests feel more immersed in the destination as they embark on their sailing.
Discover, taste and experience as the sights, sounds and flavours of the region are brought even closer to clients. Holland America Line’s EXC Talks offer a real insight into Alaska, and cover a variety of topics including whales, Tlingit leaders and their culture, and dog racing. Meals on board are inspired by the region, with local ingredients sourced sustainably. Fresh seafood paired with local beer, cooking demonstrations and the chance to bring their own catch back on board for dinner will allow guests to enjoy a true taste of Alaska.
And when they wish to disembark, clients will be spoilt for choice thanks to an array of shore excursions that range from a Bering Sea crab fisherman’s tour and zipline adventure to a lumberjack show and wildlife quest.
2. Nature and wildlife
You can’t talk about Alaska without mentioning its flora and fauna – and Holland America Line will take your clients to see the best of the nature and wildlife the destination has to offer.
Whether it’s whales breaching in the sea below, eagles flying overhead or bears milling about on the shore, there’s no shortage of opportunities to take it all in, with Alaska’s unmatched natural beauty as the backdrop. From jagged glaciers and vast national parks, to towering fjords and glistening clear waters, jaw‑dropping landscapes await at every turn.
3. Glaciers
Alaska is synonymous with glaciers – and they’re truly a sight to behold. There are thousands across the region, and Holland America Line visits some of the best, including Portage Glacier, Hubbard Glacier and Mendenhall Glacier, which is 12 miles long. But Glacier Bay National Park has to be among the most spectacular. Visitor passes are limited, but Holland America Line offers more access to the park than any other line. Guests also benefit from learning about the wondrous landscape from Glacier Bay experts.
4. Cruisetours
While so much of Alaska’s beauty is along the coast, Holland America Line offers guests the chance to explore even further by heading inland on a Cruisetour.
An Inside Passage cruise can be paired with up to three nights at McKinley Chalet Resort by Denali National Park. Clients can embark on an adventure on the McKinley Explorer train to take in the park’s scenery, head out on a tundra wilderness tour or just relax at the chalet, surrounded by nature. Alternatively, clients can venture into the Yukon in Canada for a taste of gold rush history.
Discover the best cruise tour for your clients with the new Cruisetour finder: hollandamerica.com/b2b/cruisetour_finder.html
5. Onboard experience
Six of Holland America Line’s 11 ships sail Alaska, including two of its newest vessels, Eurodam and Koningsdam.
When you’re taking in the spectacular Alaskan scenery, you want to make sure you’re doing so in the utmost comfort, and all of Holland America Line’s ships boast the best in facilities and amenities.
And when the sun goes down, why not enjoy some of the entertainment on board? Holland America Line’s partnership with BB King’s Blues Club and the Rolling Stone Rock Room means guests can get their live-music fix or attend a show on the World Stage.
Catch up with our HAL-aska webinar
Catch up with the latest Travel Weekly webinar with Holland America Line to learn more about the destination, hear some first-hand experiences and find out where to go for more information.
travelweekly.co.uk/HALwebinarreplay
What do your fellow agents say?
“This was my first time sailing on a Holland America Line vessel – and it exceeded all expectations. From the ship’s decor to the food and amazing live entertainment, I was blown away by the overall experience.”
– Jack Bennett, Iglu
“Alaska is synonymous with epic rail journeys, and I can now appreciate exactly why. I was in awe of my surroundings: the snow‑peaked mountains, the stunning turquoise colour of the glacier melt that fills the lakes, and the unique abundance of nature. We saw numerous eagles and even a black bear crossing the tracks.”
– Ewan Petrie, Audley Travel
“Our sea kayaking at Tatoosh Islands began in style with a speedy rib boar trip to our private beach. Almost immediately, we spotted a pod of humpback whales feeding in the distance. As we paddled, bald eagles flew above our heads and seals swam alongside us.”
– Robbie White, Touchdown
“We met the musher dogs, which are bred for racing in Alaska. They were 13-week-old bundles of fun, and there were cute eight-week-old puppies too. It was a wonderful experience and a great day out for all ages.”
– Linda Fallon-Brant, Spears Travel
“We sailed through Tracy Arm inlet, where there are plummeting waterfalls, mountain peaks and sheer rock faces.”
– Laura Foster, Hays Travel
Last chance to enter
To be in with the chance of winning a Holland America Line Alaska cruise for two, visit travelweekly.co.uk/HALaska. Enter by October 31. T&Cs apply.
Recommended voyage
The seven-day Alaskan Inside Passage round-trip from Vancouver, departing on May 11, 2024, costs from £1,179pp. This includes the Have It All premium package, which includes shore excursions, drinks package, speciality dining and Wi-Fi. T&Cs apply.
Book your clients’ HAL-askan adventure
To book your clients on a Holland America Line cruise of a lifetime, log on to Go HAL with your POLAR Online credentials at gohal.co.uk
Call the contact centre team on 0344 338 8609
Or get in touch at salessupport@hollandamerica.co.uk
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PICTURES: Holland America Line/Christopher Trantina, DJ Baker; Zakary Kirkpatrick; Justin Gollmer; John Derting