Holland America Line Sets Sail for Alaska on First Cruise from Seattle

This past weekend, after an 16-month pause of operations, Holland America Line returned to service! Nieuw Amsterdam arrived at Port of Seattle earlier in the week to get ready for a Saturday departure to Alaska. Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha, Carnival Corporation President and CEO Arnold Donald and Princess Cruises President Jan Swartz all were on hand to mark the momentous occasion.

To enhance the festivities, ax throwers from our partners at The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan, Alaska, flew down to show off their skills, and the Mariner Moose from the Seattle Mariners Major League Baseball team came to wish us a bon voyage!

On Saturday, guests were warmly greeted by our eager team members, who were excited to welcome everyone back on board. Sharon and Derek, along with Nancy and Charles, were the first guests to board the ship. They cut a ribbon held by Captain van Donselaar and Antorcha to open embarkation.

Enjoy some photos from the two-day celebration. We hope to #seayousoon on board a Holland America Line ship!

The ship’s senior officers with (on stage, from left) Executive Director of Port of Seattle Steve Metruck, Princess Cruises President Jan Swartz, Carnival Corporation President & CEO Arnold Donald and Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha.

From left, Donald, Swartz and Antorcha.

Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha was elated when he had a successful throw.

The Mariner Moose hit the target!

Guests Sharon and Derek (orange) and Nancy and Charles cut the ribbon to open embarkation.

Cheers all around as the ribbon is cut to open embarkation.

Ahoy, Captain Mariner Moose!

Team Nieuw Amsterdam in front of Downtown Seattle.

Our cruise season in Alaska is off to a great start, and next is Europe aboard Eurodam Aug. 15. We hope we welcome you on board one of our cruises very soon!