Holland America Line is Restarting Alaska Cruising in July

The wait is over! Travelers looking to head to Alaska this summer will get the chance on a Holland America Line cruise starting in July. We are ready to set sail on roundtrip from Seattle, Washington, itineraries aboard Nieuw Amsterdam. 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.

Bookings are open for the 10 Saturday departures that will operate from July 24 through Oct. 2. 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.”

Alaska whale

“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.

AWERHD The colorful historic buildings of Creek Street in a cruise ship port of call, Ketchikan, Alaska, USA..

Ketchikan’s colorful, historic buildings of Creek Street.

Cruise and Stay Healthy with ‘Travel Well’ Protocols
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.

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.

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26 Comments

  1. Shiron Jones June 28, 2021 at 12:53 pm - Reply

    Have inquired about pricing for Club Orange for sailing to Alaska on August 21 with no reply from Holland America to date. To whom specifically should I direct inquiry?

  2. Ken Koll June 21, 2021 at 7:20 pm - Reply

    I see on the excursion where it states you have time to tour certain towns. I also have read that you are not allowed to detour from your group. Which is correct? Our cruise is in August and we are trying to pick excursions that allow us to explore the local community. Thank you

  3. Val Stevenson June 17, 2021 at 1:04 pm - Reply

    Paper card received at time of vaccination accepted as proof?

  4. Ken June 13, 2021 at 7:19 pm - Reply

    We are very much looking forward to our Alaska cruise in September. When will HAL put on the website such things as: Will we have to do a PCR test before arriving in Seattle, will we have to do any tests at boarding in Seattle, will we have to do any tests before returning to Seattle, etc.
    Things like that? we know it can change but other lines are putting out that kind of info so we can be preparing.
    Is there somewhere else i can see that info other then..We will follow CDC guidelines, blah blah..
    Thank you

  5. Robert June 12, 2021 at 7:41 pm - Reply

    Will HAL still require the covid 19 shot for 2022 sailings??

  6. Sam Giammo June 2, 2021 at 11:58 am - Reply

    This is welcome news. We are booked on a South American cruise in November, and we are praying that the South America ports will be open.

  7. Teresa Hunt May 28, 2021 at 4:36 pm - Reply

    We are looking for a 2021 Alaska land/sea cruise from 10 -14 days– in July or August or September – Do you have available and do you arrange flights etc.

  8. Kathy Thompson May 23, 2021 at 9:39 pm - Reply

    Will another port be added since Victoria has been taken off?

  9. Christopher Trently May 23, 2021 at 8:21 am - Reply

    I was already booked with my 8 year old daughter. Since she can’t be vaccinated at this time I’m assuming she is not allowed to cruise now?

  10. Angela Simmons May 22, 2021 at 5:41 am - Reply

    What happens to our July 3, 2021 sailing date to Alaska on Oosterdam?

  11. Mollie Williams May 20, 2021 at 8:45 pm - Reply

    Yipeeee! North to Alaska. I’m so happy that we can help the economy of these small towns in Alaska. I have done the Alaska cruise on Holland 6 times and it never gets old. I’m ready to go again.

  12. Sharon May 20, 2021 at 8:21 pm - Reply

    Where do I find the cruises listed on the website for July sailings? Nothing is showing up. Thank you.

  13. John Pruitt May 20, 2021 at 6:32 pm - Reply

    Alaska

  14. Sean May 20, 2021 at 5:27 pm - Reply

    Great news! how about cruises departing prior to July 24? I have a cruise booked on July 4th.

  15. Anne ferguson May 20, 2021 at 5:20 pm - Reply

    Yippee! We are so happy that our cruise will be going in august!!!

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