Cruise travelers are adjusting to our changing world in a number of ways. Threats of terror around the planet had stalled plans for international travel.  Still, the closed and secure environment enjoyed on cruise ships, as well as their mobility did not pause those plans for long. Discount prices on future cruise bookings and discounted airfare piqued the interest of those considering an international trip.  An early sign of long held travel dreams coming off the back burner and into the spotlight comes from increased Alaska demand.

 

 

Holland America Line, considered the travelers choice for all things Alaska and the singular choice for the Canadian Yukon, is adding another ship in 2017 to handle increasing demand.  The numeric karma at work here on the numbers alone is significant: 7 ships on Holland  America Line’s 70th year in Alaska.

“Our award-winning Alaska cruises are at the heart of our global itineraries,” -Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line president

Newly added ms Oosterdam joins other Holland America mid-size ships ms Amsterdam, ms Eurodam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Noordam, ms Volendam and ms Zaandam on a total of 135 Alaska departures, more than any other cruise line. As noted in the past: Holland America pretty much owns Alaska.

 

Increased Alaska Demand Brings More Ships
Holland America will redeploy ms Oosterdam from sometimes sketchy Europe to the solidly safe Alaska market for the 2017 summer season, bringing the number of Holland America Line ships to seven in the region. That total of 135 Alaska departures includes 126 seven-day cruises plus nine 14-day “Great Alaskan Explorer” sailings between late April and late September. Highlights include 46 seven-day cruises round-trip from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Nieuw Amsterdam, Volendam, Noordam and Zaandam. In addition, Noordam and Zaandam each will sail 18 one-way alternating north-south seven-day cruises between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska.

 

 

Increased Alaska Demand Brings Newer Ship
Also in 2017, Eurodam will replace ms Westerdam sailing from Seattle, bringing another Signature Class ship with more new restaurants and venues available for guests to enjoy on Alaska sailings.

Holland America Line will now offer 126 seven-day cruises and nine 14-day “Great Alaskan Explorer” sailings that begin in late April and run through late September. Highlights include 46 seven-day cruises roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Nieuw Amsterdam, Volendam, Noordam and Zaandam. In addition, Noordam and Zaandam each will sail 18 one-way alternating north-south seven-day cruises between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska.

 

Seattle’s Hometown Cruise Line Satisfies Increased Alaska Demand

Oosterdam is slated to sail 21 seven-day cruises roundtrip from Seattle
Eurodam will depart Seattle on 22 roundtrip seven-day cruises,
Amsterdam is scheduled to sail one seven-day itinerary from Seattle followed by nine 14-day Great Alaskan Explorer voyages.

Interesting Points About Holland America Line’s Seattle Ships

• Universal Ports- Oosterdam’s seven-day roundtrip Seattle itineraries will call at Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
• Scenic Cruising- Guests on board will enjoy scenic cruising in Puget Sound upon departing Seattle, as well as in Stephens Passage and Hubbard Glacier in Alaska.
• Inside Passage For All– Every itinerary is highlighted by scenic cruising of Alaska’s Inside Passage and one or more of Alaska’s famous glaciers and fjords.
• Glaciers For All- Whether it’s from a private verandah or out on deck, guests are in for a memorable view of Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm and/or the twin Sawyer Glaciers.|
• Included On All Seattle sailings– All Seattle departures include calls at Sitka; Ketchikan; Juneau; and Victoria, B.C.
• Choice Of Glaciers- Itineraries offer a choice between either Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier. All Glacier Bay itineraries include park ranger and Huna native speaker presentations.
• New Ship Features– Popular on new ms Koningsdam, Eurodam and Oosterdam now have the Gallery Bar, Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard Onboard

 

Here’s more on Holland America Line’s Alaska:

 

 

Helpful Holland America Line links

• Holland America Ships
• Current Promotions
• Destinations
• Planning Tool