When the Alaska season starts, Holland America Line guests will have a new majestic friend to take home as a souvenir. Eland the plush moose will be available for purchase starting in April on all six ships cruising in Alaska and at a later date, at Holland America Denali Lodge. An iconic symbol of The Great Land, Eland represents Holland America Line’s commitment to protecting the region’s wildlife and its passion for introducing guests to the diverse landscape — offering more ways to experience Alaska’s wildlife than any other cruise line.
Eland also pays homage to Holland America Line’s European heritage — the Dutch word “eland” translates to “moose” in English. Eland joins mascot Lewie the Lion, who is also available for purchase aboard all ships year-round.
To commemorate Eland’s arrival, Holland America Line is donating $2 of every plush moose purchase during the 2025 Alaska season to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), building on a partnership that began in 2024.
AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals, providing them with spacious enclosures and quality animal care. Holland America Line offers responsible moose encounters at the AWCC facility, allowing visitors to safely get up close and personal with the resident moose. Holland America Line guests can feed the moose right out of their hands while AWCC’s staff shares information about moose diet, behavior, and wild counterparts.
Guests on a Holland America Line Alaska cruise that includes Anchorage or Whittier have the opportunity to visit AWCC with two shore excursions: Portage Glacier Cruise & Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for in-transit guests visiting Anchorage and Turnagain Arm, Wildlife Conservation Center & Alyeska Tram with Airport Transfer for guests debarking in Whittier.
More Alaska Wildlife Viewing Than Any Other Cruise Line
The moose is native to Alaska and just one of the many animals that can be witnessed on an Alaska cruise. A wildlife expert on board helps guests spot moose, whales, eagles, bears, otters, seals, sea lions, and more. 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. Between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., wildlife sightings are announced for guest viewing.
The wildlife experience continues ashore. With the most shore excursions featuring wildlife and wilderness encounters, Holland America Line offers nearly 180 tours to see species of all kinds, including the two shore excursions to AWCC.
In 2025, Holland America Line will offer Alaska cruises and Cruisetours on six ships. In addition to seven-day itineraries, guests can take longer 14-day voyages and a 28-day Arctic Circle that includes 12 Alaska ports. Holland America Line is the only cruise line that ventures up into the heart of the Yukon on a Cruisetour that combines a cruise and visit to Denali National Park.