Cruise Line Adds “Glacier Day” to Its Alaskan Cruise Itineraries

Holland America Line (HAL) is adding “Glacier Day” to its Alaskan sailings as part of its “We Love Alaska” campaign.

The cruise line says its activities and other similarly themed initiatives will “help foster a deeper connection to the people, history, and culture of the state.” 

As part of Glacier Day, passengers on Alaskan adventures can get to know the region through educational presentations, sighting times, information viewing stations, scenic commentary, and photo opportunities. It will also offer Alaska-themed cocktails and local food.

Each cruise will have a map showing where animals can be found and an expert guide who will point them out along the way. For those who want to explore further, Holland America has almost 180 shore excursions.

Through the Global Fresh Fish Program, cruise ships will serve fresh seafood through its port-to-plate program and unique dishes curated by HAL Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Morimoto.

There will also be a new Alaska Seafood Boil and an Alaskan Brunch Menu for an added fee. Both will be served once during each cruise.

Cocktails include the Klondiker, Midnight Sun, PNW Penicillin, and Juneau AK. These will be prepared by Sam Ross, 2011’s “US Bartender of the Year” and the owner of the “Best Bar in the US” in 2022. Guests can also enjoy the debut of the Killer Whale Pale Ale, the result of a collaboration with Seattle’s oldest craft Brewery, Pike Brewing. 

Passengers who want to support Alaska’s parks can participate in “On Deck for a Cause,” a 5K fundraising walk that benefits ongoing science, research, and educational activities in the region’s local parks. Last year’s event raised over $100,000 for Alaska Geographic.

Which itineraries will host Glacier Day and other Alaskan events?

The new offerings will be available this April 27 for sailings from Vancouver and May 4 for voyages from Seattle. Vessels departing from these 2 cities include Koningsdam, Eurodam, Noordam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Zaandam, and Westerdam. 

Alaskan itineraries span 7, 14, and 28 days. The longest trip, the 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice Legendary Voyage, will visit 12 Alaska ports.

CCO Beth Bodensteiner summed up the value of these initiatives for HAL. “Holland America Line continues to focus on bringing regional and local experiences on board every cruise, with our Alaska sailings leading the way in authentic programming, localized cuisine, and now special events like ‘Glacier Day,” she explained.

A recent industry report revealed that expedition and exploration cruising is the industry’s fastest-growing sector.

From 2019 to 2023, 71% of passengers embarked on these types of itineraries.