Holland America Will Offer An "Immersion" Instead of An Excursion

HAL's new "Alaska Up Close" will offer guests access to activities and experiences that they won't find anywhere else.

This year, Holland America Line will celebrate 75 years of cruising in Alaska. As part of the celebration, the line has decided to reinvent what happens to your salmon when you visit Alaska.

Holland America's Beth Bodensteiner, senior vice president and chief commercial officer said, "Alaska is so abundant that it needs to be explored and presented differently and with 'Alaska Up Close' our guests will have access to activities and experiences that they won't find anywhere else".

Through authentic experiences on board and ashore that focus on culture, cuisine, and immersive adventures, "Alaska Up Close" allows guests to discover, taste, and experience the real Alaska. Guests won't just cruise Glacier Bay; they will discover its ecosystem from native tribe members and National Park Rangers. Guest won't simply eat seafood; they will taste the salmon they caught that day and have it prepared by Holland America Line chefs.

Bodensteiner added, "We want our guests to be immersed in Alaska from the moment they step on board, and as we celebrate 75 years of exploring Alaska in 2022, we tapped into our unparalleled expertise to craft memorable and exclusive programming."

Guests will learn the science and history of Alaska's splendors as naturalists lead workshops and host wildlife spotting on deck. Itineraries that include Glacier Bay National Park will feature a Park Ranger and a member of the Huna Tlingit Tribe who will share their insights, offer commentary and answer questions.

Food lovers will find much to explore on an Alaska cruise, and through an array of exclusive FOOD & WINE shore excursions guests can tap into Alaska's unique gastronomic scene. Developed in partnership with the culinary authority, guests can dine on some of the world's freshest seafood, sample Anchorage's craft beer, taste fire-warmed sourdough rolls and attend an authentic crab feast or salmon bake.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.