Holland America Restarts Alaska Cruises in July 2021

If all goes as planned, with the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act passed and guidance from the CDC, Holland America Line announced plans to restart cruising to Alaska roundtrip from Seattle, Washington. The 2,106-passenger Nieuw Amsterdam will begin cruises to Alaska at the end of July.

The cruise line is now taking reservations for 10 Saturday departures beginning July 24 and ending on Oct. 2. The seven-day “Alaskan Explorer” itinerary visits Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Ketchikan. Scenic cruising includes Glacier Bay and Stephens Passage.

While waiting for final instructions from the CDC and compliance with the Passenger Vessel Services Act waiver, Holland America has been gearing up to resume cruises to Alaska. 

“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.

On board, Nieuw Amsterdam will offer the expected and signature Holland America features. Dining will be available in all restaurants and specialty venues, as well as room service. The main show lounge will have performances, 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.

Why Cruise Holland America to 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.

READ MORE:  Review: Whale-Watching Shore Excursion in Juneau

Completed Vaccines Doses are Required

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.

As of now and subject to change as CDC, public health and medical guidance evolves, Holland America Line’s onboard program provides steps to enhance public health. Travelers are encouraged to regularly check hollandamerica.com since updates will be posted as new procedures are finalized and existing protocols may evolve.

Full details, including information on shore excursions, are being finalized and will be shared in the coming weeks athollandamerica.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.

Those who were booked 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.