The 2017 summer cruise season grew more enticing with Holland America’s introduction of the MS Oosterdam. From late April through late September she will sail to and from Alaska, joining six other Holland America ships and contributing to a total of 135 departures — more than any other cruise line operating this northwest route. Sailings range from seven-day voyages to 14-day Great Alaskan Explorer itineraries. The schedule features 46 seven-day round-trip cruises from Vancouver, B.C., and 21 seven-day round-trip departures from Seattle, with Alaska port calls that typically include Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan, plus Victoria, B.C., in Canada.
Passengers aboard these Alaska cruises can expect scenic highlights such as Puget Sound, Stephens Passage and the impressive Hubbard Glacier. Every Alaska itinerary includes travel through the Inside Passage and visits to at least one of the region’s glaciers or fjords. Signature Alaskan sights on the itineraries include Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm and the twin Sawyer Glaciers, offering diverse opportunities to see glaciers, wildlife and coastal landscapes.
The Oosterdam and her fleetmates also offer refreshed accommodations and new onboard experiences. Suites on both the Oosterdam and Eurodam received updates that include new furniture and soft goods, renovated bathrooms and upgraded entertainment systems. Public spaces and programming have been enhanced as well: the new Gallery Bar replaces the former Northern Lights lounge; live performances are presented on the Lincoln Center Stage through a partnership with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts; and music programming has been expanded with Billboard Onboard in collaboration with Billboard, bringing curated music content and themed shows to guests.
With a mix of shorter round-trip cruises and longer exploratory voyages, Holland America’s expanded Alaska deployment in 2017 aimed to provide travelers with more options to experience the region’s dramatic scenery and glacier encounters while enjoying upgraded staterooms and elevated entertainment offerings.