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As 2025 Bookings Open, Holland America Line Leads Alaska Cruising With Most Glacier, Wildlife And Wilderness Viewing Opportunities

As 2025 Bookings Open, Holland America Line Leads Alaska Cruising With Most Glacier, Wildlife And Wilderness Viewing Opportunities

Brand’s research shows guests see more glaciers in Alaska with Holland America than any other cruise line

Seattle, Wash., July 18, 2023 — The riches of the wilderness take center stage on Holland America Line’s Alaska cruises as the region’s natural wonders and rugged beauty unfold. With the most visits to Alaska’s glaciers and more ways to see  wildlife and wilderness on a shore excursion than any other cruise line, Holland America Line is weaving more than 75 years of Alaska expertise into every facet of the experience.

As the 2025 season opens for booking, Holland America Line is building on the top reasons travelers choose an Alaska cruise — to see glaciers and wildlife — by offering the most Glacier Bay permits in the cruise industry, the most glacier viewing experiences and the most opportunities to see the animals of Alaska with nearly 180 shore excursions that take guests on a wildlife and wilderness encounter.
As 2025 Bookings Open, Holland America Line Leads Alaska Cruising With Most Glacier, Wildlife And Wilderness Viewing Opportunities
Brand’s research shows guests see more glaciers in Alaska with Holland America than any other cruise line

Seattle, Wash., July 18, 2023 — The riches of the wilderness take center stage on Holland America Line’s Alaska cruises as the region’s natural wonders and rugged beauty unfold. With the most visits to Alaska’s glaciers and more ways to see wildlife and wilderness on a shore excursion than any other cruise line, Holland America Line is weaving more than 75 years of Alaska expertise into every facet of the experience.

As the 2025 season opens for booking, Holland America Line is building on the top reasons travelers choose an Alaska cruise — to see glaciers and wildlife — by offering the most Glacier Bay permits in the cruise industry, the most glacier viewing experiences and the most opportunities to see the animals of Alaska with nearly 180 shore excursions that take guests on a wildlife and wilderness encounter.

“Guests choose an Alaska cruise because they want to see a glacier up close and whales in the wild, and we’re proud to be number-one in these areas by offering our guests more ways to experience glaciers, wildlife and wilderness than any other cruise line,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer, Holland America Line. “As we open bookings for our 2025 season, we’re offering an unmatched Alaska: Up Close experience and incentives to start planning now.”

From April through October 2025, guests can embark on Holland America Line’s cruises to Alaska aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam. Departures are roundtrip from Seattle, Washington; roundtrip from Vancouver, Canada; or in either direction between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska.

More Glaciers for Viewing and Visiting

Every Alaska cruise includes a scenic visit to one or more of Alaska’s iconic glaciers where the ships sail up to the face of the ice formations and rotate for a 360-degree view. Holland America Line has more permits to visit Glacier Bay National Park than any cruise line, and the ships also visits several others along the journey: College Fjord, Dawes Glacier, Hubbard Glacier and Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm.

During Glacier Bay scenic cruising, Glacier Bay National Park Rangers visit Holland America Line ships for the day to engage with guests and talk about Alaska’s most famous national park.

In addition to scenic glacier viewing from the ship, guests can get up close to glaciers on a shore excursion, including the Excursions by Catamaran: Hubbard Glacier & Enchanting Disenchantment Bay in Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Inlet and Glacier Explorer to Sawyer Glacier, both boarded directly from the ship; Helicopter Glacier Trek in Juneau where guest land on a glacier or the Five Glaciers Seaplane tour over section of the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Ice Field; and the Wilderness, Wildlife and Glacier Experience in Anchorage.

Whales, Bears, Eagles and More.

With the most shore excursions featuring a wildlife and wilderness encounter, Holland America Line offers nearly 180 tours to see species of all kinds, including: whale watching in Juneau; Sea Otter Quest and Alaska Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bear in Sitka; Wilderness Zodiac Quest in Ketchikan to go in search of bears, eagles and seals; Spasski River Wildlife and Bear Search in Icy Strait Point; Glacier Point Wilderness Safari showcasing whales, sealions and seals, and Haines Eagle Preserve Float and Wildlife Quest to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, both from Skagway.

Wildlife Experts Lead Spotting

wildlife expert on board helps guests witness the majestic animals found in Alaska. Guests can be on the lookout for humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, moose, sea otters, caribou, black and grizzly bears, Dall’s porpoise and more. The daily program highlights designated times to meet the wildlife expert on deck to go in search of the animals in their natural environment.

Holland America Line’s 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.

All cruises on Westerdam roundtrip from Seattle feature a presentation by The Alaska Raptor Center at Sitka. Hosted by the wildlife expert, one of the center’s Avian Care Specialists comes aboard with a raptor (eagle, hawk, owl, etc.) to share insights about Alaska’s majestic birds in World Stage.

‘Alaska Up Close’ Immerses Guests in the Local Culture

Holland America Line’s “Alaska Up Close” deeply immerses guests in the local culture with authentic onboard programming, cruise activities and award-winning shore excursions. The exclusive experiences are delivered through experts leading workshops and lectures from those who know Alaska best, EXC Talks exploring the stories of real Alaskans, tours highlighting the best of each destination and fine dining events showcasing the culinary traditions of the region.

On all Alaska cruises, a Huna Native Interpreter in historical dress comes on board during the evening stay at Juneau to introduce guests to the history of the Tlingit people with “Native Voices: Stories of the Tlingit People.” On the culinary side, guests will find cocktails featuring real glacier ice, an Alaska-themed brunch, Gold Rush dinner, seafood boils, salmon bakes and themed stations in Lido Market.

Serving Only the Freshest Sustainable Seafood

In 2022, Holland America Line was awarded Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification — making it the first cruise line to achieve this distinguished credential by serving only fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood. On any Alaska cruise, the line serves more than 2,000 pounds of Alaska salmon, 1,000 pounds of Alaska cod, 800 pounds of Alaska halibut, 500 pounds of Alaska rockfish and more. All menus highlight “Taste Alaska” by calling out region-specific dishes and fresh fish.

Highlights for 2025 Alaska Cruises:

  • Following an exceptionally popular debut itinerary created for 2024, the 28-day “Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice” cruise aboard Westerdam returns in 2025. Departing June 8 in time for the Summer Solstice, the voyage sails roundtrip from Seattle to the Bering Sea and into the Arctic Circle. Alaskan ports include Anchorage (overnight), Dutch Harbor, Haines (Skagway), Homer, Juneau, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Nome, Seward, Sitka, Valdez and Wrangell, along with Prince Rupert, in Canada. Scenic cruising includes Glacier Bay, Inside Passage, Tracy Arm, College Fjord, Little Diomede Island, Prince William Sound and Hubbard Glacier.
  • The 14-day “Great Alaskan Explorer” itinerary offers an in-depth adventure with eight Alaska ports. Departures are roundtrip from Vancouver.
    • Nieuw Amsterdam (May 4): Anchorage, Homer, Juneau, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Skagway, Valdez and Wrangell, with Endicott Arm/Dawes Glacier.
    • Noordam (Sept. 14), Anchorage, Homer, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Prince Rupert, Skagway, Sitka and Valdez, with Glacier Bay.
  • Seven-day “Northbound Glacier Discovery” and “Southbound Glacier Discovery” itineraries cruise between Whittier (Anchorage) and Vancouver aboard Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam. Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.
  • Seven-day “Alaska Inside Passage” cruises sail roundtrip from Vancouver on Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Zaandam. Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.
  • Seven-day “Alaskan Explorer” cruises sail roundtrip from Seattle aboard Eurodam and Westerdam, and include calls at Victoria, British Columbia (evening visit); and Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka. Eurodam also includes Alaska’s Icy Strait Point and Glacier Bay; Westerdam explores Dawes Glacier.
Rail Europe – Discover Great Britain with an impressive train network via Britrail

Rail Europe – Discover Great Britain with an impressive train network via Britrail

Given that Great Britain was home to the first full-scale working railway, it’s not surprising that it still has a very impressive train network. From the White Cliffs of Dover to the Scottish Highlands, from London to the Lake District, you can count on the trains to take you on an exploratory trip through the country’s history and heritage. Whether you’re travelling to the capitals of London, Edinburgh or Cardiff, to the traditional rural towns of the Cotswolds or to Cornwall, there’s always available rail to make your
adventure the best of British.

UK rail network as below:

Route (point to point tickets) Best Travel Time
Glasgow <> Edinburgh 0hrs 58mins
London Kings Cross <> York 1 hr 51 mins
London Kings Cross <> Cambridge 0 hrs 48 mins
London Kings Cross <> Newcastle 2 hrs 51 mins
London St Pancras <> Nottingham 1 hr 44 mins
London Euston <> Manchester Piccadilly 2 hrs 07 mins
London Euston <> Birmingham New Street 1 hr 22 mins
Birmingham New Street <> Glasgow Central 3 hrs 57 mins
Manchester Piccadilly <> Edinburgh Haymarket 3 hrs 18 mins

Onboard services

Train Companies run many different types of trains across the rail network, offering a range of facilities.
All trains are totally non-smoking and offer Standard seating.

Some trains offer additional facilities such as:

  • Catering
  • WiFi
  • Seat reservations (compulsory reservation may be required, such as LNER services in peak hours)
Philippine Airlines – Bacolod, The City of Smile

Philippine Airlines – Bacolod, The City of Smile

Known as the City of Smiles because of the friendly disposition of its residents, Metro Bacolod – comprised of the cities of Bacolod, Talisay and Silay – boasts heritage mansions, modern culinary offerings and a robust art scene. Complete your visit with a day tour to these nearby getaways.

Things To See & Do

Sipalay
This quiet coastal town four hours from Bacolod City has earned the moniker “Jewel of Negros” for its clear waters and posh waterfront private residences that overlook stone formations covered in lush vegetation. Divers will enjoy exploring any of the 44 diving sites that all promise different species of fish and colorful coral reefs.

Danjugan Island
Getting to this eco-tourism destination involves a three-hour drive from Bacolod City and a 30-minute ferry ride. Once a threatened and over-fished area, Danjugan Island is now a protected sanctuary with thriving marine and terrestrial life. Danjugan has five lagoons, numerous coral reefs and limestone forests, and you can even spend the night.

The Ruins
Take a selfie at The Ruins in Talisay City – a two-level mansion in the middle of an hacienda that was built in early 1900s and destroyed by American troops in WWII.

 

Where To Dine & Drink

Carbin Reef
The whole trip from Bacolod City to this sandbar in the middle of the 32,000ha Sagay Marine Reserve takes about three hours, including a short ferry ride. Dip into the pristine waters while tucking into a feast of ceviche, grilled seafood, chicken and lechon, all prepared by Enting’s Special of Sagay – make sure you give them at least one week’s notice.

Ann Co Cakes
Beat the heat with a bowl of halo-halo at Ann Co Cakes, a dessert store in Silay City

Virgie's Homemade Products
Buy your food souvenirs at Virgie’s Homemade Products – you can’t go wrong with the mango tarts and galletas.

PAL flights schedule from Manila to Bacolod and return

Sector Flight No Departure Arrival Frequency
MNL - BCD PR 2131 12:25 13:40 MON - FRI
BCD – MNL PR 2132 14:30 15:45 MON - FRI - SUN
Aeroflot – Orsk, the city of an admirable historical buildings

Aeroflot – Orsk, the city of an admirable historical buildings

Orsk is a city in the Orenburg region lying at the foot of the Ural Mountains, close to the Kazakhstan–Russia border. You wouldn’t call the city a tourist destination, although its numerous architectural and historical monuments give it a good chance of becoming one. Admirable historical buildings, the famous jasper deposits and a peculiar geographical setting make the city worth visiting.

Mount Preobrazhenskaya is the symbol of the Old City. This is where the first Orsk fortress was founded in 1735. Here you can find a special commemorative plaque and the city’s oldest Preobrazhensky Cathedral. Originally built of wood, it was rebuilt repeatedly to eventually acquire its modern look in the traditional Old Russian style in the late 19th century. Next to it is the Nikolskaya Church.

Besides, the Sovetsky district can boast many old buildings and constructions, such as the house of the merchant Nazarov (1871), the city council office (1890), the mansion of the merchant Aksenov (1910), the residential house of the merchant Matz (1916) and the girl’s high school located in the house of the merchant Khamitov (1914). Built in the German classicism style, Orsk railway station should be given particular attention. Once in the New Town, you should definitely visit the Museum of Local Lore, which unravels the history of these places, the Church of Perpetual Help of Our Lady (the only Catholic church in Orsk) and the Central Park of Culture and Rest to relax after a long walk.

SU flight schedule from Bangkok (BKK) - Sheremetyevo (SVO) - Orsk (OSW) and return.

Sector Flight No Departure Arrival  Frequency
BKK - SVO SU273 02:55  09:15 Saturday
SVO - OSW SU1060 10:45 15:20  Daily
 
Sector Flight No Departure Arrival Frequency
OSW - SVO SU1061 16:20 17:10 Daily 
SVO - BKK SU272 21:25  10:40  Saturday
Discover Italy and Switzerland with the scenic train journey

Discover Italy and Switzerland with the scenic train journey

This panoramic train connects the north of Europe to its south – right through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rhaetian Railway, passing by glaciers on its way down to palm trees.

Itinerary > Tirano - St. Moritz

Hailed as one of the most spectacular train routes in the world, the Bernina Express between the Italian city Tirano and the Swiss Alpine resort St. Moritz is not one to be missed. As well as being a UNESCO World Heritage route, the Bernina Express is the highest train in Europe with its winding track reaching peak altitudes at Ospizio Bernina station (2,253m). Relax behind panoramic windows as you sweep between the contrasting scenery of Italian palms and Swiss glaciers, taking in the many cultural landmarks and engineering highlights along the way. Travel from Tirano to St. Moritz in 2 hrs 11 mins.

Service On Board:

Offer: 

  • Panorama railcars 1st and 2nd class
  • Info train system: a personal, digital travel companion with audio guide and interactive route map. The app can be used free of charge with one’s private mobile device (i.e. smartphone, tablet). It is available in 6 languages: GE, EN, FR, IT, JP, CN.
  •  Audio information in English, German and Italian between Tirano and St. Moritz. Between St. Moritz and Chur in English and Germany only.
  • Bernina Express travel guide at your seat
  • Onboard library in 1st class
  • Bernina Express souvenir certificate, obtainable from the railway stations of Chur, St. Moritz or Tirano on presentation of ticket
  • Bernina Express Souvenir Shop
  •  Handicapped-accessible toilets and wheelchair seating
  •  Free WiFi available

Eating and drinking
On Bernina Express, the minibar serves regional snacks, refreshing drinks and hot coffee directly at the seat:

  • For special occasions and on advanced order, Bernina Express “Catering Packages” offered. The detailed content of these packages is available at berninaexpress.ch.
  •  The train has no dining car. During lunchtime in Poschiavo, Le Prese or in Tirano (Italy) many restaurants are on offer.