Holland America Line recently completed its 2022 Alaska program after a full season of 107 cruises and cruisetours on six ships. According to a press release, the season in the destination ended on Oct. 6, with the Eurodam and the Koningsdam making their final port calls in Ketchikan before departing for Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, respectively.

“As this successful season comes to a close, we’re pleased to see increased interest in Alaska 2023,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Alaska is a bucket-list destination, and people are eager to visit.” We’re seeing bookings that are significantly higher than in previous seasons prior to the industry pause.”

The 2022 season marked Holland America Line’s 75th anniversary of exploring Alaska. To commemorate the occasion, the cruise line launched a “Love Letters to Alaska” contest, new “Alaska Up Close” shipboard programming, a “We Love Alaska” marketing campaign, and two new partnerships that highlight the brand’s commitment to serving sustainable Alaska seafood.

“Holland America Line’s 75th Anniversary in Alaska got off to an incredible start with Koningsdam as the first ship back in Canada in over two years, and we kept building momentum with new immersive programming, partnerships focused on sustainability, and more,” Antorcha added.

“No other cruise line can deliver Alaska like Holland America Line,” he added. “This season, we focused all of our expertise and passion on giving guests a memorable Alaska experience that touched all elements of their vacation, from enrichment to culinary to shoreside tours.”

On the first day of the season, April 8, the Koningsdam became the first cruise ship to call in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada in over two years. It had been 905 days since a cruise ship had visited the port, and it was also the ship’s maiden call for the 2016-built vessel. The Koningsdam arrived in Vancouver the next day to begin its Alaska season.

During the 2022 season, Holland America debuted its “Alaska Up Close” program, which the company claims immerses guests on Alaska cruises in local culture through authentic onboard programming, cruise activities, and award-winning shore excursions. Holland America Line also highlighted its collaboration with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, which resulted in the company exclusively using Alaska seafood on all six ships serving the region. The Carnival Corporation premium brand also mentioned its Responsible Fisheries Management certification.

During the season, it became the first cruise line to achieve this certification by serving only fresh, certified sustainable, and traceable wild Alaska seafood, according to the company. Holland America added a “We Love Alaska” logo below the bridge of all six ships sailing in Alaska to commemorate its 75th anniversary of exploration. According to the press release, the campaign was conceived as a way to demonstrate the region’s devotion to the locals.