Taking immediate advantage of the news that Congress has passed the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, both Holland America Line and Princess Cruises have already scheduled their 2021 return to the region. COVID-19 vaccinations will be required for all guests.
It’s important to note, however, that President Biden still has to sign the bill, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must approve sailings from the U.S. before these cruises can officially proceed.
“The Last Frontier is eager to welcome the return of the cruise industry this summer to restart our economy,” said Mike Dunleavy, governor of Alaska, in a press release. “Cruising has a tremendous impact on the people of our state and our communities, especially in the southeast, and we’re thrilled to finally see a light with the impending return of the cruise ships.”
Holland America Line
Bookings are now open for 10 Holland America Line (HAL) Alaska cruises between July 24 and Oct. 2, 2021. Nieuw Amsterdam will embark on its seven-day Alaskan Explorer, which includes stops at Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Ketchikan, as well as scenic cruising of Glacier Bay and Stephens Passage.
“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 HAL. “Given the recent positive collaboration from the CDC, as well as optimism about a resolution with the [Passenger Vessel Services Act], we feel like it’s now or never to give ourselves a chance to bring cruising back to Alaska this year.”
Holland America, as well as Princess, state that regulatory fulfillment of the temporarily waived Passenger Vessel Services Act and final approval from the CDC are expected in time to sail, and so the brands are now gearing up accordingly.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is also preparing its OceanMedallion-equipped Majestic Princess for seven-day roundtrip Seattle cruises between July 25 and Sept. 26, 2021. The route will include Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.
“We have been working toward this moment to return to service for over a year, and starting with our Alaska cruise vacations is incredibly gratifying,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess. “We would like to offer our sincerest appreciation to Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, Congressman Don Young and Governor Mike Dunleavy for their tireless efforts on behalf of the many small businesses that are the backbone of Alaska tourism.”
“In addition, we would like to thank our longstanding partners at the CDC, and in both Alaska and the Port of Seattle, who helped make this happen,” Swartz added. “Our passion has always been to provide our guests with a truly remarkable travel experience. We are thrilled to be able to do that again, safely with confidence.”
The Details
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
