Holland America Line will debut a new souvenir, Eland the plush moose, on all six ships cruising in Alaska beginning in April, with later availability at Holland America Denali Lodge.
The moose's name reflects the cruise line's Dutch heritage, as "eland" means "moose" in English. Eland joins the company's existing mascot, Lewie the Lion, which is available for purchase fleet-wide year-round.
For each Eland purchased during the 2025 Alaska season, Holland America Line will donate $2 to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), extending a partnership that began in 2024.
The AWCC provides care for injured and orphaned animals in spacious enclosures. Holland America Line offers shore excursions to the center where guests can safely interact with resident moose.
Two specific excursions to the center are available: "Portage Glacier Cruise & Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center" for in-transit guests in Anchorage, and "Turnagain Arm, Wildlife Conservation Center & Alyeska Tram with Airport Transfer" for guests disembarking in Whittier.
Holland America Line emphasizes its wildlife viewing opportunities throughout Alaska cruises. A wildlife expert helps passengers spot various native animals, including moose, whales, eagles, bears and marine mammals. The cruise line provides a Wildlife Spotting Guide that includes a map showing optimal viewing locations for different species, and wildlife sightings are announced between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily.
For the 2025 season, Holland America Line will operate six ships in Alaska with itineraries ranging from seven-day cruises to longer 14-day ones and a 28-day Arctic Circle route including 12 Alaskan ports. The company also offers Cruisetours combining cruises with visits to Denali National Park and the Yukon.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Holland America Line. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
