Holland America is still celebrating its 150th anniversary with the arrival of Eurodam at the Port of Seattle to start its 2023 Alaska season.
The celebration at the Port of Seattle began on Pier 91 and included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Miss Washington Regan Gallo and Miss Alaska Jessica Reisinger and a performance by an ensemble from the University of Washington marching band.
Holland America Line also presented a commemorative plaque to the Port of Seattle along with a donation to The Pastry Project. The Pastry Project is a Seattle based organization that provides a community kitchen and free baking and pastry training to individuals with “barriers to education and employment in the industry.”
Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line’s chief commercial officer, said, “As the pioneer and leader in Alaska cruising, Holland America Line is excited to start the season today celebrating our 150th Anniversary in our hometown. Not only is Holland America Line headquartered in Seattle, but it’s a key homeport for our brand. With two ships based here and four more in Vancouver through September, we’re ready for a robust Alaska season of cruising and cruise tours including land trips to Denali and Yukon.”
Westerdam, which will arrive on May 7, will also homeport in Seattle for the Alaska season.
Eurodam and Westerdam will sail similar itineraries throughout the season. Eurodam will sail “Alaskan Explorer” round trip itineraries with stops in Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia, along with cruising through Glacier Bay. After the Alaska season, she will sail a 32-night repositioning cruise to Fort Lauderdale, Florida through the Panama Canal.
Westerdam’s itineraries will differ in that guests will not call on Icy Strait Point, but will enjoy scenic cruising near Hubbard Glacier. Westerdam’s repositioning cruise will take her back to Yokohama.
Today, Holland America Line will also hold a celebration in Vancouver where they also sail Alaskan voyages. Noordam will present a 150th Anniversary commemorative plaque to the Port of Vancouver and. Donation to YWCA Crabtree Corner.
YWCA Crabtree Corner is a community and resource center for women and children. They offer services such as transitional housing, parenting programs, a community kitchen and programs for women who have been abused.
Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Volendam will also sail from Vancouver this season offering amazing itineraries to the Last Frontier. Between the two ports, Holland America Line is expecting more than 250,000 guests to sail and celebrate all that Alaska and the cruise line has to offer this season.