By
Alice Chambers |
Holland America Line recorded the highest number of bookings for Alaska cruises since before the Covid-19 pandemic in June 2022.
Alaska offers cruise lines like Holland America the opportunity to provide guests with close-to-home departures that do not require overseas air travel. The scenery, wildlife, history and culture of the state is attracting US visitors, with Alaska as the number one summer domestic destination for Washington travellers and the second most popular nationwide, according to statistics from travel and insurance provider AAA Washington.
Over the Independence Day holiday, AAA Washington travel bookings have shown that the number of people travelling by trains, buses and cruise ships tripled in comparison to 2021.
“Our summer travel inquiries and bookings show people are feeling safe to explore again,” said Michelle Glass, vice president of travel for AAA Washington. “Alaska is one of my favourite places to visit in the summer. A preferred partner, like Holland America Line, helps us provide clients with convenient departures to and from our own backyard to this amazing place, without the added cost of airfare.”
Holland America Line is also continuing to see an increased interest in cruises that only require a short flight or drive from guests’ homes.
“People are excited to travel again while reconnecting with family and friends in a meaningful way,” said Beth Bodensteiner, senior vice president and chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. “We're seeing the pent-up demand leading to increased booking as guests realise cruising is a hassle-free way to enjoy unique destinations such as Alaska.”
The cruise line visits 225 different ports across 91 countries on roundtrip sailings from the USA. It has homeports in Seattle, San Diego in California, Boston in Massachusetts and Fort Lauderdale in Florida.