17 culture and flavours of the region,” she explains. “Cocktails feature Alaska-made ingredients like Juneauper Gin and are served over glacial ice harvested (under state permit) from naturally calved pieces. On the first sea day, there is an Alaskathemed brunch showcasing regional ingredients, while the menus and daily programmes incorporate artwork by Alaska Native artist Rico Worl. Our Seafood Boil, featuring wild Alaska seafood, has become a guest favourite.” To further elevate the onboard experience, Holland America Line has created the Alaska Up Close programming in partnership with the National Park Service. Rangers, cultural interpreters and wildlife experts board the ships at Glacier Bay to lead talks, run junior ranger activities and help guests spot whales, eagles and bears. “Enrichment becomes an unforgettable part of the journey,” says Bodensteiner. “Hands-on cultural demonstrations, storytelling sessions and locally inspired programming make the onboard experience feel deeply connected to the land and its people.” Holland America Line takes a similar approach to fully immerse guests in the local culture when sailing in Northern Europe too. “The ‘Dutch Touch’ is woven into our identity – and it’s something guests experience in subtle but meaningful ways,” she says. “On sailings throughout the region, guests enjoy seafood sourced in Scandinavia and exclusive cocktails curated by award-winning Dutch bartender Tess Posthumus. Local musicians come onboard the ships to provide entertainment that creates a true sense of place before guests step ashore – for instance, they can watch oompah bands in Warnemünde, Germany. Plus, engaging port talks give guests an insider insight into the destinations they’ll explore the next day. “Whether it’s through regionally inspired cuisine, destination-specific entertainment, partnerships with local experts, or culturally immersive enrichment programming, our goal is simple: to make the onboard experience feel as authentic and memorable as the places we visit. Together, these elements create a journey that is fully immersive from start to finish – one that allows guests to truly connect with the world around them.” This immersive approach is paying dividends in Northern Europe. According to Bodensteiner, the brand is “experiencing exceptional growth” in demand for cruises in the region, with its research indicating that nearly half of its guests rank the region among their top “dream destinations”. Guests also cite fjord cruising as a “particular standout” option. “Northern Europe has always been central to who we are as a company, so it’s exciting to see more guests discovering the region’s appeal,” says Bodensteiner. “As our roots are in Rotterdam, we bring a level of authenticity and expertise that is hard to match. Guests are looking for meaningful travel – dramatic landscapes, culturally rich cities and the chance for in-depth explorations – and Northern Europe delivers all of that. In fact, demand for Europe as a whole is strong, with bookings for our 2026 season up more than one-third year-over-year.” To meet this demand, the brand will expand its presence in Northern Europe in a “very intentional way” in 2027 by deploying Zuiderdam alongside Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam. The ships will be based in the region between April and December, operating voyages ranging from seven to 21 days in length. “Adding a third ship gives guests more opportunities to explore Norway, Iceland, the British Isles and beyond, Northern European destinations like Lofoten in Norway are becoming increasingly popular with cruise guests KEYNOTE
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