Seattle, USA — 26 January 2026 — Holland America Line has unveiled a new shore excursion in partnership with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), expanding its Alaska-focused programming for the 2026 cruise season. The announcement was issued from Seattle on 26 January 2026 and reinforces the cruise line’s longstanding commitment to immersive, education-driven experiences in the region.
According to the official release, the newly introduced excursion will provide guests with access to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, research, education and quality animal care. The experience is designed to offer meaningful insight into native species and their habitats while supporting responsible tourism practices.
Beth Bodensteiner, President of Holland America Line, said:
“Alaska has been central to our identity for more than 75 years. By introducing this new partnership with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, we are providing guests with deeper connections to the wildlife and natural beauty that make this destination so extraordinary.”
The excursion will allow guests to explore the AWCC’s expansive natural habitat, which houses a range of Alaskan wildlife species. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe animals up close while learning about conservation efforts, rehabilitation programmes and the centre’s role in protecting native fauna.
Holland America Line emphasised that the partnership aligns with its broader sustainability strategy and commitment to supporting local communities in the destinations it visits. The cruise line has long positioned Alaska as a cornerstone of its deployment, operating a robust seasonal programme that includes scenic cruising, Glacier Bay National Park visits and port calls in destinations such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
The addition of the AWCC excursion strengthens Holland America Line’s portfolio of wildlife and nature-based experiences in Alaska. Educational components are integrated into the programme, allowing guests to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s ecosystems beyond traditional sightseeing tours.
For travel advisors, the new excursion provides an enhanced selling point for clients interested in responsible tourism and wildlife engagement. Nature-focused experiences remain a key driver of Alaska cruise demand, particularly among travellers seeking purposeful travel that combines scenic exploration with conservation awareness.
From a Middle East perspective, Alaska continues to attract travellers seeking cooler-climate escapes and dramatic landscapes during the summer months. Wildlife-centric shore excursions such as the AWCC partnership may appeal to GCC-based families and couples looking for immersive, educational experiences that complement luxury cruise comfort.
As outbound cruise demand from the Middle East diversifies beyond traditional Mediterranean itineraries, Alaska’s unique proposition — glaciers, wildlife and conservation-led programming — offers a differentiated product for long-haul travellers.
The introduction of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center excursion reinforces Holland America Line’s strategy of deepening destination partnerships and delivering authentic, regionally rooted experiences. By aligning its shore programming with conservation initiatives, the cruise line continues to integrate environmental stewardship into its Alaska offering.
Source: Official Holland America Line announcement, 26 January 2026, Seattle.
