First Cruise Ship HAL’s Koningsdam, Returns to Canada, Line Introduces New Experiences in Alaska

First Cruise Ship Set to Return to Canada as Country Reopens Cruising After Two-Year Absence, Holland America Line’s Koningsdam Calls at Victoria and Vancouver April 9 and 10 with local governments holding celebratory events

Holland America Line will be the first cruise line to return to Canadian cruising following a more than two year industrywide pause due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Koningsdam will call at Victoria, British Columbia, Saturday, April 9, restarting the cruise industry in Canada. The following day the ship will end its current seven-day cruise at Port of Vancouver, its homeport for the summer Alaska season.

“We are thrilled to be the first cruise line back into Canada after such a long absence, and we look forward to celebrating a great moment for everyone who loves to travel and for those in Canada and Alaska whose livelihoods depend on tourism,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Holland America Line has a robust schedule of cruises that explore Canadian ports on both coasts with Alaska, Hawaii, transatlantic and Canada and New England itineraries.”

Koningsdam’s call at Victoria marks 905 days since a cruise ship has visited the port, and it also will be a maiden call for the ship. To mark the milestones, Antorcha and local government officials will be on hand in both Victoria and Vancouver to celebrate the return to Canadian cruising and address the importance Canada and Alaska to Holland America Line.

In 2022, six Holland America Line ships will call at Victoria and Vancouver for the Alaska cruise season. In total, the six ships will make 45 calls at Victoria and bring nearly 75,000 guests to the port, and 76 cruises begin or end at Vancouver, welcoming approximately 140,000 guests.

For Canada and New England cruising on the East Coast, two ships return in May and cruise between Boston, Massachusetts, and Quebec City or Montreal, Quebec. Nieuw Statendam and Zaandam offer itineraries ranging from seven to 24 days to more than 12 Canadian ports.

In total for 2022, Holland America Line operates 141 cruises on eight ships in Canada with more than 250,000 guests visiting both coasts. 

NOTE: Holland America Line has been exploring Alaska since 1947, and to mark the 75-year milestone, the brand is announcing multiple new and exciting offerings on board its ships this season! These offerings and experiences are designed to focus on the culture, cuisine, and immersive adventures HAL offers, as well as celebrate the Alaskan culture firsthand.

One of the most iconic things about Alaskan culture is the traditionally prepared Alaskan food, and what could be more representative than the freshest wild Alaskan salmon caught that very same day, prepared by Holland America Line’s world-renowned Culinary Council? The “Port to Table” program follows a guest chef who will guide guests through the culinary traditions of Alaska during live cooking demonstrations and fine dining events, while “Savor My Catch” brings ocean-to-table dining to a whole new level as guests who catch their own fish during shore-focused excursions can have it prepared and served on board in a true ocean-to-table experience.

To cap off the experience and to mark the 75th Diamond Anniversary of Alaskan cruises, as well as appeal to the luxury seekers on board, Holland America Line has teamed up with Effy Jewelry to create an exclusive diamond collection inspired by the glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park. The collection is derived of multiple pieces that will not be available in-store or online and can only be purchased on board this summer.

After a long day exploring the glaciers, guests will likely want to sit back and relax at the refreshing Greenhouse Spa & Salon, offering a curated menu of treatments designed to pamper even the most hardened adventurer. This summer, guests will be able to immerse themselves in the all-new Glacial Mud Wrap, where they will be wrapped in glacier mud and experience the healing powers of the mud in a float deprivation bed.

And what could speak to true Alaskan culture more than traditionally prepared Alaskan food, including the freshest wild Alaskan salmon caught that very same day, prepared by Holland America Line’s world-renowned Culinary Council? The “Port to Table” program follows a guest chef who will guide guests through the culinary traditions of Alaska during live cooking demonstrations and fine dining events, while “Savor My Catch” brings ocean-to-table dining to a whole new level as guests who catch their own fish during shore-focused excursions can have it prepared and served on board in a true ocean-to-table experience.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.