While Holland America has always done Alaska so very well, the line has really stepped up its game this year with “Alaska up Close,” offering new Alaska-themed dining and beverage experiences, Alaska-focused EXC Talks, wildlife viewing and educational opportunities with an onboard naturalist, and locals brought onboard at several ports to offer presentations. Guests can even participate in “On Deck for a Cause: Alaska’s Parks,” a 5k fundraising walk to raise money for Alaska Geographic, the nonprofit educational partner of Alaska’s parks, forests, refuges, and conservation lands.
My family and I were lucky enough to experience these enhanced offerings on our recent Alaska cruise onboard the Westerdam. The talks and presentations were fabulous and, despite having cruised to Alaska dozens of times, we learned so many new and fascinating things. Even my 10-year-old was captivated by them and willingly abandoned the pool to attend something akin to school! But, as should come as no surprise to anyone who knows or follows us, we were most impressed by the FOOD!
Here are the current breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus served in the main dining room and Lido Marketplace buffet on Holland America Alaska itineraries as well as four special cocktails featuring real glacial ice. I have also linked to my Instagram account under several of the menus where I posted photographs and descriptions of the food we ordered.
WARNING: MAY CAUSE EXTREME HUNGER AND AN OVERWHELMING COMPULSION TO BOOK AN ALASKAN CRUISE ON HOLLAND AMERICA! PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK!
A special Alaska brunch was served in the MDR from 10am-12:30pm on our last full day. Here was the menu:
Yes, the glacial ice is real! It’s harvested by state permit among floating glacier bergs in Prince William Sound and is, indeed, clean and safe to consume. We tried two of the new cocktails on our most recent HAL cruise to Alaska:
Here’s the menu:
And with that…
Class Dismissed!
Homework (10 points): Which of the special Alaska-themed menu items are you most looking forward to trying?
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