Introduction

As those who follow me know, I have roughly the same number of cruises to Alaska logged as years of life (which might not be that impressive save for my prolific wrinkles and gray hairs). And while I’m not loyal to any cruise line and have sailed them all many times to Alaska, Holland America remains my favorite. But with the news that dropped today, now I have another excuse to book a HAL cruise to Alaska! Read on!

Eat Chocolate on a Cruise Ship to Benefit Wildlife?

It might sound too good to be true, but that’s just what today’s announcement from Holland America involves. Count me in! Here are the details.

As part of the 2025 Alaska cruise season, Holland America is introducing new onboard experiences to raise funds for the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) and awareness of Alaska wildlife among passengers.

What’s does the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center do?

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a renowned nonprofit sanctuary located in Seward dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and care for orphaned and injured animals. The sanctuary maintains over 200 acres of habitat for resident bears, moose, bison, muskox, wolves, porcupines, and more. You can read more about the organization on their website.

How will Holland America be Raising Funds for the AWCC?

–Harry & David’s Moose Munch® Premium Popcorn will be sold onboard with 3% of the cruise line’s net sales donated directly to AWCC. The popcorn will cost $3.50 per bag and will be available to purchase in both Grand Dutch Café and Crow’s Nest Café (as well as the Library Café on select ships) and as part of the new stateroom snack bar.

–Two newly crafted cocktails will be offered on 2025 Alaska cruises, with $1 from each drink purchased going to AWCC. Inspired by the Alaska wildlife at AWCC, the cruise line is launching the “Grizzly Bear Hugo’s Spritz,” a classic spritz made with St-Germain, Ca’Marian Prosecco, and soda water and the “Pip & Jo’s Moscow Moose,” a spin on the classic Moscow Mule, containing Sazerac Rye, ginger beer, grapefruit juice, and Disaronno Amaretto.

–Eland the plush moose will be available for purchase in the shops on Alaska cruises and at Holland America’s Denali Lodge with $2 from each sale going to AWCC.

Shore Excursions to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

In an effort to educate cruisers on Alaska wildlife and raise awareness about the work of the center, cruisers on itineraries that include Anchorage or Whittier will have an opportunity to visit AWCC with three shore excursions: 

1. Exclusive Reindeer Encounter with Airport or Downtown Transfer

Tour Description (provided by Holland America): Your destination is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research and quality animal care. AWCC takes in orphaned and injured animals and provides them with a forever home. Resident animals are encouraged to display natural wild behavior and to be ambassadors for their species.

Your coach is your transportation through the facility. A step-on specialist guide introduces you to the wildlife. You’ll stop at the bear enclosures — a great opportunity to ask questions as your guide shares stories of how the animals came to the Center and how they are cared for. 

Enter the reindeer habitat for an exclusive Reindeer Encounter experience. How do these animals, known as caribou in the wild, adapt to domestication? Your guide has history and interesting facts to share. There’s time for photos of you and your reindeer friend and you can handfeed the reindeer as well. 

Enjoy a brief time on your own to explore some more before you head to Anchorage along the National Scenic Byway of the Seward Highway. It’s a 60-minute drive to the airport and/or the downtown hospitality center.

2. Portage Glacier Cruise & Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Tour Description (provided by Holland America): For in-transit guests visiting Anchorage. Enjoy a narrated tour to Portage, an hour south of Anchorage, along the Seward Highway.

Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. The Conservation Center is a refuge for orphaned and injured wildlife, such as moose, musk oxen, bears, caribou, bison and birds. The animals are kept in large enclosures resembling their natural habitat.

Explore the extensive gift shop at the center with a wide selection of handmade Alaskan arts and crafts.

Take a cruise aboard the mv Ptarmigan to within 300 yards of Portage Glacier for fantastic views of the blue-white icebergs that decorate Portage Lake. The cruise is narrated by a US Forest Service representative.

3. Turnagain Arm, Wildlife Conservation Center & Alyeska Tram with Airport Transfer

Tour Description (provided by Holland America): For guests debarking in Whittier. Head to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where animals unable to survive in the wild find refuge in spacious habitats. Here, you can safely get close to, observe and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land mammals, including moose, bison, bears and musk ox. Enjoy a guided tour before 60 minutes of free time to shop or explore on your own.

A 30-minute panoramic drive brings you to the base of mighty Mt Alyeska — a year-round destination. Ride Alyeska Resort’s Glacier Express tram and take in panoramic views of Turnagain Arm and the surrounding valley from 2,300 feet above sea level. You’ll have close to two hours here, including time for shopping and purchasing lunch (at your own expense).

The Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary is located at the southern end of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. It’s a photographer’s paradise with a chance to see rare migratory birds, spawning salmon and other wildlife surrounded by the beauty of the Chugach National Forest and Cook Inlet.

The Seward Highway — Alaska’s Scenic Byway — brings you to Anchorage. Enjoy picturesque mountain views as you travel 60 minutes to the hospitality center or airport, depending upon your itinerary.

Final Thoughts

Although I’d already planned on hopping on at least one Holland America cruise to Alaska this summer, now I can further justify leaving my family behind for *another* Alaska cruise by saying, “I’m doing it for the animals!” (And the chocolate and cocktails, but we won’t tell them that part!) And with that…

Class Dismissed!

Today’s Bonus Cruising Tip

I always buy travel insurance to cover my cruises, but I never purchase it through Holland America. It costs more and usually covers far less than policies you purchase on your own. I go through sites like travelinsurance.com* to compare plans and prices and get the best deal for the coverage I want. It’s a simple process – enter your travel dates, total travel costs (including air, hotel, and cruise fare), and answer a few basic questions about yourself and see a list of quotes for plans with reviews. Spend less on insurance and spend more on excursions, special onboard cruise experiences and…future cruises!

Homework (10 points): Share to the comments what you think of these new offerings and Holland America’s partnership with AWCC.

*I earn a small commission on purchases made through links on my site, including from travelinsurance.com All funds go toward the work to maintain profcruise.com. Thanks for your support!