Seattle's billion-dollar Alaskan cruise season kicks off with Holland America Line
Holland America kicks off Alaska cruise season in Seattle
Holland America Line has launched its Alaska cruise season from Seattle, marking the start of a busy travel period. Port officials expect the season to bring a major boost to the local economy.
SEATTLE - Holland America Line kicked off its Alaska cruise season on Saturday with a celebration. As the sweet sounds of the University of Washington alumni band floated through the air, FOX 13 captured people of all ages with their suitcases in hand, boarding the ship.
"We’re here to celebrate our first sailing of our Alaska season aboard the beautiful Eurodam," Bill Fletcher, senior director of sales enablement for the Holland America Line said.
He explained that the Eurodam is leaving Seattle and headed to Alaska. The cruise line has departures on Saturday and Sunday, and this ship can hold 2,100 people, according to Holland America Line.
Holland America Line's Eurodam ship first sailing of 2026 season in Seattle
What they're saying:
"Holland America is the hometown cruise line for Seattle. We’re very proud to have our headquarters right here in Seattle," Fletcher said.
Port of Seattle officials estimate this cruise season will bring $1.2 billion to our local economy.
Holland America Line staff opens Seattle-Alaska cruising season 2026
On Saturday, Holland America Line held a ribbon cutting to kick off the start of its season. Then, a celebration that was complete with UW mascot Harry the Husky showing off his moves.
What's next:
Cruise season ends in late September, according to Fletcher. He adds, next year marks their 80-th anniversary of showing people the best of Alaska.
UW mascot celebrates opening of Seattle-Alaska cruising season 2026
MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
Will gas in WA hit $8? Why the Strait of Hormuz blockade is costing you more
Why Starbucks’ TN expansion could mean a $750M hit to WA
Cigarette starts Lynnwood, WA townhome fire that left 13 people displaced
Emails show WA's ‘millionaires tax’ aims to overturn historic ruling
Marysville Little League in a pickle after crook steals ATV
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.