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Holland America puts Alaska’s Anchorage on the map

Holland America Line has introduced new 14-day Alaskan Adventurer cruises on its flagship Amsterdam.

And the 1,380-guest Amsterdam is the first cruise ship of a major cruise line to call regularly in Anchorage, providing guests with a full day and evening in Alaska’s major city.

Amsterdam, pictured, also calls at Homer and Kodiak, two new and less frequented ports for guests to discover, as well as Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, Juneau and Victoria.

The ten new 14-day sailings, which replace 20 seven-day sailings between Vancouver and Seward, depart roundtrip from Seattle until September 6, sailing the scenic Inside Passage, highlighted by cruising Tracy Arm fjord with its magnificent twin Sawyer Glaciers. Amsterdam will also visit the mighty Hubbard glacier in Yakutat Bay - the largest glacier in North America.

Says executive vice president Richard Meadows: “With the three new ports of Anchorage, Homer and Kodiak, guests enjoy a unique Alaska cruising experience not available on other cruise itineraries.”

In Anchorage, guests can take a comprehensive city tour including the 25-acre Alaska Native Heritage Center, plus have time to enjoy the city’s museums, shopping and fine dining. In Homer, they experience its breathtaking location at the tip of the Kenai Peninsula, the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center and the famous Homer Spit in Kachemak Bay.

Kodiak is truly off the beaten path, reflecting both 7,500 years of native Alutiiq heritage and Russian fur trading influence since 1792 as the first capital of Russian America.

Shore excursion options out of Anchorage include day trips to Talkeetna for views of Mt McKinley, flightseeing of the mountain, rafting, sportfishing and more. There will be opportunities for bear viewing, a Turnagin Pass float trip or a day tour to Girdwood for a tram ride to the top of Mt Alyeska and lunch.

The Alaskan Adventurer increases the choice of Holland America itineraries to a total of four in 2010, joining the popular Alaskan Explorer, Glacier Discovery and Glacier Bay Inside Passage itineraries. These seven-day cruises sail both roundtrip from Seattle and Vancouver and one-way between Vancouver and Seward. Holland America’s schedule features eight ships offering 149 total departures from May 3 to September 24.