A long heritage of traditional cruising has reached its peak in the modern day Holland America Line, where classic décor and long traditions combine with the best in contemporary technology.

To step aboard a Holland America ship is to step into a gallery of priceless art and artefacts, beautifully displayed within a distinctive and stylish environment featuring deep colours, beautiful fabrics and dark woods.

The quality of Holland America Line is repeatedly recognised through awards and recognition from its loyal clientele. The line was recently awarded “Best Cruise Value” for the 14th consecutive year and the quality and value of its traditional offering has been enhanced by innovative ideas to enhance guests’ experience, such as a Culinary Arts theatre, the Explorations Café – powered by the New York Times; and the Greenhouse Spa, all part of a recently completed £125 million “Signature of Excellence” programme aimed an enhancing every facet of a Holland America Line cruise.

Holland America’s spacious and well-appointed accommodation includes special touches like “Mariners Dream” beds with premium mattresses, hairdryers, fluffy bathrobes, fresh fruit baskets and a complimentary ice service, twice a day.

We think it is within the top end of the range of accommodation that Holland America really excels. On each ship at least one deck is devoted to verandah mini-suites which feature full size twin beds that convert to one king-size (with a variety of firm, medium and soft pillows), a spacious sitting area (with personalised stationery and fresh flowers), mini-bar and fridge, DVD player and a bathroom with whirlpool bath and shower. Round the clock “one touch telephone concierge service” is just a call away.

In addition, an entire deck is devoted exclusively to spacious Deluxe Verandah suites and Penthouse suites measuring from 510 to 1,159 square feet.

All Suite guests have key-card access to the private Neptune Lounge and priority status when reserving a table in the dining room or at the sought after Pinnacle Grill, as well as full stateroom breakfast, high tea and hot & cold hors d’oeuvres served in your suite on request; a private cocktail party with the ship’s officers; complimentary corsages and boutonnieres for the first formal night; complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning services; personalised stationery; special boarding and disembarkation privileges, use of binoculars and umbrellas – and much more

The exclusive Penthouse suites feature a huge private verandah, a bedroom with a king-size bed, oversize whirlpool bath and shower, living room, dining room, dressing room, pantry, a sofa bed for two persons, DVD, mini-bar, fridge and guest toilet. Added to this is Butler and waiter service within the suite – for dining in privacy, entertaining friends to dinner or hosting a private cocktail party.

Amid ship is the private Neptune Lounge@ – a retreat for Suite and Penthouse Suite guests only, with access by key card, and where a concierge will gladly assist in everything from shore excursion bookings to restaurant reservations. It’s also the perfect place to read a newspaper over a cappuccino, enjoy continental breakfast, snacks or pre-dinner drinks and canapés with fellow guests.

Long before Alaska was the star destination it is today, Holland America was cruising Alaskan waters and honing its knowledge of this fascinating cruise area. Through its purchase of Westours, it developed alongside its cruise programme an extensive land operation enabling guests to travel overland as well as by ship to fully explore the Great Land. Holland America’s range of itineraries, both ashore and afloat, make this line the perfect choice if you are considering an Alaska cruise.