Holland America Line invites name suggestions

Holland America Line is giving its guests and social media followers the opportunity to name an orphan rescue moose calf. The project is in partnership with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre (AWCC), which cares for injured and orphaned animals.

From now through to June 23, suggestions can be submitted on a designated post on Holland America Line’s official Facebook and Instagram pages. A list of the top 10 names will be posted on social media, with people then able to vote for their favourite. The winning name will be announced in early July.  

Holland America Line is the only cruise line offering moose encounters this summer at the AWCC facility. Guests on an Alaska cruise that includes Anchorage or Whittier will have the opportunity to visit the centre on two shore excursions. These encounters allow guests to feed the moose while experts from AWCC share information about diet, behaviour and wild counterparts.

Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer at Holland America Line, said: “Holland America Line has been exploring Alaska longer than any other cruise line and we are deeply committed to supporting AWCC in its conservation efforts to protect Alaska’s wildlife. Our guests take an Alaska cruise to see wildlife in the region and moose are part of ‘Alaska’s Big Five.’ We are excited to give our fans the opportunity to participate with the Alaska community in a fun and meaningful way.”

Sarah Howard, executive director of Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre, said: “We are grateful to partners like Holland America Line that help AWCC continue the work we do to protect and preserve Alaska’s wildlife. Most orphan animals that come into our facility are given a name to help foster a bond not only with our staff, but with our visitors as well. We can’t wait to see what name is chosen by Holland America Line’s fans.”

In 2024 and 2025, Holland America Line will offer Alaska cruises and Cruisetours on six ships. In addition to seven-day itineraries, guests can take longer 14-day voyages and a 28-day Arctic Circle that includes 12 Alaska ports. It is also the only operator that visits the Yukon on a Cruisetour that combines a cruise and visit to Denali National Park.

Onboard ships, an expert Wildlife Spotting Guide helps guests view Alaska animals including whales, eagles, bears, moose, otters, seals and sea lions. The line also offers 180 tours on land to see a range of species, including the two shore excursions to AWCC.