Holland America Line has been exploring Alaska since 1947. Source: HAL
Karen Farndell, UK sales and marketing director for the Seattle-based line, and vNico Bleichrodt, President of International Sales Ice, tells Kaye Holland why Brits should book a Holland America Line cruise.
For those who are not familiar with HAL (Holland America Line), can you please introduce the brand?
Karen Fandel: It's true. We are currently a lesser known brand in the UK so we are building awareness. HAL is all about destination. We offer those explorations and experiences while focusing on food and entertainment. There are 11 ships in our fleet; [we are doing this interview] Currently one of the Pinnacle class ships, Rotterdam is the newest ship in the fleet.
What makes Pinnacle class ships special?
Nico Blakerot: It's bigger and has more space. There are more facilities on board, such as the Grand Dutch Cafe (deck 3), found only on three Pinnacle class ships. We also have more rooms (1,339 to be exact). This is the new style.
Karen Fandel: The art is amazing and the service is amazing. Very welcome. How your staff makes you feel determines your entire vacation experience. Everyone remembers your name and makes you feel like part of the family.
Nico Blakerot: Next is Music Walk. We have three venues: BB King's Blue Club, the Rolling Stone Rock Room where a rock band plays, and Billboard Onboard, a cool piano type model to keep guests entertained during the evening. Our theater is also different from other ships. We call it the World Stage. It is a 280-degree LED screen with the customer in the center.
Have fun at BB King's Blues Club. Credit: Kaye Holland
What is your main focus?
Karen Fandel: Next year we will be sailing to Dover for the first time in 10 years, so we are delighted to be able to offer 10 cruises. There are always people who don't like to fly, so this cruise from Dover will certainly appeal to that market. Moreover, even people who do not know HAL products will be able to experience them close to home. Sailing from Dover is a really great opportunity for us. Many cruise lines are already based in Southampton, so it would be nice to offer something different to the UK market.
What challenges does HAL face?
Nico Blakerot: There is not enough capacity! Our bellies were full. We are sailing back to pre-pandemic levels and that will be difficult.
Karen Fandel: Another challenge we currently face relates to flight prices. We know that flights to the Mediterranean are very expensive this year. So even if a cruise is possible, flight prices may be higher and that is out of our hands.
Karen Farndell, UK sales and marketing director, is looking forward to full Dover sailings in 2025 and 2026. Credit: HAL
Conversely, what do you think is the secret to HAL's success?
Nico Blakerot: tradition. We are still sailing the seas just as we did in the early days. HAL continues to consider destinations as one of the key pillars of the brand. We want to take our customers to the most beautiful destinations in the world. Our in-flight experience is also different. Both the quality of the culinary experience and the musical entertainment are perfectly suited to the audience.
Karen Fandel: And the secret is that not enough people in the UK know about HAL. Of course, that too is a challenge, and we must raise awareness of it.
HAL has been synonymous with sailing through some of America's most rugged regions since before Alaska became a state in 1959. Tell us a little about The Final Frontier…
Karen Fandel: Nico is your friend who has been to Alaska six times.
Nico Blakerot: I tried the inner passage on a round trip to Vancouver. I've also done a cruise and land adventure that combined an Alaskan cruise with a three-day trip at the 60-acre McKinley Chalet Resort in Denali National Park. I always recommend people spend at least three days in Denali National Park. Because it is quite an experience.
The reason I keep going back is because the challenge in Alaska is which trip you choose! There is so much to see and explore. You can see whales, bears and glaciers. I've been six times and will go again. Next I would like to visit the gold rush region of Yukon. We offer Yukon and Denali cruise tours that combine a traditional Inside Passage cruise with travel (and lodging) in Denali National Park, then transfer to the magical Yukon.
The most important tip I can give you is to make sure you are well prepared. Trips such as a helicopter ride to Mendenhall Glacier, where you can dog sled on a glacier, sell out quickly, so take stock of what you want to do and book in advance.
Karen Fandel: Think about the time of year and what you want to see. Alaska's season begins on April 27 and runs until the end of September, but if you want to see bears, July and August are the months you should visit. That said, there are pros and cons to going at other times of the year, as those months are also busier.
Nico Bleichrodt aims to double HAL’s UK passenger numbers in the next few years. Credit: HAL
Do you have a favorite HAL ship?
Karen Fandel: Niew Statendam – I had a great trip last year and this is also the ship I will be most familiar with as she will be based in Dover for 10 sailings in 2025 and 2026. This is good news because it shows real commitment and determination. Confidence in UK market growth. I'm excited.
Nico Blakerot: One of the three Pinnacle class ships gets my vote.
Lastly, if you could invite anyone to a HAL ship, who would it be and why?
Karen Fandel: I'd like to invite Bon Jovi. I'm a huge fan of Bon Jovi and would love to see him play at the Rolling Stone Rock Room. I think it would be really nice.
Nico Blakerot: I like music and I'm a fan of Adele, so I really want to invite her.
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