Six New Express Tours Added to Holland America Line's 2009 Alaska Program

PRNewswire/ -- Debuting in 2009, six Holland America Line Express Tours entice travelers to Alaska to add a few more days onto their trip to travel inland and experience more of the great state of Alaska. Express Tours combine a weeklong cruise through the Inside Passage with two or three nights in Anchorage and Talkeetna.

"The Express Tours are for our guests who don't have enough time to do a full CruiseTour but still want to experience Alaska's interior," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "These six tours are an incredible value. Guests will get a taste of the beauty and vastness of the state."

All the Express Tours include a seven-day cruise between Seward (gateway to Anchorage) and Vancouver, British Columbia or reverse. Itineraries vary by ship but all include Inside Passage scenic cruising, a spectacular glacier viewing experience and port calls in Juneau, Ketchikan and either Haines or Skagway. Some itineraries also include a port call in Sitka.

Express Tours #79 (northbound) and #80 (southbound) combine the cruise with two nights in Anchorage, city sightseeing and a tour to the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC). The ANHC is a cultural center and museum with classes, demonstrations and exhibits exploring the traditional way of life of all the indigenous cultures in Alaska. An outdoor village site includes six life-size authentic Native dwellings along with artifacts used in daily life. Rates start at $899 per person, based on double occupancy.

Express Tours #81 (northbound) and #82 (southbound) combine a seven-day cruise with a trip on the Alaska Railroad to Anchorage for two nights. The scenic train ride to Anchorage passes through the Chugach Mountains and along Turnagin Arm. Guests will stay two nights in Anchorage and enjoy city sightseeing and a tour to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Rates start at $949 per person based on double occupancy.

Express Tours #83 (northbound) and #84 (southbound) combine a seven-day cruise with two nights in Anchorage, and one in Talkeetna. After spending the first night in Anchorage, guests will enjoy sightseeing on the luxurious McKinley Explorer train from Anchorage to Talkeetna. Spectacular views of Mt. McKinley can be seen from the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. A two-hour Wilderness Jet Boat Adventure in the afternoon takes guests on a thrilling exploration of the area. The McKinley Explorer takes guests back to Anchorage the next day for one last night. Rates start at $1,249 per person based on double occupancy.

Holland America Line has been leading tours in Alaska for more than 60 years and has eight premium ships offering a total of 156 cruises and 29 CruiseTours ranging from 10 to 20 days in length. The new Express Tours are now open for booking. For more information about booking, contact a travel agent or call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com/.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page