HAL takes Alaska expo to San Diego

Holland America Line is bringing a taste of the Alaska cruising life to sunny San Diego, California.

HAL will debut its all-day Alaska Cruise and Travel Show on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina.

The free-to-attend, cruise vacation expo runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and invites locals considering an Alaska cruise vacation to learn more.

This is the first time that Holland America Line is bringing its free Alaska travel expo to San Diego.

Its previous shows were held in Seattle, Vancouver, BC and Phoenix, Arizona.

Attendees can taste local specialties, take part in gold panning and axe throwing, and enjoy live presentations and demonstrations.

“Our Alaska departures are just a short flight away to Seattle or Vancouver,” said Bill Fletcher, senior director of consumer programs for HAL.

“We’re excited to meet with potential Holland America Line cruisers and guests who have already booked their Alaska vacation.”

In addition to being registered for a chance to win one of six $500 Holland America Line gift cards, attendees will also be entered for a chance to win the grand prize of an Alaska cruise for two.

Official sweepstakes rules can be found at AlaksaTravelShow.com.

Attendees who book a Holland America Line Alaska cruise or Cruisetour at the show will receive a special offer of reduced deposits and an onboard credit.

Shore excursion team members will be on-site to discuss tour options in Alaska.

Attendees who have a Alaska cruise booked able to access their account online can book tours at the event.

They will be able to customize their vacation by adding other onboard amenities on-site, including beverage packages, specialty dining and more.

Activities at the Alaska Cruise and Travel Show include:

Lumberjack Will “Buck Randy” Randall – a star in the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan, Alaska, and oversees the lumberjacks as Jack Boss of the camp. He will demonstrate axe throwing for attendees.

Just like the prospectors of the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 (which put Seattle on the map), attendees can pan for real gold at the Gold Dredge 8 booth.

Holland America Line’s chefs will perform cooking demonstrations showcasing some of the authentic Alaskan dishes served on board.

In 2025, six Holland America Line ships will cruise Alaska, either roundtrip from Seattle, roundtrip from Vancouver or between Whittier, Alaska, and Vancouver.

Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska’s glacier destinations.