MS Rotterdam heads for Hubbard Glacier
The Holland America ship MS Rotterdam recently announced a new Alaskan Explorer itinerary for 2010 that includes the world renowned Hubbard Glacier. North America’s largest tidewater glacier, it encompasses 76 miles from the Yukon to the sea at Yakutat Bay and Disenchantment Bay. The glacier was named after Gardiner G. Hubbard (regent of the Smithsonian
Hubbard Glacier
Institution and first president of the National Geographic Society). First mapped in 1895, the glacier has an open calving face over 6 miles wide. Calving is when ice breaks off into a large water body, some as large as 10-story buildings.
The MS Rotterdam, Holland America’s flagship, is the sixth Holland America Line vessel to bear the name. Built in Italy in 1997, it is coming off a refurbishment that includes a new category staterooms called “lanai” after the lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade. “These and the ship’s verandah suites increase guests’ opportunities for viewing Hubbard Glacier and Inside Passage as they cruise” states Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs for Holland America.
The ship also added 23 new spa staterooms on its Verandah Deck. The Rotterdam will still feature its signature of onboard fine art and antiques collection worth over $2 Million.
The Rotterdam will offer a total of 18 Alaskan Explorer sailings departing Saturdays from May 15 through September 11th, 2010. The 7-day roundtrip cruises sail from Seattle to Alaska.
Other stops on tap include Alaska’s capital Juneau, where guests can visit the or opt for a host of active outings such as kayaking, rafting, whale-watching or an air flight over the Mendenhall Glacier.
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AAlaska State Museum
