Holland America Line and Sony Electronics have joined forces to offer an unprecedented Alaska cruise experience in 2025, blending world-class travel with cutting-edge photography. This unique partnership invites guests to immerse themselves in Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness while capturing stunning images through exclusive onboard photography experiences and a specially curated photo contest.
The centerpiece of this collaboration is the launch of the “Alaska Through Your Lens” photo sweepstakes, designed to engage travelers in documenting Alaska’s majestic glaciers, wildlife, and landscapes. Guests aboard Holland America Line’s 2025 Alaska cruises can submit their best photographs for a chance to win remarkable prizes, including an Alaska cruise for two and top-tier Sony camera equipment.
“For more than 75 years, Holland America Line has been bringing guests to the unparalleled wildlife and breathtaking glaciers that are the natural beauty of Alaska,” said Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer at Holland America Line. “Our collaboration with Sony helps capture Alaska through the lens of our guests and creates experiences too good to hurry through.”
Yang Cheng, vice president of imaging solutions at Sony Electronics, emphasized the emotional power of photography. “At Sony, we believe in the power of photography to not just capture but to evoke the deep emotions of our world; this is the essence of our Kando mission,” Cheng said. “Through our collaboration with Holland America Line, we offer guests the chance to embark on an unforgettable adventure through Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes, towering glaciers and majestic wildlife. With our cutting-edge technology, we hope they’ll capture those awe-inspiring moments that stir the soul, sharing the beauty of the Last Frontier in ways that connect deeply with their emotions.”
Participants can enter the sweepstakes by visiting Sony’s official online platform, Sony Alpha Universe, or by sharing their photos on social media using the hashtags #AlphaHALcruise and #Sweepstakes. The contest is open to residents of the United States and Canada (excluding Québec) who are at least 18 years old.
The grand prize winners will receive an exclusive Holland America Line Alaska cruise for two, along with a Sony Alpha 7R V camera and two advanced G Master II lenses — a 70-200 mm F2.8 and a 24-70 mm F2.8 — enabling them to continue capturing extraordinary images long after their voyage.
Beyond the sweepstakes, Holland America Line and Sony are elevating the onboard experience with interactive photography classes. On June 25, 2025, during the Zaandam’s 7-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise, Sony Artisan Colby Brown led a pop-up photography workshop, providing guests with professional insights and hands-on practice using Sony’s latest equipment. Attendees sharpened their skills capturing Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, and rugged landscapes.
Thanks to Sony’s Creators’ Cloud transfer feature, participants could instantly save and share their images via smartphone, connecting with friends and family in real time. For those unable to attend the live sessions, a condensed version of the class will be available on stateroom televisions fleetwide, ensuring all guests can benefit from expert guidance.
Holland America Line’s dedication to authentic Alaskan experiences is evident in its extensive offerings. The cruise line provides more than 175 opportunities for animal sanctuary visits and wildlife sightseeing, with every Alaska cruise featuring a dedicated “Glacier Day.” This special day offers guests unparalleled views of Alaska’s iconic glaciers, including opportunities to witness glaciers calving into the sea and to explore vast icefields.
Shore excursions enhance these experiences with glacier hikes, helicopter tours, and scenic cruises around glaciers, allowing travelers to engage deeply with the region’s raw natural beauty. “Glacier Day” remains the highlight of the itinerary, offering a profound connection to Alaska’s wilderness and emphasizing the importance of preserving these natural wonders.
Wildlife enthusiasts are also well catered for. Each Holland America Line ship carries a dedicated wildlife expert who helps passengers spot native species such as whales, bald eagles, bears, moose, otters, seals, and sea lions. A detailed wildlife spotting guide supports guests in identifying the best viewing locations along the cruise route, turning the journey into an interactive safari that encourages constant exploration and readiness to capture remarkable moments.
The 2025 Alaska cruise itineraries offer a variety of options to suit different travel preferences. The 14-day “Great Alaska Explorer” itinerary visits eight Alaska ports and departs roundtrip from Vancouver, Canada. For those seeking shorter voyages, seven-day cruises like the “Northbound Glacier Discovery” and “Southbound Glacier Discovery” sail between Whittier (Anchorage) and Vancouver aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam.
Other seven-day options include the “Alaska Inside Passage” cruises, which depart roundtrip from Vancouver on the Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Zaandam, as well as the “Alaska Explorer” cruises sailing roundtrip from Seattle aboard the Eurodam and Westerdam.
This partnership between Holland America Line and Sony is more than just a marketing collaboration; it’s a transformative experience that blends adventure, education, and technology. It invites travelers not only to witness Alaska’s grandeur but also to engage creatively with it, capturing memories that last a lifetime.
As Kacy Cole aptly put it, the collaboration “creates experiences too good to hurry through,” perfectly capturing the essence of savoring every moment in the Last Frontier.
