Holland America Line Brings Alaska Magic to Macy’s Parade with Dazzling Debut Float
Cruise Line Magic on Parade: Holland America’s Alaska Float Shines in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
If you thought Holland America Line only made waves at sea, think again! The iconic cruise brand is set to make a splash on land this Thanksgiving with its debut float in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, airing live on NBC and Peacock, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025.
A Floating Tribute to Alaska — On 34th Street
Marking nearly 80 years of exploring Alaska, Holland America Line is transforming its love for the Great Land into an unforgettable parade experience. The float will showcase glaciers, Denali-inspired scenery, and Alaska’s incredible wildlife, all brought to life through kinetic artistry, the first of its kind in the Parade’s long history.
“Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national stage where we can celebrate our nearly 80 years exploring Alaska,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “Our float is a tribute to its grandeur, a way to honor its landscapes, spirit and people while inspiring travelers to experience it with us.”
The float’s kinetic elements will animate everything from sculpted bears to shimmering ice formations, immersing spectators in Alaska’s untamed beauty. This isn’t just eye-catching art, it’s a moving celebration of Holland America Line’s deep roots in Alaska cruising and sustainable travel.
Alaska at Heart: Celebrating Cruise Excellence and Sustainability
The float also highlights Holland America Line’s Glacier Guarantee, which ensures every guest gets a front-row view of Alaska’s most iconic glaciers. Add in the cruise line’s Global Fresh Fish Program, the first and only Alaska-certified sustainable seafood program, and you’ve got a true representation of Holland America’s commitment to the region’s environment and communities.
“We are thrilled to welcome Holland America Line to this year’s Parade lineup,” said Jordan Dabby, producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “This kinetic float will bring Alaska’s wilderness to life in a way that’s sure to inspire both live spectators and viewers nationwide.”
The float announcement was made aboard Eurodam in Juneau, Alaska, where Holland America hosted local tourism partners and officials. Julie Sande, Alaska’s Commissioner of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, praised the collaboration:
“Holland America Line’s float captures the beauty of our state in a way that’s uniquely Alaskan. It’s a joy to know that people across the country will get a glimpse of what makes Alaska so special.”
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Sailing Toward 80 Years of Adventure
As Holland America Line approaches its 80th anniversary of Alaska cruises in 2027, the excitement is only growing. For the 2026 Alaska cruise season, six ships will sail the region from April through September, with itineraries ranging from 7 to 28 days, including the legendary “Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice” voyage.
Cruisers can choose from round trip sailings from Seattle or Vancouver, or scenic one-way journeys between Vancouver and Whittier (Anchorage). And for those looking to go beyond the coastline, Holland America’s Cruise tours pair an Alaska cruise with overland adventures to Denali National Park and even the Yukon, making it the only cruise line to offer such immersive explorations.
How to Watch the Parade
You can catch Holland America Line’s breathtaking float during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025, airing live on NBC and streaming on Peacock, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in all time zones. Follow @macys and #MacysParade on social media for a behind-the-scenes look at this historic debut.
So, this Thanksgiving, while the balloons soar and the bands play, keep an eye out for the float that’s bringing glaciers, grizzlies, and grandeur to Manhattan. Because Holland America Line isn’t just celebrating Alaska, it’s inviting the world to fall in love with it all over again.