Look for the splendors of Alaska when Holland America Line’s debut float joins the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

The Holland America float will celebrate nearly eight decades of Alaska exploration when the iconic parade steps off on Thursday, Nov. 27.

“Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national stage where we can celebrate our nearly 80 years exploring Alaska by bringing the beauty and adventure of Alaska to the streets of Manhattan,” Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, said in a press release.

“We love Alaska and our float is a tribute to its grandeur – a way to honor its landscapes, spirt and people while inspiring travelers to experience it with us,” she said.

Ahead of the cruise line’s 80^th anniversary of exploring the Great Land, the float will evoke the state’s majestic landscapes and indomitable spirit through artistry and dynamic design.

The float will showcase kinetic design elements which have never been seen before in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Illustration courtesy of Holland America Line

                           Majestic Float Features People, Wildlife and Glaciers of Alaska

“We are thrilled to welcome Holland America Line to this year’s Parade lineup as they bring the majesty and untamed wilderness of Alaska to New York City this November,” Jordan Dabby, producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, said in a press release.

“Over the past few months, we’ve collaborated closely to bring Alaska’s scenery to life through lifelike sculptures and a never-before-seen kinetic effect that is sure to inspire and delight both live spectators and viewers nationwide on Thanksgiving morning,” Dabby said.

The float design is set to capture the breathtaking glaciers, richness of Alaska’s wildlife and tranquil majesty of Denali National Park. Joining the lineup of signature floats, the Alaska-inspired creation will journey down the Parade’s 2.5-mile route before its grand arrival at the iconic Macy’s Herald-Square flagship.

Going beyond a beautiful piece of visual art, the float will feature the largest kinetic sculpture in Parade history, designed to animate elements during the Macy’s parade – from sculpted animals to the glaciers.

This technology will dynamically showcase the untamed beauty of Alaska, elevating its landscape into a memorable spectacle of motion and life.

Photo courtesy of Holland America Line

“Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an incredible opportunity to share the splendors of Alaska with the rest of the country,” Commissioner Julie Sande from the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, said in a press release.

“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,” Sande said.

      Holland America Line Announced Parade Float on Eurodam Visit to Juneau

To honor its relationship with Alaska, Holland America Line introduced its participating in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade at an event aboard Eurodam when the ship was in Juneau, Alaska.

In attendance for the float design unveiling were Holland America Line team members, tourism representatives and government officials from the region, including Juneau Mayor Beth Weldon.

The float will evoke Alaska’s stunning scenery, celebrating Holland America Line’s Glacier Guarantee and its unmatched ways to see Alaska wildlife – with 178 sanctuaries and sightseeing opportunities – more than any other cruise line.

The float also showcases the cruise line’s Global Fresh Fish Program, which highlights Holland America as the first and only cruise line certified in Alaska sustainable seafood, supporting local Alaskan fisheries and bringing regional flavors on board, noted for sourcing directly from local Alaskan fishermen.

                             Celebrating Alaska Since Before Statehood

In 2027, Holland America Line will mark 80 years of Alaska exploration that began before Alaska was a state.

In its 79^th season, which is the summer of 2026, six ships will explore the region from April through September on itineraries ranging from seven to 28 days, including the popular month-long “Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice.”

Guests will have the option to sail roundtrip from Seattle, Washington; roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; or between Vancouver and Whittier (Anchorage), Alaska.

Travelers looking for a more in-depth experience can embark on a Holland America Line signature Cruisetour that combines a cruise with an overland tour to Denali National Park – and with some tours including a journey up to the Yukon.

Holland America Line remains the only cruise line to include the Yukon on overland experiences.

The 99^th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air Thursday, Nov. 27 in the U.S. on NBC and stream on Peacock from 8:30 a.m. to noon in all time zones.

Photos courtesy of Holland America Line