Princess Cruises and Holland America Line have celebrated their much-awaited return to the port of Seattle, with a big celebration in the city. As of this week, both lines are once again sailing from Seattle to Alaska and the cruise lines, employees and passengers are all in celebration mode.

The presidents of both cruise lines were present and spoke on what it means to Seattle, Alaska and the cruise community for these routes to commence. 

Combined, the lines have more than 125 years experience of taking passengers to Alaska and after the unwelcome interruption are thrilled to be back.

Holland American Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam left on July 24 and Princess Cruises’s Majestic Princess departed July 25. You can see the welcome that guests on the Majestic Princess received as staff exuberantly greeted their first passengers in over a year. 

It’s calculated that each ship visit directly contributes more than $364,000 to the local economy, making it a win-win for the cruise lines and local community to be back sailing in that part of the world.

For a little taste of what to be ready for when you finally step back on your first Australian cruise, here are some of the Majestic Princess’s happy passengers.