Holland America Line and Sony Partner for Exclusive Alaska Photography Experience in 2025
Alaska – July 2025
Holland America Line has unveiled an exciting new partnership with Sony Electronics, bringing a first-of-its-kind photography experience to passengers exploring Alaska’s spectacular wilderness. This collaboration, launched in the summer of 2025, elevates the traditional cruise experience by blending immersive wildlife exploration with expert-led photography sessions and exclusive contests.
The initiative is centered around the “Alaska Through Your Lens” photo sweepstakes and a series of onboard photography workshops led by professionals from Sony’s elite Alpha team. The program provides cruise guests with access to Sony’s state-of-the-art camera equipment, expert instruction, and a chance to win valuable prizes, including a future Alaska cruise and high-end Sony gear.
Capturing Alaska: “Alaska Through Your Lens” Sweepstakes
At the heart of the collaboration is the “Alaska Through Your Lens” photo sweepstakes, which invites cruise guests to capture the grandeur of Alaska—from glacier fjords and soaring eagles to humpback whales and mist-shrouded forests. Participants can submit their best photos to Sony Alpha Universe, the brand’s dedicated community for photographers.
The grand prize package is a dream for photography lovers: a future Alaska cruise for two with Holland America Line, plus a professional Sony camera bundle including the Sony Alpha 7R V and two G Master lenses (70-200mm F2.8 and 24-70mm F2.8).
This collaboration not only celebrates the visual splendor of Alaska but also encourages guests to actively engage with their surroundings, transforming their cruise into an unforgettable creative journey.
Professional Photography Workshops at Sea
To ensure guests get the most out of their photography opportunities, the partnership offers onboard workshops led by Sony Artisans of Imagery, including renowned travel and wildlife photographer Colby Brown. The first workshop launched aboard the “Alaska Inside Passage” cruise on June 25, 2025, as part of Holland America’s “We Love Alaska” program.
Workshops are available for all skill levels—from absolute beginners to experienced photographers—and focus on shooting in Alaska’s unique environmental conditions. Guests learn techniques for composing dramatic landscapes, capturing fast-moving wildlife, and utilizing Sony Alpha gear in dynamic light conditions. Attendees can also use Sony’s Creators’ Cloud, allowing them to upload and edit images in real-time via smartphone integration.
Those unable to attend live sessions can still access workshop content through on-demand classes available on stateroom TVs aboard ships like the Zaandam.
Wildlife Encounters and Cultural Exploration
Alaska’s untamed beauty serves as a living classroom for photographers. Holland America Line’s itineraries are crafted to showcase some of the most visually stunning natural settings on Earth. Guests can photograph:
- Breaching humpback whales and orcas
- Bald eagles and grizzly bears in their native habitats
- Towering tidewater glaciers and emerald fjords
- Traditional Tlingit and Haida villages with rich indigenous artistry
Onboard wildlife experts provide educational commentary to help guests anticipate key moments, while onshore excursions offer the chance to shoot from remote vantage points, enhancing both safety and creativity.
Photography-friendly tours include whale-watching excursions in Juneau, bear-viewing safaris near Sitka, and glacier flyovers from Skagway—all designed with camera angles in mind.
Featured Itineraries for Photo Enthusiasts
Holland America Line’s Alaska cruises in 2025 offer multiple itineraries ideal for photography:
- Great Alaska Explorer (14 days): This extended voyage visits eight Alaskan ports, including remote corners of the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay.
- Northbound Glacier Discovery (7 days): Sailing from Whittier to Vancouver, this itinerary includes jaw-dropping glacier sightings and wildlife viewing.
- Inside Passage Roundtrip from Vancouver (7 days): Stops in Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan provide iconic Alaskan scenery and diverse shore excursions.
- Alaska Explorer from Seattle (7 days): Featuring fjords, national parks, and forest trails perfect for capturing Alaska’s diverse landscapes.
These sailings offer both structured photography programming and independent exploration, ensuring guests return home with an impressive portfolio of memories.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Both Holland America Line and Sony are deeply committed to sustainability. As cruise tourism in Alaska grows, responsible travel remains a core focus. Holland America Line has introduced environmental initiatives such as:
- Advanced wastewater treatment systems
- Use of cleaner-burning fuels
- Waste minimization and recycling programs
- Eco-certified shore excursions
Photography excursions are conducted in partnership with local guides trained in ethical wildlife viewing practices. Guests are briefed on best practices for photographing animals without disturbing their habitats—aligning artistic ambitions with conservation.
Innovation at Sea: Technology Meets Travel
Sony’s contribution extends beyond hardware. Guests have the opportunity to test the latest innovations in digital imaging, including AI-driven autofocus systems, real-time object tracking, and advanced low-light performance—crucial for Alaska’s moody skies and twilight hours.
Additionally, the Sony Alpha Universe platform enables guests to upload their photos and connect with a global creative community, continuing the journey even after disembarkation.
Looking Forward
This partnership sets a new benchmark in cruise innovation, marrying artistry with adventure in one of the world’s last great wildernesses. As the 2025 season unfolds, Holland America Line and Sony are exploring ways to expand the program to more itineraries and regions.
With Alaska’s landscapes as the backdrop and Sony’s imaging technology at the helm, passengers aren’t just sightseeing—they’re storytelling.
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