by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 10:55 AM ET, Wed October 1, 2025
Holland America Line will have a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year.
The float will celebrate the cruise line’s 80th anniversary of sailing to Alaska, with animated, kinetic design elements that spotlight the state’s glaciers, wildlife and landscapes. The float will also showcase the cruise line’s Global Fresh Fish Program.
The parade, which is in its 99th year, will take place in New York City on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The Alaska-inspired float will travel along the parade’s 2.5-mile route before arriving at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store.
“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,” says Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “We love Alaska, and 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.”
Holland America Line began sailing to Alaska in 1947—before Alaska became a state. It will celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2027.
In the meantime, it will have six ships sailing in the region from April to September 2026, with itineraries ranging from seven to 28 days. Holland America Line also offers cruisetours that combine a sailing with an overland tour to Denali National Park and, in some instances, the Yukon.
“Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an incredible opportunity to share the splendors of Alaska with the rest of the country,” says Julie Sande, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. “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.”
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