Holland America Line is marking Alaska Statehood Day and looking ahead to America’s 250th anniversary with a new onboard keepsake inspired by the landscapes of Alaska.
The cruise line has partnered with Pendleton Woolen Mills to create a limited-edition, Alaska-themed throw blanket designed exclusively for guests sailing in the region in 2026.
The numbered blanket will be available for purchase on Holland America Line ships operating Alaska itineraries next year, bringing together two brands with deep historical ties to the state. The collaboration blends Pendleton’s textile heritage with Holland America Line’s long-standing role in Alaska cruising.
A limited-edition Alaska keepsake at sea
The throw is designed as a visual tribute to Alaska’s dramatic scenery and wildlife, drawing on Pendleton’s long tradition of translating landscapes into woven designs. According to the companies, the blanket presents a panoramic view of rugged mountain peaks, dense forests and expansive skies, brought to life with images of a moose, a whale and an eagle beneath the Northern Lights.
The colour palette leans heavily into deep ocean blues paired with Holland America Line’s signature orange, alongside accents of grey, yellow, brown and natural neutrals. The result is intended to feel both contemporary and timeless, reflecting Alaska’s grandeur while remaining practical enough to be used long after the cruise ends.
For Holland America Line, the collaboration is positioned as a celebration of American heritage as much as a nod to its Alaska programme. “As we mark Alaska Statehood Day and look ahead to America’s 250th anniversary, we are thrilled to bring together American heritage brands to celebrate the shared spirit of ingenuity, honored traditions, and craftsmanship,” said Kacy Cole, Chief Marketing Officer, Holland America Line. “Pendleton was the perfect brand to partner with on Alaska, having been founded in 1909 and bringing milled textiles to the pioneer days of the great American West.”
Pendleton Woolen Mills, founded in Oregon more than a century ago, has built its reputation on wool blankets that tell stories of place and history. The company describes the Holland America Line design as a natural extension of its “Heritage You Can Hold” philosophy, offering cruise guests a tangible reminder of their time in Alaska.
“This limited-edition throw is a reflection of Pendleton’s legacy of craftsmanship and weaving storied landscapes through our designs,” said Bob Christnacht, EVP of Sales and Marketing, Pendleton. “Our partnership with Holland America Line is a natural fit — rooted in our shared connection to Alaska and a long-standing commitment to honoring place, history and craft.”
Alaska at the heart of Holland America Line’s story
The launch of the blanket also reinforces Holland America Line’s claim to deep roots in the region. The cruise line began sailing to Alaska in 1947, more than a decade before Alaska achieved statehood in 1959, and has played a role in shaping what the modern Alaska cruise experience looks like today.
Nearly 80 years on, Holland America Line continues to position itself as a specialist in immersive Alaska exploration. Its itineraries combine coastal cruising with overland experiences, and it remains the only cruise line to offer a Cruisetour that includes both Denali National Park and Canada’s Yukon. The company also says it provides more opportunities to view glaciers and wildlife in Alaska than any other cruise operator.
The Pendleton collaboration forms part of a wider programme of partnerships planned around America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Holland America Line has already announced additional heritage-focused experiences, including a 28-day Pan Am® 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage scheduled for 2027. Inspired by historic Pan Am® Clipper routes, that sailing will visit 18 ports along the Great Circle Route through the Caribbean.
More limited-edition co-branded products and collaborations are expected to be unveiled in the lead-up to July 4, 2026. The company has also revealed details of its “America’s 250th Celebration: Stars and Stripes” cruise, departing Boston on July 4, 2026, which will feature a late-night sail-away timed with fireworks, themed deck parties and calls at historically significant US ports including Norfolk and New York.
For travellers heading north next year, however, the Alaska-inspired blanket may prove the most immediate and personal reminder of the journey. Designed to be both decorative and functional, it reflects a growing trend among cruise lines to offer meaningful, destination-led souvenirs — items that feel less like merchandise and more like a lasting connection to the places passengers have explored.
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