Holland America Line is sailing into new territory on November 27, becoming only the second major cruise line to debut a float in the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The Alaska-themed float marks a significant milestone as the cruise line prepares to celebrate nearly 80 years of exploration in Alaska.
Breaking New Ground With Kinetic Technology
Holland America’s float will feature the largest kinetic sculpture in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade history. Unlike static displays, kinetic elements will animate during the 2.5-mile journey through Manhattan, bringing glaciers and wildlife to life through motion.
“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,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line.
The float will showcase Alaska’s stunning scenery, from sculpted glaciers to wildlife and the tranquil majesty of Denali National Park. The design celebrates Holland America’s Glacier Guarantee and its 178 sanctuaries and sightseeing opportunities, more than any other cruise line.
Honoring Alaska’s Partnership
Holland America announced its parade participation aboard Eurodam on September 29 while docked in Juneau, Alaska. “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an incredible opportunity to share the splendors of Alaska with the rest of the country,” said Commissioner Julie Sande from the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
The float also highlights Holland America’s Global Fresh Fish Program, making it the first and only cruise line to be certified in Alaska for sustainable seafood.
Holland America Line began exploring Alaska in 1947, before Alaska became a state in 1959. In 2027, the cruise line will mark its 80th anniversary of Alaska cruising. For the 2026 season, six ships will explore Alaska from April through September on itineraries ranging from seven to 28 days.
How to Watch
The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air Thursday, November 27, 2025, on NBC and stream on Peacock from 8:30 a.m. to noon ET in all time zones.
While the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has featured everything from giant character balloons to elaborate Broadway performances over its 99-year history, cruise lines have rarely participated.
Disney Cruise Line made its debut in 2009 with the Sailor Mickey balloon and introduced a float in 2021 called “Magic Meets the Sea,” which has been updated annually since. The 2024 version showcased the bows of all Disney Cruise Line ships.
Royal Caribbean appeared in the parade from 2004 to 2005 with the “Voyage to Adventure” float, and returned from 2013 to 2015 with “A World at Sea,” which promoted Quantum of the Seas and featured the cruise line’s FlowRider surf simulator, zip line, and rock climbing wall.
