By Suzanne Downing 
Alaska made a cameo appearance in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, as Holland America Line’s Alaska-themed float glided through the streets of New York City before millions of television viewers.
The float featured Alaska singer-songwriter Jewel, who grew up in Homer, and who performed her hit “You Were Meant For Me” live in front of Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square during the nationwide broadcast.
Designed to bring the thrill of Alaska to the heart of Manhattan, the float had massive moving elements, including the largest kinetic sculpture in the parade’s history.
The scene depicted towering glaciers, abundant wildlife, Denali National Park, and the state’s signature seafood, echoing the experiences travelers encounter on Holland America’s cruises and overland tours.
Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer for Holland America Line, said it was an honor for the company to join the parade for the first time and use the opportunity to showcase a destination that has been central to the cruise line for nearly 80 years.
In 2026, the company’s 79th season, six ships will sail in the region from April through September on itineraries ranging from seven to 28 days.
The Macy’s parade float was escorted by volunteers dressed as fishermen and kayakers, creating the illusion of a moving slice of the Alaska coast. Its central feature was a replica of the Holland America Line Denali Lodge, set at the entrance to Denali National Park and framed by sculpted figures of bears, moose, eagles, wolves, and salmon leaping in synchronized motion around the base.
Holland America used the moment to highlight its Global Fresh Fish Program, which brings locally sourced Alaskan seafood from port to plate in under 48 hours. The company is the only cruise line with Certified Seafood International (CSI) certification through its partnership with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, confirming that the fish served onboard is sustainably caught by local fishermen.
Meanwhile, 4,000 miles away, Alaskans were waking up to a 6.0 earthquake that rattled Southcentral Alaska, where it was a seasonably mild 23 degrees this morning.