Cruise Overview

Our seven-day cruise to the Eastern Carinbean, January 17-24, 2027, will feature Brenda Austin as clinician.

Join us on the Holland America Nieuw Statendam sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We start with a scenic voyage through the Puget Sound, landing in Juneau, Alaska. After spending quality time in Juneau, we head down through Glacier Bay, viewing the sights as we make our way to Icy Strait Point. Following this day, our cruise sails off to beautiful Sitka to see the sights, followed by an afternoon in Ketchikan. We are soon back at sea, ending our trip with a quick stop in Victoria, Canada, before we get back to Seattle.

All ringing activities will take place on the days we are at sea, while leaving plenty of time to enjoy the ship and all the amenities provided by Holland America. Given the port schedule for this cruise, optional ringing sessions may be set up the evening the two days of the voyage so that we can meet and greet each other (and ring).

During the days we are “at sea,” there will be ringing activities, including massed ringing with our guest clinician. There is usually time to help people with bass techniques, treble techniques, special techniques, and ensemble ringing, or other topics cruisers find interesting. When bell activities are not scheduled, the bells are available for rehearsing, ensemble practicing (formed by those interested on the first day), and more.

The final days at sea, handbell cruisers will perform the pieces they have learned. This showcase is open to all of the ship's passengers, but space is limited and is done in the practice rooms. Bells of the Cascades will also play a concert at some point during the cruise that is also open to all and done on the main stage.