Seattle-based cruises resume with new COVID protocols Graham Johnson As cruises to Alaska resume for the first time since 2019, Seattle-based Holland America Line’s safety plan begins with vaccinations. They’re required for passengers cruising out of Seattle. Passengers stepping aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam for the first sailing of the season on Saturday will show proof of vaccination as well as undergo COVID screening. On at least the first few cruises, no one under 12 will be aboard because of the vaccination requirement. The first cruise will also have fewer passengers, with capacity capped at 65%. “We’ll be ramping up, after every voyage, we’ll be taking a few more,” said Gus Antorcha, President of Holland America Line.