Some destinations are so magical, they stay with you long after you return. And the awe-inspiring landscape of Alaska – North America’s ‘last frontier’ – is one of them. This vast wilderness of ancient forests, snow-capped mountains, glistening glaciers (more than 100,000 of them), crystal-clear fjords and mossy tundra is truly breathtaking. And there is no better way to experience it than on board a Holland America Line cruise.
It’s not just spectacular views, though. On a seven-day Inside Passage voyage, you’ll discover a different side of Alaska each day, from towering glaciers and rugged coastlines to cultural discoveries and extraordinary wildlife. From the deck of your intimate mid-sized ship, each sighting – from black and brown bears to humpback whales and orcas, soaring bald eagles and playful sea otters – feels like a truly precious moment. Venture inland for a stay at the cruise line’s own resort, Denali Lodge, and you’ll have the chance to see moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves in their natural habitat. As the USA’s largest yet most sparsely populated state, wildlife outnumbers people, making it blissfully serene and crowd-free.
What makes a Holland America voyage here so special is that few cruise lines know the area as deeply. 2027 marks 80 years of expertise in Alaska for Holland America, with its decades of experience earning it Good Housekeeping Reader Recommended status for its Alaska Cruise Experience. Its expertise shines through every detail, from its onboard We Love Alaska programme of fascinating talks and ‘Alaska Up Close’ presentations to destination-inspired dining and onshore excursions. The result is a voyage that immerses you in the history and geography of the area, leaving you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of just how special this part of the world really is.
As passionate resident wildlife experts point out Alaska's incredible local inhabitants and share fascinating facts along the way, it's easy to see why Holland America Line is recognised as the No. 1 Cruise Line for Alaska Wildlife and Wilderness Tours. On a day sailing along Tracy Arm Fjord, for example, you might spot mountain goats picking their way along the coastline, while baby seals loll on the ice floes and whales breach the deep navy-blue water. Just keep your binoculars handy!
Sailing through the Inside Passage is particularly special, as you’ll spend one awe-inspiring day sailing Glacier Bay National Park, a 3.3-million-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only two ships are allowed inside at once, so you’ll have an unusually intimate view of the 62 glaciers inside, including the 21-mile-long Margerie Glacier, as National Park rangers climb aboard using rope ladders to give expert commentary throughout. It's a truly sensory experience: feel the icy air on your face as you gaze up at the iconic Johns Hopkins Glacier, then listen for the crack and boom of 'white thunder' as vast chunks of ice calve into the water. Thankfully, the attentive crew is on hand to bring bowls of warming Dutch pea soup to keep the chill at bay.
With more than 200 animal sanctuary and sightseeing opportunities in Alaska, Holland America makes bucket-list experiences part of your everyday. Choose from thrilling seaplane flights and scenic helicopter rides as well as husky-sledding, whale watching and rock climbing. Here’s just a taster of what you can do at each port . . .
Holland America Line’s perfectly sized ships are designed to take you closer to Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife and remote wilderness, gliding through narrow fjords and into local ports other cruise lines can’t reach. Moreover, the onboard signature 'We Love Alaska' programming brings you deeper into the stories, people, and cultures that make the Great Land unforgettable, including destination-inspired dining, cultural workshops and expert talks.
Some of the most delicious memories are made through what you taste, not what you see. On a Holland America cruise, the seafood is the star, with ingredients so fresh you can taste the ocean you’re sailing across.
Make unforgettable memories in Alaska in 2027 or 2028 aboard a Holland America Line cruise. Book your adventure now.
