Holland America Alaska Cruise: A Good Fit For Adventure Seekers?

Embarking on an Alaska cruise with Holland America Line offers a remarkable journey through the Last Frontier’s breathtaking landscapes. Their award-winning itineraries feature the coveted Glacier Bay National Park and the Inside Passage.

With departures from Seattle, Vancouver, and Whittier, they offer convenient options to suit every traveler. We’ve taken many cruises to the state and like Holland America prime docking locations, eliminating the need for transit.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, we found their cruise tours hard to beat. With their own train and lodges, the transition between cruise and land was seamless, making the journey more enjoyable.

Some itineraries include lesser-known destinations such as Wrangell and Kodiak for those who want to get off the beaten path.

Exploring Alaska with Holland America

When comparing the top cruise lines for Alaska, Holland America consistently ranks at the top for its immersive and comprehensive experiences. Their expertly crafted itineraries showcase the best of Alaska, both at sea and on land.

The Appeal Of An Alaskan Cruise

Alaska’s untamed wilderness, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife make it a top cruise destination. Its glaciers, fjords, and bucket-list adventures appeal to most travelers.

Holland America’s ships provide a comfortable vantage point for viewing coastal scenery and marine life. We’ve witnessed calving glaciers and spotted whales and harbor seals from the deck.

Shore excursions allow for deeper exploration of Alaska’s rugged interior. Activities range from hiking and kayaking to dog sledding and flightseeing.

Why Choose Holland America Line

With over 75 years of experience in Alaska, Holland America has honed its expertise in the region. Their ships offer prime docking locations, and the “We love Alaska” logo below the bridge says it all.

Like HAL, we love Alaska and make the trip north every year. We’ve made the trip on smaller vessels in the Rotterdam class (1400 passengers) and larger vessels in the Pinnacle-class (2600 guests).

Onboard, the Alaska Up Close program enhanced the experience of being in the state. It features BBC Earth performances and expert talks on the Iditarod, Stories of the Tlingit People, and Breaking the Ice Ceiling.

Throughout our cruises, we enjoyed “Taste Alaska” dishes that featured the freshest ingredients. Holland America was the first major cruise line certified sustainable for Alaska seafood.

We’ve also watched a “Polar Bear Plunge ” and participated in wildlife spotting with a naturalist on the promenade deck. One of its unique events is “On Deck for a Cause,” which raises money and donates to a worthy cause. During my last voyage, they donated to the National Parks.

Voyage Itineraries

Holland America Line offers various Alaska cruise itineraries to suit different preferences. The 7-day voyages are popular, because they don’t require a long commitment of time.

Cruise tours are also highly rated and range from 9 to 18 days. Its “Summer Solstice” voyage lasts 28 days and involves cruising inside the Arctic Circle and visiting the unique ports of Dutch Harbor, Nome, Valdez, Wrangell, and Kodiak.

Popular Routes And Destinations

HAL is often chosen for its Gulf of Alaska routes and visits to Glacier Bay. The Inside Passage cruises typically sail roundtrip from Vancouver or Seattle, visiting ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.

Gulf of Alaska voyages sail one-way between Vancouver and Whittier. Since they travel further north, they often include an additional glacier viewing day at either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

Duration Of Cruises

Their Alaska cruises range from 7 to 14 days, with the latter cruising the Gulf of Alaska route to Whittier and back. The 7-day Alaskan Explorer cruise is popular and perfect for those seeking a week-long getaway.

Longer cruises are available at the start or end of the Alaska season when ships are repositioning to Tokyo. The summer solstice cruises last 28 days and sail into the Arctic Circle.

Holland America is best known for its cruise tours, which combine a cruise with a land tour. These tours range from 9 days to 18 days and include Alaska’s interior and even the Yukon Territory.

Ports Of Call Highlights

Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, and Sitka are popular ports of call. In Juneau, guests can visit the Mendenhall Glacier or take a whale-watching excursion. Skagway, with its historic buildings and scenic White Pass Railroad, offers a journey back to the Gold Rush era.

Ketchikan, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” provides opportunities to explore Totem Bight State Park or experience the lively Creek Street district.

Rarer itineraries may include Wrangell, Kodiak, and Prince Rupert in British Columbia.

The Fleet

Holland America Line operates a fleet of elegant mid-sized ships to Alaska. For the 2025 and 2026 seasons, this includes:

• Pinnacle-class – Koningsdam.
• Signature-class – Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam.
• Vista-class – Noordam and Westerdam.
• R-Class – Zaandam.

Ship Amenities And Features

Their ships offer a range of dining options, from casual to fine dining. We found their food exceptional and well-presented. Their Dutch Pea Soup is amazing, and a special treat served on the open decks in Glacer Bay.

Holland America is known for its music venues and million-dollar artwork collections. Depending on the ship, guests can enjoy a variety of music genres at the B.B. King’s Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, or Rolling Stone Lounge.

Guests can unwind by the pool or in the Greenhouse Spa. Fitness centers and sports courts are available for active travelers.

Many ships feature the Explorations Central program with destination-focused activities and presentations.

From budget-friendly interior cabins to lavish Pinnacle suites, there’s a room category for every budget. Some vessels, like the Koningsdam, feature solo cabins and family staterooms that can accommodate up to five. The latter has two bathrooms, perfect for a large family.

I particularly liked that their Pinnacle suites have a private hot tub on the deck and high-powered binoculars on a tripod. Binoculars are handy to spot whales and other marine wildlife.

Onboard Experience

Holland America’s Alaska cruises offer a wealth of onboard amenities and activities.

Dining Options

The main dining room rotates its menu of classic and contemporary dishes, while the Lido Market offers a casual buffet-style experience. The Dive-in serves hot dogs and burgers, Explorations Café has specialty coffees and teas, and there’s always room service.

In the main dining room, we enjoyed “Taste Alaska” courses like a Trio of salmon, Alaskan yellowfin sole, and a Teriyaki salmon bowl.

A “Taste of Alaska” incurred an extra fee during the cruise, but it was worth the cost. It included a one-pound crab leg platter with clam chowder, corn, and baked potato.

Specialty restaurants provide elevated experiences. The Pinnacle Grill features premium steaks and seafood. Canaletto serves Italian cuisine in an intimate setting. My favorite is Rudi’s Sel de Mer (on the Koningsdam), which offers incredible seafood dishes on select ships.

Entertainment And Activities

We enjoyed a diverse range of entertainment options during our Alaska cruise.

The Step One Dance Company and Major Fourth singing group were our favorites. While I watched the Step One dance shows on various ships, the one in the World Theater on the Koningsdam provided a more immersive experience.

During the day, we attend engaging lectures about Alaska’s history, wildlife, and culture. But the highlight of any Holland America Alaska cruise is the Glacier Bay Park ranger program.

Park rangers serve as environmental stewards, sharing their knowledge about the region’s unique ecosystems and cultural history. Their program aims to protect the park’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife and educate us on how we can make a difference.

Wellness And Relaxation

Between the endless hours of scenery gazing, unwind and recharge at the fitness center or spa. Some vessels feature a thalassotherapy pool, which I especially enjoyed on cold glacier viewing days.

For a quieter retreat, we visited the Explorations Central lounge to read a book or use the internet. The Crow’s Nest provides a serene setting to relax with a drink or do a puzzle.

Shore Excursions

Holland America offers a diverse array of shore excursions in Alaska. Land activities may be included in the package when booking a cruise and land tour.

My package included the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Tundra Wilderness Tour, Dredge 8, and Chena Riverboat excursion.

Nature And Wildlife Tours

The 49th state teems with incredible wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes. Ports offer different excursions focusing on the area’s features. The Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest in Sitka guarantees wildlife sightings, providing opportunities to spot bald eagles and even brown bears.

We recommend seaplane or helicopter excursions for a bird’s-eye view of Alaska’s majestic scenery. However, expect to pay top dollar for these bucket list experiences. If cruising on a budget, a self-guided hike provides a connection to the land.

Whale-watching tours are another popular option. These trips offer close encounters with humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life. Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Seward are top destinations for booking a tour.

Cultural And Historical Outings

Their cultural excursions provide insight into Alaska’s rich heritage. We particularly loved our visit to the Chena Village in Fairbanks.

We watched demonstrations of the Athabascan people catching and smoking fish to preserve it for winter. Our tour included exploring a cache, examining various animal pelts, and learning how the people lived off the land.

Step back in time in Skagway with a ride on the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. This narrow-gauge railway climbs through spectacular mountain passes, retracing the steps of gold rush prospectors. It’s a must-do train ride that uses vintage rail cars.

For history buffs, the Russian-influenced Sitka is an excellent place to visit. The St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Sheldon Jackson Museum are its top attractions.

Adventure And Sport Activities

Thrill-seekers will find plenty of options for shore excursions in Alaska. Helicopter, dog sledding, kayaking, and fishing tours are readily available.

Many ports like Ketchikan, Sitka, and Seward offer chances to catch salmon and halibut. Some tours even offer to ship your catch home.

Dog sledding experiences on glaciers provide a unique Alaskan adventure. We’ve done dog sledding several times and enjoyed mushing our team of huskies across snowy landscapes.

Cruise Tours

Holland America’s Alaska cruise tours combine sea and land experiences. These journeys extend beyond the typical cruise and provide a contrasting experience in the Alaskan interior.

Holland America Lodges

Holland America operates lodges near major Alaskan attractions. The McKinley Resort Chalet offers a comfortable base for exploring Denali National Park. This 60-acre property provides amenities like fire pits and spaces for socializing with fellow travelers.

We enjoyed our stay at the Canyon Lodge but found the Wi-Fi hit or miss. We could only get service at the main lodge and Denali Square. Complimentary shuttles provide access to Denali National Park and around the McKinley Chalet Resort property.

McKinley Explorer Train

The highlight of our cruise tour was the McKinley Explorer train. This scenic rail journey, which takes passengers through Alaska’s wilderness in glass-domed railcars, offers panoramic views of mountains, forests, and rivers.

Onboard guides provide commentary about the passing scenery and local history. The train connects cruise ports with inland destinations like Denali National Park.

We enjoyed Alaskan-inspired dishes, gorgeous scenery in the onboard dining area, and drinks and snacks on the upper level the entire way.

Traveler Tips

Alaska cruises with Holland America offer unique experiences both on and off the ship. If you’re new to Holland America, you can earn USD 50 onboard credit using this link BEFORE booking.

Navigating At-Sea Days

At-sea days provide the perfect opportunity to explore the ship and participate in onboard activities. We recommend checking the daily program for events like wildlife talks and information on upcoming ports.

Don’t miss the chance to spot whales and other marine life from the deck – bring binoculars to increase your odds.

For dining, try different restaurants and specialty venues. Make reservations early to secure your preferred times.

Staying Connected: Internet And Phone Use

Internet access on Alaska cruises can be slower and more expensive than on land. Wi-Fi is available in ports, although sometimes spotty if you intend to forego an internet package.

Remember to put your smartphone in airplane mode while at sea to avoid accidental roaming charges. For land connections, we use an Airalo eSim, which is inexpensive—under USD 20 for a 14-day trip.

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