Discover glaciers in Alaska

It is a continent of contrasts, from the stunning glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park to the high snow-capped mountains, endless expanses of inland tundra and fjords along the coast. Alaska is high on the bucket list for many of us. From April through September of this year, you can explore the ‘next frontier’ with Holland America Line offering no fewer than 121 cruises on 6 ships.

At 1,481,347 square kilometres, Alaska is the largest state in the United States and is best traveled by ship due to its vastness. This year you can book a “Great Alaska Explorer” cruise for 7 days, but also for 14 days on no less than 6 ships – Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Volendam and Westerdam, visiting different ports. During your Alaska cruise, you’ll not only visit Glacier Bay’s largest and most impressive nature park, but you can also spot bears on Kodiak Island, fish for salmon in Valdez and stop in Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, and more. Countless private shore excursions are undertaken by those who know the vast area best; Alaskan Natives. Also on board, you will immerse yourself in the local culture with authentic programming. The starting point and final destination for these trips is Seattle, Washington, Vancouver, British Columbia, and Canada, or a one-way trip between Whittier (Anchorage), Alaska, and Vancouver.

The famous glaciers of Glacier Bay

Alaska’s stunning glaciers and Glacier Bay National Park are best viewed from the sea. Holland America Line offers the most itineraries to Glacier Bay National Park, more than any other cruise line. Every Alaskan cruise includes a visit to many of Alaska’s famous glacier destinations: Glacier Bay National Park, the Hubbard Glacier, or the Sawyer Twin Glaciers in Tracy Arm Fjord. Cruises to Glacier Bay include a ranger and native speaker.

Denali

Denali is one of the highlights of our Alaska trip. At a staggering 6,190 feet above sea level, Denali isn’t just a mountain, it’s the centerpiece of Alaska’s rugged interior. When you book an Alaska cruise with Holland America Line, you can stay up to three nights at McKinley Chalet Riverside Resort and get up close and personal with North America’s tallest mountain. At the center of the resort is Denali Square, the perfect place to pay homage to Alaska. Sample local dishes, enjoy the beautiful view at Karstens Public House, chat with the artists who live and work there or make s’mores around a cozy campfire.

A free Tundra Wilderness Tour is included with a 2- or 3-night stay in Denali National Park. And if you’re lucky, you might encounter the five largest Alaskans on your way through this national park: grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall’s sheep, and wolves. Transfers are made on the ultra-comfortable McKinley Explorer, which takes you from Anchorage to Denali and offers stunning views of the pristine landscape through the glass dome.

Yukon – Only available with Holland America Line

No trip to Alaska is complete without a visit to the legendary, vast, and pristine Yukon. Holland America Line is the only cruise line that takes you to this special region. Over 7 different land + cruise excursions combine a three-, four-, or seven-day Alaska cruise with outback exploration. Holland America Line’s Yukon All Inclusive Tours puts you on the road to the Klondike Gold Rush. Follow the trail of the gold rush and visit Whitehorse, Canada’s largest city, and Dawson City, where the Yukon’s first gold nugget was found in the waters of Rabbit Creek. Immerse yourself in the indigenous history of this beautiful country.

In-flight entertainment

There is also a lot to do on board. For example, you’ll find many authentic Alaskan fish dishes on the menu of the many fine restaurants onboard. In addition, you can choose from Explorations Central’s extensive information center program, where regional experts explain local culture and history and there are special presentations on local topics such as Alaskan bush aviators and the famous Iditarod dog sledding race. In the evening, you can enjoy the best live music in the sea while visiting the Music Walk where you can enjoy different music styles, ranging from blues, pop, rock and even classical, along with many live performances. In the “Global Theatre” you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the various shows through LED screens at an angle of 270 degrees.

The rich history of the Holland America Line.

Holland America Line’s midsize vessels sail under the Dutch flag. In 2023, the cruise line will proudly celebrate its 150th anniversary. Both English and Dutch are spoken on the ships, daily programs and menus are available in Dutch, and some cruises offer Dutch-speaking guides. As part of its 150th anniversary, Holland America Line is offering guests additional celebratory experiences, products and activities on board this year.

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