Holland America Line kicks off its 2026 Alaska season on April 25 with the arrival of the Eurodam in Seattle. With more than 100 voyages aboard six ships this season, departing from three homeports, passengers cruising to the Big Earth will find a rich onboard program, enhanced dining options, and more than two dozen new shore excursions, all designed to connect more deeply with Alaska's stunning landscapes and local culture.
Travelers wishing to explore Alaska with Holland America can embark on voyages from April through September, ranging from week-long getaways to a 28-day Legendary Arctic Circle Solstice cruise. Cruises depart round-trip from Seattle, Washington; round-trip from Vancouver, Canada; or between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska.
“As leaders in Alaska, we are committed to providing enriching and unforgettable experiences, bringing guests closer to the region in meaningful ways,” said Robert Morgenstern, senior vice president of Alaska operations for Holland America Line. “From new shore excursions and enhanced programming to our leading fresh seafood offering, every detail of the 2026 season is designed to help guests connect more deeply with Alaska’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.”.
Holland America is introducing 25 new shore excursions to its Alaska itineraries in 2026. Among the most anticipated are: Norris Glacier Adventure: Floatplane, Paddle, and Hike in Juneau; Exclusive Eland & Friends Moose Discovery in Anchorage; Remote Coastal Rainforest Hike, Gourmet Seafood Picnic, and Brewery in Kodiak; and Authentic Alaska: Tongass Rainforest Hike in Sitka.
Holland America Line offers more glacier experiences. "Glacier Day" occurs once per cruise and focuses on the region's majestic glaciers. The program includes viewing times, scenic commentary, presentations, information stations, photo opportunities, Dutch pea soup on deck, "Glacial Ice" cocktails, talks by Glacier Bay National Park rangers and Huna cultural interpreters, and an open bow for viewing.
Each Alaskan cruise includes a visit to one or more of the state's iconic glacier destinations: Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier, and Endicott Arm. The cruise line also offers the Glacier Guarantee™, which means that if a glacier is not visited during the voyage, passengers will receive a credit toward a future cruise equivalent to 15% of the fare. Shore excursions also allow passengers to visit other glaciers such as Mendenhall and Portage.
New for 2026, the Teen Ranger program is expanding to all ships in Alaska. Previously available only on the Koningsdam, teens ages 13 to 17 will now have special experiences during Glacier Day. The popular Junior Ranger program for children ages 3 to 12 continues on all ships.
Alaska is synonymous with wilderness, and Holland America offers numerous ways to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. The ships feature an onboard wildlife expert and a spotting guide who points out species along the route. On land, the company offers nearly 180 dedicated wildlife excursions, making it a leader in this field.
Furthermore, the mission of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) remains a priority. Passengers on northbound trips can visit the center between Whittier and Anchorage and see eland on exclusive tours.
The company also continues its Global Fresh Fish program, which delivers local fish from port to plate in less than 48 hours. In addition to seafood and local produce, the ships in Alaska offer dishes created by culinary ambassador Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Other highlights include the Salmon Bake at the Lido Market and an Alaskan brunch in the dining room once per cruise. Holland America Line is the only cruise line to receive Certified Seafood International (formerly Responsible Fisheries Management) certification, a global sustainability standard.
Bartender Sam Ross has created a menu of signature cocktails, including the new “Glacial Ice Cocktails.” The selection of local beers has also been expanded with varieties from Alaskan Brewing and Denali Brewing Co.
With enrichment programs on board, passengers can attend talks about Alaska, watercolor and origami workshops, cooking classes, and live culinary demonstrations with fresh fish from the Global Fresh Fish program.
Holland America's cruise tours range from 9 to 17 days and include visits to Denali National Park and, in some cases, the Canadian Yukon. The company is the only one that offers land tours combined with a cruise to Alaska and Denali. In addition, a $70 million investment is underway to enhance the experience at the Denali Lodge.
2026 Season in Alaska
The six ships that will operate in the region are Koningsdam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam.
Examples of itineraries:
- 7-day “Alaska Explorer” round-trip cruise from Seattle
- 7-day “Inside Passage” round-trip cruise from Vancouver
- 9-day cruises through Denali and Yukon (May-August)
- 10-day “Signature Denali” cruise (May-September)
- 18-day cruise “Great Bear Rainforest and Alaska Explorer” from Vancouver (September 16, 2026 aboard the Zaandam)
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