As Holland America's 2026 Alaska season draws to a close, Holland America Line is already looking ahead to next summer, when it will celebrate a historic season marking its 80th year of exploring the Big Earth.
For eight decades, Holland America has cultivated a deep understanding of Alaska, helping to create an experience that allows guests to discover the destination both on board and ashore. This experience offers passengers more opportunities than any other cruise line to observe Alaskan wildlife and admire its glaciers, from immersive wilderness experiences to its signature scenic glacier tours.
This deep knowledge of Alaska is reflected in every detail of the trip, from the fresh, locally sourced seafood served on all Alaskan cruises to stays at the Holland America Denali Lodge and the unique opportunity to combine a cruise with a visit to the Yukon. Holland America has maintained a relationship with Alaska since before it became a state and continues to strengthen it not only through its cruises and land tours but also through its support of the communities it visits.
"Alaska has been an important part of Holland America Line's history for almost 80 years and we are already preparing to celebrate this anniversary after a successful 2026 season," said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line.
"Our decades of experience in Alaska have given us a deep understanding of what makes this destination so special, and that knowledge helps us create experiences that allow our passengers to connect with the state in a meaningful way. We are proud of the memories we have created this season and the relationships we continue to build in the communities we visit.".
A historic year to discover Alaska
Holland America will turn its 80th year exploring Alaska into a season to remember, with six ships sailing from Seattle, Vancouver (Canada) and Whittier (Alaska) between April and September 2027: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam.
To mark the anniversary, passengers will be able to discover Alaska in new ways thanks to new itineraries, exclusive celebrations, special dining experiences, and entertainment and enrichment activities designed to commemorate this milestone.
The upcoming season will also see a major expansion of the Holland America Denali Lodge, with the opening of new accommodations as part of a larger project to improve and expand the property, located at the gateway to Denali National Park and Preserve.
Alaska News 2027
- NEW: The eight-day "Alaska Inside Passage" cruise will make a round trip from Vancouver through the historic Inside Passage, before visiting Glacier Bay National Park and stopping in Skagway, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert, British Columbia.
- The popular 28-day "Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice" cruise will return for its third consecutive year. Departing on June 6, coinciding with the summer solstice, the Noordam will sail a round-trip itinerary from Seattle to the Bering Sea and the Arctic Circle.
- The combination of Alaska with a greater variety of wildlife and the wild landscapes of British Columbia will come with the seven-day "Great Bear Rainforest" cruise aboard the Noordam, and two departures of the 18-day "Great Bear Rainforest & Alaska Explorer" itinerary aboard the Zaandam.
- The renovation of the Holland America Denali Lodge will be completed in 2027, further enhancing the guest experience. Final improvements include:
- The construction of two new guest buildings to replace older structures, with new rooms and an increase in the Lodge's capacity to 72 rooms.
- The renovation and redesign of the interiors and public spaces of the main building.
- The complete renovation of Grizzly Grind, the guest cafeteria.
The 2027 season builds on the momentum generated in 2026, a year marked by continued investment to enhance the Alaska experience.
Alaska's highlights in 2026
- Glaciers took center stage, with over 150 opportunities to visit one or more of Alaska's major glacial destinations: Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier, and Endicott Arm. Land excursions also offered the chance to visit other glaciers, such as Mendenhall and Portage.
- Guests at Holland America Denali Lodge enjoyed new culinary offerings, with menus redesigned by Chef Ethan Stowell, who expanded the use of local ingredients and flavors across the property's various restaurants. Guests also enjoyed renovated accommodations and updated public spaces.
- Renowned bartender Sam Ross created an exclusive cocktail menu for the fleet's bars operating in Alaska, including new Glacial Ice Cocktails.
- Holland America launched an upgraded version of its "Ultimate Alaska & Denali" Cruisetours, incorporating a tour director who accompanies passengers during the multi-day inland portion of the adventure.
Holland America Line remains committed to Alaskan communities
During the 2026 season, Holland America allocated more than $320,000 to organizations and initiatives in Anchorage, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Denali.
The initiatives included a $75,000 contribution to Ketchikan American Legion Post 3 and a $5,000 donation to Scouting America Troops 4 and 2004 through the cruise line's Pennies program.
As part of this investment in communities, Holland America Line allocated $150,000 to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to support animal care and the development of the Holland America Moose Promenade.
In addition, through the On Deck for a Cause program, passengers raised more than $60,000 for Alaska Geographic, the non-profit organization that collaborates on educational matters with Alaska's parks, forests, refuges, and protected natural areas.
As Holland America Line approaches its 80th year in Alaska, the company remains committed to creating meaningful experiences in destinations and supporting the communities and landscapes that make the Big Earth such a special place.
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