To celebrate its 80th anniversary of exploring Alaska in 2027, Holland America Line presents Alaska Heritage Tours, a collection of iconic experiences that connects current passengers with the company's early years in this vast territory. Some of the excursions date back eight decades and allow travelers to discover many of the same places and traditions that travelers of previous generations encountered.
Although these experiences have been carefully modernized over the years to suit the interests and expectations of passengers, they maintain their essence and offer an authentic connection to Alaska's history, culture, and communities.
The collection, available on select cruises and combined cruise and land tours (Cruisetours), brings together some of the experiences that have become favorites among Holland America Line passengers. From the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, which follows a route opened during the Klondike Gold Rush, to the Riverboat Discovery, which for decades has allowed passengers to explore the Alaskan interior by river, these offerings remain appealing and engaging nearly 80 years after the cruise line began exploring the region.
“One of the most remarkable aspects of Alaska is that many of the experiences travelers seek today are the same ones that inspired those who visited decades ago,” says Carole Biencourt, Vice President of Onboard Revenue for Holland America Line. “As we approach our 80th season in the region, we are proud that the experiences included in Alaska Heritage Tours have been part of Holland America Line’s journey since our first Alaskan explorations in the 1940s. While these excursions have evolved over time, they continue to offer passengers an authentic connection to Alaska’s landscapes, wildlife, and communities, making them favorite experiences for so many years.”.
The Alaska Heritage Tours collection encompasses the diverse ways travelers have explored the region throughout Holland America Line's history. With over 30 excursions to choose from, it includes experiences related to railroads, glaciers, wildlife, wilderness areas, and national parks, reflecting the landscapes and adventures that have defined the destination for generations.
Top excursions offered by Alaska Heritage Tours
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McKinley Explorer Railroad. A journey through the Alaskan interior aboard a train with a glass roof, allowing you to admire some of the state's most spectacular landscapes.
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White Pass Summit Scenic Railroad. Following the historic Klondike Gold Rush route through the mountains above Skagway.
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Mendenhall Glacier Explorer. Discovering one of Alaska's most iconic glaciers from Juneau.
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Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise. Sailing among glaciers that reach the sea, with the possibility of observing whales, sea otters and other species.
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Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour. Explore the depths of Denali National Park to spot Alaska's signature wildlife and admire its vast tundra landscapes.
80 years exploring Alaska
For eight decades, Holland America Line has brought Alaska closer to its passengers through immersive itineraries and enriching experiences that allow them to discover the destination in depth. These 80 years have resulted in a wide range of offerings designed to introduce travelers to the wildlife, natural landscapes, glaciers, and cultures of this region.
Currently, this legacy includes:
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More than 200 shore excursions, from whale and bear watching to glacier visits, cultural encounters and adventures in the great outdoors.
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The trip is accompanied by experts, including U.S. National Park Service rangers, Alaska Up Close presentations, onboard specialists, and representatives of local and indigenous communities, who share their knowledge of the region's history, wildlife, and cultures.
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Iconic glacier sailing experiences, with destinations like Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier, Tracy Arm and College Fjord, plus the company's Alaska Glacier Guarantee™.
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Destination Dining™, a gastronomic offering inspired by the region that includes fresh Alaskan seafood, the Alaskan Brunch, the traditional Alaska Seafood Boil, and other dishes and drinks that highlight local flavors.
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Exclusive opportunities to explore the interior, such as a stay in private accommodation in the heart of nature and overnight trips to Dawson City in Yukon, allowing you to deepen your knowledge of Alaska and the northern regions.
Featured itineraries
Passengers can enjoy Alaska Heritage Tours excursions on a selection of cruises and combined cruise and land tour programs.
– Alaska Cruise Tours, including Denali and Yukon itineraries. These programs offer the most comprehensive access to the Alaska Heritage Tours collection. All include a ride aboard the scenic McKinley Explorer train and one of two excursions: the Denali Natural History Tour or the Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour. Some itineraries enhance the experience with additional options in Seward or Fairbanks. The Yukon programs also incorporate a trip on the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, combining two of the collection's most iconic rail experiences.
– Alaska Explorer and Inside Passage itineraries. With stops in Juneau, these cruises offer different options for discovering the Mendenhall Glacier, one of Alaska's most visited natural areas.
– 28-day Alaska Arctic Circle Legendary. This extended trip provides access to a wide selection of Alaska Heritage Tours and includes stops in Haines, Valdez, and Anchorage.
– Glacier Discovery Itineraries. Cruises that begin or end in Whittier offer access to excursions that highlight the natural beauty of south-central Alaska.
The Alaska Heritage Tours collection is now available to book on select 2027 Alaska Cruise Tour itineraries and programs
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