Holland America Line prepares for 2026 Alaska season | News
Holland America Line is preparing for the start of its 2026 Alaska cruise season on April 25, with the arrival of Eurodam in Seattle.
The programme comprises more than 100 voyages across six ships – Koningsdam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam – running through to September. Itineraries will sail roundtrip from Seattle, Washington; roundtrip from Vancouver, Canada; and between Vancouver and Whittier.
Options range from seven-day voyages to a 28-day Legendary Arctic Circle Solstice cruise. Sample itineraries include:
* Seven-day Alaska Explorer roundtrip from Seattle aboard Eurodam and Noordam, with prices starting from £669pp.
* Seven-day Alaska Inside Passage roundtrip from Vancouver aboard Koningsdam and Zaandam, with prices starting from £749pp.
* Nine-day Denali & Yukon Cruisetour offered May-August, with prices starting from £1,639pp.
* 10-day Signature Denali Cruisetour offered May-September, with prices starting from £1,809pp.
* 18-day Great Bear Rainforest and Alaska Explorer roundtrip from Vancouver, departing September 16, 2026, aboard Zaandam. Prices start from £2,629pp.
Cruisetours, ranging from nine to 17 days, include a one-, two- or three-day visit to Denali National Park. Select Cruisetours also include a journey into Canada’s Yukon. Holland America Line is the only cruise line that offers overland tours to the Yukon combined with an Alaska cruise and Denali experience.
A $70 million multi-year investment is under way that will expand capacity and the guest experience at the Holland America Denali Lodge.
Holland America Line has also introduced 25 new shore excursions on its 2026 Alaska itineraries, including an ‘Adventure to Norris Glacier: Floatplane, Paddle and Hike’ in Juneau; ‘Exclusive Eland & Friends Moose Discovery’ in Anchorage; ‘Remote Coastal Rainforest Hike, Gourmet Seafood Picnic & Brewery’ in Kodiak; and ‘Authentic Alaska: Tongass Rainforest Hike’ in Sitka.
In addition, new for 2026 is the introduction of the Teen Ranger programme on all ships in Alaska. Previously only on Koningsdam, cruisers aged 13 to 17 will have special age-appropriate experiences on Glacier Day. The Junior Ranger programme, for guests ages 3 to 12, remains on all Alaska ships.
Robert Morgenstern, senior vice president of Alaska Operations at Holland America Line, said: “As the leader in Alaska, we are committed to delivering experiences that are as enriching as they are unforgettable, bringing guests closer to the region in meaningful ways. From new shore excursions and enhanced programming to our industry-leading fresh fish offerings, every detail of our 2026 season is designed to help guests connect more deeply with Alaska’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.”
Holland America Line offers more glacier experiences than any other cruise line. ‘Glacier Day’ occurs once per cruise, with glacier sighting times, scenic commentary, presentations, informational viewing 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.
Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska’s iconic glacier destinations: Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier and Endicott Arm. In addition, Holland America Line offers guests a Glacier Guarantee, whereby if a glacier is not visited on an Alaska journey, guests will receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15% of the cruise fare. Shore excursions also offer the opportunity to visit added glaciers, including Mendenhall and Portage.
Furthermore, Holland America Line continues to enhance its Global Fresh Fish Programme in Alaska, delivering locally sourced seafood from port to plate in under 48 hours, alongside premium dishes by Fresh Fish Ambassador, Chef Masaharu Morimoto.
Alaska-inspired beverages onboard include exclusive cocktails by acclaimed bartender Sam Ross such as Glacial Ice Cocktails, as well as local beers from Alaskan Brewing and Denali Brewing Co.
Elsewhere onboard, Alaska Up Close Talks will take place, along with workshops inspired by the region’s nature and wildlife, and live cooking shows.
For more information on Holland America Line, consult a travel agent, visit hollandamerica.com or call 0344 338 8607.
