By: Marisol White

Alaska looks beautiful in pictures but seeing it with one’s own eyes takes it to a different level. Did you know Holland America has been sailing to Alaska longer than any other cruise line? Seventy-five years, to be exact!

Also, Holland America is the only cruise line offering the most cruise port departures featuring the majestic Glacier Bay National Park. Rangers and Huna Tlingit guides come aboard the ship to provide information and lectures on the wildlife and cultural significance of the state of Alaska. 

Alaska Itineraries:

Enjoy roundtrip Alaska cruises from Seattle on Alaskan Explorer itineraries. These itineraries visit Victoria, Canada, and three Alaskan ports: Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka. Passengers also visit Glacier Bay for Saturday departures, and for Sunday departures, they visit Hubbard Glacier. 

Voyages departing from Vancouver, British Columbia, will embark on Alaskan Inside Passage itineraries. On these itineraries, guests will visit Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway while also experiencing the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay. 

Alaska Shore Excursions:

Guests can enjoy many shore excursions while sailing on an Alaskan cruise. It may be challenging to choose which one to select! 

One of the top-rated excursions is dog sledding while visiting a dog musher’s camp in Juneau. During the Sled Dog Discovery & Musher’s Camp Tour, guests will embark on an authentic dog sledding ride while learning about huskies and playing with husky puppies.

Ketchikan’s Bering Sea Crab Fisherman Tour takes guests aboard the Aleutian Ballad fishing boat featured on Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch. The fishing tour includes knowledgeable staff who entertain and educate on the sustainability and responsibility of a fisherman. 

The Best of Sitka: Otters, Raptors, and Bears Tour provides wildlife viewing onboard a catamaran. Guests will also visit the Alaska Raptor Center. After the tour, guests will have time to explore Sitka independently. Note: The tour operator guarantees guests will see an otter, a whale, or a bear. If not, guests will receive a $100 cash refund upon disembarking the tour. 

Daily Activities Onboard Holland America:

Onboard activities are abundant during days at sea and when the ship is at port. For example, there are various trivia sessions, dueling piano acts, classically trained musicians and dancers, educational films of Alaska, nightly shows, entertainment, and more. 

Unique to Holland America Cruise Line is the afternoon tea served on many of its cruise ships, many of which sail to Alaska. High Tea occurs on select days. 

Onboard Dining

Hungry at 3 am? Not to worry, as Holland America offers complimentary 24-hour room service! 

Throughout the voyage, guests will be treated to many delectable dining experiences that come with your voyage. These include: 

The Dining Room is a sit-down restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Lido Market: A casual marketplace offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Dive In: This casual poolside quick service serves Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dogs, French fries, and more.

New York Pizza: Another poolside quick service location offering customized pizzas and Italian salads. 

Want a fancier and one-of-a-kind exquisite dinner? A handful of dining experiences are not included in your cruise package but may be enjoyed at an additional cost.