The Best of Alaska by Land & Sea

Posted on 10/14/2025

For over 75 years, Holland America has been the expert in exploring Alaska and was recently named “Best in Alaska” by Forbes.

Alaska’s Ice Giants

Standing on the deck of a ship as these icy giants come into view is a moment of pure wonder — the kind that leaves you awestruck. In Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, massive walls of ancient ice creak and crack, occasionally calving into the sea with a thunderous roar. Time seems to stand still during these mesmerizing encounters in the glacial waters — just one of the reasons why seeing glaciers is a top priority among Alaska cruisers. It is for this reason that Holland America became the first and only cruise line to offer an Alaska Glacier Guarantee™, under which guests are guaranteed to either see a glacier or receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15% of their cruise fare.

Alaska’s Majestic Wildlife

Witness seals and sea otters splash in the icy waters, while moose graze in open clearings. Spy bald eagles as they soar past snow-covered peaks in the distance. One unforgettable highlight for many travelers is whale watching in Glacier Bay, where humpbacks and orcas breach in the icy waters. Whether through a camera lens or with your own eyes, Alaska’s wildlife feels as epic as its landscape. The best part? Holland America offers over 175 animal sanctuary and sightseeing opportunities, including exclusive up-close encounters with Alaska wildlife through its partnership with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Alaska by Land & Sea

Cruise Alaska’s rugged coastline, ride a premium glass-domed train, and spend up to three nights each in the foothills of Denali National Park & Preserve and in Canada’s remote Yukon Territory on a Holland America cruisetour. Venture beyond the shoreline and into the wild heart of the Great Land on an Alaska cruisetour. It’s a remarkable experience that stays with you long after the journey ends.

Explore Denali National Park & Preserve

Discover the history, wildlife, and wilderness of Denali National Park & Preserve on one of two complimentary guided park tours. Spanning six million acres, Denali is home to diverse wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and North America’s highest peak.
One of the highlights of your tour is the chance to witness Alaska’s iconic wildlife up close. Be on the lookout for the Denali 5 — grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and the elusive gray wolf — as expert guides share fascinating insights amid sweeping tundra vistas, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and the towering presence of Denali itself. 
Experience the park’s grandeur firsthand on a Holland America Line Alaska cruisetour, which includes a 1- to 3-night stay in the foothills of Denali. Travel through Alaska’s wild interior aboard our luxurious, glass-domed McKinley Explorer® railcars, and settle into the exclusive, 60-acre Holland America Line Denali Lodge — your base camp for exploring one of America’s most incredible national parks.

Step Back in Time: Gold Rush History

Venture deep into the wild with the only cruise line offering overnight stays in the remote Yukon Territory. This untamed region is part of the UNESCO-listed Tr’ondëk–Klondike, which shares the powerful story of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in people and the lasting impact of the Klondike Gold Rush. Explore Dawson City, once the heart of the gold rush, where the Yukon and Klondike Rivers meet. Here, vast subarctic landscapes intertwine with rich Native traditions and storied frontier history. 
Steeped in Gold Rush-era charm and framed by wild Yukon wilderness, Dawson City genuinely feels like stepping back in time. From trawling the Gold Fields and standing atop the Midnight Dome to watching vaudeville at Diamond Tooth Gerties and hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park, Dawson City is a rare mix of rugged outdoor adventure and lively, old‑world storytelling. Take a free Klondike Gold Tour, stay two nights in Dawson City, and ride the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway for detailed insights from knowledgeable local experts.

Taste of Alaska’s Bounty

Savor the freshest flavors with the first and only cruise line offering 100% fresh, certified sustainable, and traceable wild Alaska seafood on every Alaska cruise. From tender wild-caught salmon to sweet halibut and buttery king crab, each dish highlights Alaska’s pristine waters and Holland America’s commitment to sustainability while being thoughtfully prepared by the cruise line’s talented chefs.

Alaska Awaits

From the sweeping wilderness of the Yukon Territory to the wildlife-rich landscapes of Denali, a Holland America 2026 cruisetour offers the best of both worlds. Enjoy immersive land exploration and breathtaking coastal views, and fascinating ports. Embark on the journey that includes it all.

 

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