Holland America Line Gears Up for 2026 Alaska Season

by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 4:00 PM ET, Thu April 23, 2026

Holland America Line is gearing up for its 2026 Alaska season, which begins April 25 with the arrival of Eurodam in Seattle.

From April through September, the cruise line will sail more than 100 voyages across six ships: Koningsdam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam. Cruises sail roundtrip from Seattle, Washington; roundtrip from Vancouver, Canada; and between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska.

“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,” says Robert Morgenstern, senior vice president of Alaska operations at Holland America Line. “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 is introducing 25 new shore excursions in Alaska this year, including the “Adventure to Norris Glacier: Floatplane, Paddle and Hike” in Juneau,” the “Exclusive Eland & Friends Moose Discovery” in Anchorage, the “Remote Coastal Rainforest Hike, Gourmet Seafood Picnic & Brewery” in Kodiak and the “Authentic Alaska: Tongass Rainforest Hike” in Sitka.

Each cruise will offer a “Glacier Day,” with special programming that includes 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.

Cruise ship passenger looking out at Alaska's Glacier Bay

Every Alaska cruise also includes a visit to either Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier or Endicott Arm. Shore excursions also offer the opportunity to visit additional glaciers, including Mendenhall and Portage. The cruise line offers a Glacier Guarantee, meaning that if a glacier is not visited on their Alaska journey, guests will receive a future cruise credit equal to 15 percent of the cruise fare.

This year, Holland America Line will offer its teen ranger program aboard all ships sailing in Alaska. Previously only on Koningsdam, the program invites cruisers between the ages of 13 and 17 to enjoy age-appropriate experiences on Glacier Day.

Each ship has a wildlife expert on board, as well as a wildlife spotting guide to point out the native animals along the route. Holland America offers nearly 180 shore excursions to see species of all kinds, and guests on northbound voyages can visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) between Whittier and Anchorage.

Holland America Line continues to build on its Global Fresh Fish Program, which brings locally sourced fresh fish from port to plate in less than 48 hours. In addition to the seafood and other local delicacies served on the menus, ships in Alaska serve select premium dishes created by Masaharu Morimoto, the brand’s Fresh Fish ambassador. Other culinary highlights include the Salmon Bake in Lido Market and an Alaska brunch served in the dining room once per cruise.

Holland America is also the only cruise line to earn the distinguished Certified Seafood International (formerly Responsible Fisheries Management) certification. Cooking techniques and Alaska culinary history are showcased during live cooking shows. Many of the featured dishes include fresh fish from the Global Fresh Fish Program and will be available in the main dining room the night of the show.

Acclaimed bartender Sam Ross has created a menu of exclusive cocktails featured in the bars across the fleet in Alaska, including new Glacial Ice Cocktails. Additionally, the menu of local beers is expanding to six varieties with Amber Ale, White Ale and Juneau Juice IPA by Alaskan Brewing. From Denali Brewing Co., Holland America Line is offering Bachelor Brew American Style Lager, Twister Creek IPA and Single Engine Red Irish Red Ale.

Guests who want to learn more about Alaska can attend an Alaska Up Close Talk. Topics range from “Pacific Giants” and “The Iditarod” to “Ancestral Memories” and “Breaking the Ice Ceiling.” Watercolor and origami workshops focus on Alaska nature and wildlife, encouraging guests to tap into their artistic side.

Holland America Line’s cruisetours range from nine to 17 days and include a one-, two- or three-day visit to Denali National Park. Select cruisetours also include a journey into the wilds of 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 underway that will expand guest capacity at Denali Lodge while elevating the guest experience.

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