Glacier Views
By Sasha Anesa
Glacier Views
By Sasha Anesa
2026 is your year to savor the journey in Alaska with Holland America Line.
Holland America Line is charting a bold course for its 2026 Alaska cruise season, offering an ever-more captivating experience of the Great Land both from its glacial coastline and its rugged interior. For those seeking to combine ocean voyages with overland adventure, its revamped Cruisetours offer unparalleled access to Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, and untamed wilderness.
Six Ships, One Exciting Season
In 2026, Holland America Line will deploy six ships to Alaska: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, and Zaandam. Some notable itinerary highlights:
• A new 14-night “Great Alaska Explorer” cruise, offered roundtrip from Seattle as well as from Vancouver.
• The returning 28-night Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice voyage on Noordam, departing June 7, 2026 to align with the Summer Solstice. The journey sails into the Bering Sea and across the Arctic Circle, stopping at 11 Alaskan ports plus Vancouver.
• Shorter 7-night options, such as the Inside Passage cruise from Vancouver (via Koningsdam, Zaandam, and Nieuw Amsterdam), which calls at Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway.
• Other themed sailings include Northbound and Southbound Glacier Discovery itineraries between Whittier (near Anchorage) and Vancouver, featuring glacier-rich cruising.
• For nature lovers, there’s a Great Bear Rainforest cruise aboard Noordam departing April 19, 2026, with a scenic route through British Columbia including Bella Bella, Seymour Narrows, and an overnight in Prince Rupert.
Why 2026 is the Ideal Time to Book
Glacier Guarantee
Every Alaska cruise includes scenic glacier viewing, with ships sailing close enough to rotate 360 degrees for full views*. Glaciers like Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, and Dawes Glacier may be featured.
Unique Rail Experience
On Cruisetours, guests ride aboard Holland America’s private McKinley Explorer luxury glass-domed rail cars providing breathtaking views through Alaska’s interior.
Wildlife and Immersion
Holland America claims the top spot in “Alaska Wildlife & Wilderness Tours.” Their guided Denali land excursions help travelers spot the “Big 5”: bears, moose, Dall sheep, caribou, and wolves.
Exclusive Lodging
Their Denali Lodge, formerly McKinley Chalet, sits on a 60-acre property on the park’s edge. The lodge offers renovated rooms, wilderness access, and wildlife viewing.
Cultural Depth
Touring the Yukon brings historical context to Klondike Gold Rush history, Indigenous stories, and a stop in Dawson City with a guide at Gold Dredge 4. Riverboat Discovery dives into the rich history.
Value Booking
For 2026 Cruisetours, Holland America is offering a “Have It All” premium package for a limited time that includes shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage package, Wi-Fi, and more.
Whether you are drawn to towering glaciers, wildlife-rich national parks, or frontier history, a Holland America Line Alaska vacation in 2026 promises a well-rounded escape. The combination of sea and land gives you both the traditional cruise perspective and the deep connection that comes from venturing inland into Denali and beyond.
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After more than 25 years as a restaurant General Manager, I’ve taken my passion for five-star service and shifted it from the dining room to destinations around the world. I’ve spent the last four years planning seamless, stress-free vacations that are as unforgettable as the people taking them.
I bring the same dedication to detail, vendor management, and quick problem-solving that I used to deliver in the hospitality industry—now applied to curating flawless travel experiences. My clients are more than just customers—they’re VIPs, and I treat each trip as if I were planning it for myself.
As the owner of Vacation Planners of West St. Louis County, I’m proud to combine my personalized service with the tools, resources, and perks of a nationally recognized brand. Whether it’s a honeymoon, a family getaway, or the ultimate bucket-list adventure, I listen closely, plan meticulously, and make sure my clients return home already dreaming of their next journey.
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