Holland America Alaska: The Alaska Expert

Holland America Line has over 75 years of Alaska cruising experience, offering itineraries to destinations including Glacier Bay, Inside Passage, and Denali. Their Alaska cruises feature expert naturalists, regional cuisine, and cultural programming. The fleet includes mid-sized ships providing glacier viewing and wildlife encounters, with options for cruise-tours combining land and sea exploration.

Quick Facts: Holland America Alaska

Want to know more about comparing different Alaska cruise lines and finding the best fit for your travel style?

Why Holland America Dominates Alaska Waters

Holland America doesn’t just visit Alaska—they practically own the place. With more permits to enter Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line, they’ve secured premium access to one of Alaska’s most coveted destinations. While other ships jostle for position or skip it entirely, Holland America guests get front-row seats to calving glaciers and humpback whale feeding grounds.

The ships themselves are sized perfectly for Alaska’s waterways. Not too massive like some competitors, not too intimate like boutique expedition vessels. This Goldilocks approach means you get stabilizers that handle the Gulf of Alaska’s notorious swells, multiple viewing decks that don’t feel crowded during wildlife sightings, and enough onboard amenities to keep you comfortable during sea days.

The Holland America Difference

When comparing Princess Cruises versus Holland America for Alaska itineraries, the latter skews slightly more refined and educational. You won’t find waterslides or go-kart tracks here. Instead, expect:

• Onboard naturalists and park rangers who provide running commentary during scenic cruising (not just pre-recorded announcements)
• EXC programming featuring guest speakers, cooking demonstrations with Alaska seafood, and Native heritage performances
• Crow’s Nest observation lounge on most ships—the best spot to nurse a drink while scanning for orcas
• Culinary Alaska program incorporating regional ingredients like Dungeness crab, halibut, and salmon prepared by chefs trained in local preparation methods
• Explorations Central (EXC) activities lounge with naturalist-led workshops on glacier formation, tide pool ecosystems, and wildlife tracking

Ship Selection Matters More Than You’d Think

Holland America rotates various ships through Alaska, but not all vessels are created equal for this itinerary. The Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Eurodam, Westerdam, and Zuiderdam typically handle Alaska duties. The newer Pinnacle-class ships (Koningsdam) offer more contemporary amenities and better-positioned viewing areas, while the Vista-class vessels provide a slightly more intimate experience.

Pro tip: The aft cabins on higher decks provide stunning wake views and are surprisingly quiet despite being near public spaces. Midship balconies on Deck 6 or 7 sit at the perfect height for whale watching—not so high you’re looking straight down, not so low you’re staring at lifeboats.

Cruise-Tours: Where Holland America Really Shines

The cruise portion is just the opening act. Holland America’s land extensions through the Yukon and Denali are where their decades of experience become obvious. They own their own motorcoaches, employ their own drivers and guides, and operate private lodges in locations that matter:

• McKinley Chalet Resort near Denali’s entrance—close enough to matter, far enough from Healy’s touristy sprawl
• Yukon lodges positioned for Northern Lights viewing during shoulder season
• Denali backcountry lodges accessible only by train, limiting crowds

The logistics alone are impressive. While other cruise lines contract third-party tour operators (leading to the classic “hurry up and wait” frustration), Holland America controls the entire experience. Your luggage magically appears in your land-tour room, meals are coordinated with arrival times, and guides actually communicate with each other.

When considering how to plan your Alaska cruise experience, factor in at least a few days for a land extension. The cruise shows you coastal Alaska; the interior reveals why people move there and never leave.

Port Selection and Timing

Holland America’s port choices reflect their Alaska expertise. Yes, they hit the standard stops—Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway—but their timing is strategic. They’ve figured out which days certain ports become overwhelmed with multiple ship arrivals and adjusted schedules accordingly.

Sitka appears on many Holland America itineraries, which is significant. This former Russian capital offers genuine cultural depth that Ketchikan’s jewelry stores can’t match. The Russian Orthodox cathedral, Sheldon Jackson Museum, and Sitka National Historical Park provide context that enriches the entire trip.

Some itineraries include Haines or Homer—smaller ports where you’ll actually interact with Alaskans rather than seasonal shop workers from Seattle. These alternatives to the typical Inside Passage circuit showcase Holland America’s willingness to skip easy crowds for authentic experiences.

What Holland America Gets Right (and What They Don’t)

The Positives

• Consistent quality across sailings—their Alaska operation is well-oiled machinery
• Genuine expertise from crew and guides who return season after season
• Excellent value when comparing Alaska cruise costs across different cruise lines
• Superior scenic cruising with the Glacier Bay advantage
• Thoughtful enrichment programming that enhances rather than distracts from the destination

The Challenges

• Older demographic—if you’re under 40, you might feel like the ship’s mascot
• Slower pace that delights some but bores others (don’t expect Vegas-style entertainment)
• Traditional cruise format lacking the adventure focus of UnCruise Adventures expedition experiences or Lindblad National Geographic voyages
• Formality creep—while not stuffy, it’s definitely more refined than Carnival’s Alaska offerings or Norwegian Cruise Line’s casual atmosphere
• Dining flexibility can feel restrictive compared to newer ships from Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises

Insider Strategies for Booking

Timing your Holland America Alaska booking requires strategy. Early booking bonuses (typically available 18 months out) offer the best cabin selection and reduced deposits. However, the sweet spot for pricing often hits about 90-120 days before departure when the line adjusts inventory.

Consider repositioning cruises in May or September. These shoulder-season sailings cost significantly less, offer better wildlife viewing (particularly for bears fattening up before hibernation), and feature fewer families. The trade-off: slightly cooler weather and some excursions may not operate yet or have already closed.

If you’re debating between small ships versus large ships for Alaska, Holland America splits the difference nicely. You get small-ship access to ports and wildlife viewing with big-ship stability and amenities.

What to Book Before You Go

Shore excursions through Holland America are convenient but marked up considerably. The whale watching tours, helicopter glacier treks, and wildlife safaris all work through local operators you can book directly. That said, three excursions are worth booking through the ship:

• White Pass Railway in Skagway—the ship’s contracted departure times avoid the worst crowds
• Misty Fjords flightseeing from Ketchikan—weather cancellations are handled better through the cruise line
• Any excursion in Juneau involving the Mendenhall Glacier—traffic congestion makes timing critical, and the ship holds departure if their excursions run late

Everything else? Book directly with local operators or simply walk off the ship and explore independently. Ketchikan’s Creek Street, Juneau’s downtown, and Skagway’s historic district are all walkable from the pier.

The Real Comparison: How Holland America Stacks Up

Against Princess Cruises in Alaska, Holland America offers a slightly more cultured experience with better food. Princess edges ahead on entertainment and has more family-friendly amenities, though neither line particularly caters to kids.

Compared to Disney Cruise Line’s Alaska voyages, Holland America is dramatically more affordable and focused on the destination rather than characters and shows.

When stacked against luxury Alaska cruise options, Holland America delivers 70% of the experience at 40% of the cost. You’ll sacrifice butler service and caviar on demand, but the Alaska scenery looks the same from every deck.

The small-ship expedition lines like Alaskan Dream Cruises offer more adventurous, intimate experiences but lack the comfort and amenities that make multi-day cruising pleasant for most travelers.

Who Should Choose Holland America for Alaska

This cruise line has found its niche, and they’ve perfected it. Holland America Alaska cruises are ideal for:

• First-time Alaska cruisers who want a comprehensive introduction without adventure-travel intensity
• Multigenerational groups (grandparents, parents, adult children) seeking common ground between luxury and value
• Travelers prioritizing learning over partying or being constantly entertained
• Anyone with mobility limitations—the ships are accessible and excursions accommodate various ability levels
• Repeat Alaska visitors who’ve “been there, done that” with the competition and want to experience the difference that deep regional expertise provides

They’re less ideal for families with young children, adventure junkies wanting kayaking and hiking every day, or anyone seeking a party atmosphere.

Bonus Tips: Things Nobody Tells You

• The Explorations Café on most ships serves better coffee than the main dining venues and stocks Alaska-themed books worth browsing during sea days
• Bring binoculars—the ship sells them at inflated prices, and you’ll kick yourself watching everyone else spot wildlife first
• The outside decks on the port side during Inside Passage cruising offer better views of the coastline (starboard side going northbound, port side returning southbound)
• Request early dinner seating to maximize evening light during port days—Alaska summer sunlight lasts until 10 or 11 PM
• The Greenhouse Spa’s thermal suite (extra cost) becomes a private sanctuary during port days when everyone else is ashore
• Motion sickness matters in the Gulf of Alaska crossing—book midship on lower decks if you’re susceptible, and pack medication even if you’ve never needed it
• Laundry services are expensive; bring detergent packets and use cabin sinks for essentials, or pay for the unlimited laundry package if staying for a cruise-tour
• The back of the ship offers the quietest outdoor viewing during scenic cruising—everyone crowds the forward decks
• Download the Navigator app before departure for daily schedules, but don’t rely on it for everything—printed programs appear daily and sometimes include details the app misses
• Tipping the naturalists isn’t required but is appreciated—they’re contracted specialists, not regular crew covered by automatic gratuities

Practical Packing Intelligence

Alaska cruise packing lists circulate endlessly, but here’s what actually matters on Holland America specifically:

• Layering beats heavy coats—heated indoor viewing areas mean you’ll transition between 70°F lounges and 50°F decks constantly
• One nice outfit for formal night (they still do these, though “formal” now means “dressy casual” for most guests)
• Waterproof shoes with grip—not hiking boots, not sneakers, something in between that works on wet gangways and cobblestone streets
• A small backpack for port days beats lugging a purse or tote through excursions
• Sunscreen and sunglasses—the Alaska sun reflects off water and glaciers more intensely than you’d expect

Common Questions and FAQ

Does Holland America really have more Glacier Bay permits than other cruise lines?

Yes, they hold more Park Service permits for daily Glacier Bay entries than any competitor. This legacy access from their decades of Alaska operation means more sailings include this highlight, while other lines sometimes substitute Tracy Arm Fjord or skip glacial viewing entirely on certain itineraries.

Are Holland America’s Alaska naturalists actually knowledgeable or just reading scripts?

The naturalists are legitimate experts—many hold advanced degrees in marine biology, ecology, or related fields and return for multiple seasons. They provide live commentary during scenic cruising and host informal Q&A sessions. The quality is noticeably higher than cruise lines using recorded narration or crew members reading prepared remarks.

Can you see the Northern Lights on Holland America Alaska cruises?

Highly unlikely during the main cruise season (May through September) because Alaska experiences nearly 24-hour daylight in summer. You’d need a cruise-tour extending into late September or early May shoulder season, and even then it’s not guaranteed. The land-tour portions in the Yukon offer better chances during those timeframes.

How does Holland America handle dietary restrictions on Alaska cruises?

Better than average. Note dietary needs at booking, then remind your dining room staff on the first evening. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and most allergy accommodations are handled routinely. The Alaska-focused menu actually makes this easier since fresh seafood dominates and the cuisine isn’t heavily sauce-dependent.

Is Holland America too formal or stuffy for a casual Alaska vacation?

The formality has softened considerably. You’ll find one or two “gala nights” where some passengers dress up, but jeans and nice shirts are acceptable everywhere except the main dining room at dinner. The atmosphere skews mature and refined rather than stuffy—think wine bar conversation rather than cruise ship dance party.

What happens if weather forces itinerary changes?

Alaska weather causes cancellations on every cruise line. Holland America’s advantage is flexibility—their permits and long-standing port relationships allow them to substitute alternative scenic cruising or port calls more easily than competitors. They’re also more likely to delay departures or adjust schedules to accommodate weather windows for glacier viewing since that’s their signature experience.

Should I book a cruise-tour or just the cruise portion?

If it’s your first Alaska visit and you have the time and budget, the cruise-tour provides comprehensive coverage of both coastal and interior Alaska. If you’re primarily interested in marine wildlife, glaciers, and don’t mind missing Denali, the cruise-only option saves money and time. For more information, visit Holland America cruise options and itinerary details.

Personal Experience

We booked our first Alaska cruise with Holland America after hearing they’d been sailing those waters since the 1940s, and honestly, you can tell they know what they’re doing up there. Our cruise director had spent 15 seasons in Alaska and could point out wildlife before anyone else even knew where to look. The naturalists on board weren’t just reading from scripts—they shared stories about glacier formations and bear behavior that made every port stop feel like we had insider access. Even the dining room staff seemed to know exactly when we’d want hot soup after a chilly excursion and when we’d be ready for something lighter.

What really stood out was how their itineraries felt purposeful rather than rushed. We had time to actually explore each port instead of just snapping photos and running back to the ship. They’ve clearly figured out the best times to visit Glacier Bay and which smaller ports give you a more authentic taste of Alaska beyond the tourist shops. The onboard Alaska-themed activities, from the salmon bake on deck to the Native heritage presentations, tied everything together in a way that made the whole trip feel cohesive. By the end, we understood why people keep coming back to Holland America for Alaska specifically—they’ve simply mastered it.