Holland America Alaska cruises
May through September · 7 to 14 nights
Illustrative photography of the Alaska region. Not an official Holland America Line image.
Holland America has sailed Alaska since 1947 and runs one of the largest Alaska programmes of any line, including cruisetours that combine a sailing with rail and lodge nights in Denali.
What these itineraries are known for
- Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising
- Denali and Yukon cruisetour extensions
- Round-trip Seattle and one-way Vancouver to Whittier routes
Typical Itineraries
Alaskan Explorer
7 nights · Round trip from Seattle
- · Juneau
- · Skagway
- · Glacier Bay (scenic cruising)
- · Ketchikan
- · Victoria, BC
Glacier Discovery northbound
7 nights · Vancouver to Whittier (Anchorage)
- · Inside Passage
- · Juneau
- · Skagway
- · Glacier Bay
- · College Fjord
Example routings only. Holland America Line changes ports and dates each season — confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Ports you may see
Choosing an Alaska itinerary
Holland America runs two broad shapes of Alaska sailing. Round-trip voyages from Seattle are usually seven nights and call at Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway with a stop in Victoria, British Columbia, on the way home. One-way voyages between Vancouver and Whittier take in the Inside Passage in one direction only and are the ones most often paired with a land extension.
The one-way routes are what make Alaska cruisetours possible: rail and lodge nights at Denali and the Yukon bolted onto the front or back of the sailing. Passengers who write about cruisetours in their reviews tend to talk about them as a separate trip in their own right, with its own pace and its own costs.
Glacier Bay and scenic cruising days
Glacier Bay National Park is the day most passengers book the cruise for, and it is also the day weather most often decides the experience. Holland America holds permits to enter the park and carries National Park Service rangers aboard for narration. Other sailings substitute Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.
Read the reviews for this specifically. The same ship on the same route can produce a five-star account of calving ice in clear light and a two-star account of fog, and knowing which is which tells you more than any brochure.
Which ships sail Alaska
Koningsdam, Eurodam, Westerdam, Oosterdam and Zaandam carry most of Holland America's Alaska programme, and the ship makes a real difference to the trip. The newer Pinnacle and Signature class ships have more inside space for cold or wet sea days; the older Vista and R class ships are smaller and reach places a larger hull cannot.
When to sail
The season runs May through September. May and September sailings are cheaper and quieter, with a real chance of cold, grey weather. June through August brings the longest days, the most wildlife activity and the busiest ports, with three or four ships alongside in Juneau on a peak day.
Before you book
- Glacier Bay entry is weather-dependent — no line can guarantee the view.
- One-way Vancouver–Whittier sailings need two different flights, not a return.
- Layers and genuinely waterproof outerwear matter more than formal wear.
- Shore excursions in Juneau and Skagway sell out well before departure.
Alaska Cruise Questions
- When is the best month for an Alaska cruise?
- June through August gives the warmest weather and longest daylight. May and September are cheaper and quieter, with a higher chance of rain and cooler glacier viewing.
- Do I need a balcony in Alaska?
- Many passengers say a balcony is worth more in Alaska than anywhere else because scenic cruising happens at all hours. Public open decks are free, so it comes down to budget and how much you dislike crowds.
- Is Glacier Bay guaranteed?
- No. Glacier Bay access is limited by permit, and ice, weather or park conditions can change the day's plan. Check the itinerary wording before booking if a specific glacier matters to you.
Ships that sail here
Alaska passenger reviews
Read what passengers said about their Alaska voyage, or add your own.