Travel Tips Before You Embark on an Alaska Cruisetour
Are you on a mission to watch whales in the wild? Dreaming of icy-blue glaciers and mouthwatering fresh-fish flavors? With Holland America Line you can see more Alaska glaciers and have more access to Alaska wildlife than with any other cruise line. You can also indulge in our Global Fresh Fish and Savor My Catch programs, where you’ll relish the tastes of Alaska from port to plate. However, if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Great Land getaway, consider going into the heart of Alaska on a land adventure. Cue the Alaska cruisetour.
Here are some quick travel tips to help you make the most of an epic journey on a cruisetour:
Enjoy your time at our McKinley Chalet Resort as part of your cruisetour.
Savor the cruisetour experience.
When you embark on an Alaska cruisetour with Holland America Line, you’ll be in the company of experts guiding your experience every step of the way. Kick back in our private railcars and luxury motorcoaches. Bask in Alaska’s beauty at our McKinley Chalet Resort. Enjoy having luggage taken directly to your room. Savor the moments of witnessing Alaska wildlife in their own habitat with more than 175 sanctuary and sightseeing excursions. And if you’ve ever wanted to visit a place unlike any other, make sure the Yukon is on your itinerary. Surrounded by Canada’s tallest peaks, this vast territory is home to small communities with big personality and breathtaking views, and Holland America Line can take you there.
Use the Navigator App.
New for 2024, the Navigator app brings your cruisetour itinerary details to your fingertips, ensuring you know what’s happening, when and where.
Pack for the journey.
It can be cool in Alaska even during summer months. Check the weather forecast ahead of your trip to help you pack accordingly. Keep essentials (e.g., medications, extra layers, camera, binoculars) with you during day activities when you’re away from your room. That way you always have key items with you.
Enjoy jaw-dropping sights of Alaska’s glaciers when you cruise.
Don’t sweat the luggage.
There’s no need to transport luggage on your own once you embark on your journey. We’ll take care of the luggage details between your destinations. If your vacation begins with the land segment of your cruisetour, you’ll receive luggage instructions upon arrival in Alaska. If your journey begins with the cruise segment, you’ll receive instructions the night before you disembark from the ship.
Enjoy relaxing moments as you dive deep into Alaska’s wilderness.
As you journey into the countryside of the Great Land, you’ll experience multiple transfers, from motorcoaches to the glass-domed McKinley Explorer. Prepare for some quality R&R as you disconnect from the noise of the world and immerse yourself in nature. That means no Wi-Fi to distract yourself from the beauty that will surround you. Just enjoy the view while indulging in meals available on board for purchase.
Book land excursions early.
Don’t miss the chance to book unforgettable excursions during the land segment of your tour. Though this can’t be done on board, you can book ahead of your trip at your hotels, including McKinley Chalet Resort.
Inquire about room upgrades.
Make the most of your trip by exploring our cruise deals and opportunities for room upgrades. Connect with one of our Personal Cruise Consultants or your travel advisor to explore potential options.
Bask in the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness as you soak up the sights of its incredible wildlife.
Indulge in a dining plan.
Relax and focus all your attention on Alaska and the Yukon’s spectacular sights, amazing wildlife and historic outposts, knowing that most of your meals — and gratuities — are pre-planned and paid for with our Great Land Dining Plan. Choose a breakfast-only, Denali, or full dining plan to pair with your journey. Learn more by calling 1-800-426-0327.
Share accessibility needs ahead of time.
We want to ensure you are well cared for throughout your journey. Please connect with a Personal Cruise Consultant or travel advisor to share accessibility needs well in advance. Special requests for hotel rooms must be pre-arranged and equipment to support mobility will need to be secured from a local company via rentals. Your travel advisor or Personal Cruise Consultant will be more than happy to provide guidance on who to call for arrangements.
Personalize your experience.
Find your perfect Alaska cruisetour. Customize the journey based on where you want to go and how long you want to be there. Spend more time in Denali. Explore the untamed wilderness of the Yukon. Immerse yourself in Dawson City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Yukon, making you feel like you stepped back in time to the days of the Klondike Gold Rush. Dive into destinations like Alyeska, Seward, and beginning in 2025, Homer. Your Alaska cruisetour can be as unique as you are.
Learn more about how you can experience the heart of Alaska’s wilderness on an Alaska cruisetour.
