best time to visit Alaska

According to CLIA’s 2023 Global Passenger Report, cruise capacity is expected to grow 10% between 2024–2028, One reason: Cruise vacations offer fantastic value. Learn about the value of cruising in 2025, as well as Holland America’s included experiences that could take you from “considering a cruise” to “ready to book.” Stress-Free Travel by Sea Explore multiple ...

Our new cruise search experience makes it easier than ever to go from planning your next cruise to relaxing on deck with expansive ocean views. Explore the new features by watching our simple walkthrough video or reading below. User-Friendly Layout Our new search results layout lets you scan results without being overwhelmed. Easily view cruise dates ...

The Perfect Balance: Why Mid-Sized Cruise Ships Are Just Right All of Holland America’s mid-sized ships offer the ideal blend of small-ship intimacy and large-ship amenities. Think of it as the “Goldilocks of cruising”: not too big, not too small — just right. While all our ships feature sophisticated décor, spacious staterooms, and European-inspired design, each of our ...

If you’re cruising to Norway in the summer, one phrase will serve you well: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Norwegian weather can change quickly from sunshine in the morning to misty rain in the afternoon and cool breezes at night. Whether you’re hiking alongside a fjord, exploring an Arctic port, or enjoying dinner in ...

Cruising with your family can be one of the most memorable ways to bond and discover new places, but is there enough on board our ships to keep teens occupied? The answer is yes! With the right cruise ship, itinerary, and activities, a cruise vacation can become the ultimate family getaway for all ages — including your teens! At ...

Whether you're sailing close to home or heading overseas, there are plenty of ways to stretch your budget without sacrificing your experience. From booking your airfare, hotel, and travel packages with your cruise to finding last-minute deals, here are six smart ways in which U.S. travelers can save big on their next Holland America cruise vacation. 1. Watch ...

If you’re dreaming of your next great escape, consider this: A cruise ship vacation does more than just give you a place to stay — it’s a passport to bucket-list destinations and a seamless way to explore the world. Whether you’re new to cruising or just looking for a refresher, this guide will walk you through what to expect ...

If Alaska glaciers, wildlife and wilderness adventures top your list for an ultimate vacation, an Alaska cruise with Holland America Line is the way to do it. We have been sharing the wonders of Alaska longer than any other cruise line, and we know how to make the journey an unforgettable one. Here’s your guide to Alaska cruises with ...

If you have ever wanted a front-row seat to a solar eclipse or northern lights, get ready to pack your bags for one of Holland America Line's 2026 Solar Eclipse & Northern Lights Cruises. Our thoughtfully crafted itineraries around Europe will help guests soak up the sights in one of the best ways possible – from a cruise ship. ...

Though the first day of your cruise vacation is an exciting one, it can also feel overwhelming as you navigate cruise terminals on embarkation day. Here are some tips to help you navigate cruise terminals, including those in Seattle and Vancouver. Preparing for Cruise Embarkation Tip #1: Know which cruise terminal you’re sailing out ...

Seeing the Northern Lights is an incredible experience, especially when it’s on a cruise ship while you’re surrounded by beautiful icy landscapes in the Arctic. This guide will help you navigate where and when to see the Northern Lights on cruises to or near the Arctic, as well as tips for viewing and capturing them on camera. ...

A Caribbean cruise is the ultimate island vacation where you can soak up the sights of sandy beaches, turquoise waters and blue skies. Whether you’re planning a romantic trip for two, a family vacation or a friends’ getaway, the Caribbean is a great vacation for relaxation and fun. This travel guide highlights different regions of the Caribbean, the best ...

A world cruise is the vacation of all vacations. Exploring all seven continents is an unforgettable experience that is both enriching and exhilarating. We connected with two of our guests who spend over 200 days a year cruising with Holland America Line, beginning with the Grand World Voyage. If you are new to world cruises, you may find their ...

San Francisco is one of the most popular spots in California. Its Golden Gate Bridge alone is recognized worldwide as a beloved symbol of the Golden State. If you are planning a Pacific Coast cruise with the City by the Bay on the itinerary, here are the best times to visit: Visit San Francisco ...

Best Reasons to Take a Holiday Cruise When you’re considering a cruise vacation, you may look at your calendar and check it twice for the spring and summer months. However, when it comes to cruising to breathtaking destinations around the world and escaping the everyday, a holiday cruise is just as nice. Here are the best reasons to ...

If there’s ever a time to wish days were longer, it’s on an Alaska cruise. Between breathtaking landscapes and spectacular wildlife, there’s a lot to enjoy. That’s why cruising during the summer solstice makes it that much sweeter. Here are some of the ways you can soak up 22 hours of sun — yes, you read that right! — ...

Embarking on a cruise abroad is an exhilarating journey filled with new discoveries and unforgettable experiences. If it's your first time traveling internationally, you may have a few questions. Here's a quick guide to help you prepare for international travel. From packing pointers to safety tips, we're here to help you prepare for a seamless cruise experience.  ...

You’ve spent weeks planning every detail of your Holland America Line cruise – from your itinerary to your wardrobe. Now it’s time to make sure your camera is ready for a picture-perfect vacation. Here are some tips to help you choose the best camera for your cruise. There’s No Shortage of Options When it ...

If going on a cruise is something you’ve wanted to do for months or even years, but you don’t know where to start, don’t sweat it. We’ve got you covered! Here are quick tips to help you navigate your first cruise adventure. 1.Find a cruise destination that excites you. Whether it’s Alaska, the Caribbean, ...

Cruising is an incredible vacation, not only for ease and comfort, but also for the ability to choose worldwide travel. Cruise ships can go all over the globe and even reach places that are only accessible by water. The hardest part of booking a cruise vacation is choosing where to go! Here's a guide to help you choose the ...

Get ready to have the time of your life seeing the world from your doorstep with Holland America Line. Book today with these breathtaking cruise deals to enjoy a free balcony upgrade, up to 40 percent off fares, free fares for kids and 50 percent reduced deposits. Book our Have It All package by Feb. 29, 2024, and you’ll ...

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned pro, Holland America Line is here to help you plan your cruise. From choosing your destinations to exploring shore excursions and onboard activities, we've got you covered. Here are 10 tips to help you plan your cruise vacation: 1. Find a destination that excites you. Whether it’s ...

Looking for a new way to celebrate the holidays? Dreaming of destinations where you can soak up warm sunshine? Consider cruising through the season with Holland America Line. Here are the best reasons to take a holiday cruise: 1. Keep Calm & Cruise On Leave the party planning to us while you relax, rejuvenate, ...

The day after Thanksgiving isn’t just meant for yummy leftovers and post-turkey-trot naps. It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year in the U.S. Though Black Friday often entails long lines to snag a good buy, what if you could delight in deals that take you on a different adventure? Consider sailing through Black Friday with these ...

A Caribbean cruise with the family is a great way to get away from the everyday. If you’re a parent, just imagine all the sea and shore adventures you could have with your kids. Multi-generational cruising is also popular among families, bringing grandparents and other relatives on board for fun in the sun. If you’re looking to have an ...

We recently caught up with Samantha Brown, celebrated travel expert, after her family vacation in Norway with Holland America Line. Here's what she had to say about their great adventure while sharing family travel tips along the way!  My family and I had the absolute time of our lives cruising Norway with Holland America Line. Not ...

This holiday season my loved one gave to me: the gift of sailing the seas From dazzling lights and festive trees to treasured tunes and relished recipes, how you celebrate the season is as unique as you. At Holland America Line, travel is our tradition, and it can be yours, too. Start new holiday traditions this year while ...

You’ve been dreaming of the ultimate cruise experience and just decided where to go. Between our perfectly sized ships, exceptional service, flexible itineraries and incredible dining, you know you want to sail with Holland America Line. Before you book, you browse our cruise deals to ensure you’re maximizing your great getaway. Cue our Have It All Premium Package, a ...

From changing colors to cooler temperatures, the fall and winter seasons signal a time of change and remind us to cherish the present. It’s in that spirit we highlight unforgettable journeys you can take to explore the magic of the seasons. See the world from your doorstep on a Holland America Line cruise. Australia ...

Calling all wanderlust cruisers! If wildlife safaris, golden vistas and rolling grasslands are part of your dream vacation, then Holland America Line’s Grand Africa Voyage is the bucket-list adventure you’ve been waiting for. Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this 73-day voyage gives you the opportunity to see the world from your doorstep with the comfort of a Holland America ...

Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned pro, there are many reasons to seek support from a Personal Cruise Consultant (PCC) to help you plan a cruise vacation that’s as unique as you. As members of our team, Personal Cruise Consultants have expertise on the Holland America Line experience and knowledge about destinations around the world. They’re here ...

Celebrations are underway for Holland America Line’s 150th Anniversary, and you still have time to join the fun. If you’re craving a getaway but not sure where to go or what to do, consider embarking on one of our Heritage Cruises. Focused on ports rich in our brand’s history, Heritage Cruises feature unique onboard and shoreside experiences, and there ...

Along with glaciers and wildlife, the northern lights top the list of Alaska must-sees. It is possible to see the northern lights from Anchorage. The lights dance year-round but are only visible in inky-black skies. If you cruise Alaska during the peak of summer, the blaze of the midnight sun outshines the aurora. If you’re ...

We asked Samantha Brown, celebrated travel expert, what her tips would be for first-time cruisers to Alaska. Here’s what she had to say! Note: Holland America Line is a proud sponsor of “Places to Love.” Cruising the Inside Passage of Alaska was one of the most incredible bucket-list adventures my family and I have ...

Alaska is a prime destination for wildlife viewing. But if you don’t have suitable binoculars, that Alaska brown bear and her cubs might look like … a few blurred dots. That mountain goat? Nothing but a spec. That humpback whale? A floating log. Find the best binoculars for wildlife viewing so you don’t miss a single magical moment. Everyone ...

Whether it’s $100, $200, $300 or more, Onboard Credit can make a sweet vacation even sweeter. While some credits are designated for certain activities (e.g., shore excursions), others give you the opportunity to spend it in multiple ways. From rejuvenating at the spa while enjoying ocean views to making magical memories during once-in-a-lifetime excursions, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how ...

On a cruise over the holidays, reconnect with loved ones and rejuvenate yourself. Spend time lazing by the pool while we prepare a holiday feast. Explore sun-drenched ports while we make the ship clean and tidy for the celebrations. Admire the gingerbread villages, mistletoe and ornament-adorned trees around the ship, all while enjoying daytime enrichment and nightly entertainment. Worried your ...

This week we welcomed the first day of summer! As schools let out for break and travelers seek new adventures, Holland America Line offers several exciting locales to embark on a memorable vacation. Do you want to explore the gorgeous glaciers of Alaska? How about the incredible lush greenery and charming seaside towns of Canada and New England? Golden beaches ...

Europe takes fashion seriously, but that doesn’t mean you have to lug five suitcases across the ocean or teeter around on cobblestones in the world’s most uncomfortable shoes. Our packing list for Europe helps you pack smart, so you’ll be comfortable and stylish on cruise excursions. As our Europe cruises are a week or longer, start with a large suitcase ...

It's hard to believe that your cruise is here! Today is departure day, and for the next seven, 10, 12, or maybe even 128 days, you're going to be cruising with us to new and wondrous places. For some of our guests, the ship is the destination and the ports we visit are an added bonus. Regardless, we're thrilled to ...

No one knows the ins and outs of Alaska better than our guests who have been there, done that ... many more than once! As we look to celebrate our 75th year exploring Alaska in 2022, we have an exciting season of cruises and Cruisetours that take you to the must-see places and hidden gems of this most gorgeous region. ...

A new year brings new resolutions. Will you try something new, reevaluate your health, make a life change or, make "me time" a priority? Travel allows you accomplish many of your goals, while also having a great time. In fact, travel might be your resolution for 2022. Here are five resolutions that you can check off while on a Holland ...

Alaska is on the bucket list of many travelers, and there are plenty of reasons why: incredible scenery, imposing landscapes, warm and welcoming locals, a step back in time to the days of the Gold Rush, elusive wildlife and endless adventure. You can explore Alaska many ways, but if you're looking to cruise to Alaska, Holland America Line is your ...

Old-world cultures, breathtaking scenery and landscapes steeped in history bring Holland America Line’s 2023 Europe season to life on cruises that were crafted to highlight the best of each region. From April through November, dozens of unique itineraries — ranging from seven to 35 days — will be offered aboard two of the line’s Pinnacle Class ship, Nieuw Statendam and ...

The Caribbean cruising season is quickly approaching, and as we prepare to island-hop among the palm-fringed jewels of the region, there are some packing essentials you'll want to be sure to bring along. These items are in addition to your staples, like clothing, swimsuits, toiletries and flip flops. Whether lounging on the golden beaches of Half Moon Cay or snorkeling ...

The Panama Canal has been called one of humankind’s greatest engineering achievements, and for the 2022-23 cruise season four Holland America Line ships will feature itineraries that include a full transit between Atlantic and Pacific oceans. On board, guests get a front-row seat on the eight-hour daylight journey through the Panama Canal, often cited as a rite-of-passage experience by avid ...

When it comes to vacation, a cruise to Mexico has it all: vibrant cultural heritage, ancient ruins, incredible food, and natural splendors from arid deserts to balmy rain forests. Holland America Line offers the best Mexico cruises for a fully immersive experience, one beyond the sun and surf. If you are passionate about food, a cruise to Mexico is a ...

While we continue to work with governments and port authorities in correlation with the phased resumption of cruising, we are canceling the remainder of the summer 2021 European sailings aboard two ships, Nieuw Statendam and Volendam. This affects cruises that were scheduled to depart from September through November, along with the Collectors’ Voyages (combined cruises) associated with those departures. In ...

When Holland America Line sets sail for Greece this summer, guests can choose from three different seven-day voyages over four departures dates. The itineraries were designed to offer different ports so guests can book back to back cruises and experience new ports over 14 days. We carefully crafts our cruises to be able to form these Collectors’ Voyages, which enable ...

For travelers looking to get back to cruising on longer voyages in the Mediterranean this summer, Eurodam is extending its season and offering five 12-day itineraries roundtrip from Venice, Italy; between Venice and Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Venice and Barcelona, Spain; or from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Following a series of four cruises to Greece in summer 2021, Eurodam will ...