Explore the Beauty of National Parks on Your Next Cruise
It’s National Park Week, which means it’s a great time to highlight the breathtaking beauty and sightseeing treasures of parks throughout the U.S. From the magnificent glaciers of Alaska to the giant redwoods of California to the glistening beaches of the Virgin Islands, you’ll find plenty of park charm as you dive into nature during your cruise vacation. Set sail with us as we highlight some of them below:
Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska
When you cruise to the Great Land with Holland America Line, you’ll see more Alaska glaciers than with any other cruise line. Whether you’re looking to explore them by sea, land or air, we can take you there.
Get a close-up view from our perfectly sized ships. Trek across a glacier on a guided hike. Take off on a thrilling tour to soak up aerial views of icy giants. It doesn’t matter if you’re sailing along the shore or embarking on an unforgettable shore excursion – either way, you’ll experience the best of Alaska’s glaciers, including those in Glacier Bay National Park. Accessible only by air or sea, you’ll have local park rangers guiding your experience as you watch for wildlife throughout the day in Glacier Bay on an Alaska cruise.
Denali National Park in Alaska
We love Alaska so much that we couldn’t help but spotlight another incredible site. If you want to experience the wonders of Alaska wilderness, you won’t want to miss Denali National Park.
Marvel at rugged mountains, abundant wildlife and North America’s tallest peak. Denali means “the high one” in the native language of the Athabascans. This is certainly fitting since it towers above surrounding lush landscapes at more than 20,000 feet. Consider embarking on an unforgettable experience in Denali on one of our Alaska cruisetours.
Redwoods National Park in California
If you embark on a Pacific Coast cruise with us, consider venturing out to Redwoods National Park. Immerse yourself in an enchanting experience as you bear witness to towering trees, some of which are over 360 feet and more than 2,000 years old.
Standing among these giants is quite humbling and will leave you feeling awestruck as you hike through the park’s trails lined with ferns. Fun fact: Redwoods can absorb 160 gallons of water per day.
Everglades National Park in Florida
Stopping in cruise ports in South Florida? Consider an adventure in Everglades National Park, home to one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Spanning 1.5 million acres, you could spot manatees, alligators and many different kinds of birds.
The Everglades are home to more than 350 species of birds throughout its terrain. It’s also the largest subtropical wilderness of its kind in the U.S. Many visitors explore the area on an airboat ride for guided tours.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Say aloha to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you’ll discover towering volcanoes whose eruptions have modified the landscape and become home to unique animal species and plants.
Every year, nearly two million people visit the park to witness these volcanic giants in person. Located on “the Big Island,” Hawaii’s UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the summit and section of the southeast flank of Mauna Loa and nearly a third of Kilauea. In their entirety, these two volcanoes make up the greatest volcanic area on the planet. They’re sacred to Native Hawaiian culture. When visiting during your Hawaii cruise vacation, you may also want to catch a glimpse of the Holei Sea Arch, an iconic and dramatic rock formation that has been shaped by wind and water.
Virgin Islands National Park in St. John
Are sandy beaches your kind of paradise? Virgin Islands National Park is a tropical paradise recognized for its beautiful beaches, lush forests and colorful reefs. Cinnamon Bay should definitely top your list for a day of swimming in clear waters, snorkeling beneath the surface and soaking up the sun on its powdered sand.
Whether you’re hiking trails, kayaking near the shore, or kicking back on the beach during your Caribbean cruise, you’ll quickly experience why this national park is unlike any other.
Acadia National Park in Maine
When you visit Acadia National Park, you’ll notice a dramatic landscape from cliffs to enchanting forests. The park spans across much of Mount Desert Island. Whether you love hiking, biking or other outdoor park activities, Acadia National Park could very well top your list for places to visit in Maine on a Canada and New England cruise.
The wonders of national parks await you on your next Holland America Line cruise. What are some of your favorite parks to visit? Share in the comments below.
