Explore the Beauty of National Parks on Your Next Cruise
Republished April 10, 2026
Whether you’re asking what cruises visit national parks or simply searching for a vacation that blends adventure with natural wonder, the answer is closer than you might think. National park cruises offer a unique way to experience some of the most protected and breathtaking landscapes on earth, without the logistics of road trips, rental cars, or back-to-back hotel stays.
National Park week is April 18–26, 2026, 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, to the historic waterways of the Mid-Atlantic, 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.
Key Takeaways
- Holland America gives you access to iconic national parks, from the Everglades to Acadia, without the hassle of planning land travel.
- Alaska cruisetours are the best way to see multiple parks in one trip, combining sailing with inland exploration.
- Glacier Bay access is strictly limited, so booking early with an authorized cruise line is essential.
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.
Only a limited number of ships are allowed to enter Glacier Bay each day, making it important to book with an authorized cruise line. Holland America Line is an authorized concessionaire ensuring guests access to one of the most remote national parks in the world.
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.
Holland America’s Alaska cruisetours combine a classic Gulf of Alaska or Inside Passage cruise with several nights of inland exploration, giving guests the chance to experience Denali’s wilderness up close before or after their time at sea. For travelers looking for a true Alaska national park cruise experience, few itineraries deliver more variety, between glaciers, wildlife, and towering peaks all in one trip.
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 land and sea cruisetours.
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska
No Alaska national parks overview would be complete without mentioning Kenai Fjords National Park. Located near Seward, this stunning coastal park is home to the massive Harding Icefield and abundant marine wildlife including orcas, sea otters, and puffins. Guests sailing into Seward can access day-boat excursions directly into the fjords, making it an ideal add-on to any Alaska cruise itinerary. Holland America’s Seward port calls make this one of the most accessible national park experiences available at sea.
Ready to experience Alaska’s glaciers, cultural heritage, and wild beauty? Learn more about our Alaska cruises.
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.
Most New England cruises stopping in Bar Harbor offer shore excursions to Acadia’s most iconic spots, including Cadillac Mountain (the first place in the U.S. to see sunrise!) and the dramatic tidal pools of Thunder Hole.
Olympic National Park in Washington
Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse parks in the country, spanning glacier-capped peaks, old-growth rainforest, and over 70 miles of Pacific coastline. Olympic National Park is best visited before or after a roundtrip Alaska cruise as it is approximately three hours from Seattle.
Tips for Planning a National Park Cruise
A national park cruise requires a bit more planning than a typical port-focused voyage. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you book:
- Book early for Alaska. Glacier Bay has strict daily ship limits, and permitted sailings fill up fast — especially for peak summer departures.
- Consider a cruisetour for inland parks. Denali and other interior parks aren’t reachable by ship alone. Land-and-sea packages are the most efficient way to combine both.
- Think about ship size. Larger ships offer more amenities and stability, while smaller ships can access more remote areas and provide a more intimate experience in the parks.
- Check the season. Most national park cruises operate from late spring through early fall. Alaska sailings typically run May through September. The majority of national park cruises operate from late spring through early fall. Alaska sailings typically run May through September, and Pacific Northwest itineraries follow a similar window.
Start Planning Your National Park Cruise with Holland America
The wonders of national parks await you on your next Holland America Line cruise, and there’s never been a better time to start planning. From the glacier-carved fjords of Alaska to the volcanic coastlines of Hawaii to the colonial harbors of New England, Holland America itineraries are designed to put you as close to nature as possible. Many voyages include onboard naturalists and park rangers who enrich your experience long before you step ashore. Whether you’re searching for what cruises visit national parks or simply ready to book, there’s a Holland America itinerary built for the way you like to explore.
View current Holland America cruises and find the one that takes you to the parks on your list.
What are some of your favorite parks to visit? Share in the comments below.
National Park Cruises FAQs
Can you visit national parks on an Alaska cruise?
Yes! Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of many Alaska itineraries, with park rangers often boarding the ship to provide narration. Holland America cruisetours also include up to three nights at Denali National Park as part of a land-and-sea journey.
What is the best national park tour for seniors?
With spacious ships and destination-focused itineraries, Holland America Line is a convenient and comfortable way to explore national parks. To experience both Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska cruisetours are the best option.
What national parks can you visit on a cruise outside of Alaska?
Options include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Acadia in Maine, and Virgin Islands National Park in St. John.
