Republished April 10, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div> 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.<\/p>\n National Park week is April 18\u201326, 2026, which means it\u2019s 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\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n<\/div> When you cruise to the Great Land with Holland America Line, you\u2019ll see more Alaska glaciers<\/a> than with any other cruise line. Whether you\u2019re looking to explore them by sea, land or air, we can take you there.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> 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\u2019t matter if you\u2019re sailing along the shore or embarking on an unforgettable shore excursion \u2013 either way, you\u2019ll experience the best of Alaska\u2019s glaciers, including those in Glacier Bay National Park<\/a>. Accessible only by air or sea, you\u2019ll have local park rangers guiding your experience as you watch for wildlife throughout the day in Glacier Bay on an Alaska cruise<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> We love Alaska so much that we couldn\u2019t help but spotlight another incredible site. If you want to experience the wonders of Alaska wilderness, you won\u2019t want to miss Denali National Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> 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.<\/p>\n<\/div> Marvel at rugged mountains, abundant wildlife and North America\u2019s tallest peak. Denali means \u201cthe high one\u201d 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div> No Alaska national parks overview would be complete without mentioning Kenai Fjords National Park<\/a>. Located near Seward<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n<\/div> Ready to experience Alaska\u2019s glaciers, cultural heritage, and wild beauty? Learn more about our Alaska cruises<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Stopping in cruise ports in South Florida<\/a>? 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> The Everglades are home to more than 350 species of birds throughout its terrain. It\u2019s also the largest subtropical wilderness of its kind in the U.S. Many visitors explore the area on an airboat ride<\/a> for guided tours.<\/p>\n<\/div> Say aloha to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you\u2019ll discover towering volcanoes whose eruptions have modified the landscape and become home to unique animal species and plants.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Every year, nearly two million people visit the park to witness these volcanic giants in person. Located on \u201cthe Big Island,\u201d Hawaii\u2019s 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\u2019re sacred to Native Hawaiian culture. When visiting during your Hawaii cruise<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<\/div> Are sandy beaches your kind of paradise? Virgin Islands<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Whether you’re hiking trails, kayaking near the shore, or kicking back on the beach during your Caribbean cruise<\/a>, you\u2019ll quickly experience why this national park is unlike any other.<\/p>\n<\/div> When you visit Acadia National Park, you\u2019ll 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> 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.<\/p>\n<\/div> 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.<\/p>\n<\/div> 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:<\/p>\nKey Takeaways<\/h2><\/div>
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![\"View](\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/glacier-bay-national-park-alaska.webp\" "\\"Glacier")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska<\/h3><\/div>
Denali National Park in Alaska<\/h3><\/div>
![\"View](\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/denali-national-park-alaska.webp\" "\\"Denali")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska<\/h3><\/div>
Everglades National Park in Florida<\/h3><\/div>
![\"Aerial](\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/everglades-national-park-florida.webp\" "\\"Everglades")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"View](\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/hawaii-volcanoes-national-park-holei-sea-arch.webp\" "\\"Hawaii")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Hawaii Volcanoes National Park<\/h3><\/div>
Virgin Islands National Park in St. John<\/h3><\/div>
![\"View](\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/virgin-islands-national-park.webp\" "\\"Virgin")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"View](\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/acadia-national-park.webp\" "\\"Acadia")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Acadia National Park in Maine<\/h3><\/div>
Olympic National Park in Washington<\/h3><\/div>
Tips for Planning a National Park Cruise<\/h2><\/div>
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Start Planning Your National Park Cruise with Holland America<\/h2><\/div>