{"id":84698,"date":"2026-08-27T09:34:26","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T16:34:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/?p=84698"},"modified":"2026-08-27T09:34:26","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T16:34:26","slug":"best-of-the-great-land","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/travel-inspiration\/where-to-travel\/best-of-the-great-land\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Way to Experience Alaska"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1248px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p>With over 80 years of sharing Alaska (before it was even a state!), Holland America offers some of the most immersive ways to experience the Great Land, combining glacier viewing, wildlife encounters, national park access, fresh local flavors, cultural enrichment, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/cruise-destinations\/alaska-cruises?xid=EXTHBG202608265XO7JIKN82\">seamless cruise and cruisetour options<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\">Alaska\u2019s Breathtaking Ice Giants<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><p>If glaciers top your Alaska bucket list, you&#8217;re in good company. Towering ice formations and wildlife encounters rank among the main reasons travelers visit Alaska, and Holland America offers glacier viewing across iconic destinations including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/cruise-destinations\/alaska-cruises\/articles-and-videos\/glacier-bay-national-park-and-preserve?xid=EXTHBG20260826GD0DH5315V\">Glacier Bay National Park, &amp; Preserve<\/a>: Only accessible by plane, boat, or ship, this park is known for its 1,045 glaciers, which cover roughly 27% of the area.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/cruise-destinations\/alaska-cruises\/alaska-yukon-ports\/cruising-hubbard-glacier-hub?xid=EXTHBG202608269WXVUR9Z25\">Hubbard Glacier<\/a>: The longest tidewater glacier in North America, this glacier\u2019s three-story icebergs calve frequently for an exciting viewing opportunity.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/content\/hal\/us\/en\/cruise-destinations\/alaska-cruises\/alaska-yukon-ports\/scenic-cruising-endicott-armdawes-glacier-100?xid=EXTHBG2026082692VLYWVTY1\">Dawes Glacier<\/a>: Journey through Endicott Arm to see this 600-foot-tall tidewater glacier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To make your glacier experience even more fascinating, at Glacier Bay Nation Park, onboard National Park Service Rangers share geographical knowledge and insights about these rivers of ice. Plus, with us, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/cruise-destinations\/alaska-cruises\/glacier-guarantee?xid=EXTHBG202608269Q0A7G8772\">glaciers are guaranteed<\/a>! You\u2019ll set sail with confidence knowing you receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15% of your cruise fare if you don&#8217;t see a glacier.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background internalBanner nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-top:30px;--awb-padding-right:30px;--awb-padding-bottom:30px;--awb-padding-left:30px;--awb-background-color:#dce3eb;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1248px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\" data-scroll-devices=\"small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"--awb-text-color:var(--awb-color6);--awb-margin-top:0px;--awb-margin-right:0px;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;--awb-margin-left:0px;\"><p>Ready to experience the best of Alaska? Learn more about our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/cruise-destinations\/alaska-cruises?xid=EXTHBG202608267J4ZD1RS99\">award-winning Alaska cruises<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1248px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-2 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\">Top Wildlife &amp; Wilderness Experiences<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><p>Spot grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and more up close with the #1 Cruise Line in Alaska Wildlife and Wilderness Tours. Our 200+ animal sanctuary and sightseeing opportunities include complimentary tours through Denali National Park &amp; Preserve, and our exclusive Alaska Wildlife Conservation partnership.<\/p>\n<p>As you sail through Alaska\u2019s breathtaking coastal waters, watch for whales breaching, eagles soaring overhead, and sea otters bobbing in the waves. With a little luck, you might even spot brown bears wandering along the rugged coastline.<\/p>\n<p>Book one of our convenient shore excursions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/cruise-destinations\/alaska-cruises\/alaska-yukon-ports\/jnu\/23022?xid=EXTHBG20260826YSCFMYLVYW\">Whale Watching &amp; Wildlife Quest<\/a> (Juneau)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/cruise-destinations\/alaska-cruises\/alaska-yukon-ports\/sgy\/36916?xid=EXTHBG20260826IZP41AH47H\">Glacier Point Wilderness Safari<\/a> (Skagway)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/cruise-destinations\/alaska-cruises\/alaska-yukon-ports\/anc\/44931?xid=EXTHBG202608267E462UYOKZ\">Portage Glacier Cruise &amp; Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center<\/a> (Anchorage)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-3 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\">Taste the Flavors of Alaska<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><h3>Destination Dining\u2122<\/h3>\n<p>We bring local ingredients and fresh flavors to every dish as the only cruise line triple-certified to serve 100% fresh, sustainable, and traceable Alaska fish thanks to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/onboard-experiences\/dining\/fresh-fish?xid=EXTHBG20260826L0BLTWQ4MF\">Global Fresh Fish Program<\/a>. Holland America\u2019s Destination Dining\u2122 goes beyond the plate to bring tastes and traditions directly to you.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/onboard-experiences\/dining?xid=EXTHBG20260826YSY0ZWHL48\">Learn more about our Destination Dining\u2122<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Savour My Catch<\/h3>\n<p>This popular program allows you to reel in your own fresh catch from Juneau or Ketchikan, and then have it prepared by our talented chefs and served to you on board that same evening.<\/p>\n<h3>Alaska-Inspired Menus<\/h3>\n<p>Enjoy an Alaska-themed brunch, glacial-ice cocktails, seafood boil, and more on board. Or on land, sit down to seasonal Alaska specialties like smoked seafood chowder or seared scallop caprese.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-4 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\">Cruisetours Go Beyond the Shore<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><p>Our award-winning <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/cruise-destinations\/alaska-cruises\/alaska-land-sea-journey-cruise-tours?xid=EXTHBG20260826SBFXONNPSI\">land-and-sea cruisetour itineraries<\/a> combine cruising the coastline with an unforgettable journey into the heart of Alaska\u2019s interior. Experience Alaska\u2019s majesty by sea, rail, and more with the first cruise line to win Gold in the <em>Travel Weekly<\/em> Magellan Awards\u2019 new \u201cAlaska Cruisetours\u201d category.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Complimentary tour of Denali National Park &amp; Preserve on all cruisetours<\/li>\n<li>Exclusive access to Dawson City, Yukon, featuring an included <i><b>Klondike Gold Tour<\/b><\/i><\/li>\n<li>Local Tour Directors providing expert assistance on Denali &amp; Yukon itineraries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Denali At Your Doorstep<\/h3>\n<p>In 2027, we\u2019re unveiling a $70 million enhancement to our private 60-acre <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/cruise-destinations\/alaska-cruises\/alaska-land-sea-journey-cruise-tours\/denali-lodge?xid=EXTHBG20260826ECZWISIEP3\">Denali Lodge<\/a>. You&#8217;ll step foot in a remodeled Main Lodge, upgraded guest rooms and suites, a new coffee experience, and more.<\/p>\n<h3>McKinley Explorer\u00ae<\/h3>\n<p>While on land, journey through the unspoiled Alaska Interior on board our privately owned, two-level, glass-domed railcars that travel between Anchorage and Denali. Take in the vistas of Hurricane Gulch, Broad Pass, or enjoy unobstructed views and fresh mountain breezes from an open-air platform.<\/p>\n<h3>Exclusive Overnight Stays in Historic Yukon<\/h3>\n<p>Step into the heart of Gold Rush country and trace the footsteps of the Klondike prospectors on the only cruise line bringing guests to Dawson City, Yukon. On all Holland America\u2019s <em>Alaska, Denali &amp; Yukon<\/em> cruisetours, you\u2019ll get two nights to explore in Dawson City, plus a <em><strong>Klondike Gold Tour<\/strong><\/em> curated with <em>The<\/em> HISTORY <em>Channel<\/em>\u2122.<\/p>\n<p>Experience a cruisetour for yourself and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/find-a-cruise?destinationIds:(A)&amp;cruiseType:(LAND_FIRST%20OR%20SEA_FIRST)&amp;departDate:&#091;2027-05-01T00%3A00%3A00.000Z%20TO%202027-09-01T00%3A00%3A00.000Z%2B1MONTH-1DAY&#093;&amp;xid=EXTHBG20260826AE9SYI2AOE\">book today<\/a>!<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-5 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\">New for 2028! Departures from San Diego &amp; Scenic Cruising Experience<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\"><p>For the 2028 season, we&#8217;re introducing a first-ever departure from San Diego, making it easier than ever to go from Southern California&#8217;s sunny shores to Alaska&#8217;s glacial waters.<\/p>\n<p>Also, experience scenic cruising along the Nootka Sound. This deep inlet on the west coast of Vancouver Island in BC, Canada is a hidden treasure where you\u2019ll catch views of breathtaking fjords and abundant marine wildlife.<\/p>\n<p>All of this is on select sailings featuring the reimagined <em>Oosterdam<\/em>. Available to book soon!<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:0px;\"><h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Access Exclusive Deals &amp; More<\/h3>\n<\/div><div style=\"text-align:center;\"><a class=\"fusion-button button-flat fusion-button-default-size button-default fusion-button-default button-1 fusion-button-default-span fusion-button-default-type\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/sign-up?xid=EXTHBG20260826QF1TTJ4X3R\"><span class=\"fusion-button-text\">Sign Up for Special Offers<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1993,"featured_media":84699,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[4232,4494,4545,4697],"class_list":["post-84698","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-where-to-travel","tag-alaska","tag-alaska-cruises","tag-alaska-travel-experiences","tag-where-to-travel"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84698","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1993"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84698"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84698\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84737,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84698\/revisions\/84737"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84699"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84698"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84698"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=84698"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}