Holland America Line Opens 2028 Alaska Season with Rare Voyages and New Ways to Explore the Great Land
New season builds on the cruise line's longstanding Alaska expertise with unique voyages, first-time experiences and the arrival of the reimagined Oosterdam
Seattle, Wash., Aug. 27, 2026 — Holland America Line, the No. 1 cruise line for Alaska wildlife and wilderness tours, is opening bookings for its 2028 Alaska season. For more than 80 years, Holland America Line has helped define what an Alaska cruise vacation should be, combining destination-rich itineraries, memorable wildlife encounters and meaningful connections to the region. The 2028 season continues that tradition while introducing several new reasons to explore the Great Land, including unique voyages, first-time experiences and the arrival of the reimagined Oosterdam.
The 2028 season features cruises ranging from seven to 18 days aboard Oosterdam, Noordam, Eurodam, Koningsdam, Westerdam and Zaandam, sailing roundtrip from Seattle and Vancouver, between Vancouver and Whittier, and on a new voyage from San Diego to Vancouver. Whether watching glaciers calve into the sea, spotting whales and bears in the wild, learning from local experts on board or discovering Alaska's unique cultures ashore, guests can experience the destination through thoughtfully crafted itineraries and a deep understanding of the region.
“What has always set Holland America Line apart in Alaska is our ability to combine the iconic experiences guests dream about with opportunities to see the destination in ways they haven't before,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of revenue planning and deployment for Holland America Line. “Our 2028 season reflects that approach, pairing the Alaska highlights guests expect with a collection of distinctive experiences, from rare itineraries and lesser-traveled waterways to new ways of enjoying the journey on board. It's a season designed to give guests an even deeper connection to Alaska.”
Building on an already robust Alaska program, the 2028 season adds several distinctive experiences for guests looking to see the destination from a different perspective. Highlights include a rare 11-day California to Alaska: Shores, Fjords & Glaciers voyage, first-time scenic cruising through Nootka Sound on select Great Alaska Explorer and Great Bear Rainforest itineraries, and the Alaska debut of the reimagined Oosterdam following her Evolution transformation.
First Ship in Alaska to Feature Holland America Evolution
As part of the 2028 Alaska season, guests will have the opportunity to sail aboard Oosterdam following her transformation as the first ship to debut Holland America Evolution, the cruise line's largest fleet investment in its 153-year history. Oosterdam will also serve as the primary ship for Holland America Line's Alaska Cruisetours, allowing guests to seamlessly pair their cruise with overland exploration into Denali and the Yukon. Details and availability for 2028 Cruisetours will be announced at a later date, while 2027 Alaska Cruisetours are available for booking now.
Among the additions debuting on Oosterdam are purpose-built Solo Verandah staterooms, expansive new Bridgeview Suites with panoramic forward-facing views, and the Grand Dutch Café, a guest favorite inspired by Holland America Line's Dutch heritage. The transformation also includes refreshed staterooms and suites, updated guest spaces and enhancements inspired by the line's Pinnacle Class ships.
“Alaska's scenery is already unforgettable, and Oosterdam will give guests even more ways to experience it,” said Grigsby. “From taking in the mountains and glaciers from a new Bridgeview Suite to pairing a cruise with an unforgettable journey into Denali and the Yukon, Oosterdam will offer guests new ways to connect with Alaska both on board and ashore.”
New Scenic Cruising Through Historic Nootka Sound
Select Great Alaska Explorer and Great Bear Rainforest voyages will include scenic cruising through Nootka Sound for the first time in Holland America Line history. Known as the birthplace of British Columbia, the remote waterway on Vancouver Island's west coast is rarely featured on ocean cruise itineraries and offers a distinctly different perspective on the Pacific Northwest, with rugged coastlines, forested shores and stunning natural scenery.
Leaders in Alaska
For more than 80 years, Holland America Line has helped guests experience Alaska through immersive itineraries and destination-rich experiences that connect them more deeply with the region's landscapes, wildlife and cultures.
Wildlife and wilderness experiences include more than 200 shore excursions, from whale watching and bear viewing to encounters with Alaska's iconic marine life.
Destination expertise brought to life through Alaska Up Close presentations, onboard experts, National Park Service Rangers and Wildlife Experts.
Iconic glacier visits to destinations including Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier, Tracy Arm and College Fjord.
Destination Dining™ showcasing Alaska's flavors with fresh Alaska seafood, the Alaska Brunch, Alaska Seafood Boil, cocktails created with Sam Ross using glacial ice, and programs like Savour My Catch.
Itinerary Highlights
NEW: 11-Day California to Alaska: Shores, Fjords & Glaciers, sails aboard Zaandam from San Diego to Vancouver, departing April 29, 2028.
Highlights: Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Juneau, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Klawock and Prince Rupert.
14-Day Great Alaska Explorer, sails aboard Noordam roundtrip from Seattle, departing June 4 and Aug. 20, 2028.
Highlights: Juneau, Ketchikan, Prince Rupert, Anchorage, Kodiak and Valdez, plus Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm/Dawes Glacier and new scenic cruising through Nootka Sound.
18-Day Great Bear Rainforest & Alaska Explorer, sails aboard Zaandam roundtrip from Vancouver, departing Sept. 13, 2028.
Highlights: Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, the Great Bear Rainforest, Bella Bella, Homer, Kodiak, Anchorage and Valdez, plus new scenic cruising through Nootka Sound.
NEW: 16-Day Great Bear Rainforest & Alaska Explorer, sails aboard Oosterdam roundtrip from Vancouver, departing April 28, 2028.
Highlights: the Great Bear Rainforest, Hubbard Glacier, Prince Rupert, Kodiak, Anchorage and Valdez, plus scenic cruising through Johnstone Strait, Grenville Channel and Princess Royal Channel.
7-Day Glacier Discovery, sails aboard Oosterdam and Eurodam between Vancouver and Whittier (Anchorage), with 36 departures during the 2028 season.
Highlights: Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and either College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.
7-Day Alaska Inside Passage, sails aboard Koningsdam, Zaandam and Oosterdam roundtrip from Vancouver, with 46 departures during the 2028 season.
Highlights: Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.
7-Day Alaska Explorer, sails aboard Westerdam and Noordam roundtrip from Seattle, with 45 departures during the 2028 season.
Highlights: Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan, plus either Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve or Endicott Arm/Dawes Glacier, depending on the sailing.