Holland America Line’s Free Alaska Travel Show Returns to Seattle and Vancouver

Attendees looking to learn more about Alaska can register to win $500 gift cards and a cruise, pan for gold, meet an Alaskan lumberjack and more

Seattle, Wash., Jan. 28, 2026 — Holland America Line is bringing back its popular Alaska Cruise & Travel Show to Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 2026. Travelers interested in learning more about Alaska cruises and Cruisetours can attend the free all-day event to see why Holland America Line is consistently ranked best in the region. The culturally immersive expo will be in Vancouver Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Vancouver Convention Centre, and in Seattle Saturday, March 21 at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center at Pier 66, each running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.   

The expo provides locals who are dreaming about an Alaska cruise an opportunity to learn, engage and see the best ways to experience this incredible destination with Holland America Line. Attendees can meet the people who bring an Alaska vacation to life, take part in gold panning and axe throwing, and enjoy live presentations and demonstrations. 

“Alaska is at the heart of who we are as a cruise line, and our Alaska Cruise and Travel Show brings that passion directly to travelers in our two main Alaska homeports,” said Bill Fletcher, senior director of sales enablement for Holland America Line. “From meeting the experts who bring the destination to life to experiencing hands-on activities, the show gives travelers an inside look at why Holland America Line continues to set the standard for Alaska cruising. We aim to make it a must-attend event for anyone curious about Alaska.”

At each show, in addition to registering for a chance to win one of six $500 Holland America Line gift cards, attendees are also entered to win the grand prize of a Holland America Line Alaska cruise for two. 

Attendees who book a Holland America Line Alaska cruise or Cruisetour at either show will receive a special offer of reduced deposits, as well as overland and onboard credits. 

Shore excursion team members will be on-site at both shows to discuss the diverse array of options in Alaska. Attendees who have a Holland America Line Alaska cruise booked and can access their account can book tours at the event. Guests with a booked Alaska cruise also will be able to customize their vacation by adding other onboard amenities on-site, including beverage packages, specialty dining and more. 

Scheduled for the Alaska Cruise & Travel Show presented by Holland America Line: 

·         Lumberjack Aidan “Ironman” Ahrens is a star in the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan, Alaska. He is a winner of the 2023 Northeast Timbersports Championship and one of timbersport's rising stars. He will demonstrate axe throwing, and attendees will have the opportunity to test their own skills. 

·         Just like the prospectors of the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1800s (that put Seattle on the map), attendees can pan for real gold at the Gold Dredge 8 booth and perhaps take home an authentic nugget. 

·         Count down to the start of the Alaska season at the Sailaway exhibit featuring a digital photo booth opportunity with Holland America’s mascot Lewie the Lion.

·         Holland America Line’s chefs will perform cooking demonstrations in Seattle, showcasing some of the authentically Alaskan dishes served on board. 

·         Discover tips on how to watch wildlife and enjoy nature on a cruise with a Holland America Line onboard expert who will showcase one of the top reasons travelers choose Alaska. 

·         In Seattle, meet the team from the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), a partner of the cruise line. On select Alaksa cruises and Cruisetours, Holland America Line guests can visit AWCC on exclusive shore excursions and see first-hand the organization’s initiatives to preserve and protect Alaska’s wildlife. 

·         Play a game of Pickle Pong in anticipation of playing a game on the ships’ full pickleball court, available on every Alaska cruise. 

·         Learn about the Alaska shipboard experience, including Glacier Day programming, destination-centric dining, entertainment and more. 

·         Meet exhibitors and hear about Alaska from locals, including representatives from White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, NorthStar Helicopters, Alaska Photo Treks, Baranof Fishing Excursions, Gastineau Guiding, Alaska Railroad and Explore Fairbanks.

Cruising to Alaska in 2026

Holland America Line’s 2026 Alaska cruise season is designed to give guests expanded options while delivering more glacier-viewing opportunities and more ways to see wildlife than any other cruise line. Six ships will operate a range of itineraries, including roundtrip from Seattle and Vancouver, as well as cruises between Whittier, Alaska, and Vancouver. 

New for 2026 is the 14-Day Great Alaska Explorer roundtrip from Vancouver, and the return of the 28-Day Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice cruise roundtrip from Seattle. From breathtaking glaciers to vibrant communities, the upcoming season offers something for all travelers seeking the ultimate Alaska adventure. 

Guests can explore deeper into the region with a 2026 Cruisetour to Denali National Park and the Yukon. Cruisetours range from nine to 17 days and include a stay at Holland America Denali Lodge at the doorstep to the park. A $70 million project is transforming the property with enhancements that include improved public spaces, remodeled guest rooms and suites, and highlighting the best of local flavors.