What do I need to know about cruising to Alaska?
Answer: An Alaska cruise is most rewarding when you understand the seasons, plan for changing weather, and select an itinerary that showcases the glaciers, wildlife, and national parks Holland America is known for.
Timing
Alaska’s cruise season generally runs from spring through early fall, with each period offering a distinct personality. Early-season sailings bring longer daylight and snow-capped landscapes. Summer offers peak wildlife activity, glacier calving, and access to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. Later-season voyages feature fewer crowds, crisp air, and fall color in Denali. Our planners include a detailed month-by-month overview so you can align your sailing with your priorities—whether that is whale watching, bear viewing, wildflowers, or maximum daylight.
Weather
Alaska’s climate is famously unpredictable. Expect cool temperatures, shifting conditions, and moments when mist and sunlight trade places without warning. Packing layers, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy walking shoes is essential. Gloves, hats, and binoculars may seem optional until you are standing on deck during scenic cruising - when they suddenly feel indispensable.
Itinerary
Holland America offers a variety of Alaska cruises, ranging from seven to 28 days, sailing roundtrip from Seattle or Vancouver, as well as one-way Glacier Discovery voyages between Vancouver and Alaska ports. Many itineraries feature full scenic days in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, College Fjord, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm, or Endicott Arm. Longer journeys expand the map to include Kodiak, Valdez, the Great Bear Rainforest, or even a rare Arctic Circle crossing during the summer solstice.
Glaciers guaranteed
Seeing glaciers is a highlight of any Alaska journey, which is why Holland America includes the Alaska Glacier Guarantee. If your cruise does not visit a glacier, you receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15% of your cruise fare.* Guests can experience glaciers by ship, by small boat, by helicopter or seaplane, or even by dogsled on ice, depending on the shore excursions they choose.
*Not applicable on Yukon Cruisetours that do not include a glacier experience: Y3C, Y4C, Y5C, and Y6C.
Wildlife
Holland America designs itineraries and excursions to place you where Wildlife sightings are most likely. More than 175 wildlife-focused shore excursions are available, and select cruisetours include visits to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where guests learn about conservation while seeing Alaska species up close. Whale watching, bear viewing, bald eagles, sea otters, and moose are all part of the landscape, especially when timing and location align.
National parks
Many Alaska cruises feature Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, where National Park Service rangers join the ship to share insights throughout the day. Alaska Cruisetours add Denali National Park & Preserve, with guided park tours included, as well as opportunities to visit Kenai Fjords National Park and Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, home to Hubbard Glacier and vast wilderness.
Cruisetours
For guests who want more than coastal Alaska, cruisetours combine an Alaska cruise with a land journey into the heart of the state and, on select itineraries, into Canada’s Yukon Territory. These experiences may include stays at the Holland America Denali Lodge, glass-domed rail travel aboard the McKinley Explorer, guided tours in Denali National Park, and time in historic Dawson City. The planners outline multiple cruisetour styles, from shorter Denali stays to extended Alaska and Yukon explorations. To find your perfect cruisetour itinerary, visit the Cruisetour Finder.
Plan early
Before sailing, review travel document requirements, especially for itineraries that include Canadian ports or Yukon land segments. Completing online check-in, selecting shore excursions, and reviewing daily schedules in advance allows you to arrive relaxed and ready. Alaska does not rush. Neither should you.
For a deeper dive into itineraries, seasonal highlights, cruisetours, and onboard experiences, download the Holland America Line 2026 Alaska Cruise Planner and the 2027 Alaska Cruise Planner PDFs.
