Back to Alaska Cruisetours

Answer: Luggage will be transported separately from guests and delivered to your hotel room. As you arrive or depart each location along your Alaska cruisetour, the timing may not align with your check in and check out times and so you may arrive before your luggage does. Please plan to bring a small carry-on bag or piece of luggage that includes your travel documents, medication, and anything else you will need when you arrive on property. Bag checks are available for your carry-on so that you can enjoy each location, optional tours, and amenities for as long as you like.

Most guests will have the opportunity to have a bag sent ahead by using the Holland America Line Join Me program. For more information on Join Me, read the "Alaska Cruisetour Tips (PDF)" available on the FAQ homepage.

If you're spending time in Denali National Park, you'll be allowed one full-size piece of luggage during your stay. This bag will be shipped from city to city and may not be available immediately when you arrive at each location. All other luggage will be sent either to your final destination or directly to your ship.

There are four luggage categories to help you organize your belongings:

Keep this bag with you throughout the tour—it’s for your essentials. Recommended items include:

1. Travel documents and photo ID
2. Important medications
3. Toiletries
4. Camera and electronics
5. Extra clothing as needed

Wheeled carry-on cases used for air travel are too large for motor coaches and trains. Choose a soft-sided tote or backpack no larger than 17” x 14” x 4” with a zippered closure that fits under a seat.

You're allowed one piece of “Join Me Tonight” luggage. This bag will meet you each night in your hotel room. You’ll receive luggage tags and instructions for where to leave it—either onboard before debarkation, or upon arrival in Anchorage or Fairbanks.

If you're traveling by highway between Fairbanks and Skagway, you’ll have access to all your luggage during that portion. During your Denali stay, only one piece will be available.

Pack this bag with items you'll need in the evening, such as:

• Clothing and sleepwear
• Non-essential toiletries
• Extra shoes

If your cruise follows your land tour, pack a separate bag for items you won’t need on land—like formal wear, dress shoes, or dinner jackets. The land portion of your trip is casual, so you won’t need these items until you're on board your cruise.

This luggage will be stored securely and delivered to your stateroom once you board the ship.

If your cruise comes before your land tour, pack cruise-only items in this bag. It will be stored and delivered to your final destination city—either Anchorage or Fairbanks.

You’ll receive the appropriate luggage tags at the start of your cruisetour, along with clear instructions in your welcome envelope.

If you're flying to Whitehorse or Dawson City from Vancouver to begin your cruisetour, you’ll keep all your luggage until reaching Fairbanks. You won’t receive “Join Me Tonight” tags in Vancouver, Whitehorse, or Dawson City.

On flights between Dawson City and Fairbanks or Whitehorse, you're allowed:

• Up to two checked bags (combined weight limit: 50 lbs)
• One carry-on bag (maximum weight: 13 lbs)

These limits are due to aircraft weight and balance restrictions.

If you're on a Yukon + Denali cruisetour, your luggage will be delivered to hotels in Skagway, Whitehorse, Dawson City, and Fairbanks, depending on your itinerary. During your Denali stay, only one piece will be available.

• Attach a sturdy ID tag to every piece of luggage.
• Keep essential items—medications, travel documents, valuables, and breakables—in your hand-carry tote.
• Never pack passports or critical items in checked luggage.
• Firearms, explosives, fireworks, and illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.
• Airlines may charge fees for excess or overweight bags. Check with your carrier for details.
• Luggage may not be immediately available at each stop, so make sure your hand-carry tote includes everything you need for the day.