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snow capped mountains behind a tundra plateau in Alaska's National Parks

Alaska National Parks

Stunning views and abundant wildlife make visits to Alaska National Parks unforgettable. Towering peaks, sprawling glaciers, and untouched wilderness create a landscape that feels truly otherworldly. Whether exploring coastal rainforests or alpine tundra, each park offers a rare sense of solitude and natural wonder.

From large moose grazing in meadows to eagles soaring above icy fjords, Alaska’s National Parks teem with life at every turn, including sea otters, caribou, and even breaching whales that complete the breathtaking picture of the wild in its purest form. But majestic wildlife is just one of many reasons to take an Alaska National Parks cruise. Keep reading to learn more about what each park has to offer.

Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay, Alaska, is home to some of the continent's most spectacular sights. Glacier Bay National Park is part of one of the world’s largest internationally protected biosphere reserves.

Not only is Glacier Bay a natural laboratory with dramatic glacial movements, it’s the spiritual homeland of the Huna Tlingit and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you cruise this remarkable area, onboard Naturalists relay the science behind every splendor.

Denali National Park

One of the most iconic Alaska National Parks, Denali boasts 6 -million acres of diverse wildlife. Denali National Park is home to North America’s tallest mountain, “The Great One,” with a summit elevation of 20,310 feet. Denali is located only two hours from Fairbanks and four hours from Anchorage.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Located on the outskirts of Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park has no shortage of natural beauty. Between lush waterfalls and 40 glaciers cascading from the Harding Icefield, there are countless thrilling ways to experience Kenai Fjords National Park’s impressive landscapes and diverse ecosystem.
Visit Kenai Fjords National Park on a Holland America Alaska Cruise

Wrangell St. Elias National Park

At 13.2 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is nicknamed the Mountain Kingdom of North America. The largest national park in the United States, Wrangell St. Elias National Park offers enriching Yukon Gold Rush history, scenic waterways, and Hubbard Glacier, North America’s largest and most active tidewater glacier.
Learn more about the sights of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Klondike Gold Rush National Park

Calling all adventure lovers and history enthusiasts: Klondike Gold Rush National Park in Skagway, Alaska, is the ideal location to start your Gold Rush quest. Relive history by exploring the Mascot Saloon, built in the late 1800s and the Moore Homestead, an exhibit that shows the challenges one family faced during the Gold Rush. Stop into Liarsville, a gold rush trail camp, to see garments and antiques up close.

Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park, located on Alaska’s rugged southern coast, is a land shaped by fire and water. Known for its dramatic volcanic terrain, the park rose from the 1912 eruption of Novarupta, the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. Today, it’s a living testament to nature’s power and resilience.

Beyond its striking landscapes, Katmai is one of the best places on Earth to witness Alaska’s iconic brown bears in their natural habitat. Along the Brooks River, visitors can watch bears fishing for salmon, an unforgettable scene of wild Alaska at its finest.

Note: Holland America Line does not offer excursions or cruises directly to Katmai National Park.

National Park Sightseeing & Excursions

Tundra Wilderness Tour

On a Tundra Wilderness Tour, travel into Alaska’s Denali National Park for the adventure of a lifetime. This comfortable and comprehensive excursion takes you 43 miles into the Park’s unspoiled wilderness, for up-close views of Mt. Denali.
Learn More and View Cruises

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

Kenai Fjords National Park contains an impressive 700 miles of ice, almost one mile thick. Waterfalls rush over boulders, while turquoise waters give way to the rise of jagged, tree-lined cliffs. To appreciate this marine wonderland fully, stop to admire Exit Glacier.
Learn More About Cruises to Kenai Fjords

Hubbard Glacier Catamaran Excursions

Board an Alaskan-built expedition vessel for a stunning, unmatched perspective of Hubbard Glacier, one of Alaska's most famous landmarks. From the mouth of Disenchantment Bay, you will cruise in comfort amid shimmering icebergs and dramatic wilderness.
Choose This Excursion

Visit Alaska National Park Destinations With Holland America

Skagway, Alaska

Step back into history and explore the port town of Skagway, Alaska, the gateway to the legendary gold fields, and Alaska’s largest settlement.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Explore Alaska’s rugged, wild terrain at Denali National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for Alaska’s iconic Big Five: caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, moose, and wolves.

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

Explore Glacier Bay National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marvel at the dramatic scenery and fascinating wildlife, and learn about the Huna Tlingit, who lived for many generations on the shores of Glacier Bay.

Large cruise ship sailing through calm blue water near forested island with mountain range in the background under partly cloudy sky.

Sail to Alaska’s national parks with Holland America to see more glaciers, more wildlife, and more wilderness—paired with our unmatched expertise that brings it all to life. With privileged access to Glacier Bay and enriching onboard interpretation from park rangers and Huna Tlingit cultural guides, scenic cruising becomes a deeper connection to every place. All complemented by fresh, locally sourced cuisine and thoughtfully curated programming that uniquely celebrates Alaska’s landscapes, cultures, and flavors.​

Ready to experience an Alaska National Park cruise with the line that has explored this rugged land for more than 75 years? Find your ideal Alaska cruise or Cruisetour itinerary with Holland America Line today.​

Alaska National Parks FAQs

When is the best month to take a cruise to Alaska National Parks?

Peak season runs June through August for the warmest weather, longest daylight, and lively wildlife—perfect for glacier days and long, unhurried excursions. Shoulder months May and September bring less crowded attractions and great value, with spring blooms or fall colors adding a little extra magic to your adventure.

Can you see all 8 Alaska National Parks in one trip?

Alaska is vast, and many parks are extremely remote, so it’s not realistic to see all eight in a single itinerary. A smart plan is to pair a 7–14 day voyage featuring Glacier Bay with an Alaska Cruisetour to reach Denali and select highlights, then save the more remote parks for a future journey.

What wildlife can you see on an Alaska National Parks cruise?

Depending on the season and route, you may spot humpback and orca whales, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles, puffins, and porpoises along glacier-fed fjords. On Alaska Cruisetours, keep an eye out for Alaska’s Big Five—moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, and wolves—plus black bears and mountain goats in the high country!

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