Alaska Cruises 2023-2024 - Cruise to Alaska

Alaska Cruises

Embark On The Ultimate Alaskan Cruise

 

Discover the Best of Alaska with Holland America

Our Alaska Seafood Is Certified Sustainable

Our Alaska seafood is not only delicious, it’s certified sustainable by the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM). We’re the first and only cruise line to achieve this important credential, demonstrating our commitment to the fish and the Alaska communities responsible for the catch.

Alaska Cruise Sneak Preview

Below is a mere glimpse of what you will experience on our Alaskan cruises. Come along to see the real Alaska, one too big for the screen.

Meet Alaska's Giants, Face-To-Face

With 75 years in Alaska, we know every nook, cranny and crevasse. We have more Alaska cruise port departures featuring Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. All Alaska cruises include one or more glacier-viewing days, and you’ll get closer to ‘the giants’ on ships perfectly sized for the Great Land.

Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay mesmerizes with vivid blue icebergs, rugged coastlines, and massive rivers of ice. On our Alaska cruises, you don’t just see Glacier Bay. You learn its history and ecosystem from tribe members and rangers. Get face-to-face with a frozen giant and wait in anticipation for calving, one of the more spectacular sights to see aboard an Alaskan cruise ship. A true bucket list experience.

Cruise To Hubbard Glacier

Hubbard Glacier in Alaska is a rebel. Nicknamed “the Galloping Glacier,” it’s advancing, while most are receding. At six miles wide, covered in bright blue ripples, Hubbard amazes with spectacular calving.

Alaska Cruises To College Fjord

College Fjord is lined with Ivy league Alaskan glaciers, named during the Harriman Expedition with John Muir and other scientists. There’s a spot in the fjord where you can see eight glaciers at once.

Cruises To Tracy Arm, Alaska

Tracy Arm dazzles with snow-capped peaks rising from emerald waters. Spot bears shuffling along the shore and chubby seals chilling out on ice floes.

Weekly Alaska Cruises May to September

Stretch out your Alaska cruise vacation with convenient weekend departures. Enjoy a roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle on Alaskan Explorer itineraries or from Vancouver on Alaskan Inside Passage itineraries.

ALASKAN EXPLORER

7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle. Explore Victoria and three iconic Alaska ports: Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. On Saturday departures, scenic cruise Glacier Bay. See Hubbard Glacier on Sunday cruise departures.

ALASKAN INSIDE PASSAGE

7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Vancouver. Glide calm waters to Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. Experience the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay and other scenic wilderness areas.

Featured Alaska Cruise Itineraries

Roundtrip Alaska Cruise from Seattle

Roundtrip Alaska Cruise from Seattle

A 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle. Starting from USD $479 per person.

View of the city of Vancouver, Canada

Roundtrip Alaska Cruise from Vancouver

A 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Vancouver. Starting from USD $399 per person.

McKinley explorer train on Alaska cruise

Alaska Cruisetours

Cruise to Alaska, explore Denali or Denali and the Yukon. Starting from USD $899.

Go Deeper Into Denali with an Alaska Cruisetour

Add a 1-, 2- or 3-night resort stay near Denali National Park to your Alaska cruise vacation.

THE BEST WAY TO GET TO DENALI

Take in seldom-seen backcountry views aboard our domed railcars as you travel between Anchorage and Denali National Park. Every Alaska cruisetour includes select rail adventures that begin directly from the cruise ship.

VENTURE INTO DENALI’S WILD HEART

Venture deep into Denali National Park on a Tundra Wilderness Tour, included on 2- and 3-night stays. Keep your eyes peeled for grizzlies, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves.

Most Popular Alaska Cruisetours

Discover Alaska’s larger-than-life interior on these immersive Alaskan cruise line explorations.

7-Day Alaska Cruise + 2 Nights Denali (D6C)

7-Day Alaska Cruise + 2 Nights Denali (D6C)

An elegant 7-day Alaska cruise combined with 2 nights at our premier McKinley Chalet Resort just outside Denali National Park.

3 Nights Denali + 7-Day Cruise (D1L)

3 Nights Denali + 7-Day Cruise (D1L)

Luxuriate in 3 nights at our resort at Denali then embark on a 7-day Alaska cruise to Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.

7-Day Alaska Cruise + Denali + Yukon (Y1C)

7-Day Alaska Cruise + Denali + Yukon (Y1C)

Spend 7 days cruising glacial waters, 3 nights at our resort at Denali, and venture into the Yukon to discover gold rush lore.

Best Shore Excursions On An Alaskan Cruise

From culture to food to icy thrills, find options for all interests and activity levels.

Top 10 Alaska Shore Excursions

Adventure among narrow fjords, rugged mountains, and verdant forests in remote outposts that tell the hardscrabble history of Alaska. From Sitka to Ketchikan and Skagway, experience top shore excursions and find out what Alaska truly offers.

Families

On Best of Sitka: Otters, Raptors and Bears. Meet iconic Sitka wildlife and safely meet creatures great and small.

Adventurers

With the Wilderness Sea Kayaking Adventure, start at a floating kayak basecamp and paddle Alaska’s dreamy coastline, looking for whale spouts and brown bears.

Convenient Alaska Cruise Departure Ports

Our Alaska cruise departure ports have big personalities and loads of attractions.

Best Alaska Cruises from Seattle

Best Alaska Cruises from Seattle

Set out on your Alaska cruise from Seattle’s serene waterfront. Visit its most popular attractions, such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Do as locals do and fuel up at one of the numerous cafes.

View of the city of Vancouver, Canada

Alaska Cruises from Vancouver

Sightsee in this bustling metropolis before gliding the Inside Passage en route to Alaska. Historic neighborhoods and a thriving food scene await.

Mountains and water on a Whittier Alaska cruise

Alaska Cruises from Whittier

Conveniently located an hour and a half from Anchorage, Whittier is a small town on the shore of the glacier-filled Prince William Sound.

Experience Iconic Alaska Cruise Destinations

Get a head start on your day with our prime docking locations in iconic destinations.

SKAGWAY, ALASKA 

Go back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush on cruises to Skagway, Alaska, once the primary gateway to the goldfields. Take a trip on the scenic railroad and still have time to dine and shop.
Read More

JUNEAU, ALASKA

Cruise to Juneau, Alaska and visit the most remote and most beautiful state capital. This sleepy, misty city boasts countless adventures. Ride the tramway 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts for soaring views.
Read more

KETCHIKAN, ALASKA

Ketchikan, Alaska is one of the best spots along Alaska's Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. Amble historic Creek Street, a boardwalk over a wide creek that fills with salmon during certain times of year. Read more

We Bring Alaska On Board

Gain an experience—and—perspective not found with any other cruise line. Alaska Up Close, our exclusive Alaska cruise onboard programming gives you a greater appreciation for the Great Land with innovative performances from BBC Earth, expert-led talks, Port to Table cooking demonstrations and more.

BBC Earth In Concert

Watch groundbreaking Alaskan wildlife footage set to a live orchestra. This innovative performance will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Experts On Board Your Cruise To Alaska

Get to know the real Alaska. In Glacier Bay National Park, rangers and members of local tribes give engaging presentations, answer your questions and point out areas of interest.

An Unrivaled Culinary Journey

Fresh-caught salmon, Alaskan craft beer, and special events, such as Port to Table cooking demonstrations and FOOD & WINE® tours fill each day of your Alaska cruise with frontier flavor.

Alaska Immersion With Explorations Central™

Have a richer, more meaningful experience with dynamic and informative talks from those who know Alaska best. Examples of EXC® Talks on Alaska cruises include: We Are Alaska, Alaska’s Iconic Whales, Iditarod: The Last Great Race.

Why Cruise Our Mid-Sized Ships

Choose from seven refreshingly uncrowded ships for a front-row seat to Alaska's splendor.

Koningsdam

Koningsdam

Fluid lines, light-filled spaces and a blend of modern elegance and nautical tradition make Koningsdam a sublime ship for Alaska cruises.

Eurodam

Eurodam

Eurodam was named “Best for Great Dining & Diverse Destinations” and features a vast selection of entertainment venues and restaurants.

Nieuw Amsterdam

Nieuw Amsterdam

Cruise to Alaska in high style. Nieuw Amsterdam's exceptional onboard experience earned "Best Cruise Ship Overall" at the Travvy Awards.

Noordam

Noordam

Named for the Northern compass point, Noordam is fitting for a cruise to Alaska. Museum-quality art outfits this ship, from oils to photographs of music legends.

Westerdam

Westerdam

Sink into refreshed suites and a new lounge, plus dining and entertainment venues. Take in Alaska’s evergreen fjords and thunderous glaciers on this Vista-class Alaska cruise ship.

Zuiderdam

Zuiderdam

Classic nautical finishes and a spectacular art collection make the Zuiderdam the ideal sanctuary for your cruise to Alaska.

Volendam

Volendam

An elegant and spacious Alaska cruise ship with fresh floral arrangements and garden-inspired décor. Master frontier flavor with regional cooking demonstrations on board.

Cruise To Alaska Travel Tips & Articles

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Leave the heavy-duty winter coats and boots at home—easily removable, waterproof layers are best. Pack thermal layers that can keep you comfortable in temperatures ranging from 30- to 80-degrees Fahrenheit. Outfitters often provide special gear for Alaska cruise shore excursions, so there is no need to load your bags with crampons and waders. Stick to casual activewear meant for moving about in the great outdoors. Bring a few outfits for formal nights and dinners on ship.

Planning an Alaska Cruise Itinerary with Kids

The Great Land’s incredible coast and thundering glaciers are best experienced by boat, but many parents wonder if an Alaska cruise with kids is as convenient and enjoyable as it sounds. The answer is yes! It takes some extra planning and patience but creates great memories. Kid-friendly cruises are the most convenient way for the fam to experience the Last Frontier. Multi-generational Alaska cruises with grandparents are growing in popularity.

How to Pick the Best Month For Your Alaska Cruise

The best time to cruise to Alaska is a matter of personal preference. The "best time" could be different for a solo traveler who dreams of photographing bears than it is for a parent who wants a family vacation in the great outdoors. The best time to visit Alaska for Northern Lights is winter or early spring. The Alaska cruise season is just five months long, from May to September, although Holland America Line offers Alaska cruises in late April and early October.

The Complete Guide to Alaska Glacier Viewing

Alaska glaciers are emblems of climate change and at the same, vestiges from centuries ago. They are nature’s Michelangelo, sculpting deep fjords. They have a profound impact on landscapes, wildlife, and people. There are many ways to experience Alaska glaciers on Alaska cruises. Hike a glacier. Helicopter onto one. Carve it up on a dogsled. Learn the fascinating science behind Alaska glaciers, where to see the best glaciers in Alaska, and get an overview of all the opportunities for icy adventures that await you on an Alaskan cruise.

Top Things to Do in Alaska

There are things to do in Alaska that you cannot do anywhere else. Helicopter onto a glacier. Spend a day pulling in Alaskan king crab or watching grizzlies snap fish from a river. Ride along a steep cliff in an old-fashioned railcar. Sit on a deck and soak in the arctic air. Of course, any list of the top things to do in Alaska is subjective …there are all kinds of Alaska attractions to keep at the top of your Alaska cruise itinerary, from heart-pounding adventures to contemplative outdoor activities.

Best Places to Visit in Alaska

Alaska is a vast wilderness that’s steeped in history and dotted with rustic outposts. It’s an incredible region, a true bucket-list destination from the shimmering glaciers to Denali, the Great One. When it comes to finding the best places to visit in Alaska, start with what appeals to you the most. Here are some of our favorite places to go in Alaska drawing from nearly 75 years of experience.

Whale Watching on Alaska Cruises

Nothing compares to viewing an animal in its natural habitat. It is a humbling experience, especially when it comes to whales, one of the more entertaining Alaska creatures to spy on. When you go whale watching on an Alaska cruise, you could see a humpback breach or an orca pod on a hunt. Alaska waters are known to host eight different species of whales inhabiting or migrating through its seas and fjords.

Get Free Planning Help

Our consultants answer your questions, arrange hotel stays and find the best fares. Take advantage of this free service today.