Holland America Line is kicking off its 2026 Alaska season on April 25 with the arrival of Eurodam in Seattle, and the cruise line is introducing several new experiences for guests sailing to the Great Land this year.
With more than 100 Alaska voyages across six ships, Holland America will sail from three convenient homeports: roundtrip from Seattle, roundtrip from Vancouver, and between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska. Cruises run from April through September and range from weeklong sailings to longer, more immersive adventures, including a 28-day Legendary Arctic Circle Solstice voyage.
For cruise travelers considering Alaska in 2026, this season looks especially appealing thanks to an expanded lineup of shore excursions, destination-inspired dining, wildlife experiences and enrichment programs that help bring Alaska to life both on board and ashore.
New Shore Excursions Debut for 2026
One of the biggest updates for the 2026 season is the addition of 25 new shore excursions. These new tours are designed to give guests more immersive and active ways to experience Alaska’s landscapes, wildlife and culture.
Notable new tours include:
- Adventure to Norris Glacier: Floatplane, Paddle and Hike in Juneau
- Exclusive Eland & Friends Moose Discovery in Anchorage
- Remote Coastal Rainforest Hike, Gourmet Seafood Picnic & Brewery in Kodiak
- Authentic Alaska: Tongass Rainforest Hike in Sitka
These new options add even more variety for travelers who want sightseeing, wildlife encounters, cultural discovery or active outdoor adventure during their Alaska cruise.
Glacier Day Remains a Signature Experience
Holland America continues to highlight glacier viewing with its Glacier Day programming, which takes place once on every Alaska cruise. Rather than simply passing by scenic glaciers, Glacier Day turns the experience into a full onboard event.
What guests can expect on Glacier Day
Programming includes glacier sighting times, scenic commentary, presentations, informational viewing stations, photo opportunities, Dutch Pea Soup served on deck, Glacial Ice cocktails, and talks by Glacier Bay National Park Rangers and Huna cultural interpreters. Guests can also enjoy open bow viewing when available.
Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska’s iconic glacier destinations, including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier and Endicott Arm.
Holland America also continues to offer its Glacier Guarantee. If a glacier is not visited during the cruise, guests will receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15% of the cruise fare.
Teen Ranger expands fleetwide
New for 2026, the Teen Ranger program is moving to all ships in Alaska. Previously offered only on Koningsdam, the program gives teens ages 13 to 17 age-appropriate Glacier Day experiences. The Junior Ranger program for children ages 3 to 12 remains available on all Alaska ships.
Wildlife Viewing Takes Center Stage
Wildlife is one of the top reasons travelers choose an Alaska cruise, and Holland America is leaning into that in a big way this season. Alaska ships carry a wildlife expert on board, and guests can use a Wildlife Spotting Guide that highlights native animals and where they are most likely to be seen along the cruise route.
Shore excursions focused on Alaska wildlife
On shore, Holland America offers nearly 180 wildlife and wilderness-focused excursions. These tours are designed to help guests see Alaska’s animals in their natural habitat, adding another layer to the cruise experience.
On northbound voyages, guests can also visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center between Whittier and Anchorage. Some excursions include a chance to see Eland the Moose in an exclusive setting surrounded by glaciers and Alaska scenery.
Fresh Alaska Seafood and Local Culinary Experiences
Dining continues to be a major highlight of Holland America’s Alaska cruises. The cruise line’s Global Fresh Fish Program allows locally sourced fresh fish to be served on board in less than 48 hours from port to plate.
Alaska dining highlights on board
In addition to local seafood and regional flavors featured across menus, guests can enjoy select premium dishes created by Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Other culinary highlights include a Salmon Bake in Lido Market and an Alaska Brunch in the Dining Room once per cruise.
Holland America also says it is the only cruise line to earn Certified Seafood International certification for serving fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood on all ships sailing in the region.
Alaska-Inspired Cocktails, Beer and Enrichment
Guests sailing to Alaska in 2026 can also expect destination-inspired drinks throughout the voyage. Bartender Sam Ross has created a menu of exclusive cocktails served across the fleet in Alaska, including new Glacial Ice Cocktails. The beer menu is also expanding with selections from Alaskan Brewing and Denali Brewing Co.
Enrichment programs bring Alaska onboard
For guests who enjoy learning more about the destination, Holland America is continuing its Alaska Up Close talks, with topics ranging from wildlife and history to Indigenous culture and Alaska’s natural world. Watercolor and origami workshops inspired by Alaska nature and wildlife are also part of the onboard programming.
Live cooking shows will also showcase Alaska culinary traditions and techniques, with featured dishes often appearing in the Main Dining Room later that evening.
Cruisetours Add Denali and the Yukon
For travelers who want to combine a cruise with a land tour, Holland America’s Cruisetours range from 9 to 17 days and include one-, two- or three-day visits to Denali National Park.
Select Cruisetours also include the Yukon. Holland America says it is the only cruise line offering overland tours to the Yukon combined with an Alaska cruise and Denali experience.
Denali Lodge upgrades continue
A $70 million multi-year investment is currently underway at Holland America Denali Lodge.
Recent improvements include enhancements to the riverside interpretive trail, updated guest room buildings, improved wayfinding, a new coffee concept called Outpost Coffee + Provisions, and a remodeled Karstens Public House with expanded seating. Dining venues have also refreshed their menus to include more Alaskan ingredients.
Holland America’s 2026 Alaska Ships and Itineraries
Holland America’s six ships sailing in Alaska in 2026 are Koningsdam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam.
Example 2026 departures include:
- 7-day Alaska Explorer roundtrip from Seattle aboard Eurodam and Noordam
- 7-day Alaska Inside Passage roundtrip from Vancouver aboard Koningsdam and Zaandam
- 9-day Denali & Yukon Cruisetour offered May through August
- 10-day Signature Denali Cruisetour offered May through September
- 18-day Great Bear Rainforest and Alaska Explorer roundtrip from Vancouver, departing September 16, 2026, aboard Zaandam
Final Thoughts
Holland America has long been a favorite for Alaska cruises, and its 2026 season looks especially strong.
Between the new shore excursions, Glacier Day programming, wildlife viewing opportunities, fresh Alaska seafood and expanded cruisetour options, the line is clearly focused on offering a deeper and more immersive Alaska experience.
Do you plan on sailing to Alaska this summer? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy cruising!
Ethan