Holland America Line is getting ready to celebrate a major milestone in Alaska.
In 2027, the cruise line will mark 80 years of sailing in Alaska, and it’s planning a bigger season with new itineraries, upgraded Denali accommodations, special onboard experiences and six ships sailing throughout the region.
The announcement comes as Holland America wraps up its 2026 Alaska season, which included expanded glacier viewing, new food and drink offerings and more than $320,000 in donations to Alaska communities.
For cruisers considering Alaska in 2027, there are a few interesting new options to know about.
Holland America Will Have Six Ships in Alaska in 2027
Holland America will sail six ships in Alaska between April and September 2027.
The ships include:
- Eurodam
- Koningsdam
- Nieuw Amsterdam
- Noordam
- Westerdam
- Zaandam
Cruises will depart from Seattle, Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska.
Along with its traditional seven-day Alaska itineraries, Holland America is adding some more unusual options for cruisers who want to spend longer in the region or explore areas beyond the typical Alaska cruise route.
New 8-Day Alaska Inside Passage Cruise
One of the biggest additions for 2027 is a new eight-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise sailing roundtrip from Vancouver.
The itinerary includes scenic cruising through the Inside Passage, a visit to Glacier Bay and stops in:
- Skagway
- Ketchikan
- Prince Rupert, British Columbia
The extra day could be appealing for cruisers who want a slightly longer Alaska cruise without committing to a two-week itinerary.
28-Day Arctic Circle Alaska Cruise Returns
For cruisers who really want to go big, Holland America’s 28-day Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice cruise will return for a third year.
Noordam will depart Seattle on June 6, 2027 and sail toward the Bering Sea and into the Arctic Circle.
The timing is intentional, with the itinerary taking place around the summer solstice, when Alaska experiences extremely long daylight hours.
This is a very different experience from the typical seven-day Inside Passage cruise and gives passengers a chance to visit more remote parts of Alaska.
More Great Bear Rainforest Cruises
Holland America is also expanding itineraries that combine Alaska with the wilderness of British Columbia.
Noordam will sail a seven-day Great Bear Rainforest itinerary, while Zaandam will offer two 18-day Great Bear Rainforest & Alaska Explorer cruises.
These sailings focus heavily on wildlife, scenery and less commonly visited destinations.
Holland America Is Expanding Its Denali Lodge
Another major change is coming to the Holland America Denali Lodge near Denali National Park.
Renovations and expansion work are expected to be completed in 2027.
The project includes two new guest buildings that will replace older accommodations and increase the lodge’s capacity by 72 rooms.
The Main Lodge will also receive redesigned interiors and refreshed public spaces.
Grizzly Grind, the lodge’s coffee shop, will receive a full renovation as well.
The expansion is especially important for cruisers taking Holland America’s Alaska Cruisetours, which combine a cruise with several days traveling inland.
Holland America Continues to Focus on Glaciers
Glacier viewing continues to be a major focus of Holland America’s Alaska program.
During the 2026 season, the cruise line offered more than 150 opportunities to visit one or more major glaciated destinations, including:
- Glacier Bay National Park
- Hubbard Glacier
- Dawes Glacier
- Endicott Arm
Passengers could also book shore excursions to glaciers including Mendenhall Glacier and Portage Glacier.
Holland America has long emphasized glacier viewing as one of the biggest reasons to choose its Alaska itineraries.
Alaska Food and Cocktails Were Expanded in 2026
Holland America also introduced several food and beverage changes during its 2026 Alaska season.
At Holland America Denali Lodge, Chef Ethan Stowell redesigned menus with a greater focus on Alaska ingredients and regional flavors.
Onboard the ships, bartender Sam Ross created exclusive Alaska cocktails, including special Glacial Ice Cocktails.
Serving local seafood and Alaska-inspired dishes has become an increasingly important part of Holland America’s destination-focused cruise experience.
Alaska Cruisetours Were Also Enhanced
Holland America expanded its Ultimate Alaska & Denali Cruisetours in 2026.
A tour director was added to accompany guests during the multi-day inland portion of the trip.
Cruisetours are particularly popular with passengers who want to see Denali and other parts of inland Alaska in addition to sailing the Inside Passage.
Holland America also remains the only cruise line offering itineraries that combine an Alaska cruise with travel into the Yukon.
Holland America Donated More Than $320,000 to Alaska Communities
Holland America also highlighted its ongoing relationship with Alaska communities.
During the 2026 season, the cruise line contributed more than $320,000 to organizations and initiatives in Anchorage, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Denali.
That included:
- $150,000 to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- $75,000 to Ketchikan American Legion Post 3
- $5,000 to Scouting America Troops 4 and 2004
Guests also raised more than $60,000 for Alaska Geographic through Holland America’s On Deck for a Cause program.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center funding will also help support animal care and development of the Holland America Moose Promenade.
Holland America Has Been Sailing Alaska for Nearly 80 Years
Holland America’s connection with Alaska dates back to before Alaska became a U.S. state.
That long history has become a major part of the cruise line’s branding in the region, particularly as competition among cruise lines in Alaska continues to grow.
“Alaska has been an important part of Holland America Line’s story for nearly 80 years,” Holland America Line president Beth Bodensteiner said in the announcement.
She added that the cruise line’s experience in the destination helps it create cruises that allow guests to connect with Alaska in more meaningful ways.
What Cruisers Can Expect in 2027
Holland America says its 80th anniversary Alaska season will include more than just new itineraries.
Passengers can also expect anniversary celebrations, special culinary experiences, enrichment programs and entertainment tied to the milestone.
For cruisers considering Alaska in 2027, the biggest changes are probably the new eight-day Inside Passage cruise, expanded Denali Lodge accommodations and the return of several longer and more adventurous Alaska itineraries.
With Alaska cruising continuing to grow in popularity, Holland America appears to be leaning heavily into its long history in the destination while giving travelers more ways to experience it.
Would you consider sailing Holland America for an Alaska cruise? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy cruising!
Ethan