If you're looking for an itinerary-focused cruise to Alaska, look no further than Holland America Line. They've been sailing to Alaska for over 75 years, longer than any other cruise line, and now, they're guaranteeing that guests will see one or more glaciers on their cruise. If not, passengers are entitled to a Future Cruise Credit.
"Our guests, and especially first-time guests, are understandably as obsessed with Alaska's glaciers as we are, and our new Glacier Guarantee™ underlines our confidence in providing unforgettable glacier sightings on our Alaska cruises and Cruisetours," said Kacy Cole, Chief Marketing Officer of Holland America Line.
"We know our guests are going to return home from their cruise with special memories of these icy wonders. In fact, we guarantee it."
The Glacier Guarantee™ applies to Alaska departures from now through September 2025 and entitles passengers who don't visit an Alaska glacier to receive a Future Credit Credit equal to 15% of their cruise fare.
There's a reason why Holland America Line was named the top pick for Alaska by Forbes, Porthole Cruise Magazine Editor-in-Chief Awards, AFAR Travelers' Choice Awards, USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice Destination Awards, and TravelAge West Wave Awards Editor's Pick.
Read more: What is the best cruise line for Alaskan sailings?
Holland America Line holds the highest number of permits to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve compared to any other cruise line
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is the 6th biggest national park in the United States, making it a highlight for any Alaska cruise. It's home to over 1,000 glaciers, the longest of which is 40 miles long. Additionally, ice blankets 27% of the park's surface. The park boasts over 600 species of wildlife, too, as well as mountain peaks that reach 15,000 feet.
While cruising through the park, Glacier Bay National Park Service rangers board the ship to engage with passengers and discuss Alaska's infamous national park.
Even if your Holland America cruise isn't scheduled to sail through Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, other visits may include College Fjord, Dawes Glacier, Hubbard Glacier, and the Tracy Arm Fjord's Twin Sawyer Glaciers.
Read more: I tried a Holland America cruise to Alaska
Holland America Line is also launching "Glacier Day" on its Alaska cruises
"Glacier Day" strengthens HAL's "We Love Alaska" onboard experience. In addition to admiring the majestic glaciers, Holland America Line offers scenic commentary, presentations, informational viewing stations, photo opportunities, Dutch Pea Soup on deck, Glacial Ice cocktails, talks by Glacier Bay National Park Service Rangers, and an open bow for viewing.
Passengers will appreciate Alaska Up Close™, which is unique to HAL and enriches the Alaska cruising experience through exclusive programming, activities, and award-winning shore excursions.
They also promise more opportunities to see wildlife than any other cruise line, as all HAL ships feature a wildlife expert to help passengers experience the grandeur of Alaska's wildlife, from whales to eagles, bears, moose, otters, seals, and sea lions, among others.
There's also a Wildlife Spotting Guide that points out all of the native animals along the cruise route. It's accompanied by a map that pinpoints the best places to see each species. Between 8:00am and 5:30pm, wildlife sightings are announced to make guest viewing easier, too.
In 2024 and 2025, Holland America Line will deploy six ships to Alaska
The six ships sailing to Alaska include Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, and Zaandam, giving potential passengers an array of ships to choose from ranging from HAL's smallest vessels to some of their largest.
Eurodam is currently the only ship to feature Holland America Line's newest concert-style productions; however, they're expected to debut on Nieuw Amsterdam by the end of June. These productions include:
- "Song & Dance," which is set on a studio backlot. Two leading cast members headline a concert that features musical numbers from Broadway, Hollywood, and more.
- "Class Act," is where Las Vegas goes to sea. It celebrates iconic female performers of the concert and nightclub stage.
- "All That!" brings back the charm of the classic TV variety shows of the '60s, '70s, and '80s. The headliners take center stage and combine singing, dancing, and some comedy.
- "Hey, Mr. DJ": is where iconic DJs will introduce pop hits from the '60s through today.
All Alaska cruises will continue to feature members of the Step One Dance Company, as well as a brand-new program called "Destination: Alaska," which aims to ignite guests' enthusiasm for the destination and will highlight shore excursions available on their sailing.
Though weeklong itineraries are some of the most popular, Holland America also offers longer 14-day and 28-day voyages, including a cruise to the Arctic Circle.
Moreover, they're the only cruise line that taps into the untamed landscapes of the Yukon on cruisetours, effectively merging traditional cruise vacations with trips to the Denali National Park & Preserve.
Speaking of cruisetours, HAL plans on enhancing their 2024 offerings with upgraded accommodations at McKinley Chalet Resort, as well as introducing a new complimentary tour in Dawson City, Yukon that expands on the region's gold rush era, visiting the original discovery claim site.
Read more: 20 Alaska cruise must-do excursions
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
