A Sneak Peek at Holland America’s 2026 Alaska Cruise Plans
The headline read, “What Lies Ahead for Holland America’s 2026 Alaska Cruise Season.”
I receive a lot of daily emails from travel trade magazines, cruise lines, tour operators, and travel organizations. Reading all these fully could easily take up my entire day.
As we wrap up the last weeks of this year’s Alaska season, my final client is about to embark on a two-week Silversea expedition cruise from Nome, exploring remote Alaskan islands most people don’t even know exist.
Interest in Alaska continues to grow. We already have singles, couples, two and three-generation families, and small groups booked for the summer of 2025. And we’re receiving inquiries about 2026 cruises.
While I can hardly believe we’re already in September 2024, seeing “2026 Alaska Season” really had me catch my breath. But here we are, looking two years ahead. About half of the 14 cruise lines I expect will likely sail to Alaska in 2026 have already posted their schedules. That’s giving lines like Holland America, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises a major advantage for early shoppers.
What’s new with Holland America Line in Alaska in 2026
With six ships sailing around our 49th state, “HAL” will emphasize what’s important to Alaska-bound cruisers who want a more immersive experience: glacier viewings, wildlife sightings, cultural experiences, and dining with a local flair.
From April through September 2026, HAL offers seven- to 28-day itinerary options such as sailing roundtrip from Seattle, Washington; roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; or between Vancouver and Whittier (Anchorage), Alaska. These include the popular monthlong "Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice" sailing and a new 14-day roundtrip option from Seattle for those who have been clamoring for longer itineraries but with embarkations involving an easy airport to access.
Alaska 2026 Season Highlights
Six ships will explore Alaska: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam.
For the first time in more than five years, Westerdam will cruise to Alaska from Vancouver and Noordam will sail roundtrip from Seattle. This deployment provides guests with different ship options to repeat their favorite itineraries.
New in 2026, the 14-day "Great Alaska Explorer" cruise will be offered roundtrip from Seattle, in addition to Vancouver.
Noordam's Aug. 23 departure from Seattle and Westerdam's Sept. 13 cruise roundtrip from Vancouver visit Alaska's Anchorage, Juneau, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Sitka and Valdez, along with Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada, and Glacier Bay scenic cruising.
Nieuw Amsterdam's May 3 cruise roundtrip from Vancouver calls at Anchorage, Juneau, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Prince Rupert, Sitka, Wrangell and Valdez, with Glacier Bay scenic cruising.
The popular 28-day "Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice" cruise returns for a third year. Departing June 7 in time for the Summer Solstice, the voyage aboard Noordam sails roundtrip from Seattle to the Bering Sea and into the Arctic Circle. The ship visits 11 Alaska ports plus Prince Rupert and Vancouver. Guests will enjoy an overnight at Anchorage and late-night departures from Juneau and Valdez.
Seven-day "Alaska Inside Passage" cruises sail roundtrip from Vancouver on Koningsdam, Zaandam and Nieuw Amsterdam. Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.
Seven-day "Alaskan Explorer" cruises sail roundtrip from Seattle aboard Eurodam and Noordam, and include calls at Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (evening visit); and Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka. Eurodam also includes Alaska's Icy Strait Point and Glacier Bay; Noordam explores Dawes Glacier.
Seven-day "Northbound Glacier Discovery" and "Southbound Glacier Discovery" itineraries cruise between Whittier (Anchorage) and Vancouver aboard Nieuw Amsterdam and Westerdam. Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.
Guests looking to combine Alaska with more of the wildlife and the rugged nature of British Columbia can embark on the "Great Bear Rainforest" cruise aboard Noordam, departing April 19, 2026. Roundtrip from Seattle, highlights include an overnight at Prince Rupert and scenic cruising in the Grenville Channel, Bella Bella and Johnstone Strait, with a transit of the Seymour Narrows.
Note that Holland America Line's signature Alaska CruiseTours which combine a cruise with an overland tour to Denali National Park and journey up to the Yukon have not yet been presented at the time of this article being published, but should soon be available.
Glaciers Guaranteed on Every Alaska Cruise
Every Alaska cruise includes a scenic visit to Alaska's iconic glaciers, where the ships sail up to the face of the ice formations and rotate for a 360-degree view. Because Holland America is confident that guests will have an unforgettable glacier experience, they are continuing to offer their “Glacier Guarantee” program, which pledges glacier viewing on every Alaska cruise and the majority of CruiseTours.
Glaciers visited may include Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, Dawes Glacier, Hubbard Glacier and Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm. During Glacier Bay's scenic cruising, Holland America Line continues to bring on a Glacier Bay National Park Ranger for the day to engage with guests.
In addition to scenic viewing from the ship, more adventurous guests who want an up-close and unforgettable experience can participate in optional excursions such as the Glacier Discovery Helicopter Tour in Skagway and the Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip in Juneau.
More Ways to See Alaska's Wildlife in the Wild
All of HAL’s Alaska ships carry a wildlife expert on board to help guests witness the majestic animals found in the region, and a Wildlife Spotting Guide points out the native animals found along the cruise route and includes a map with the best places to see each species.
Guests can choose from more than 175 animal sanctuaries, sightseeing and land excursions to get up close to the region's most beloved creatures, including options through our exclusive partnership with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
Serving Fresh Fish in Alaska
Holland America Line continues with its relatively new Global Fresh Fish program that brings locally sourced fresh fish from port to plate in less than 48 hours. In addition to the seafood and other local delicacies served on the menus, ships in Alaska serve exclusive dishes created by the brand's Fresh Fish Ambassador, Chef Morimoto. HAL is the only cruise line with Alaska seafood certified sustainable by the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM), so the seafood served on all Alaska ships is fresh and certified sustainable.
Holland America Line’s 'We Love Alaska' Program Immerses Guests in Local Culture
Holland America Line's "We Love Alaska" program deeply immerses guests in the local culture with authentic cruise activities and shore excursions. The exclusive experiences are delivered through experts leading workshops and lectures from those who know Alaska best, Alaska Up Close presentations exploring the stories of real Alaskans, tours highlighting the best of each destination, and fine dining events showcasing the culinary traditions of the region.
On Deck for a Cause Supports Alaska's Parks
Holland America Line donates proceeds from its "On Deck for a Cause" charitable event aboard ships in the region to Alaska Geographic, the nonprofit education partner of Alaska's parks, forests, refuges and conservation lands. Called "On Deck for a Cause: Alaska's Parks," guests on all Alaska cruises are invited to donate $25 to participate in a non-competitive 5k fundraising walk aboard every sailing. Funds raised through "On Deck for a Cause: Alaska's Parks" go to support education, science and research in Alaska's parks.
For more information about Holland America Line and Alaska cruises, contact Connie George Travel Associates. We have visited and cruised in Alaska many times, including when escorting groups of 50-125 guests, and have assisted countless cruisers over the years to have their own incredible experience!
Happy Traveling,
-Connie
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