As HAL-Holland America Line concludes its 2026 Alaska season, the company is preparing for a milestone year in 2027, when it will mark 80 years of operating in the region. The cruise line has developed extensive experience in Alaska over eight decades, covering both coastal itineraries and inland programmes and incorporating destination-focused activities into its onboard and shore experiences.
Holland America’s Alaska programme includes access to wildlife areas and glacier destinations, along with regional cuisine and overland programmes. The company also operates Holland America Denali Lodge and offers itineraries combining an Alaska cruise with travel through the Yukon. Its presence in the region dates back to a period before Alaska achieved statehood and extends to support for communities visited by its ships and land programmes.
For the 2027 season, 6 ships—Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam—are scheduled to operate in Alaska from April through September. The ships will sail from Seattle, Vancouver and Whittier. The anniversary programme will include new itineraries as well as special culinary, enrichment and entertainment activities.
A new 8-day Alaska Inside Passage itinerary will operate roundtrip from Vancouver, travelling through the Inside Passage and calling at Glacier Bay, Skagway, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert in British Columbia.
The 28-day Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice itinerary will return for a third consecutive year. The Noordam will depart Seattle on June 6th for a roundtrip voyage extending to the Bering Sea and the Arctic Circle, timed around the Summer Solstice.
Holland America will also operate a 7-day Great Bear Rainforest itinerary aboard Noordam, combining Alaska with British Columbia’s coastal wilderness and opportunities for wildlife viewing. In addition, Zaandam is scheduled to operate two 18-day Great Bear Rainforest & Alaska Explorer voyages.
Further changes will be introduced at Holland America Denali Lodge in 2027. The renovation programme includes two new guest buildings replacing older structures and adding 72 rooms to the property’s capacity. The Main Lodge interiors and public areas will also be redesigned, while the Grizzly Grind coffee shop will undergo a complete renovation.
The 2027 programme follows a season of continued investment in Alaska. During 2026, Holland America offered more than 150 opportunities for guests to visit major glaciated destinations, including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier and Endicott Arm. Shore excursions also provided access to glaciers such as Mendenhall and Portage.
The Denali Lodge programme was expanded during the 2026 season with culinary changes led by chef Ethan Stowell, who incorporated additional local ingredients and flavours into the property's restaurants. The property also received renovated guest accommodations and refreshed public spaces. Across the fleet, bartender Sam Ross developed a selection of cocktails specifically for the Alaska programme, including new Glacial Ice Cocktails.
Holland America also introduced enhanced versions of its Ultimate Alaska & Denali cruisetours, adding a tour director to the inland portion of the multi-day programme.
Community investment has remained part of the company's Alaska operations. During the 2026 season, Holland America contributed US$320,000+ to organisations and initiatives in Anchorage, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Denali. This included $75,000 for Ketchikan American Legion Post 3 and a US$5,000 contribution to Scouting America Troops 4 and 2004 through the cruise line’s Pennies programme.
The company also provided US$150,000 to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to support animal care and the development of the Holland America Moose Promenade. Through its On Deck for a Cause programme, passengers raised US$60,000+ for Alaska Geographic, the nonprofit education partner of Alaska’s parks, forests, refuges and conservation lands.
With its 80th anniversary approaching, Holland America Line is continuing to combine its established Alaska cruise programme with new itineraries, expanded land operations and investments in the destinations and communities associated with its operations in the region.