Holland America’s 80 Years in Alaska: What’s Happening in 2027
Alaska is still firmly on my cruise bucket list, so Holland America’s 80th anniversary year caught my attention. I’ve been looking into what’s planned for 2027, and there is rather more to this anniversary than a celebration of the past.
If you’re also considering an Alaska cruise, here’s my look at what Holland America’s 80th anniversary means for passengers - from new itineraries and Great Bear Rainforest adventures to Denali, the Yukon and a very ambitious 28-day Arctic Circle sailing.
The cruise line’s connection with the Great Land dates back to 1947, when Alaska was still a US territory. Eight decades later, Alaska remains one of Holland America’s best-known cruise destinations, and the 2027 anniversary season is set to bring new itineraries, special celebrations and enhanced ways to explore both the coastline and the interior.
But if you’re considering an Alaska cruise in 2027, what does the 80th anniversary actually mean for passengers?
Oosterdam in a snowy Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska Photo: Holland America Line
Holland America Line (HAL) has been sailing in Alaska since 1947, making 2027 its 80th anniversary year in the destination.
Here’s what’s planned.
Holland America’s 80-year Alaska connection
Holland America began sailing to Alaska in 1947, making 2027 its 80th anniversary year in the destination.
For the anniversary season, six Holland America ships will sail in Alaska between April and September:
Eurodam
Koningsdam
Nieuw Amsterdam
Noordam
Westerdam
Zaandam
Cruises will operate from Seattle, Vancouver and Whittier, with itineraries ranging from traditional seven-day Alaska cruises to much longer voyages lasting several weeks.
Holland America is marking the anniversary with new ways to experience Alaska, including new itineraries, special celebrations, culinary experiences, enrichment and entertainment.
A new eight-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise
One of the most interesting additions for 2027 is a new eight-day Alaska Inside Passage itinerary sailing round trip from Vancouver.
The cruise travels through the Inside Passage before visiting Glacier Bay, Skagway, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert in British Columbia.
For anyone who has already cruised Alaska, the addition of Prince Rupert could make this itinerary particularly appealing. It provides an opportunity to experience a different part of the Pacific Northwest alongside some of Alaska’s classic cruise destinations.
Great Bear Rainforest is also on the menu
Holland America’s 2027 programme isn’t limited to the traditional Alaska ports.
There will also be opportunities to explore the Great Bear Rainforest, including a seven-day Great Bear Rainforest cruise aboard Noordam and two 18-day Great Bear Rainforest & Alaska Explorer sailings aboard Zaandam.
The Great Bear Rain Forest by Rail & Road Photo: Holland America Line.
The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the world’s largest remaining temperate rainforests and is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife.
For repeat Alaska cruisers, this could be an appealing alternative to simply booking another conventional Inside Passage itinerary.
The 28-day Alaska Arctic Circle adventure returns
If seven days in Alaska doesn’t sound nearly long enough, Holland America has a much more ambitious option.
The 28-day Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice cruise returns for 2027 aboard Noordam.
The round-trip Seattle voyage departs on June 6, 2027, timed around the summer solstice, and travels towards the Bering Sea and Arctic Circle.
This is very different from the standard Alaska cruise experience, giving passengers considerably more time to explore the region.
For travellers who have already experienced a conventional Alaska cruise, it offers the chance to see a very different side of the destination.
Holland America is investing $70 million in Denali
Denali Tundra Helicopter Landing Photo: Holland America Line
The 80th anniversary isn’t just about what happens aboard the ships.
Holland America is completing a $70 million multi-year investment in Holland America Denali Lodge, with the final enhancements scheduled for completion for the 2027 cruise tour season.
The project includes:
Two new guest buildings replacing older structures
An increase in lodge capacity of 72 rooms
Refreshed and redesigned interiors and public areas in the Main Lodge
A full renovation of the Grizzly Grind coffee shop
Expanded dining experiences
Improvements designed to strengthen the connection between the lodge and Denali National Park
The lodge sits close to Denali National Park and Preserve and is used by passengers taking Holland America’s Alaska cruise tours.
Alaska by cruise - and then by land
This is one of the biggest differences between simply booking an Alaska cruise and taking a Holland America cruise tour.
For 2027, Holland America is offering 19 cruisetour options ranging from nine to 17 nights.
They combine an Alaska cruise with an overland journey that includes Denali National Park, with selected itineraries continuing into Canada’s Yukon Territory.
Every one of these cruisetours visits Denali National Park and includes a stay at Holland America Denali Lodge.
Passengers can also choose itineraries that travel into the Yukon, including Whitehorse and Dawson City.
Holland America describes itself as the only cruise line offering cruisetours that take guests into the heart of the Yukon.
The Yukon adds another dimension
Dawson City in Yukon, Canada Photo: Holland America Line
For anyone who has already visited Alaska, the Yukon option could be particularly interesting.
Selected cruisetours travel into Canada’s Yukon Territory and include destinations associated with the Klondike Gold Rush, including Dawson City.
Some itineraries also include Whitehorse.
This creates a very different holiday from a traditional seven-day cruise. Instead of simply seeing Alaska from the ship and on shore excursions, you’re travelling considerably further inland and into a region with a very different history and landscape.
Wildlife remains a major part of the experience
Holland America has made wildlife a significant part of its Alaska programme.
Photo: Holland America Line
During the 2026 season, the cruise line reported more than 150 opportunities to visit glaciated destinations, including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier and Endicott Arm, with shore excursions providing opportunities to visit additional glaciers such as Mendenhall and Portage.
The 2027 programme continues that emphasis on Alaska’s wildlife and wilderness.
Guests can also visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center on selected experiences, where they can see animals including moose, bears and bison while learning about wildlife conservation.
For passengers who aren’t primarily interested in shopping or sightseeing in the ports, Alaska’s wildlife and wilderness can be one of the biggest reasons to choose the destination.
Holland America is putting Alaska on the plate too
The Alaska experience isn’t confined to the scenery outside the ship.
Holland America is also incorporating local ingredients and flavours into its Alaska programme, with fresh local seafood featuring on Alaska sailings.
The line’s Alaska culinary experiences include regional seafood and its ‘Savor My Catch’ programme, which gives guests the opportunity to catch fish during a fishing excursion and, where the programme applies, have their catch prepared for dinner onboard.
Holland America has also introduced Alaska-inspired cocktails and culinary experiences as part of its destination-focused programming.
What about the Glacier Guarantee?
This is one area where it’s worth reading the small print.
Holland America’s Glacier Guarantee applies to eligible 2026 and 2027 Alaska cruises and cruise tours.
If a qualifying port call or cruise tour featuring a glacier, as specified in the published itinerary, is cancelled by Holland America, eligible guests can receive a promotional future cruise credit equal to 15% of their cruise fare.
It does not mean that passengers automatically receive compensation simply because they don’t personally see a glacier because of weather, visibility or other circumstances.
There are also exclusions and specific conditions, including restrictions applying to some Yukon cruise tours.
So if the Glacier Guarantee is part of your reason for booking, check the current terms applying to your particular sailing before you travel.
What makes 2027 particularly interesting?
The 80th anniversary gives Holland America an opportunity to celebrate its long association with Alaska, but for passengers the more interesting part is the range of choices available.
You could choose a traditional seven-day cruise.
You could try the new eight-day Inside Passage itinerary from Vancouver.
You could look at a Great Bear Rainforest sailing.
You could spend 28 days travelling towards the Arctic Circle.
Or you could combine your cruise with several days exploring Denali and, on selected itineraries, continue into the Yukon.
That’s a much broader choice than simply picking an Alaska cruise and deciding which excursions to book once you’re onboard.
Is 2027 a good year to cruise Alaska with Holland America?
If Alaska is on your cruise wish list, 2027 is certainly an interesting year to consider Holland America.
The anniversary itself is a milestone worth celebrating, but the bigger attraction is what Holland America is doing around it.
There are new itinerary choices, expanded land experiences, the continuing investment in Denali Lodge and plenty of opportunities to explore Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife and wilderness.
For first-time visitors, the big decision may be whether to stick with a traditional Alaska cruise or make the trip into a much bigger land-and-sea adventure.
For repeat visitors, the new Great Bear Rainforest and longer Alaska itineraries offer ways to see something different.
The Lowdown
Holland America’s 80th anniversary in Alaska isn’t just about looking back at 1947.
It is also about showing how the cruise line intends to continue developing its Alaska programme.
If, like me, you’re considering Alaska in 2027, I’d look beyond the headline “80 years” and compare the itineraries carefully. A seven-day Inside Passage cruise, an Arctic Circle adventure and a cruise combined with Denali and the Yukon are three very different holidays, even though they all carry the Holland America name.
And that may be the most interesting thing about the anniversary season: after 80 years, there are still new ways to explore Alaska.
HAL’s 80th Alaska anniversary Frequently Asked Questions
When did Holland America start cruising in Alaska?
Holland America began sailing to Alaska in 1947. The 2027 season therefore marks 80 years of exploring Alaska.
Which Holland America ships will sail Alaska in 2027?
The six ships scheduled for Alaska in 2027 are Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam.
Where do Holland America Alaska cruises depart from?
Holland America’s 2027 Alaska cruises operate from Seattle, Vancouver and Whittier, depending on the itinerary.
What is new for Holland America Alaska cruises in 2027?
New and enhanced experiences include an eight-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise from Vancouver, Great Bear Rainforest itineraries, enhanced land experiences and the completion of major improvements to Holland America Denali Lodge.
Does Holland America offer Alaska cruisetours?
Yes. Holland America’s 2027 programme includes 19 cruisetour options ranging from nine to 17 nights. These combine an Alaska cruise with an overland journey that includes Denali National Park.
Can you visit the Yukon on a Holland America cruisetour?
Yes. Selected Holland America cruisetours travel into Canada’s Yukon Territory, including Whitehorse and Dawson City.
What is Holland America’s Glacier Guarantee?
The Glacier Guarantee provides eligible passengers with a promotional future cruise credit if Holland America cancels a qualifying glacier port call or cruisetour included in the published itinerary. The current terms provide a credit equal to 15% of the guest’s cruise fare, subject to eligibility requirements and exclusions.
How long is Holland America’s longest Alaska cruise in 2027?
The 2027 programme includes a 28-day Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice cruise aboard Noordam, departing round trip from Seattle on June 6.
You may also enjoy my a guide Destination Alaska